Gunota Headlines
Monday, February 28, 2005
Gundam goes high art
A Bandai press release announced the upcoming "Gundam -Kitaru Beki Mirai No Tameni-" ("For The Future That Should Come Forth"), an art exhibit featuring works inspired by themes of Gundam done by young artists. From July 15th to August 31st, between exhibitions of Raymond Savignac and art deco, the Suntory Museum in Tempozan Harbor Village, Osaka will be showing off a collection of photos, sculptures, & paintings created by 10 or so selected artists from the generation raised watching Mobile Suit Gundam. It's said that the pieces will interpret the legend of Gundam through aspects like "war", "evolution", and "life". Limited promo goods will be on sale and it's expected that 100,000 people will visit during the exhibition period.
Pam's Homepage reports that Hyper Hobby revealed two more in the HCM-Pro line: the Char Custom Z'Gok and the Acguy. Prices and release dates not yet announced.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Gundam Universe returns
The site for the long-in-production Quake III mod moved to a new host and updated with the news that the first release is 80% complete.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
This month's Gundam Ace featured:
The Origin: Char & Sayla Edition VI
Char and Sayla survived the deadly attacks by the commandos sent by the Zabis, however Jimba Ral was killed and Don Teablo was seriously injuried from the attacks. Shu Yashima, CEO of Yashima Company and father of Mirai) visits the injuried Don Teablo and offers a plan. The plan is to move both Char and Sayla to Side 5's Texas colony which the Yashima family owns. This would serve as a gesture towards the Zabis saying the children of Deikun are no threat to the Zabis. Meanwhile back in Side 3, Zeon is secretly working on its first Mobile Suit MS-01.
SEED DESTINY: The Edge
Manga version of episode 7 and 8 through Athrun's perspective.
SEED DESTINY Astray
The final episode of the South America phase. Jess carries critically injuried Ed and Lena to ZAFT's outpost in South America to save their life after fighting off some of EA's MS. Meanwhile EA and ZAFT government officials finalize their Cease Fire agreement which will restore borders established back in CE70 (aka South America being independent).
C.D.A.
Nonstop nakedness of Haman, Natarle, and Oksana taking a bath in the hot spring. Enzo was punished for the debacle behind Earth Federation's failed escape. Maharaj also accepted part of the blame for allowing Oksana, a civilian, for giving her access to military areas. Even though Enzo lost with Char gaining more support, he makes his next move to carry out the ambition of spacenoid independence through use of force.
MS IGLOO
Manga version of the middle part of episode 3.
Gundam Legacy
Setting is March UC0079, where Earth Federation lost their Port Mobsley base to Zeon. EFF gather their naval forces in attempt to take back their base. EFF commanders thought they had the edge in this battle with their naval submarine experience, however Zeon introduced marine MS Gogg which destroyed the EFF navy.
Preview of next issue
- Char and Sayla living in Texas Colony
- SEED DESTINY Astray enters the Force Impulse edition. It will take place right before the start of DESTINY's ep 1.
- Latest info on Zeta Gundam movie
- Info on the newest Gundam appearing in SEED DESTINY (probably the Destiny Gundam).
After songs of SEED/DESTINY were featured in the Feb 26 broadcast of Fuji TV's "Our Music", Sony Music (the main sponsor of the program) along with Palm Beach Inc. released back-to-back commercials for the 3rd OP and ED song performers. The artist for the 3rd ending song will be Rie fu. A streaming version of Rie fu's cm (which includes her current released song and the upcoming untitled 3rd ED) can be viewed at her site. Hitomi Takahashi, the artist for the DESTINY's 3rd opening, was announced earlier this month. Her commercial, including music from the 3rd opening song, can be seen from TakahashiHitomi.com.
This month's Gundam Ace had some new screenshots from the Zeta movie.
Jerid & Marasai
Hyaku Shiki & Rick Dias
Quattro, Hayato, & Kamille
Hayato
Katz
Friday, February 25, 2005
According to posts on AnimeOnDVD.com, Anime Nation, and Gundam Watch, Bandai Entertainment now has replacement discs for anyone who has a defective Disc 4 in their Zeta DVD boxset. Click on any of the links for details.
Bandai Visual's site put up a press release a few days back regarding the release of the first volume of SEED DESTINY on DVD. The series is planned to be 13 volumes total and their goal is to sell 1.5 million copies. According to the release, SEED TV has shipped over 1.4 million DVD's in Japan to date and the three Special Editions have sold 300,000 copies in all.
Sales figures for other Region 2 Gundam DVD's can be seen here.
Sony Music Online Japan has one clip up from High And Mighty Color's "Pride Remix", which contains 6 remixes of their OP theme for DESTINY. Comes out on March 24th.
