This first newspiece amazes me, ’cause it’s my understanding that the otaku lifestyle isn’t really somethng to be celebrated like it has been over here. It’s a bunch of sad, introverted geeks who seem to, on some level, believe that that anime chicks they see on TV are real. This has led to such amazing inventions as life-sized pillows in the rough shape of their favorite anime babes, oftentimes with nude illustrations of said babes on them with holes in them to have sex with. Utterly charming and totally something targetted to the 13+ age group.

The Anime Network has acquired the US broadcast rights to the anime Comic Party (13 x 30m) from Right Stuf International. Anime Network President, Kevin Corcoran explains, “Comic Party is the ultimate comedy for the ultimate otaku, the Japanese term for anime fan.” The series is targeted to folks 13+. Right Stuf International will release Comic Party Vol. 1 on DVD, March 30.

And, of course, this next piece isn’t really new news, but still. Family Guy died a long and ignoble death at FOX, so it’s nice to see it getting a - what is this - third chance? Most notable is the news that it may have as many as 40 new episodes this year. That’s huge! At least 2 more box sets. Wonder if the movie is still a go, or if they’ve totally dropped that idea for now. Anyone?

This just doesn’t happen everyday - a show gets cancelled and two years later it goes back into production? According to Variety, 20th Television is headed back into production with its animated comedy series Family Guy, thanks to a licensing deal with Cartoon Network that includes new eps. For the upcoming season, 22 new eps will be produced, though that number could easily climb to 40. The new eps will appear on Cartoon in 2005. Keep in mind however, as part of its deal with Cartoon, 20th can choose to air the new eps on its broadcast network before they go to Cartoon. About a year ago, Family Guy was made available in DVD and sold more than 2.2 million units, which got everyone thinking. The show around the same time appeared in Cartoon’s Adult Swim block.

The News