BSFA's Matrix 
ALL BSFA's LINKS ARE AT THE BOTTUM OF THIS PAGE!
The newsletter Matrix gave a good depiction of the association's aims and interests, with its main focus being the appreciation of Science Fiction literature, other interests and genres overlapped, such as Fantasy and Horror in fiction. Scientific breakthroughs are also of interest.
Many topics in the newsletter cover literature; Authors, Publishers, and Awards for Novellas, and Books. Other SF (Science Fiction) media that fans would consume would be Television, Cinematic films, Radio Plays, and music, and later on Satellite television, and VHS rental and retail Video tapes.
Still within the pages of Matrix there was a social aspect with information on the BSFA meetings, and local clubs, SF Conventions (THE PERIODIC TABLE & CONTOUR MAPPING {Con news 'n' reviews}), and a 'Letters' page, as well as an Open page called 'soapbox' were you could start a conversation on a topic of your own (within the guidelines of the BSFA), and listings and reviews of Fanzines.
{Carlo's notes: Just 'THINK' you had to be so articulated with your thoughts when writting them down, as a reply would take 6 to 8 weeks. This may have given rise to a more cognitive approach being expressed. (NOT on the same scale as 'Twitter' ("X").}
{Carlo's notes:- Comic books and graphic novels feature less so, and are only a side note – As far as I can tell.}
I am of course looking for any Japanese interest and influence, and to see if Japanese animation (Anime) is featured, or is just on the horizon, and if it is on the rise through the SF Fandom. As NO Fandom is an Island;
[NOTE: A few voices would pop up, in promoting Japanese animation (Anime), and Japanese comic-books (Manga), and Japanese Films at the Cinema; Helen McCarthy, Harry Payne, Geoff Cowie, and Ian Mundell.]
From 1989 looking forward to 1990;
Matrix Issue 85 DECEMBER 1989\JANUARY 1990 (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
At the end of 1989 issue 85 of the Matrix had this to say, on page 7; NEWS - Sony, the Japanese electronics giant, has bought 'Columbia Pictures' for $4.8 billion (the largest ever Japanese buyout of an American company)giving them 2,300 films, and 23,000 television programmes, when they also consolidated by buying out the production company. [NOTE, THIS SHOULD NOT AFFECT "BATMAN" FILMS.]
On page 14 - Media News; "Blind Fury, stars Rutger Hauer, as a blind non-Guinness drinking, ex-Vietnam veteran Samurai swordsman." Also on page 14's Media News was; "The ICA London (the mall) to show "Comic Book Confidential" Directed by Ro Mann (Thursday 7th to 10th Dec 1989)."
{Carlo's notes, This does show that Comic-books were of interest. - As it was my experience, and that of a few others that SF&F fans that would find their way from Comic-books, to Manga Comic-Books, to Anime.}
On page 18; "The Periodic Table" compiled by Maureen Porter - PRs 1 & 2 should be out now for EASTCON'90, moving from Birmingham to the Adelphi at Liverpool.
Following on to page 19; 1990 Conventions; EASTCON 1990, BRITISH SF convention 13-16 April AND ELTDORE April 14-15 Shepperton Moat House, Shepperton. Guest Terry Pratchett, Anne McCaffrey, Neil Gaiman.
{Carlo's notes, both these conventions had Anime in their Video Room line-ups.}
Matrix Issue 86 FEBRUARY/MARCH 1990 (20 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
Only repeated the basic information of note that appeared on page 16; "The Periodic Table" that was compiled by Maureen Porter; 1990 Conventions; EASTCON 1990, BRITISH SF convention 13-16 April, AND ELTDORE April 14-15 Shepperton Moat House, Shepperton. Guest Terry Pratchett, Anne McCaffrey, Neil Gaiman.
Matrix Issue 87 APRIL/MAY1990 (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On page 16 of issue 87 of the Matrix; comics (EPIC COMICS & ECLIPSE COMICS) release SF & HORROR.
{Carlo's notes, this show that SF fans were aware of these publishers of Comic-books, that would in 1987 and 1988 released translated Manga comic-books, but you could argue that with so few titles, that they could easily be missed when few were imported from the USA.}
On page 17 of issue 87 of the Matrix; There was a short review on Ridley Scott's film 'BLACK RAIN' (US release September 1989) - its conclusion was; "The juxtaposition of American and Japanese cultures is novel, but flawed".
{Carlo's notes; The 1980's would see a few films showing the differences in American and Japanese culture. Also NOTE; "BLACK RAIN" was the black 'n' white Japanese film directed by Shōhei Imamura, and released in May of 1989, with its subject matter being, how people were viewed that were suffering from radiation sickness after the nuclear\atomic bombing of Hiroshima.}
On page 20 of issue 87 of the Matrix; THE EASTERCON '90 MEDIA PROGRAMME - TO BOLDLY GO Helen McCarthy
"The most famous split infinitive of modern times is an apt, if predictable, way to introduce this outline of what we are trying to do. Stuart Andrews works in TV and has used his professional contacts and wide knowledge of the field to put together a programme of the best of British telefantasy and SF over the last thirty years. "A" programme is perhaps the wrong way to describe it - Stuart has collected enough material for at least three Con programmes, and the hardest part is deciding what to omit."
"I've had the same problem. My first aim was to show media fandom in action and three groups - Six of One (Prisoner Fandom), Horizon (Blake's 7 fandom), and USS Intrepid (Trek fandom) will be there to "Show and tell" - show why their particular fandoms exists and tell what it does."
