Pizza Cats Review Newsletter

[Violet]

Check out Expresso's 3-D Speedy http://www.edoropolis.org/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1673.0;attach=1437;image  This isn't the first time someone has made a 3-D image of a Pizza Cats character, but it is pretty impressive!

Pizza Cats Figures
There are several varieties of Pizza Cats figures.  All were made in Japan in the early 1990s, although some were later repackaged to sell in Europe.  I categorize these figures by size.  The first are the "Small Figures" which are about 2 cm and made of a soft plastic or rubber.  Although they are small, they are fairly well detailed.  They come in various colors of plastic and are unpainted.  Since they are soft, if you painted one yourself, the paint would easily chip off.  These figures came from various sources.  They were sold in vending machines, in boxes of candy, and sometimes were included with other toys, like the Pizza Parlor Play set.  Most of the important characters in the show are available as one of the small figures.  Next are the "Medium Figures" which are the most uncommon type.  They are made from a harder plastic and have moveable arms and legs, and come with some accessories.  They are slightly over 6 cm.  I've only seen the Yattarou figure in this size, but it's likely a Sukashii and Pururun were also made or at least.  These could be painted as long as you didn't plan to play with them.  Next is the "Action Figure" at about 7 cm.  These are the most desirable to collectors and fans since they look fine without any painting.  The parts are made from different colored plastic with stickers for details like the eyes.  They come with accessories.  Some parts like swords and tails are made from a softer plastic so they won't break easily if you play with them.  Only the cats are available as action figures.  Finally there are the "Large Figures".  These are made of hollow plastic and are only painted on the front, and are about 10 cm.  The come with soft blue plastic weapons and tails.  They were designed to be played with by children and are more durable than the action figures.  The characters available are Yattarou, Pururun, Sukashii, Koon no Kami and Karamaru.  They were sold in boxes individually and as a set.  The line between toys and model kits is sometime very narrow in Japan.  Aside from the figures mentioned, there are a series of 3 "Mega" model kits which are about the same size as the action figures and do have moveable arms.  They are not really tough enough to be played with, but they do come with spring loaded launching projectiles which would never pass as "child safe" outside of Japan.  Like all model kits, these require assembly and painting to look right.  Finally I will mention the "Resin Figures" which are purely for display.  These are made of solid hard resin parts, and usually require assembly and skilled painting.  A few were officially made by Bandai, but most are fan made.

Recruiting
Its not like I don't have enough to do already, but as a dedicated SPC/KNT fan, I would like to see all of these KNT episodes translated.  Translated episodes will lead to more fan interest, and in many cases this has later resulted in DVD releases.  Project Dream has done an excellent job producing extremely well done translations with the best video available to us for now.  However, we only have 3 episodes done.  Eto Rangers, which has an even smaller fan base, started their translating project after KNT fans did, and are already done with 11 episodes.  The problem is that there are a lot of us depending on a very small group of people, all of whom have lives outside of fandom and limited spare time to work on this project.  To assist Project Dream, I would like to look into the potential of starting a second translation team and start on some episode that Project Dream hasn't on yet.  For any chance of success, we need a few people with the following skills:
Translators: The most important job, must have at least a basic understanding of Japanese.  There can be more than one translator.
Video Editors: Actually adds the subtitles into the video.  Possibly also adjusts the video to get the highest quality image/audio.
Producer: Coordinates the different duties of the team and checks quality control.
People who already are helping other translation projects, including Project Dream are welcome as long as they have the time to work on this too.  I'm putting this team together (assuming we have anyone with the skills required), and I will be in charge if needed, BUT, I do not insist on being in charge.  I have enough to do already and I will gladly work to help out anyone more qualified to run the group.  Otherwise I can help with translation, but I still need help since my Japanese is not that great.  Anyone with the skills required interested in helping, please email me at prncssvi@aol.com

This Month's Pic
This cel of "Mi-chan" sold at auction on a Japanese site last week.

See You Next Month
Remember, you can write articles for the newsletter too.  I'd like to get some more articles from other fans.  I'm sure I'm not the only one with something to say.
-Vi

[TGLucario475]

brilliant newsletter as always Prince Vi (now where have i seen that before )

i like the picture aswell!