Edit: Sunrise also reveals that it'll come with Dearka Elthman and Yzak Joule character ID cards and a Zaku double jacket.
Though apparently not yet officially announced, Moon Phase is listing a second year of Keroro Gunsou starting in April for 6 pm on Fridays. Currently, Keroro is airing at 10 am on Saturdays on TV Tokyo. Despite the timeslot and a modest initial viewership, the show's ratings have steadily grown to rival those of SEED DESTINY.
Edit: Moon Phase's miscellaneous notes states that this news comes from Shounen Ace. UPDATE2 - An ad for Shounen Ace in this month's Gundam Ace confirmed that Keroro Gunsou will enter its 2nd season starting this April.
Project Pegasus updated its Gallery, and Game Info section. Gallery contains concept arts for couple of the game stages while Game Info has game control feature, game stage info/screenshots, and few new anime cutscene screenshots.
SEED DESTINY site updated its Mechanics and Story section as well.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
The official US site now has several sections up. It could be said that there's some spoilage for episodes beyond the first DVD that's been released so be wary if that sort of thing bothers you.
In the ironic news headline of the day, according to the Gundam X official site, because reactions were greater than anticipated, the Under The Moonlight manga currently being serialized in Gundam Ace is going to be extended. Further, on April 26th, volume 1 of the collected version will be put on sale.
Gundam Ace. Polls. 500,000 people. Etc.
Top 30 Male Characters:
1) Char Aznable - MSG/The Origin
2) Athrun Zala - SEED DESTINY
3) Kira Yamato - SEED DESTINY
4) Amuro Ray - MSG/The Origin
5) Kamille Bidan - Zeta Gundam
6) Quattro Bageena - Zeta Gundam
7) Heero Yuy - Wing
8) Anavel Gato - 0083
9) Shiro Amada - 08th MS Team
10) Ramba Ral - MSG/The Origin
11) Yzak Joule - SEED DESTINY
12) Shinn Asuka - SEED DESTINY
13) Judau Ashta - Gundam ZZ
14) Domon Kasshu - G Gundam
15) Rey Za Burrel - SEED DESTINY
16) Mu La Flaga - SEED
17) Garrod Ran - Gundam X
18) Bright Noa - MSG/The Origin
19) Duo Maxwell - Wing
20) Dearka Elthman - SEED DESTINY
21) Miguel Aiman - SEED
22) Norris Packard - 08th MS Team
23) Auel Neider - SEED DESTINY
24) Bernard Wiseman - 0080
25) Shani Andras - SEED
26) Gai Murakumo - SEED DESTINY Astray
27) Kou Uraki - 0083
28) Jerid Messa - Zeta Gundam
29) Paptimus Scirocco - Zeta Gundam
30) Yazan Gable - Zeta Gundam
Top 30 Female Characters:
1) Lacus Clyne - SEED DESTINY
2) Sayla Mass - MSG/The Origin
3) Haman Karn - Zeta Gundam/Portrait Of A Young Comet
4) Cagalli Yula Athha - SEED DESTINY
5) Stellar Loussier - SEED DESTINY
6) Lunamaria Hawke - SEED DESTINY
7) Four Murasame - Zeta Gundam
8) Emma Sheen - Zeta Gundam
9) Aina Sahalin - 08th MS Team
10) Elpeo Ple - Gundam ZZ
11) Murrue Ramias - SEED DESTINY
12) Matilda Ajan - MSG/The Origin
13) Tiffa Adill - Gundam X
14) Asuna Elmarit - Ecole du Ciel
15) Roux Louka - Gundam ZZ
16) Cima Garahau - 0083
17) Meer Campbell - SEED DESTINY
18) Mouar Pharaoh - Zeta Gundam
19) Flay Allster - SEED
20) Sara Zabiarov - Zeta Gundam
21) Christina Mackenzie - 0080
22) Dianna Soriel - Turn A
23) Meyrin Hawke - SEED DESTINY
24) Relena Peacecraft - Wing
25) Miriallia Haw - SEED DESTINY
26) Lilia Flaubert - Space, To The End Of A Flash...
