Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Talks ASTRO BOY & Tezuka with Writer & Manga Historian Frederik L. Schodt

Interview, reviews and more in Episode 45!

GRIMES, IA, July 20, 2007 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome writer, interpreter and translator Frederik L. Schodt to episode 45 of ANIME TODAY to discuss his soon-to-be released book, The Astro Boy Essays: Osamu Tezuka, Mighty Atom and the Manga/Anime Revolution.

In this new interview, Mr. Schodt discusses the significance of Dr. Tezuka’s works worldwide, his place in popular Japanese culture, the differences between the Astro Boy manga and its anime adaptations, Tezuka’s tendency to continually revise his work after its initial release, and Tezuka’s love-hate relationship with his best-known creation.

Recognized with the Osamu Tezuka Culture Special Prize for his contributions to the appreciation of manga worldwide, Schodt wrote one of the first, definitive books about manga for Western audiences – Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics – as well as Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga. He also translated and adapted the official North American releases of two Tezuka classics: the Astro Boy manga (from Dark Horse) and Phoenix (from Viz Media). In addition to his manga-related writings, Schodt is the author of acclaimed works on Japan and Japanese culture including America and the Four Japans: Friend, Foe, Model, Mirror and Native American in the Land of the Shogun: Ranald MacDonald and the Opening of Japan.

Also in Episode 45 of ANIME TODAY:

Chad tells listeners “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga.
Shawne lets listeners know about “Savings With a Vengeance” on Manga Entertainment titles.
Marie reviews the shounen manga Kekkaishi by Yellow Tanabe.
Judy-sensei returns with a new mini-Japanese 101 lesson.
And Rich and Nick announce the winner of the recent contest for the Full Metal Panic! figure set, kick off a contest for Gunbuster 2 DVDs and remind listeners about the current contest leading up to Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment’s release of The Third at the end of this month!

** Also, courtesy of Anime News Network (www.AnimeNewsNetwork.com), the ANIME TODAY podcast feed now includes a bonus episode featuring video footage from the Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment panel at Anime Expo 2007. (This video bonus can also be accessed via the Anime Today episode index.)

Visit www.rightstuf.com for this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes. Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com: (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showforum.php?fid/57/).

ABOUT ANIME TODAY
Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (“anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what's new and what's hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.

“If you’re into anime and what’s happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!”
- User review on iTunes

ABOUT THE RIGHT STUF, INC.
Founded in 1987, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Comic Party, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart and The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.