News
FUNimation Adds Vandread Science-Fiction Anime (Update 2)
posted on by Egan Loo
The North American distributor FUNimation Entertainment has announced on Wednesday that it licensed the Vandread science-fiction anime series. The Gonzo anime studio produced this television anime series in 2000 under the direction of Takeshi Mori (Gunsmith Cats, Melty Lancer, Otaku no Video, Stratos 4). The first English-dubbed episode is available for viewing online.
There is also an image on FUNimation's website that indicates it has plans for Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone.
The story of Vandread involves a literal battle of the sexes in the future, when the male and female halves of the human race have been so segregated from each other that they face each other only in space combat. One young man, Hibiki, is caught in the middle when he is captured by female pirates. On their way to the females' home home planet, Hibiki and the pirates discover a mysterious crystal weapon and an enemy that threatens the entire human race — male and female alike.
Another distributor, Geneon Entertainment (USA), Inc., had released the Vandread anime series in North America in 2002. However, Geneon Entertainment ceased in-house distribution of its own titles in September 2007. Funimation announced at Anime Expo 2008 this past July that it agreed to manufacture, sell, and distribute selected DVD titles from Geneon Entertainment in North America, although Vandread was not named at the time. According to Funimation's website, the series was licensed from GDH and will be re-released in 2009.
Thank you to Akari-chan and Starks for the news tips.
Update: More background information added, and licensor information corrected. Thanks, baoyab.
Update 2: The image on Funimation's website that indicated Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone plans has been removed.
Image © 2000 Takeshi Mori•GONZO/MEDIA FACTORY•G.D.H
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