"My second aim was to introduce Japanese animation, one of the great popular art forms of the Twentieth century, a treasure-house of experimentation and ideas sprung from the imagination of a people with a long tradition of visual storytelling and a total lack of technophobia. The Japanese approach life from a different angle to that of the average Westerner and this, combined with the influence of an ancient culture and social structure still surprisingly cohesive, produces frank, strong and polished work which challenges many preconceptions and prejudices. The freshness, vitality and wide range of subject matter means that anime is accessible to all ages and every level of education, and the use of comedy is frequent, even for "heroic" characters who would not normally be considered laughter-fodder by Western writers and animators."
"There IS a language barrier, but much of the storytelling works without language, and thanks to the enormous generosity of American and Canadian fandom and of one the few English companies interested in the field, we have some dubbed and subtitled material. Again, there's an embarrassment of riches, but, for the present, come and see it. You may be shocked, you may be confused, but if you have any visual imagination at all, I can promise you won't be bored!"
"Finally, we are using a small part of the programme to take a look at how media have treated animals as metaphors for human concerns. It should be fun. Are you coming along?"
{Carlo's notes; with Easter con '90 taking place on April 13th. to April 16th., and the deadline for submissions for the 'Matrix' issue 87 was Friday 16th. of March 1990, this was up to the minute news, just weeks before the convention!}
{Carlo's notes; Please note that reviews and onpinions of Anime in SF conventions, and Later Anime Conventions were not very prominent in this SF publication.}
Issue 88 June\July 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
Issue 89 August\September 1990 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
Page Comic-book publishers; Fantagraphics, 'Dark Horse', and 'Inovation'.
{Carlo's notes; 'Dark Horse' did published a long runing SF Manga called "OUTLANDERS" ( published 33 issues in a monthly format, from December 1988 to September 1991. And 8 trade paperbacks\graphic novels. One of its apeel was it featuring living spaceships), "HELLHOUNDS" 6 issues (a dypotian police state), "Bubblegum Crisis" 4 issues (a Cyberpunk powered group of vigilantes going up against Terminators), "Reble Sword" 6 issues, "Version" 15 issues, and 'Inovation' one time Published a Manga called "3x3 EYES" 5 issues.}
"for the the video junkies, might well have loved it: Eastcon's video programme, especially its strong anime element, looked excellent if you like that sort of thing, and that the fact that I happen not to like it shouldn't detract from that."
"On the other hand, it would be a fallacy to write off my dissatisfaction with Eastcon as purely "Oh, it wasn't my short of thing". Maybe a lot of other people found it wasn't their short of thing either, I don't know; but for whatever reason, Eastcon never seemed to me to spark."
{Carlo's notes: Just think that EastCon'90 had concluded back in mid April, and it's only now in August, that someone writes about their dissapointment! (3 to 4 months after).}
{Not liking Anime (animation or cartoons) as a medium for Science Fiction and Fantasy for a mature audience, is akin to 99% of the general adult population, seeing cartoon as "just for Kids", and not what you would think of a SF&F fan.}
Issue 90 October/November 1990 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
Looking forward to 1991;
Issue 91 December 1990 \January 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
Issue 92 February\March 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 5: NATIONAL FILM THEATRE - "Look out for Science Fiction films here. During February it is offering Bladerunner on Wednesday 13 and Monday 18 and Viedodrome on Sunday 17 and Thursday 21.
{Carlo's notes, NO sign of AKIRA in cinemas reported.}
On PAGE 8: Media file; "Disney's newest animated film is The Rescuers Down Under, they also have animation projects under development for the next three years, including a new version of Aladdin."
{Carlo's notes, NO ANIME, NO sign of AKIRA in cinemas reported.}
On PAGE 11: BSFA SURVEY:- About 270 members were polled (did you like it a "lot", a "Little", or "Not" at all, interests being; Comics (LOT 48), (Little 94), (not 137); Fanzines; (lot 68), (little 116), (not 83); Costuming (lot 6), (little 30), (not 230)
{Carlo's notes; So in 1991 the BSFA had around 270 members, and the compiler of the Survey did not include "ANIME", or "Video games", as an interest.}
On PAGE 19: THE PERIODIC TABLE - CONCERT II: A PARTIAL VIEW as seen By Harry Payne
"Then there is Fox. Not only was he directly responsible for Concert II coming into existence (GoH in search of a Con), but 'twas he who informed me that the video programme included the Dirty Pair (for those of you who have managed to avoid Japanese animation to date, this can best be described as Charlie's Angels meet Robocop and is incredibly anarchic fun). From then on it was all up hill to Edinburgh -"
{GoH = Guest of Honour}
PAGE 20: THE PERIODIC TABLE - CONCERT II: A PARTIAL VIEW as seen By Harry Payne
"I left the tail end of the reading with almost indecent haste to get to the video room in time for the start of the Dirty Pair showing. The inevitable rescheduling gremlins had struck; but the replacement was almost as good; that classic '70s series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, proof that the television companies in this country have had a long-standing antipathy towards all things Ninja (tertl fans, please take note). Take a Japanese cartoon series. Remove "all acts of violence" ie what happens to people when they get shot ect (and there are a lot of et ceteras - Ed). Likewise remove all the sexual overtones (especially that the chief villain is bisexual). Introduce, at the least expense and less imagination, two robots so cute that they will kill all diabetics at fifty paces. Call the whole sorry mess Battle of the Planets, and flog to the BBC at an exorbitant sum. Well, we watched the original and good bloody fun it was, too (even if undubbed)."
"cons can still be great fun, provided you get the mix right." - "good anime" - "So I didn't get to see as much of the Dirty Pair as I'd liked to (please note the italic! thank you) but who cars? It's not as I've a fetish for scantily-clad psychopaths with oversized weaponry, you know."
Also on PAGE 20: THE PERIODIC TABLE (Issue 92 February\March 1991) "There seem to be a lot of Specialised cons: Masque in 1992 for costumers (details from Melusine, 5 Wenrbridge Path, Borehamood, Herts WD6 4ET, note that it will be early 1992 and that numbers may have to be limited)."