27) Lalah Sune - MSG
28) Natarle Badgiruel - SEED
29) Kycilia Zabi - MSG/The Origin
30) Allenby Beardsley - G Gundam
Top 30 MS:
1) Freedom Gundam - SEED DESTINY
2) Zeta Gundam - Zeta Gundam
3) Saviour Gundam - SEED DESTINY
4) Nu Gundam - CCA
5) Hyaku Shiki - Zeta Gundam
6) Wing Gundam Zero - Wing: Endless Waltz
7) Sazabi - CCA
8) Zaku II - MSG/The Origin
9) Justice Gundam - SEED
10) Gundam - MSG/The Origin
11) Gundam Mk-II - Zeta Gundam
12) Qubeley - Zeta Gundam
13) Gaia Gundam - SEED DESTINY
14) Strike Gundam - SEED
15) Strike Rouge - SEED
16) Dom - MSG/The Origin
17) Gouf - MSG/The Origin
18) Gouf Custom - 08th MS Team
19) Gundam F91 - Gundam F91
20) Gelgoog - MSG
21) Kämpfer - 0080
22) Char Custom Zaku - MSG/The Origin
23) Aegis Gundam - SEED
24) ZZ Gundam - Gundam ZZ
25) Acguy - MSG/The Origin
26) Forbidden Gundam - SEED
27) V2 Assault Buster Gundam - V Gundam
28) Char Custom Gelgoog - MSG
29) Z'gok - MSG/The Origin
30) Gundam Double X - Gundam X
Breakdown of how each series fared based on the above results:
MSG/The Origin - 17
08th MS Team - 4
0080 - 3
0083 - 3
Zeta - 14
ZZ - 4
CCA - 2
F91 - 1
V - 1
G - 2
Wing - 4
X - 3
Turn A - 1
SEED - 10
SEED DESTINY - 18
SEED DESTINY Astray - 1
Ecole du Ciel - 1
Space, To The End Of A Flash... - 1
They also mention in a sidebar that Cucuruz Doan ranked #55. =)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
According to this here blog, School Rumble episode 21 makes a number of Gundam injokes. The most obvious is the Quattro Bageena-looking character named "Harry Mackenzie" who uses a motorcycle with the telltale 'hyaku' kanji character on it. The episode title itself references Gundam three times: "Hanai's Counterattack! Karen's Flash! Reunion, Big Sister" (see "Char's Counterattack", "Hathaway's Flash", and MSG episode 13 "Reunion, Mother..").
The show is directed by Gundam X's Shinji Takamatsu.
In conjunction with its movie release, four songs from the TV series (both OP's, the ED, and "Silver Dress" on 1 CD) will be released on April 27th priced at 1,200 yen. The CD jacket art will be the same one used 20 years ago.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Japanese boards and news sites are reporting the following so we may as well, too:
BBS posts are saying MG Zaku, Gouf, Dom, and Char's Gelgoog (all ver. One Year War 0079) for April reported by this month's Dengeki Hobby Magazine. The HGUC Gundam Mk II + Flying Armor was delayed to May.
1/100 Blaze Zaku Phantom (Rey Za Burrel custom, early April, 2,730 yen)
1/100 Blaze Zaku Warrior (late April, 2,730 yen)
HG Abyss Gundam (April 9th, 1,575 yen)
1/144 Slash Zaku Phantom (Yzak Joule custom, April, 525 yen)
1/100 Sword Impulse Gundam (May, 2,415 yen)
Meer Campbell's Zaku is said to be referred to as the "Zaku Warrior Live Concert Version". Priced at 1,050 yen.
Fans can either select MSiA Variable Phase Shift-armored Blast Impulse or a VPS-armored Sword Impulse by purchasing through Hobby Japan or Dengeki Hobby Magazine. (Sorry, it does not come with the magazine like reported earlier)
DESTINY MSV
GAT-X399/Q Wild Dagger - Alliance suit created using the Gaia Gundam as a basis, it's a Dagger that transforms into a BuCUE.
Zinc Panic also dug up blueprints for the long-rumored Soul Of Chogokin Xabungle.
Someone decided it was a good idea for advance copies of all these mags to come out on the same day. For more DESTINY/Astray stuff, the Char-Custom blog dug up a truckload of nifty scans from the hobby mags and the Television Magazine.
Regarding this:
4-barrel beam gun (Gouf Ignited)
Equipped with a 4-barrel beam gun which can pierce through hard armor. It is also equipped with what looks like a miniature version of Impulse's Excalibur laser sword. (yellow lettered caption)
The New MS GOUF Ignited and Faith's Haine have arrived to the Minerva. They'll work together with Impulse and Saviour in order to protect the Minerva from joint attacks by the Earth Alliance and Orb forces. (red letters)
A new force for the Minerva GOUF IGNITED ARRIVES! (the bottom letters)
And regarding this:
Heat rod - An electro-magnetic whip extending from the right arm. It can tie up, pierce, or do various things against the enemy.
GOUF Ignited - A special new MS that only ace pilots can use. It has more mobility than the ZAKU and can also fly. (bottom right caption)
Event Info! Gundam World 2005 - An event containing dioramas, footage, and introductions to various Gundam worlds. Open from March 18 until Jun 26 at Osaka Expoland Event Hall. (upper banner caption)
Asu Ni Egao De Te O Futte lists a "Gundam SEED DESTINY-related CD" coming out on April 21st for 3,045 yen (probably OST II) as well as an MS IGLOO OST on April 27th for the same price (different from the one being offered at the Bandai Museum?).
