Year in Review by Chris 3:15 P.M. EST Another year has come and gone, and in a few hours it'll be 2006. Things were a bit slow for MAHQ in 2004, but 2005 was a big year. This last year saw the introduction of new series, new columns and new staff. More importantly, 2005 was the year that we actually got a lot of work done around here. Here's some of the stuff that we finished off this year:
You'll notice a new banner on the top of the page for the upcoming VOTOMS DVD set in 2006. You'll see more of VOTOMS around here in 2006, along with some other new series. I'll announce two of them right now, but more will be coming later. For now, you can expect the following series to appear early next year:
Legendary Giant God Ideon (by Brian) Gasaraki (by me)
There will also be more work on some of the current sections, in particular the Brave series. Last but not least, 2006 will finally see the realization of our long-delayed site re-design. Dale and I will get around to it next year, we promise.
To close off this year, I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to MAHQ to make it what it is. In particular, I'd like to thank our new staff members for their work, including Ben Davis, Brian Shea, Peter Laliberte, Dustin Corallo, Simon Waxman and Chris Perez. I'd also like to make special mention of frequent contributors such as Mark Simmons, Mark064, Sir Red XIV, AmuroNT1 and Redcomet0093. That's it for MAHQ in 2005 - see you next year.
December 29, 2005
The End by Joel 12:47 A.M. EST
Hey there gang, I’m happy, and sad to say, that it’s finally over. NO, NO, NO! It’s not what you think. The world isn’t ending, heh. But in fact, what is in essence done, is my reviews for Tekkaman Blade II. Episodes 2-6 have been reviewed in one big chunk for your viewing pleasure, screen caps included. With this my reviews for Tekkaman Blade are in general over for now, but I do have plans to re-review the first series when I get the chance, as I mentioned before. Be on the look out for new series/OVAs though; I want to expand my horizons. Since I didn’t have the chance to say it before, even though it’s late now, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. And have a Happy New Year.
December 28, 2005
DESTINY's Destiny by Chris 1:04 P.M. EST It's not too often that an episode of a series is released twice for me to review. The poor ending of DESTINY gets a second shot in my review of the TV special FINAL PLUS: The Chosen Future. Since this is a director's cut with an epilogue that replaces episode 50, I've gone and re-calculated the ratings for the Review Averages page. Episode 50's rating was replaced with FINAL PLUS, which slightly changed the average from 3.29 to 3.31, for those who are curious.
December 25, 2005
A Very Tomino Christmas by Chris 12:03 P.M. EST I want to start off by wishing everyone Merry Christmas. It may be time to open presents and whatnot, but it's business as usual here. Christmas is a special day, so it deserves a special update. That update is a review for the movie Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam I: Heirs to the Stars. Have fun.
December 24, 2005
Out of nowhere he returns! by Joel 11:45 P.M. EST
Hey there guys, no time no see I know. What can one honestly say? Life is complicated, and when it calls, it calls. I am happy to now give you a new batch of reviews here. First off, the final two Tekkaman Specials have been reviewed, as well as episode 1 of Tekkaman Blade II. There is more to come yet, so keep your eyes open. See you later folks.
December 23, 2005
Panoramic View
by Chris 11:25 P.M. EST Ben chimes in today with the latest column in his Mecha Musings series.
December 22, 2005
Mail Delivery by Chris 5:10 P.M. EST Today's update marks the return of the long-dormant Mailbag. This was normally a Thursday feature, hence its return today. I'd like to keep it up on a regular basis, so please be sure to send in questions. Readers who submit questions will receive GMail invitations, if applicable.
December 21, 2005
Mobile Suits and Patrol Labors by Chris 5:46 P.M. EST Today's update is rather light with only two items on it. First, I've written another Otaku Obsession column, this time focusing on the book Gundam: The Official Guide. Also, there's a bit more Patlaborlineart courtesy of vipergb34.