{Carlo's notes; Before the genreal use of the Japanese term "Cosplay", the word " Costumers" was used, and events would be titled under a "masquerade".}
Issue 93 April\May 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 7 : POTPOURRI;
"Japanese robots are now into sumo wrestling, reports The New York Times, although many of the ceremonies of "real" sumo are omitted: robots find it unnecessary to purify the ring with pinches of salt and can not or do not unnerve their opponents with glares. The rules stated that no robot could be bigger then a medium-size waste basket, could not be plugged in while fighting and gasoline engines were strictly banned. Any amount of internal memory was permitted. Half the contestants were radio controlled, the other half were autonomous, relying on their electronic wits to muscle their opponents out of the dohyo, or ring. The eventual inners were both shaped like low wedges of smooth metal, so could jam underneath an opponent's spinning wheels and flip him (it?) and both winners were students at Waseda, a private Tokyo university. The winners' final words were "Well have a party, drink some beer. The rest of the million yen prize money will go to next year's robot".]
{Carlo's notes; this shows some connection with Japan, and maybe a fascination with robots too}
{Carlo's notes; Here in the UK we would not see "Robot Wars" until the 20th. of February 1998, that lasted until the 23rd. of February 2001. (So the Japanese were about 7 years ahead!}
On PAGE 10: Media File: SON OF THE FUTURE CITY - a Review of AKIRA (1988)
by Ian Mundell (April 1991)
"A fireball erupts from the middle of a city: growing in size, it spreads outwards and upwards, tearing buildings up by the roots. The screen tells us: Tokyo, 1988, the beginning of World War III. Twenty years ago, the focus of attention would have been the explosion -- the bomb: today the focus is the city."
"AKIRA is a Japanese animated film, re-worked by comic-book artist Otomo Katsuhiro, from his epic graphic serial of the same name. Set in Neo-Tokyo, thirty-one years after the devastation described above, it charts the rivalry between two members of a teenage bike gang - Kaneda and Tetsuo - who get mixed up in a covert military programme to develop latest psionic powers."
"Tetsuo, captured and experimented upon by the military, is soon struggling to master his considerable new-found abilities, while Kaneda, alternatively driven to save or stop his friend, falls in with a band of terrorists."
"Over all this hyperactivity hangs the shadow of Akira: the cause of, or perhaps the reason for, the explosion in 1988; the ominous power -- more divine than nuclear -- that the military is trying to harness; the saviour taken in error by the disaffected people of Neo-Tokyo."
"Rather unusually for an animated genre film of this sort, AKIRA was extensively premiered by London's Institute of Contemporary Art, after a first English showing at the Bristol Animation Festival."
""Both the film and the comic present an incredible representation of the city" says the ICA's cinema director, Simon Field, explaining why he was attracted to AKIRA. The film also fits well with the ICA's developing interest in Japanese cinema culture, and its continuing policy of showing ground-breaking animation -- it was responsible for premiering Jan Svanlmajer's extraordinary Alice in 1988."
"Otomo's approach to fitting the expansive vision of his graphic series into the two hours of film involved an attention to background unusual in animation."
""I created Neo-Tokyo to frame and enhance the image I had of AKIRA" he has written. "In order to show spectacular scenes or extraordinary powers, the artist has to depict normal backgrounds and scenes with a great sense of reality. In doing so, the scenes of devastation take on an added sense of realism".
"To this end, 2212 shots were taken of 160,000 individual cells (more than twice than is usual) and 327 colours were used, 50 of which were newly formulated for the film. Having created such a vivid city-scape, Otomo makes it work for him like any live-action location, pursuing his characters though it as flesh, mind and the social fabric of Neo-Tokyo are transformed by events."
"His animation apes all the moves of live-action camerawork, and yet does not forfeit the perfect "film still" frame composition of his graphic novel origins. Most animators seem to be oblivious to the image handling tricks that cinema has developed during its short history, being more concerned with making mice walk like perfect men. It is time they woke up."
"Despite the post-modern credibility that AKIRA shares with films like Blade Runner, the response from the national papers has been somewhat muted."
""I think the art-house press did not know what to make of it" suggests Simon Field "I would have liked to have seen more major articles, but I think the combination of animation and the "low" genre put people off. You hear a lot of talk about the graphic novel growing up, but when it crosses over into cinema, there are problems"."
"One such problem in the case of AKIRA is that it is perceived to be excessively violent -- The Late Show's discussion of it was elusively on this point -- despite having earned a 12 certificate. "Sometimes, when violence is shown in animation, people think it is a crude representation, and they step back" says Field."
"However, the film has proven popular with London public -- after five weeks there have been more than 8,500 attendances, breaking all records for the ICA cinema, and the film is to be released around the country this month."
{Carlo's notes; "to be released around the country this month." see advertisement showing dates for AKIRA. AKIRA was in cinemas in London from January 25th. 1991 (for 5 weeks), and nation-wide in art-house cinemas From March 1st. 1991 to May 17th.1991}
{Carlo's notes; The insight from the interview with Simon Field, was a true snap-shot of th time.}
"The one flaw in the film -- and not Otomo's fault -- lies with the translation. Leaving aside gaffes like calling police "the fuzz", the interpreter's most serious breakdown occurs at the expsitory wodge, at which point all should become clear. Out of a sequence with suspiciously more Japanese than English comes a fist-full of GCSE pseudoscience which is less than enlightening and sounds hollow when compared to Otomo's otherwise sophisticated vision. I suspect the explanation is not garbage in Japanese. However, as a flaw it is not a great one -- a broken thread in an otherwise seamless film."
"Distribution details from ICA (tel: 071 930 0493)."