Victor Entertainment Animation Network also put up RealMedia audio clips for the February-March edition of the Gundam Evolve Monthly Theme Song singles.
TJ Grosnet's Yahoo site has lineart of the GFF Xi Gundam/Penelope and Zeongraphy Action Zaku/Zaku Flipper.
They also have the pics of upcoming Zeta and DESTINY MSiA and EMSiA that were previously available at Toys Daily (which seems to be down).
Pesu Kari HP
Monday, February 21, 2005
So, according to linear notes from an early copy of the first DESTINY DVD, that Neo Lorrnoke mobile armor finally got itself a real name...
Bandai announced that the Gundam SEED PS2 game "Never Ending Tomorrow" is indeed coming to America in the Summer.
Also known for a little while now, Bandai nonetheless put out a press release regarding Gundam War's domestic arrival with other card games, saying, "Fans will be glad to hear that the U.S. version is 100% true to the Japanese original."
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The official site pre-opens.
Mechaheads and lolicons alike can rejoice once again. Wonder Festival Winter took place over the weekend and everyone and their mother has a photo report. Beware of panchira and breasts:
Mars Attack
HK-DMZ Plus.com
Toy News International
Akiba blog also covered the under-construction 1/1 Scopedog shown off. Only the arms and lenses were exhibited. This is the same one being put together by the guy at Nandemo Tsukuru Yo, mentioned here last July. Their photo diary is still being kept up-to-date.
Bandai Visual's site finally put up specific details for an upcoming release known as "Gunpla Factory". Hitting streets on February 24th for 6,300 yen, it's a DVD + 160-page book package billed as "the complete Gunpla fan's bible".
The contents of the DVD:
"Gunpla History" - A look back at the evolution of Gunpla from its birth up until the present day. Includes interviews with mecha designers Kunio Okawara, Yutaka Izubuchi, Mika Akitaka, and Junichi Akutsu. 46 minutes.
"Gunpla Factory" - Shot at Bandai's Shizuoka factory. Shows Gunpla produced by expensive, state-of-the-art means. Contains interviews with engineers, designers, and developers. 17 minutes.
"Plamotion Commercials" - Includes 4 cm's: Operation MSV O.M.N.I. Enforcer (depicting Alliance MS being developed and deployed in combat), Full Weapons (a report covering a battle fought by the mercenary group Serpent Tail), Gai's GINN (Gai destroys a ZAFT supply base while piloting his custom GINN), and Another Battlefield (featuring the Meteors firing all their ammo at the Battle Of Jachin Due). 16 minutes.
"Streambase Symposium" - A round-table discussion on 20 years of Gunpla between 3 people: modeller/mecha designer Masahiro Oda, Gundam Sentinel writer Masaya Takahashi, and Bandai Hobby Division's promotion team manager Katsumi Kawaguchi. 33 minutes.
The contents of the book (put together with the assistance of Hobby Japan's editorial department):
"Gunpla In Gundam World" - A diorama report that introduces models from the first 1/144 Gundam kits on through the masterworks of later generations.
"Gunpla Image Collection" - Commentary and pics of the Plamotion and Gundam SEED Astray Gunpla commercials.
"Gunpla No Dekiru Made" - A thorough section covering the latest technology and techniques used in the manufacturing process of Gunpla at Bandai's Shizuoka factory.
"Gunpla Treasured Resource Center" - A special introduction to valuable material like experimental blueprints, wooden molds, trial products, goods which aren't currently being produced, proposals that never came to pass, etc.
"The Era Of Mokei Jouhou" - An introduction to the contents of Mokei Jouhou, a now-defunct Bandai magazine, and the role it played in Gunpla history.
"Gunpla History Parts 1-3" - The progress Gundam models have made from the beginning up until now explained in detail.
"Streambase Symposium" - As seen on the DVD.
"Mecha Designer Interviews" - Okawara, Akitaka, Izubuchi, Hajime Katoki, and Akutsu give each of their views concerning Gunpla.
"The Men Who Created Gunpla ~ New & Old Development Staff Interviews" - Interviews with current staff, Bandai Shizuoka factory development members, and people who were heavily involved with the phenomenon from its birth to the 'Gunpla Boom'.
"Complete Item Sale List" - A complete listing of all Gunpla releases, current as of February 2005.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
A Bandai panel report from Katsucon posted by guyver83 on Animeondvd.com's forums gives some interesting info: They don't yet have the 5-min SEED OVA from the Japanese DVD release but are working on it. Also, something that might not be a surprise to those following the domestic toyline, there will be no new Gundam action figures.
On the bright (but un-Gundam) side, they licensed Panda Z.
Anime News Network also put up their Katsucon Bandai report.
