Wai-con Madman Panel report
Held on Sunday the 16th of December this marks the final Madman panel of 2007 and was presented by Assistant Brand Manager Sylvester Ip.
January and February releases for both anime and manga titles were introduced, as well as the move to 3 disc collection releases for Naruto beginning in May 2008. (Single volumes will continue to be released up to volume 12 which will also be released in May.)
In addition to the collection style release there will also be an acceleration of releases with a 3 disc collection released once per month starting in May. That's a whopping 104 episodes from May until December in 2008. Naruto fans rejoice! The sets will be priced at $49.95 each and will of course be uncut.
The public premiere of Otakuwear's Otaku News video podcast was also shown. You can view these now on YouTube with an rss feed following shortly in the new year.
The new look Anime Update magazine was also discussed and shown, featuring more features including cosplay photos, interviews, Fan Zone features and now moving into a bimonthly format, there will be 6 issues in total released in 2008.
A santa sack full of titles were also announced at the panel here's a break down:
Blood + / Blood + A / Blood + Night Manga - 3 spin off manga series' to the Blood+ franchise. Expect an early 2008 release beginning with Blood + A.
Black Lagoon - Single disc releases starting from March, monthly releases.
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) - Single disc releases with both volumes 1 and 2 starting in March, monthly releases.
Daphne, Tokyo Underground, New Getter Robo, Starship Operators - Boxset releases in space saving fat-pack style releases prices starting from just $29.95 per collection.
Disgaea - Based on the hit video game series, this 12 episode fantasy action title will be released as a complete collection in the first half of 2008.
Remember that to get all the latest news, keep your eye on http://www.madman.com.au and attend the official Madman panel at your local convention event.
Visit: http://www.madman.com.au
also note that Waicon had a higher attendance than AVCon in 2007 - 1700 Attendees!