{Carlo's notes: the submission DEADLINE for this issue (Number 93) was the 13th, of March 1990.}
{A 8,500 strong viewership was not equal to an Anime fandom that had started in April 1990, and would be around 58 by New Year's; quoting my own records "BY THE END OF THE YEAR 1990 THAT THEIR WERE 37 ANIME FANS IN THE UK, AS PART OF THE "ANIME UK" READERSHIP, IN THE FIRST 7 MONTHS OR SO. Alongside Anime Kyo UK's membership of myself and 21 members (19 in England and 2 in Scotland), giving the FANDOM in 1990 58 connected people."}
On PAGE 10: Media File/ SATELLITE TV by Mark Ogier. (Ogler?)
"Britain's contribution to the new era i home entertainment were Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (the latter being the "official" British Satellite channel). After several months of acrimony between the two networks came the shock news that they wer to merge into one British Sky Broadcasting, cease transmitting from BSB's Marcopolo satellite, and axe several of the programmes and channels set up under BSB."
"To set yourself up with an Astra system could cost you, on average, between £300 and £500."
{Carlo's notes: this was a FULL page article, that went over the few channels that you would get and the hope that a second Movie channel would start transmitting in early April 1991}
On PAGE 13/14/15: was the reviewing the BSFA Survey.
{feed-back on the feed-back, well worh diving into. Matrix Issue 93.}
On PAGE 23: (Cyberspace)
Issue 94 June\July 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 13:Contour mapping; AlbaCon '91:- ALBACON '91 (September 27 - 30, Central Hotel, Glasgow, £15 attending from Karen Heenan, 2/1, 1155 Pollokshaws Road Glasgow G41) "Guest of Honor Alan Dean Foster. Lots of late shows and parties plus 24 hour film show, Masquerade, art show, competitions, quizzes, dealers, spaceflight talks and exhibition.
{Carlo's notes: this is of interest as I advertised the Con, in my Anime Club's zine, and helped run the the Video room featuring Anime, with Jay Felton - "The Aim is to have an Albacon like the old ones, with a bit of everything - unfortunately the publicity is very sparse. (But the hotel is lovely)}
On PAGE 15; Media File; Ben Wharton's Hollywood Report; "Another hellish look into a possible future was portrayed in the Japanese animated feature AKIRA care of some computers and talented artists. The mind boggles at the thought of what size sets will have to be built to accommodate a live-action version if Island World's Video arm decides to go ahead with the film. Tim Burton who will be busy with Batman II (Catwoman, Penguin and a black Robin) this Summer, is also interested in Japanese comic story-telling and is developing a project based on Mai The Psychic Girl."
{Carlo's notes; So around about July of 1991 this was reported; "US BOX OFFICE break the $1 billion barrier."}
{Carlo's notes; Mai, the Psychic Girl. Written by Kazuya Kudo and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami. Ran for 28 Biweekly Issues from May 1987 to July 1988 by Eclipse International\Viz Comics completing the story arc. Mai the Psychic Girl Manga.}
Issue 95 August\September 1991 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
PAGE 21-22: Media File; Iron in the Soul; A review of Tetsuo: the Iron Man (Shinya Tsukamoto, 1989) Ian Mundell
"Being a superhero means bing beautiful. It can be skin deep, as with Superman, or perversely macho as with Swamp Thing or The Incredible Hulk. The extraordinary powers which go with transmuted flesh must reside in an attractive from or any pretence at "heroism" disappears."
"Tetsuo: man of iron is a Japanese movie which puts the opposite case, documenting the chaotic transformation of two ordinary mewn into "men of iron". It is not a pretty sight."
"The first man is a young delinquent who courts extraordinary power in a most straightforward way -- he wants limbs of iron, so he inserts an iron rod into his leg. This primitive graft festers, but the punk gets his wish when, struck by a speeding car, his persona is thrown into an apocalyptic inner space where he can control metal."
"Like the world of collisions J.G. Ballard depicted in Crash, there is a strong psychosexual element -- the driver and his girlfriend copulate directly after disposing of the punk's body -- but here it is largely swept away by the transformation of the flesh to metal. When they make love again, it is not the girlfriend's fellatic eating that drives the man into a frenzy, but the contact between the fork and her teeth."
"The disembodied punk finds he can control the driver though a sliver of metal which entered the latter's cheek during the crash. First he sends nightmares -- a fellow passenger on the metro develops an iron hand and pursues the driver into the depths. This metal prosthetic is nothing like the cheerful clockwork of Edward Scissorhands, but rather the result of a lucky dip in a smelting works."
"When the transformation begins, the chaotic nature of the new flesh becomes clear. Although it broadly mimics human form, the relics of its past life as ironmongery show though. As the driver and the Punk fight it out in a deserted, prefabricated world, their increasing powers are marked by the appearance of engine parts and electrical components in their anatomies."
"By the time they agree to join forces and rule a world of iron, they are already just two components in a singale, shapeless man of iron."
"It is not just the anti-superhero stance of Tetsuo that makes the film difficult, but also the structure. Its fragmentary narrative s is shot in grainy monochrome (Tetsuo could well play manic to Eraserhead's depressive) with much swelling of prosthetics and pixelation -- the rapid stop-motion technique best known in SF for The Wizard of Speed and Time."
"The point of the film has to make is a good one, even if it does subvert the ideals of the superhero narrative. If your flesh gets transformed, it is unlikely to stop conveniently at a point giving you superpowers, yet leaving you with a body which looks good in a monogrammed lycra bodysuit."
"The vast majority of mutations are lethal, while most of the rest produce no noticeable change -- that is why evolution takes so long. Let's face it, opposable thumbs were a pretty major breakthrough, but they are unlikely to get you into the Fantastic Four."