Friday, February 18, 2005
The official site for Project Pegasus updated with a streaming CM and 2nd promotion video of PS2 MSG OYW game..
Following are the list of future gunpla kits circulating in the Japanese BBS.
April
1/100 Blaze ZAKU Phantom 2730 yen
1/100 Sword Impulse 2415 yen
1/144 Slash ZAKU Phantom 525 yen
1/144 Destiny (name not confirmed) 525 yen
1/144 HG Abyss 1575 yen
1/144 HGUC Gundam Mk-II + Flying Armor 2100 yen
May
1/100 Blast Impulse 2415 yen
1/100 Gunner ZAKU Warrior (normal type) 2415 yen
1/100 Gaia 2415 yen
1/144 Freedom II (name not confirmed) 525 yen
1/144 HG Blaze ZAKU Phantom 1890 yen
1/100 MG Guncannon ver Project Pegasus 3360yen
1/60 PG Aile Grasper 5250 yen
Future release
HGUC Hizack (EF color)
HGUC Hizack + Mega Bazooka Launcher
Edit: Just to make it explicit, this list should probably be taken with a grain of salt for the moment.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Cospa has been updating with listings for Zeta Gundam, Super Robot Wars, and VOTOMS T-shirts.
Toy News International put up promotional pics from Bandai, including ones for Gundam SEED.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
DFormations page
Voice I-Doll page
Not yet linked to the main site yet:
EMSiA Gundam Mk II (Titans colors, unit #1)
EMSiA Gundam Mk II (Titans colors, unit #2)
MSiA Blaze Zaku Phantom (Haine Westenfluss custom)
MSiA Asshimar
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Famitsu also announces SD Gundam G Generation DS, coming for the Nintendo DS system this Spring. More than 230 MS will be in the game. Price is 6,090 yen.
The series line-up will be:
Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War In The Pocket
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memories
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
MSV
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
ZMSV
Gundam Sentinel
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
Mobile Suit Gundam F91
Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam
Mobile Suit V Gundam
Mobile Fighter G Gundam
New Mobile Report Gundam W
New Mobile Report Gundam W: Endless Waltz
After War Gundam X
Turn A Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Ambition series
Mobile Suit Gundam: G Generation series
"And that other series as well...!?"
Pics: 1, 2, 3, 4
Over at Bandai Visual's site.
Several articles (ITmedia, Famitsu.com, eg) covering the making of Sayaka Isoyama's first commercial for Namco's "Mobile Suit Gundam: One Year War" for the PS2 mention that it'll begin airing on February 26th. The filming took place in a deluxe bathhouse and takes inspiration from the scene in the original series where Amuro Ray escapes A Baoa Qu in his Core Fighter (hence the pose she takes and the picture of Amuro she's holding for reference purposes).
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Fuji TV's "Our Music" program, airing 11:30pm on Saturdays, will feature Music of Gundam (more like music of DESTINY) for its Feb 26th broadcast. Guests are T.M. Revolution, Nami Tamaki, and HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. Each will perform their song in the broadcast in front of audiences.
Since 1991, when the first Super Robot Wars game was released for the Gameboy, up until now, the SRW series has sold over 10 million copies. To commemorate the occasion, on February 12th, at the Shinkiba Studio Coast, the "Super Robot Wars Kanshasai 2005 ~ With Thanks For 10 Million Copies" celebration was held.
Before the event started, TV commercials from past Super Robot Wars were run for waiting fans. Appearing at the actual event were JAM Project, Yoshiki Fukuyama, seiyuu Yumi Kakazu, seiyuu Akira Kamiya (Macross' Roy Focker), seiyuu Hikaru Midorikawa (Wing's Heero Yuy), seiyuu Ryotaro Okiayu (SEED's Andrew Waltfeld), and Banpresto President Takashi Nakada. A talk show was held between Mizuki Ichiro (Mazinger Z's opening theme singer) & Banpresto producer Takanobu Terada. One surprise guest was idol Natsuki Kato (the sniper chick in Battle Royale 2), revealed to be a seiyuu for one of the original characters in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3. Kato commented, "Since I'm a Gundam Wing fan, I want to play a character who's a sweetheart of Heero's".
Announced was the participation of Hajime Katoki and Kazutaka Miyatake for original mecha designs, Masami Obari (the animation director for Dancougar), and Megami Tensei's Kazuma Kaneko, a big fan of SRW.
After an intermission, the promotion for the SRW Original Generation OVA began. Another talk show was held between Ryotaro Okiayu (announced for the role of Raideus F. Brownstein) and Yuko Mizutani (role of Excellen Browning). It was mentioned that the ending of Original Generation 2 ties into the OVA. Also announced was that JAM Project would be doing the theme song, "Meikyuu No Prisoner".