December 20, 2005
Dreamers Again by Chris 11:48 P.M. EST Once again, another series has come to its end at MAHQ. Brian returns with reviews for episodes 46-54 of L.Gaim, which completes the TV series. After reviewing the OVAs, Brian will be tackling another classic Tomino series in 2006: Legendary Giant God Ideon.
December 18, 2005
The Never Ending Tomorrow by Chris 1:04 A.M. EST For today's update, the Otaku Obsession column returns with a review for the recent PS2 game Gundam SEED: Never Ending Tomorrow. Speaking of columns, it's time for the Mailbag to make another appearance. Start sending in questions, and I'll answer them. Finally, there's also a new review for Gundam Evolve 6.
December 16, 2005
Random Things by Chris 6:03 P.M. EST It's time to get back into the swing of regular updates. First up, Ben rises out of obscurity and presents a new column for Mecha Musings. Next, there's a mother load of lineart for many Gundam series. The new pieces are too numerous to mention, but if you'd like more details, check out the lineart threads in the Site Feedback forum. Credit for the new lineart goes to Mark064, Jianan Xu, Sir Red XIV Redcomet0093 and AmuroNT1. The lineart is for the following series:
There's also a few new pieces for Patlabor TV courtesy of vipergb34.
December 6, 2005
News Roundup by Chris 9:59 P.M. EST It's been quite awhile since the last update, but right now is a very busy time. Still, there's some recent events of note that are worth...noting. First, Central Park Media announced a VOTOMS box set for 2006. You can preorder it here, and here's an excerpt of a press release we received from CPM (the rest can be found elsewhere):
NEW YORK, NY (December 6, 2005) Central Park Media's announced the long awaited DVD release of the anime masterpiece Armored Trooper VOTOMS as well as an exclusive pre-order campaign enabling fans to purchase the entire VOTOMS series and bonus materials at a very special price.
The story of VOTOMS spans four story arcs spread across four vastly different worlds, and throughout 2006, CPM will be releasing the chronicles of Armored Trooper pilot Chirico Cuvie in four digitally restored digipak collections, each completing one of the arcs. The sets will be released in March, April, June, and August 2006, each priced at $34.95 SRP. The ultimate VOTOMS Collector's Edition DVD Set will be available in August and priced at $149.95 SRP.
Central Park Media has designed a pre-order campaign specifically for the most dedicated VOTOMS fans so that they will have a chance to own all of VOTOMS at a very special price. Those who visit CPM's VOTOMSsite at can pre-order all four volumes of Armored Trooper VOTOMS as well as the limited edition VOTOMS ammo case and bonus materials for only $99.95 and save $50.00. Each volume will be automatically shipped by its respective street date with the metal VOTOMS ammo case, which will hold all four volumes of the television series plus the bonus materials, shipping at the same time as the last volume. Orders will be accepted for this very special offer through February 7, 2006.
The limited-edition VOTOMS ammo case will include a 64-page VOTOMS guide exploring the many worlds, characters, and robots of Armored Trooper VOTOMS as well as a special bonus DVD documenting the VOTOMS universe. As a final bonus, CPM will be rewarding the first 200 fans who pre-order this ultimate collection with a copy of the rare, out-of-print Armored Trooper VOTOMS Supreme Survivor graphic novel. This book will be included in the first shipment.
There's also two bits about Gundam SEED DESTINY to mention. First, Bandai announced the release of DVD volume 1 for March 2006. Second, Del Rey announced their license for the TV adaptation manga, which will hit stores in July 2006.
Finally, Bandai Visual announced the creation of their Honneamise label and the release of Mamoru Oshii's well-known Patlabor movies in early 2006. The movies were previously released by Manga Entertainment in non-anamorphic widescreen. The new versions will feature a new dub and special features, and hopefully an anamorphic transfer. One of MAHQ's projects for 2006 will be to cover Patlabor, and I'll have more info on this in the future.
