Pizza Cats Review Newsletter

[teh flah]

ZOMG cute Francine! <3

[Violet]

Real Pizza Cat Pizza!
Felineki has made another big discovery.  It seems there is not only a real "Pizza Cat" pizza shop, but a whole chain of them.  Not in Japan, but in neighboring South Korea.  I'm not sure how no SPC fans found www.pizzacat.com until now.  Is there any relation to the Pizza Cat shop in the anime?  If there is, probably no one involved would admit to it.  The Pizza Cat chain showed up on the web around 1991, while KNT was still on the air in Japan, but maybe they were around first and helped inspire the show.  Or maybe it's just coincidence? Their logo doesn't resemble the anime, and as far as I know they don't have cannon delivery.  But they do deliver, and the Korean style pizzas seems very similar to Japanese style pizzas.  So if you ever find yourself in Korea, go have some real Pizza Cat Pizza.

Know Your Way Around Little Tokyo
Both Little Tokyo from Samurai Pizza Cats, and Edoropolis from Kyattou Ninden Teyandee are based on real places.  Of course, the city in our show is the same, just called by different names depending on which version of the show you are watching.  "Little Tokyo" is based on the Japanese district of Los Angeles, one of 3 officially recognized "Japantowns" in California. (The others are both called "Japantown", one in San Francisco and another in nearby San Jose.)  Little Tokyo would be familiar to the Saban writers who were also in Los Angeles, and it actually does somewhat resemble the Pizza Cats' version in appearance with its mix of high-rise buildings and Japanese traditional features. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Tokyo,_Los_Angeles,_California
But of course the city was never meant to be Little Tokyo originally.  In the original Japanese KNT version it's "Edoropolis" based on the original name for Tokyo, "Edo", with "-ropolis" as in "Metropolis".  The layout of Edoropolis is loosely based on Tokyo, and a lot of Edoropolis versions of Tokyo districts and landmarks appear in the show.  The palace is based on the real Japanese imperial palace at Edo Castle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_Castle  The original castle tower burned down long ago, but the surrounding walls and moats are still largely intact.  O-Edo Tower is based on the Tokyo Tower which resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris except for its orange and white paint.  The various districts, such as Neko-Harajuku are based on real Tokyo districts, in this case the trendy Harajuku area.  If you knew your way around Tokyo, you'd be able to find your way around Edoropolis.  According to a 3 part map included with some KNT model kits, the Pizza Cat would be around the Ginza district, between the palace and the harbor.

This Month's Pic
This is an ad for KNT fan artist Yukki Kosuzu's doujin at the summer 2009 Comiket in Toyko.  Comiket is a huge gathering of doujin artists, so big that it fills up a convention center for 3 days, with different artists selling each day.  The guide book is the size of a small phone book, and each artist gets a postage stamp sized ad, which is what this artwork was for.  The box in the corner would have had the table number.  Yukki is a big fan of Karamaru.  Her home page is http://kosuzu.nm.land.to/

I Need Help!
It's becoming harder and harder for me to get a new issue of the Pizza Cats Review out on a monthly basis.  Although I still love SPC, I don't have the kind of free time I used to, plus I've been doing this every month for over 10 years!  It gets to the point where it's hard to come up with ideas.  It's not that there isn't plenty left to write about, but I'm just one bunny, I need some more people to keep the ideas flowing.  Don't think you're a good writer?  That’s what I'm here for.  I can fix your mistakes and improve your articles.  Even if you just have ideas or a question about SPC, that might be enough to help me think of an article.  So pitch in and help keep the newsletter monthly.  If I don't get some help, I may not be able to keep up the monthly schedule.
-Violet

[sjonnoh]

I wish I could help, if I know exacly what to write and...

[blind2d]

I know what you mean, me too! I would love to help write stuff!

[Mechadon]

Know Your Way Around Little Tokyo
Both Little Tokyo from Samurai Pizza Cats, and Edoropolis from Kyattou Ninden Teyandee are based on real places.  Of course, the city in our show is the same, just called by different names depending on which version of the show you are watching.  "Little Tokyo" is based on the Japanese district of Los Angeles, one of 3 officially recognized "Japantowns" in California. (The others are both called "Japantown", one in San Francisco and another in nearby San Jose.)  Little Tokyo would be familiar to the Saban writers who were also in Los Angeles, and it actually does somewhat resemble the Pizza Cats' version in appearance with its mix of high-rise buildings and Japanese traditional features. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Tokyo,_Los_Angeles,_California
But of course the city was never meant to be Little Tokyo originally.  In the original Japanese KNT version it's "Edoropolis" based on the original name for Tokyo, "Edo", with "-ropolis" as in "Metropolis".  The layout of Edoropolis is loosely based on Tokyo, and a lot of Edoropolis versions of Tokyo districts and landmarks appear in the show.  The palace is based on the real Japanese imperial palace at Edo Castle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_Castle  The original castle tower burned down long ago, but the surrounding walls and moats are still largely intact.  O-Edo Tower is based on the Tokyo Tower which resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris except for its orange and white paint.  The various districts, such as Neko-Harajuku are based on real Tokyo districts, in this case the trendy Harajuku area.  If you knew your way around Tokyo, you'd be able to find your way around Edoropolis.  According to a 3 part map included with some KNT model kits, the Pizza Cat would be around the Ginza district, between the palace and the harbor.