The final big event was a concert. First, Mizuki Ichiro did a Mazinger medley and threw in a Combattler V tune. Next, Masaaki Endo took to the stage for Gaogaigar Final's "Yuusha Ou Tanjou! Mythology version". Following him was Yoshiki Fukuyama with Macross 7's "Seventh Moon". After that, the other surprise guest appeared: none other than Mari Iijima singing "My Boyfriend's A Pilot". After reminiscing with Kamiya, she left the stage with "Do You Remember Love?". Things were then turned back over to Ichiro for "Ware Ni Teki Nashi". Finally, it was announced that JAM Project would be doing the theme song for Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, tentatively titled "Gong". They then continued things with a performance of SRW Alpha 2's "Skill", accompanied by a downpour of balloons. Ichiro then joined in for Alpha Gaiden's "Hagane No Kyuuseishu". They ended the night with "Hagane No Tamashii".
Sources: ITMedia Games
Famitsu.com
Dengeki Online
SD Gundam Force wrapped up its run on the air in Japan at the end of last year and the latest issue of Newtype contained the ratings for the final episodes so here's the summary:
1st episode rating (1 / 7): 2.9%
2nd episode rating (1 /14): 3.2%
3rd episode rating (1 /21): 3.2%
4th episode rating (1 /28): 3.0%
5th episode rating (2 / 4): 2.4%
6th episode rating (2 /11): 2.6%
7th episode rating (2 /18): 2.0%
8th episode rating (2 /25): 1.9%
9th episode rating (3 / 3): 3.0%
10th episode rating (3 /10): 2.0%
11th episode rating (3 /17): 2.5%
12th episode rating (3 /24): 2.3%
13th episode rating (3 /31): 2.3%
14th episode rating (4 / 7): 3.1%
15th episode rating (4 /14): 2.2%
16th episode rating (4 /21): 1.3%
17th episode rating (4 /28): 1.5%
18th episode rating (5 / 5): 2.3%
19th episode rating (5 /12): 1.6%
20th episode rating (5 /19): 2.5%
21st episode rating (5 /26): 2.1%
22nd episode rating (6 /02): 1.7%
23rd episode rating (6 /09): 2.2%
24th episode rating (6 /16): 1.7%
25th episode rating (6 /23): 1.8%
26th episode rating (6 /30): 1.6%
27th episode rating (7 / 7): 1.5%
28th episode rating (7 /14): 1.4%
29th episode rating (7 /21): 2.0%
30th episode rating (7 /28): 1.9%
31st episode rating (8 /04): 1.6%
32nd episode rating (8 /11): 2.0%
33rd episode rating (8 /18): 1.5%
34th episode rating (8 /25): 1.4%
35th episode rating (9 /01): 1.4%
36th episode rating (9 /08): 2.3%
37th episode rating (9 /15): 1.0%
38th episode rating (9 /22): 1.9%
39th episode rating (9 /29): 1.9%
40th episode rating (10/ 6): 1.2%
41st episode rating (10/13): 2.1%
42nd episode rating (10/20): 2.7%
43rd episode rating (10/27): 2.9%
44th episode rating (11/ 3): 3.0%
45th episode rating (11/10): 2.0%
46th episode rating (11/17): 2.4%
47th episode rating (11/24): 2.4%
48th episode rating (12/ 1): 1.6%
49th episode rating (12/ 8): 2.1%
50th episode rating (12/15): 2.0%
51st episode rating (12/22): 1.3%
52nd episode rating (12/29): 2.3%
Highest rating: 3.2%
Lowest rating: 1.0%
Average rating: 2.1%
Ratings for previous Gundams can be seen here.
The official site put up a link for the commercial for Gundam Evolve 14, featuring SD Musha Gundam.
Ratings for 3rd month of SEED DESTINY courtesy of Newtype magazine.
DESTINY:
Ep 9: 4.3
Ep 10: 4.6
Ep 11 & 12: 4.9
Ep 13: 5.4
Friday, February 11, 2005
Victor Entertainment Animation Network put up info for the February - March edition of the Gundam Evolve Montly Theme Song releases. The two songs for this one are "shift" by Sachiko Tsujimoto and "Owaranu Mirai" by Jiro Kawakami. The single comes out on March 9th.
Media Create lists Super Robot Wars Original Generation 2 for the GBA as the #1 game in Japan this week with 117,876 copies sold. Another Century's Episode drops to #2.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Tmsuk Co. announced the other day a new model of outdoors security robot with visual designs by Gundam X/Xenosaga mecha designer Junya Ishigaki. The two types are named "MJRo" (red) and "Ligrio" (blue). The battery-operated robots are based on Tmsuk's own previous guard robot, the T63 Artemis, and incorporate the latest technology, like high-precision GPS, range sensors for object recognition, image recognition, and motion sensors that can penetrate glass, plastic, & thin walls. The robots are approximately 5 feet tall and weigh 285 lbs.