"As for metallic cancer, the only sensible ending is that the sufferer will disappear into a heap of shiny de-differentiated tissue and it will not be a pretty sight, no Sir."
"Tetsuo: man of iron open at the ICA Cinema, London, Friday, September 5th, (and ran) for five weeks."
On PAGE 22: STRIP SEARCH 2, Andy Sawyer - "fuelled by a wave of brilliant Britishers who themselves have been inspired by the cult status of comics in Europe and Japan." (The launch of the Exhibition, in mid-June, coincided with the first issue of BLAST, a mutation of the newszine Speakeasy - (which remains within its middle pages) into a fully fledged and footstomping comics magazine for Cyberpunks, literary outlaws and other angelheaded hipsters.)
{Carlo's notes; I have a number of issues of 'Speakeasy'.}
Issue 96 October\November 1991 Matrix (28 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 4; Awards; "The Sejun Japanese Awards were announced as: Daivd Brin's THE UPLIFT WAR for best translated novel; George Alex Effinger's "schodinger's Kitten" for best translated short story; Ginga-Uchu Odyssey (after a story by Greg Benford) for best dramatic prentation.
On PAGE 6; EVENTS; The LEEDS Film Festival:- Saturday 19th Ocober, Civic Theare.
{Carlo's notes; something to look into...}
On PAGE 6; SF TV; Basic cable tv, will finally launch 'The Sci-Fi Channel' this autumn.
{Carlo's notes; 'cable TV' had a limited reach in a few cities as this time, in the UK.}
On PAGE 22-25; THE DEATH OF FANZINE FANDOM & OTHER MYTHS Michael Ashley;
{Carlo's notes; So back in October of 1991 Fanzines were a talking point. Matrix Issue 96.}
Looking forward to 1992;
Issue 97 December 1991\January 1992 Matrix (28 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 10, THE PERIODIC TABLE\CONTOUR MAPPING {Con news};
"Anime Day (March 7-8, Rutland Hotel, Sheffield, £20 attending membership, details from Sheffield Space Centre, 33 The Wicker, Sheffield S3 8HS. Attendees must be over 16, but there will be a wide range of anime to watch."
{Carlo's notes: Anime Day 0092, War in the Pocket; March 7-8 1992.}
{Carlo's notes: could not find anything about the First Anime-Day (March 1991), before or after in this publication, other than a small side note from Geoff Cowie.}
Issue 98 February\March 1992 Matrix (20 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 14; THE PERIODIC TABLE\CONTOUR MAPPING {Con news};
"Anime Day 1992 (March 7-8, Ruland Hotel, Sheffield, registration £20 for two days, £12 for one day, details from Sheffield Space Centre, 33 The Wicker, Sheffield S3 8HS)."
"This is a mini-convention aimed at people interested in Japanese animation which will also have a model display, gaming, talks, and of course, video rooms. Accommodation is available at the Rutland Hotel at £30 pppn in a single room, or £50 for a double or twin rooms, including bed and full English breakfast."
{Carlo's notes; January's add for Anime-Day had this to say " Attendees must be over 16, but there will be a wide range of anime to watch."}
Issue 99 April\May 1992 Matrix (20 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
{Carlo's notes; With the deadline for Matrix issue 99 being March 14th.1992, I could NOT find any JAPANESE Content, There was NO 'ANIME-DAY' review or Con report.}
Issue 100 June\July 1992 Matrix (28 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
On PAGE 14 THE PERIODIC TABLE\CONTOUR MAPPING {Con news};
"ConTanimeT (October 2-4, New Cobden Hotel, Birmingham, £16 attending, details from Denzil Brown, 20 Field Ridge, Shaw, Newbury, Berkshire). Anime, all the latest releases both from Japan and the US. 48 hour video programme, art show, dealers room, panels."
{Carlo's notes; Still no follow-up 'ANIME-DAY' review or Con report.}
PAGE 17 Media file: Anime: Fist of the North Star, Geoff Cowie;
"Fist of the North Star (aka Hokuto no Ken) (Toyoo Ashida/Toei) Island World Communications Manga Video MANV 1001. 112 Mins. PAL. Cert 18, English dialogue, £12.99"
"This is the second Anime (Japanese animation) released from Island World. The Toei Anomation Hokuto no Ken was based on graphic novels (manga) by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara. It's set in the future where nuclear war and pollution have left the Earth a barren desert devoid of vegetation. Ruthless outlaw bikers, super-powerful mutants and warlords pret on the few ragged human survivors huddled in the wrecks of cities. Ken, the Fist of the North Star, has been chosen as a saviour, but his efforts are thwarted by his mutant rivals Jagi, Raoh and Shin. Ken soon loses his fiancee Julia and fights to rescue her."
"This is a very violent piece of Anime -- blood spurts, limbs are lopped off and large numbers of combatants slaughtered. There isn't much of a plot but there is some rock music on the soundtrack, and there is an ecological theme of sorts. Despite the 18 certificate, the script is very childish: it's not clear why Island World released this naff item rather than the many much better examples they cold have chosen instead. The best part of the tape is the AKIRA trailer. True, some of Fist's visuals are quite appealing and so is the violent action if you like that sort of thing; it's to unreal to be really revolting."
"Verdict: best rented after a night of lager and curry."
"Island World are reportedly releasing Project A-Ko, Dominion, Legend of the Four Kings, 3x3 Eyes and Crysal Triangle over the next six months. (Project A-Ko and Dominion are both outrageously funny and well worth getting)."
"A lot more Anime has been given licensed release in the US recently, so if you have some disposable income, you can rent or buy a PAL/NTSC dual standard VCR, order the tapes from the US or a few specialist UK outlets and watch them now. For best results, use a big stereo TV with the sound turned up."