Hey thanks a lot for all that. This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping for when I posted my new thread. And if you need an idea for an article, I'd like to help. I've had something on the back burner for a whole year now.

[formallykat]

Their logo doesn't resemble the anime, and as far as I know they don't have cannon delivery.

If they did that would be too cool for words!

BTW I love this month's pic, nice find

[Violet]

Hey thanks a lot for all that. This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping for when I posted my new thread. And if you need an idea for an article, I'd like to help. I've had something on the back burner for a whole year now.

I get a lot of my ideas from reading EE and seeing what people are talking about.
And anyone is welcome to suggest ideas for an article or better yet, write an article.  Just email or PM me.

[Blackcat]

Real Pizza Cat Pizza!

Well, that was a nice surprise...

Know Your Way Around Little Tokyo

I used to be a fan of old Edo, not anymore, thanks for the info.

This Month's Pic

Is amanzing that they still use KNT to make doujins!

I Need Help!

I wish I could help -_-

PS: This is not the place to ask for acess to the ftp thing so I can upload my gatos samurai page, so I wont do it!

[Violet]

Russell "Rusty" Haller,
artist of the Saban Powerhouse SPC comics (as well as many many other comics) passed away on Sept. 30, 2009 at age 45.  Cause unknown at this time, but a diabetic heart attack is suspected.  Rusty was kind enough to let me interview him about the comics a few months ago.  Rusty would be the only "Official" SPC comics artist, since the Powerhouse comics were licensed by Saban (Not counting "official" KNT artists in Japan like Tenko).  Rusty was well known online for his "Ace and Queenie" online and in the comic book "Furrlough", and his art at online galleries like Deviant Art and Fur Affinity.
 
Recent KNT Fan Activity
What are our counterparts in Japan doing these days?  Although not as organized as the "western" fans, Japanese fans are very dedicated and produce amazing fan works such as doujin (fan-made books) and model kits.  KNT doujin have been published as recently as a few months ago at the summer Comiket (doujin convention in Tokyo).  Of course the big news for KNT fans in Japan right now is the new KNT toy, even though we still don't know exactly what that toy will be yet.  There's also much talk among Japanese fans of a possible DVD release next year, which will be KNT's 20th anniversary.  Some are seeing the new toy release as a sign Tatsunoko is interested in doing something with the series.  But so far there's no official word on this.  Premium KNT toys are bringing in higher prices since collectors who get them rarely sell them, making popular toys, such as the action figures of Yattarou, Pururun and Sukashii, even rarer than before.  Next year's 20th anniversary will likely inspire a few new doujin from the more dedicated (and these days, older,) KNT fans, as was the case during the 10 year anniversary.
 
French Anime Shop with SPC Toys
French SPC fans have been fortunate.  First they had DVDs released, and now they have a source for rare Pizza Cats toys!  Vitrine Du Sud (http://www.vitrinedusud.com/) has many anime collectibles, including a few Japanese KNT toys.  French SPC fan "CollectorFu" says the shop will deliver internationally, but some knowledge of the French language would probably be helpful.  The Pizza Cats items can be seen at http://www.vitrinedusud.com/gal___samurai_pizza_cats_2512.htm .  The prices seem higher than what these items would sell for in Japan, but this option might be easier for some people.
 
This Month's Pic
A tribute to KNT by Japanese artist Hamo-san
 
-Violet

[Teyandee]

 There's also much talk among Japanese fans of a possible DVD release next year

I think that would be great - watch KNT in DVD quality (720x576) with original Japanese audio.

[felineki]

Sorry to hear about Rusty. Condolences to his friends and family. I've been doing plenty of looking for news regarding that new toy, but that one photo showing the logo at that display seems to be the only thing so far. As far as plans for a KNT DVD release: when all 54 episodes of KNT were deleted from Nicovideo back in May of last year, it was apparently due to action taken by the show's rights holders. Although we can't really know whether or not this is an indication of any plans for an official release.

