Otakon 2002 Takahashi Report
Compiled by Margaux Zion, Keith Trudeau, and Spareblue
Three of our intrepid messageboard regulars paid a visit to the Viz
Panel at Otakon this year and were able to bring back the latest news
regarding Rumiko Takahashi's titles in North America. The following
are the highlights of the question and answer segment of the panel.
- Regarding the status of the Urusei Yatsura manga...
Viz has no plans to restart the release of the Urusei Yatsura
manga in English. They feel that people are more interested in
"21st century Takahashi" rather than her older work. [1]
- On the release of Inuyasha on Cartoon Network...
Viz has been in contact with Cartoon Network for a few months
now regarding Inuyasha appearing on the channel. The DVD has
been held off until the series started airing, but with no new
headway being made Viz has decided to proceed with the release
of the anime before the year is through with or without a network
deal. [2]
- On the running length of the Ranma 1/2 manga...
Viz feels that it will run close to 38 graphic novels since it
ran for 38 tankobans in Japan. Originally Viz did not use the
original tankobans as a guide for the length of their graphic
novels, and the numbering was thrown off in comparison to the
Japanese release. Viz now releases the same amount of chapters
per novel as was originally released in Japan. [3] Another question
was raised about whether the Ranma 1/2 manga would be completed
in English. The Viz representatives saw no reason why it would
not be, as it is one of their highest sellers and has always performed
well for them in the past. The same was said for the Ranma 1/2 anime
as well. [4] [5]
- Regarding the possible release of The Executive's Dog and the
new One Pound Gospel chapters...
The Viz spokesperson "didn't know but appreciated the question." [6] [7]
- Regarding the return of the Maison Ikkoku anime...
Currently Viz has no plans to begin rereleasing the Maison Ikkoku
anime in any format. They feel the market is not viable for this
series, and recommend that fans try to convert their friends into
fans of this series in order for it to gain popularity. The Viz
representative did feel this was Takahashi's strongest series
though. [8] [9]
- On the possibility of Viz releasing Mermaid's Scar on
DVD...
Viz has no current plans to release this title on DVD. [10]
- Discussing Ranma 1/2 products...
Viz said they are releasing new watches, clocks and "polystone
figures" this year. When asked though, they did not know what
a "polystone figure" was exactly. [11]
So it was mostly a mixed bag of good and bad news. The Inuyasha
anime has everyone excited, but a lot of fans are still clamoring
for a Maison Ikkoku DVD release. As for manga, none of Takahashi's
short stories or Urusei Yatsura seem to be on the horizon. Again,
extra special thanks to Keith, Margaux, and Spareblue for their
fantastic reporting job.
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