"Dominion Acts 1 to 4, Bubblegum Crisis I-VII, Bubblegun Crash I-II, Project A-Ko 1, Madox-01, Riding Bean, Gunbuster, Dangaio, Appleseed, Black Magic M-66, Robot Carnival and other titles are all available for about £35. Most are subtitled rather than dubbed. Laser discs are promised soon."
{Carlo's notes; After testing the market (with AKIRA) 'Island World' went ahead with its spin-off lable "Manga Video", and released 'Fist of the North Star' on VHS. - The marketing towards adolescent boys, and young adult males with 15 & 18 Certificates, can be backed up.}
{Carlo's notes; I am pleased to say that Geoff Cowie joined 'Anime Kyo UK' in Febuary 1992 as the 60th member.}
Issue 101 August\September 1992 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
PAGE 19 Media file: Anime: Dominion, Geoff Cowie;
"Dominion Part 1 (Acts I and II) (Masamune Shirow) Island World Communications Manga Video MANV 1003. 67 Minutes. PAL. Cert 15, English dialogue, £12.99"
* "Project A-Ko. Island World Communications Manga Video, 90 minutes, PAL."
"Shirow wrote the "Dominion" manga , featuring the manic Tank Ploice. In 1986, as some light relief from his "Applseed" manga and anime. The four "Dominion" original video animations followed in 1989, and proved very popular in Japan and the USA."
"The premise: in the future, the world's pollution problems have escalated and toxic micro-organisms force people to wear filter masks out of doors. Crime rates are very high, and to counter it the Tank Police, a special SWAT unit, have been formed. Their main task is to catch the criminal BUAKU gang. The residents of Newport, a vast bio-constructed city, are enrage by the destrutive activities of the Tank Police than those of the criminals."
"As "Act I" opens, Leona, gung-ho, redhaied female recruit to the Tank Police, reports for duty as Lt. Brittten and his men are interrogating a prisoner with the hand-grenade torture. Meanwhile, the cyborg Buaku and his female sidekicks, the Puma twins, are planning to hold up a hospital. This rock'n'roll sci-fi, loud, flashy, exciting, rather violent, with glimpes of sexuality and often very funny. The music soundtrack is excellent and the whole thing is carried out with the unashamed panache typical of popular Japanese animation work."
"Island World's release is taken from a US Manga Corps version, hence the dubbing, which is well done, uses American voices. The visual quolity of the copy I viewed was excellent. Curiously, there is almost nothing on the box to indecate that this video is either an animation or Japanese. Collectors should note that the OVA's are originally 38 minutes, including the lengthy title, repise and credit sequences, some of wich Island World have omitted. The four OVA's are also avilable from the USA at $35 each."
"Recommended."
* "Project A-Ko, release date August 3, should be in the shops by the time you read this. This anime movie was reputedly made by its creators "Just for Fun" and proved very popular. Several OVA sequels have been made. The story is set in the near future. A-Ko, B-Ko, and C-Ko are three 17 year old Japanese schoolgirls. However, A-Ko is the strongest girl in the World, B-Ko the brainiest, and C-Ko the cutest. An alien invasion is imminent, and Spy D lurks in the shrubbery. Meanwhile, the girls go to school, and A-Ko and B-Ko fight over who is going to be C-Ko's best chum."
"Later the fighting becomes wilder and wilder, involving gaint robots, spaceships, etc. As you will have deduced, this is not serious SF, but the characterisation is excellent (it turns out that almost everybody in the moive is female), the girls are all cute, the mecha are great and it's exciting and very, very funny."
"Recommended."
"If you are at all interested in Japanese culture and language, try to get a subtitled (or original + English script) version. Dubbing, however well done, obliterates certain nuances of the original."
"Island World are reportedly releasing Legend of the Four Kings, 3x3 Eyes and Crysal Triangle over the next six months. 3x3 Eyes is a modern dar fantasy and well worth getting."
"A lot more Anime has been given licensed release in the US recently, so if you have some disposable income, you ccan rent or buy a PAL/NTSC dual standard VCR, order the tapes from the US or a few specialist UK outlets and watch them now. For best results, use a big stero TV with the sound turned up. Dominion Acts 1 to 4, Bubblegum Crisis I-VII, Bubblegun Crash I-II, Project A-Ko 1, Madox-01, Riding Bean, Gunbuster, Dangaio, Appleseed, Black Magic M-66, Robot Carnival, Urusei Yatsuru and other titles are all available for about $35. Most are subtitled rather than dubbed. Laser discs are promised soon. Japanese laser disks exist."
"Contact addresses for anime enthusiasts: Anime UK newsletter, Helen McCarthy, 147 Francis Road, London E10 6NT; Anime Kyo UK (club), c/o Carlo Bernhardi, 4 St Peter's Sttreet, Syston. LE7 8HJ. Leicestershire."
{Carlo's notes: the 'Deadline' for submissions for this issue were 15th JULY 1991.}
{Carlo's notes: Helen's newsletter had been spredding out to fans since October 1990 with a growing readership of ??? by July 1991. My own Anime Fan Club "Anime Kyo UK, had been slowly gaining momentum from a hand-full of local fans from May 1990, to welcoming national Fans of Anime, Manga, and Mecha, totaling 74 by July 1991.}
Issue 102 October-November 1992 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
PAGE 10 Media file: Anime: Geoff Cowie;
"August release: Project A-Ko. (Katsushito Nishijiru, Island World Communications Manga Video, MANV 1002 86 mins, PAL. cert 15 English dialogue £12.99)"
"I previewed this Japanese animated film in the lasr issue. The movie is presented in original widescreen format (with black bands at the top and bottom of the TV picture) and the video quolity is good. The songs, as in the Japanese version, are in English. This was a Japanese film about Japanese schoolgirls, and the diaogue, though competently dubbed, robs the movie of much of its inimitably Japanese character. American voices don't sound right. The translation used is necessarily equivalent rather than exact: in Japanese, names are given a sufix denoting the status and relationship of the speakers, so that when C-Ko addresses A-Ko as A-Ko-chan, we know that they are close friends from kinderarten. Likewise, Miss Ayumi is realyy Ayumi-Sensei or 'honoured teacher Ayumi'. The booze that the space-captain drinks is of couse, Sake. And so on. Of course, you won't have seen the original and you may wonder why I quibble. A recommended buy in any version."