[Tigriss]

Russell "Rusty" Haller,
artist of the Saban Powerhouse SPC comics (as well as many many other comics) passed away on Sept. 30, 2009 at age 45.

2009 is killing everybody. :C

all 54 episodes of KNT were deleted from Nicovideo back in May of last year

Huh? What was this?

[Pizzacat]

all 54 episodes of KNT were deleted from Nicovideo back in May of last year

Huh? What was this?
[/quote]

Nicovideo was basically an all Japanese version of Youtube , and as gathered had all the KNT episodes up there for watching. I really do hope the removal of them does indicate they have plans for KNT :0

[YoshiAngemon]

Suppose that on Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, Yatter02 turns out to really be Yattaro (Speedy Cerviche), and NOT Yatterman-2? Maybe Tatsunoko might actually make that a reality, and in turn, it would create a massive explosion of joy as fans all over the world celebrate the return of the Samurai Pizza Cats!

[Razgrizblaze1]

Suppose that on Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, Yatter02 turns out to really be Yattaro (Speedy Cerviche), and NOT Yatterman-2? Maybe Tatsunoko might actually make that a reality, and in turn, it would create a massive explosion of joy as fans all over the world celebrate the return of the Samurai Pizza Cats!

Your optimism intrigues me. But yes, that would definitely be a pleasant surprise, though unlikely. Eh, I've been horribly wrong before...

[Blackcat]

The first sign of a revival in Japan are toys in Ufo catchers, something KNT havent had in ages...
 

[Teyandee]

Can`t wait to read the new issue of SPC Newsletter. By the way, when will it be?

[Violet]

Can`t wait to read the new issue of SPC Newsletter. By the way, when will it be?

Today, although I came very close to discontinuing the monthly schedule due to lack of help.

[Violet]

KNT Character Designer Tenko's Birthday
Pizza Cats fans from all over the world wished "Teyandee" character designer Tenko a happy birthday on his blog comments on Nov. 8th.  The Japanese language blog has been followed by fans since he usually does a drawing to go with each post, and these sometimes feature KNT characters.  Tenko was a bit surprised to find he had an international following, but he appreciated his fans' birthday comments so much that he did a special picture with Sukashii, Yattaro, Pururun and Nyangoking (And Otama if you look closely) to thank them.  Although KNT was a group project, Tenko created the characters as we know them and is highly respected by KNT fans in Japan and around the world.
http://geocities.yahoo.co.jp/gl/suzukitenko/view/20091109
 
20th Anniversary Approaching
Many Pizza Cats fans are aware that next year will be the 20th anniversary of Kyattou Ninden Teyandee's first broadcast in 1990.  What does 2010 hold in store for Pizza Cats fans?  There are rumors of course; DVDs, an unknown toy-  New doujin books are likely in Japan. Old contracts that covered the release of Samurai Pizza Cats outside of Japan will expire, which could either open or close opportunities for the show. But I think instead of asking "What will happen?" we should be asking "What can I do to commemorate this occasion?"  This is the time to get off our tails and do something special!  2010 isn't a year away anymore, it's less than 2 months away!  If you have something planned, it's not too early to get started.  If you don't have anything planned, maybe you should.
 
SPC DS Demo
by Cabbage
Anyway, was bored today so I installed devkitpro and palib. I haven't done much DS programming before, but I thought it would be fun to have a little SPC-themed demo to store on my DS flash cartridge. So, I grabbed Yattarou's walking animation from the KNT famicom game and some cool fan art from my collection, and put together a little demo.  I decided the demo needed more, and I like Yattarou's run animation, so I added run,jump (B,A buttons respectively).  It's not really even worth downloading if you don't have a flash cart (just look at the picture, you'll understand). It should work in emulators and on the real hardware.
Follow this link to download or look at the screenshot: http://squarenipple.com/cabbage/ds.php
Or if you don't want to visit my site, here's a direct link to the .rar: http://squarenipple.com/cabbage/ds/spc-ds-cabbage-v0a.rar
It was really easy to make... I hope this will inspire some people to look into making some more pizza cats software  Speedy Wink
Let me know what you think!
 
This Month's Pic
It's Sukashii by "Tery Brand", a Japanese artist who's un-Japanese sounding nickname comes from the term "Mystery Brand".  http://ip.tosp.co.jp/i.asp?I=tery_brand
 
-Violet

[Razgrizblaze1]

Heh...maybe I should draw something for the 20th anniversary. Since I have the 3 weeks surrounding New Years off, I should have plenty of time to do something big. Better start brainstorming!