One can view a video on Tmsuk's site (14.3 MB .mpg). They'll be shown off at the 2005 World Exposition (aka "Ai Chikyuu Haku") in Aichi, Japan starting from March 25th, where 100 units will be active. Pics can be seen at modelfplus.
In an Internet TV Guide news item regarding Takanori Nishikawa's role as Haine Westenfluss in DESTINY, the article goes out of its way to specifically state that Nishikawa appears in the episodes broadcast on February 26th (Ep. 19), March 12th (Ep. 21), March 19th (Ep. 22), and March 26th (Ep. 23). This might lend credence to speculation that the Westenfluss role will only be a limited one.
The Project Pegasus site has pics of the MG RX-78 ver. OYW and added more to their gallery.
Gundam X Web updated their site to cover the final D.O.M.E. story arc, making the info there pretty much complete.
MS IGLOO's site has DVD info up and a QTVR of Alessandro Hemme in a normal suit.
While you're contemplating whatever happened to that R1 VOTOMS DVD re-release, you can look at VOTOMS Web and see the R2 DVD box art & contents, make your own papercraft Scopedog, Berserga, or Strikedog masks, or look at the commercials & trailers for the four TV series story arcs, DVD's, and the rarely-seen OVA's.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
As has been mentioned by other sites over the past few days, Bandai Co. reported a 26% profit loss in a 9 month period due to declining sales in the USA, with North America being the only region to post a sales drop during that time. This isn't the first time this has been heard.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Famitsu announces the latest SRW game, "Super Robot Wars Alpha 3: Shuuen No Ginga E", for the PS2. No specific release date beyond 2005 is mentioned and the price is yet to be decided. The game is 50% complete at present. The list of mecha shows in this one is given as:
Dancougar
Goshogun
Evangelion
Evangelion theatrical edition
Ideon
Gaogaigar
Gaogaigar Final
Virtual-On Marz
Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram
Daitarn 3
Zeta Gundam
Gundam 0083
Gundam ZZ
Char's Counterattack
Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
Gundam SEED
Mazinger Z
Great Mazinger
Getta Robo
Getta Robo G
Shin Getta Robo (original manga edition)
Steel Jeeg
Combattler V
Voltes V
Daimos
Gaiking
Yuusha Raideen
Gunbuster: Aim For The Top
Macross: Do You Remember Love?
Macross Plus
Macross 7
Banpresto originals
And the mag pics: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
According to Famitsu, this'll be the first appearance in SRW for Gundam SEED, Virtual-On, and Gaogaigar Final.
As the Zetathon intensifies, Softbank Publishing announced a new book, "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Nostalgia - Believe in a sign of Z?". The book is scheduled to come out end of Feb priced at 2940 yen. The book contains an analysis of all 50 episodes, illustrations by Yorihisa Uchida (TV series mechanical animation director) and Naoyuki Onda (Zeta movie character animation director), interviews of Yoshiyuki Tomino (director), Hiroyuki Kitazume (animation director), Yorihisa Uchida, Shigeaki Saegusa (music composer), Harutoshi Fukui (author of Lorelei), Takanobu Terada (Super Robot Series game producer), and Norihiko Ushimaru (G Generation series game producer).
Monday, February 07, 2005
Yet another list, this time for the highest rank each Gundam single achieved in their time on the Japanese music charts. All rankings are from Oricon's CD reference page or their Music page's artist database, which contains a searchable database for such info. Songs without any ranking weren't released as singles, simply didn't sell enough to have been ranked, or don't have that info listed in the database right now for whatever reason (data for shows from MSG and Zeta's time seems to be generally unavailable).