"September release: Dominion Part 2 (Acts III and IV) (Masamune Shirow Island World Communications Manga Video MANV 1004. 67 Minutes. PAL. Cert 15, English dialogue, £12.99)"
"This is the conclusion to Part 1 which was reviewed in Matrix 101. In the concluding episodes of this Japanese animated video series the ecological background continues. In Act III, Buaku steals an overpriced painting of himself with the assistance of the sexy Puma Twins. Meanwhile at Tank Police headquarters "Showtime" girl recruit Leona, in a bunny costume, helps lob knives at a drug dealer strapped to a spinning board with a live grenade in his mouth. The audience places bets on how many seconds it will take him to spit out the grenade. The Tank Police attend the burglary, but Leona is captured by Buaku. In the final episode, the 'green' theme recurs and we find (as is typical of Anime) that some of the bad guys were less bad then we thought. Not quite politically correct, but great fun. The artwork in Dominion is a treat, especially the title sequences, and the use of dubbing is quite acceptable this time. Recommend."
"October releases (Oct 5): Should be in shops by the time you read this. Odin (Island World Communications Manga Video MANV 1005. 93 Mins. PAL, English dialogue, £12.99)"
"In this Japanese animated film, a newly commissioned spaceship sets out on its first mission and hears a SOS message from the Spaceship Jupiter."
"Venus Wars (Island World Communications Manga Video MANV 1006. 104 Mins. PAL, English dialogue, £12.99)"
"This is set on a future terraformed Venus and follows the adventures of an investigative female reporter and a young soldier. There are battle scenes and chase scenes but the highlight of the movie is a race between two armed military motorised unicycles down a ravine. This isn't a particularly well-known Anime film but I saw it some mouths ago and found it very watchable. In the style the animation is quite similar to live-action. Worth buying."
"Certification of these two movies was unconfirmed at the time of going to press, but will probably be '15'."
"Island World have made it clear that they don't think that subtitled releases are economically viable for them, and consequently all their UK releases will be dubbed. Their marketing seems to be aimed at the 'youth' market. Dubbed versions specially made of Island World Manga Video will be released in the USA by American distributors. What effect this will have on the pricing and availability of US subtitled anime remains to be seen."
"Island World are reportedly negotiating for the rights to Crying Freeman, Midnight Eye Goku, Doomed Megapolis, Laput, Nausiicaa (2 hour version) My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, 3x3 Eyes, Area 88, Lum - Beautiful Dreamer, Tombstone of the fireflies, Vampire Hunter D, Nadia (the Movie), Arion, Dirty Pair, Gundam and City Hunter. This list includes four Anime classics and several other excellent movies, but is only a minute fraction of the Anime potentially available."
{Carlo's notes: Island World's "Manga Video" got the rights and released the following in the 90s:- Crying Freeman ( Chapter-1 93, Chapter-2 93, Chapter-3 Dec 6 93, Chapter-4 Feb 94, ), Doomed Megapolis (pt1 December 6th. 1993, pt2, pt3, pt4), 3x3 Eyes ( April 5th. part ONE, TWO, THRE, FOUR, FIVE), Vampire Hunter D ( ) .}
{Carlo's notes: Island World's "Manga Video" They did not release "Lum - Beautiful Dreamer", "Tombstone of the fireflies" (Grave of the fireflies), Laput, Nausiicaa, My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Nadia (the Movie), Arion, Dirty Pair, Gundam or "City Hunter".}
"A lot more Anime has been given licensed release in the USA recently, so if you have some disposable income, you ccan rent or buy a PAL/NTSC dual standard VCR, order the tapes from the US or a few specialist UK outlets and watch them now. Dominion Acts I to IV, Bubblegum Crisis I-VII, Bubblegun Crash I-II, Project A-Ko 1, Madox-01, Riding Bean, Gunbuster, Dangaio, Appleseed, Black Magic M-66, Robot Carnival, Urusei Yatsuru and other titles are all available for about 35 dollars."
"Most are subtitled rather than dubbed. If you want to watch subtitled versions you might be wise to buy now while they are still available and the dollar is weak. Laser discs are promised soon. In Japan, much recent Anime is available on Laser disk (rasa-disku). A suitable player costs £499."
"Contact addresses for anime enthusiasts:
Anime UK newsletter, Helen McCarthy, 147 Francis Road, London E10 6NT
Anime Kyo UK (club), c/o Carlo Bernhardi, 4 St Peter's Street, Syston. LE7 8HJ. Leicestershire."
{Carlo's notes: Helen's newsletter had been spredding out to fans since October 1990, and now almost a year later the readership was ??? My own Anime Fan Club "Anime Kyo UK, had gone from a few local fans from May 1990, to totaling 92 by October 1991 nationally.}
{Carlo's notes; NO ANIME CON REPORT.}
Issue 103 December 1992 - January 1993 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
{Carlo's notes; NO ANIME CONVENTION REPORT.}
On PAGE 8; CLUBS SCENE;
"There's a spotlight on foreign clubs {SF Clubs} this time, courtesy of Pete Arien and Richard W. Gombert." Japan: Takumi Shibano, 700 Ninomiya, Ninomayamachi, Naka-guu, Kanagawa-ken, Japan".
PAGE 11-12 Anime: Geoff Cowie;
"November release (23/11/92): Urotsuki Doji (aka Legend of the Overfiend, aka Wandering Kid), Island World Communications Manga Video, MANV 1008 106 mins, PAL. English dialogue £12.99, cert 18"
"Preview: Legend has it that every three thousand years the superfiend CHOJIN attempts to unite the three Worlds of Humans, Man-Beasts and Monster Demons in to the Land of Eternity. But this legendary land turns out to be a sickening place of horrendous violence, uncontrollable lusts and supernatural forces beyond the imagination."
"This is a gripping and well-made piece of animation. It is made with disregard for any restriction of what may be shown in a piece of art, and exploits its theme of largely sexual vioence about as far as it is possible to do within the constraints of a 18 certification. It is likely to challenge the viewer in terms of what he or she feels comfortable watching. In this case the cert. 18 really means what it says. This moive is entirely unsuitable for juveniles. [Editoral note: And, having seen about five seconds of it, I'd confirm that it is definitely for adults only]. If you are not sure of your response to Urotsuki Doji, you may be well advised not to watch it. On the other hand, if you are a fan of such material, tou're probably on your way to the video shop aleady."
"In replace of December/January releases, I'll repeat the titles of previous Manga Video releases which you can buy with your Christmas gift vouchers or whatever: AKIRA,Fist of the North Star (if you dislike someone), Project A-Ko, Dominion. There's also Warriors of the Wind (Vestron VA 11451), cert. U PAL, £7.99, known to anime fans as a cut and dubbed version of the superb Nausicaa. For those with a bit more to spend, there's Vampire Princess Miyu (aka Vampire Girl Miyu) Pts #1, #2 (60 mins, subtitled, NTSC), approx. £28 and Vampire Princess Miyu pts #3, #4 ditto."
"In contrast to the much popular anime, this is a lovely, quiet, sophisticated anime series that is strongly influenced by traditional Japanese art and music. It's about an unusual sort of vampire who banishes bad spirits (shinma) to a netherworld. The cassettes come in a beautiful boxes that make you want to own one especially if you know what's inside."
"For the Wealthy, what about a Philips 16:9 widescreen TV (£1300) which will show those widescreen anime moives to advantage? As an anime Christmas, it's hard to resist mentioning Night of the Galactic Railroad (Japanese), even though you can't buy it here. This is another qyiet anime, about anthropomorphic cats, about two hours long, definityely no sex or violence, and it seems to have Christian religous overtones."
"Island World are reportedly negotiating for the rights to Crying Freeman, Midnight Eye Goku, Doomed Megapolis, Laput, Nausiicaa (2 hour version) My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, 3x3 Eyes, Area 88, Lum - Beautiful Dreamer, Tombstone of the fireflies, Vampire Hunter D, Nadia (the Movie), Arion, Dirty Pair, Gundam and City Hunter. This list includes four Anime classics and several other excellent movies, but is only a minute fraction of the Anime potentially availble."
*"In case you are wondering where you can watch this stuff in the UK, I should point out that there have been two anime conventions this year, plus a special season at the ICA in London. Another convention is planed for Spring 1993."
{Carlo's notes: 1992 saw the second Anime-Day (0092 Con in the Pocket) - March 7-8, and ConTanimeT October 2-4, and the third Anime-Day (File 3 The Con that bit its tongue) April 17th -18th (Spring) 1993.}
{Carlo's notes: The ICA with Island World's Manga Video Special season was called "Manga! Manga! Manga!" and ran from Friday Octeber 23rd. to Thursday November 5th. - The events title reinforces (wrongly in my opinion) the word "Manga" over the correct useage for Japanese animation "Anime". It looks to me as those dubbed films are all from the US company 'Streamline Pictures"}
"A lot more Anime has been given licensed release in the USA recently, so if you have some disposable income, you ccan rent or buy a PAL/NTSC dual standard VCR, order the tapes from the US or a few specialist UK outlets and watch them now. Dominion Acts I to IV, Bubblegum Crisis I-VII, Bubblegun Crash I-II, Project A-Ko 1, Madox-01, Riding Bean, Gunbuster, Dangaio, Appleseed, Black Magic M-66, Robot Carnival, Urusei Yatsuru and other titles are all available for about $35. (The laserdiscs cost about $65 but some are equivalent to two tapes). Most are subtitled rather than dubbed. My advice is to buy while the dollar was weak was remarkably prescient, as the rise in the dollar has put about £4 on the price of an impoted NTSC videos. In Japan, much recent Anime is availble on Laser disk (rasa-disku). A suitable player costs £499."
"Contact addresses for anime enthusiasts:
ANIME UK newsletter, Helen McCarthy, 147 Francis Road, London E10 6NT
Anime Kyo UK (club), c/o Carlo Bernhardi, 4 St Peter's Sttreet, Syston. LE7 8HJ. Leicestershire.
Anime UK Magazine (£3.50) if not available from shops, write to 7- Mortimer Street, London W1N 7DF."
{Carlo's notes: As the deadline for this (December) issue of the BSFA's newsletter 'Matrix' was November 15th. 1992, and the Pilot issue (1) of "ANIME UK" magazine had gone on sale in December of 1991 (Winter 91/92), and Issue (2) was July with issue (3) in September, and issue (4) on sale in Novenber of 1992 (4 issues in total on sale to the general public.}
Issue 104 Febuary-March 1993 Matrix (24 pages);
- the newsletter of British Science Fiction Association.
LINKS FOR THE BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION;
https://www.instagram.com/bsfa_vector/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BritishScienceFictionAssociation
https://discord.com/invite/9a6XS5hygh
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