Zeta Gundam
OP "Zeta - Toki O Koete"/"Mizu No Hoshi E Ai O Komete" (2005 single re-release) - Mami Ayukawa/Hiroko Moriguchi: #39
Gundam ZZ
OP1 "Anime Janai" - Masahito Arai: #41
OP2 "Silent Voice" - Jun Hiroe: #46
Char's Counterattack
"Beyond The Time" - TM Network: #4
Gundam 0080: War In The Pocket
OP "Itsuka Sora Ni Todoite" - Megumi Shiina: #65
Gundam F91
"Eternal Wind" - Hiroko Moriguchi: #9
Gundam 0083: Stardust Memories
ED1 "Magic" - Jacob Wheeler: #81
ED2 "Evergreen" - MIO: #53
Gundam 0083: Last Blitz Of Zeon
"True Shining" - Rumiko Wada: #64
V Gundam
OP1 "Stand Up To The Victory" - Tomohisa Kawazoe: #31
ED1 "Winners Forever" - infix: #38
OP2 "Don't Stop! Carry On!" - RD: #81
ED2 "Mou Ichido Tenderness" - Kix-S: #22
G Gundam
OP1 "Flying In The Sky" - Yoshifumi Ushima: #48
ED1 "Umi Yori Mo Fukaku" - Etsuko Sai: #98
OP2 "Trust You Forever" - Yoshifumi Ushima: #55
IN "Shourishatachi No Banka" - Shuuji Ooyama: #90
IN "Hoshikuzu No Requiem" - Yuri Amano: #83
Gundam Wing
OP1 "Just Communication" - Two-Mix: #23
ED "It's Just Love!" - Rumi Ooshi: #82
OP2 "Rhythm Emotion" - Two-Mix: #8
Gundam X
OP1 "Dreams" - Romantic Mode: #10
OP2 "Resolution - Romantic Mode: #12
ED2 "Human Touch" - re-kiss: #68
ED3 "Giniro Horizon" - Satomi Nakase: #42
08th MS Team
OP "Arashi No Naka De Kagayaite" - Chihiro Yonekura: #38
IN "Mirai No Futari Ni" - Chihiro Yonekura: #82
Gundam Wing: Blind Target
OP "Mind Education" - Misty Eyes: #57
08th MS Team: Miller's Report
"Eien No Tobira" - Chihiro Yonekura: #46
Turn A Gundam
OP1 "Turn A Turn" - Hideki Saijo: #27
ED1 "Aura" - Shinji Tanimura: #76
OP2 "Century Color" - Ray-Guns: #97
ED2 "Tsuki No Mayu" - Aki Okui: #94
Gundam SEED
OP1 "Invoke" - T.M. Revolution: #2
ED1 "Anna Ni Issho Datta No Ni" - See-Saw: #5
OP2 "Moment" - Vivian Or Kazuma: #5
ED2 "River" - Tatsuya Ishii: #40
OP3 "Believe" - Nami Tamaki: #5
ED3 "Find The Way" - Mika Nakashima: #4
OP4 "Realize" - Nami Tamaki: #3
IN "Akatsuki No Kuruma" - FictionJunction Yuuka: #10
"Moment Remixes" - Vivian Or Kazuma: #34
"River ~Gundam SEED Edition~" - Tatsuya Ishii: #22
"Believe Reproduction ~Gundam SEED Edition~" - Nami Tamaki: #19
"Realize Reproduction ~Gundam SEED Edition~" - Nami Tamaki: #13
SD Gundam Force
OP1 "Sunrise" - Puffy: #24
ED1 "Shinjiru Chikara" - Whiteberry: #52
OP2 "Love & Peace" - little by little: #29
ED2 "Kokoro Odoru" - nobodyknows+: #5
OP3 "Taiyou Ni Kogarete" - harebare: #96
ED3 "Kimi To Boku" - I WiSH: #14
ED4 "Koishikute..." - Les. R: #193 (#93?)
Gundam SEED DESTINY
OP1 "ignited" - T.M. Revolution: #1
ED1 "Reason" - Nami Tamaki: #2
OP2 "Pride" - High And Mighty Color: #2
ED2 "Life Goes On" - Mika Arisaka: #4
OP3 "Bokutachi No Yukue" - Hitomi Takahashi: #1
ED3 "I Wanna Go To A Place..." - Rie fu: #5
OP4 "Wings Of Words" - Chemistry: #2
ED4 "Kimi Wa Boku Ni Niteiru" - See-Saw: #4
IN "vestige" - T.M. Revolution: #1
IN "Honoo No Tobira" - FictionJunction Yuuka: #5
ED (Special Edition I) "Result" - Nami Tamaki: #5
ED (Special Edition II) "tears" - lisa: #21
ED (Special Edition III) "Enrai ~Tooku Ni Aru Akari~" - High And Mighty Color: #15
Gundam Evolve Monthly Theme Song
October/November "Black Stars"/"SOLDIER" - Sumitada Azumano/CHINO: #87
December/January "Konnamon Janai!"/"Time Is On My Side" - Shoichiro Hirata/lisa: #49
Zeta Gundam: A New Translation
"Metamorphoze"/"Kimi Ga Matteiru Kara" - Gackt: #2
"Love Letter"/"Dybbuk" - Gackt: #9
Gundam SEED C.E. 73 Stargazer
"Stargazer ~Hoshi No Tobira~" - Satori Negishi: #23
Gundam 00
OP1 "Daybreak's Bell" - L'Arc-en-Ciel: #1
ED1 "Wana" - The Back Horn: #9
OP2 "Ash Like Snow" - the brilliant green: #8
ED2 "Friends" - Stephanie: #8
Oricon reports that Mika Arisaka's "Life Goes On" winds up #4 for the week, selling 60,000 copies. Some heavy competition later in the week managed to knock her off the top of the daily rankings though this still winds up being her first top 10 hit.