[Blackcat]

Expresso's 3-D Speedy

Blackcat in Guido mode:

That’s cool, not as cool as me, but is good!

Pizza Cats Figures

Darn, that’s something I will never have -_-

Recruiting
Sorry, I’m useless in this

This Month's Pic

Is amazing how people with money become stupid and wastes money in just anything, ok I’m just envious of their money, but still… BUAHHH!!!  I WANT MORE MONEY!!!

PS: I bet you cant hack a Nintendo 64 rom of "Mistical ninja: staring Geomon" to change the main chracters into the SPC and Guru Lou!.

[felineki]

Ah, you've only seen Yattarou in the "Medium Figures", eh? I only saw the Yattarou one for the first time recently, and wondered if anyone had seen any others. The resin kits are amazing, and really speak to the skill and devotion of the fans!

As much as I'd love to help out with a new translation project, I don't think I have much to contribute. I only have very basic and limited video editing experience. Interesting to hear that 11 episodes of Eto Rangers have been subbed already. They've been busy!

I saw that same cel auction. For some reason she always looks particularly cute when she's holding that tray.

[Violet]

KNT Staff Member Tenko's Blog
by Daisensei
Recently Felineki found the illustrated blog of Noritaka Suzuki (aka Tenko), at
the URL:
http://geocities.yahoo.co.jp/gl/suzukitenko
Suzuki took part in the production of Kyattou Ninden Teyandee, and was responsible for the character designs for the TV series. He is also known for his work on many other animation series, like "Tekkaman Blade". Moreover there is a reference to him in the "KNT Teyandee manga" book, drawn by Tatsuya Souma.
Of most interest to Pizza Cat fans is that Suzuki still draws some KNT characters in his blog. In March's entries there are pictures of Karamaru (Bad Bird), Okara (Carla) and Nekomata Reikainosuke aka Daisensei (Guru Lou). The most recent one was drawn in reply to a fan's request posted in his blog. This shows how kind Suzuki is, and how he still remembers the anime characters he helped create 18 years ago.
It is good to see that KNT has not been forgotten by one of its creators.

Pizza Cats Collectibles
Is collecting Pizza Cats items getting easier or harder?  Most KNT official products were created in the early 1990s.  Although some fan made books and model kits have been made more recently (and are still being made in a few cases), these "doujin" items are usually only produced in small numbers, and almost always in Japan.  The loyalty that keeps fans loving the show years after it stopped airing on TV also keeps those fans from selling a lot of the items they have.  But, there is some good news for anyone interested in collecting some Pizza Cats items.  Animation cels, and occasional toys, books and games have been turning up on eBay.  There seems to always be a few cels for sale (although they usually are the same ones, nice ones do show up now and then).  The other items don't show up as often, but anyone interested should search regularly and you'll probably get lucky.  More Japanese have started using eBay to sell anime items to the worldwide market.  Yahoo Japan auctions usually have 2 or 3 pages worth of KNT items for sale.  Navigating can be difficult if you can't read Japanese, and bidding can be difficult, especially since many sellers will not ship outside of Japan, but there are a few reliable agents who will bid for you and ship your item.  Keep in mind that there are fees involved.  An 800 yen (about $8) item may cost over $20 after fees and shipping costs.  I have noticed that its actually easier to find KNT cels on eBay than on the Japanese auctions.

Nihonbare Relocated
The "adult" SPC/KNT board, "Nihonbare" has lost its old host.  The board has now moved in to Edoropolis where it will continue to provide a forum for anything too risque for the "all ages" Edoropolis Emporium.  To view Nihonbare, you need to be over 18 years old, be a Edoropolis Emporium member (since the Nihonbare is hosted there now), then send a PM to me (Violet) or an email with your EE member name.  For those curious, most Nihonbare discussion revolves around fan made doujin books (most of which have some "hentai" content which prevents them from being safe to post in EE), some fan art, and an "anything goes" version of the "They Said What?" caption contest.  One benefit of this move is that Nihonbare now has all of the features of EE.  The bad news is, all old Nihonbare posts have been lost.  With the move, I've also decided to allow ETO Rangers material in Nihonbare since the series is closely related to KNT and is included on EE.

This Month's Pic
This Sukashii picture is from Tenko's blog.  It's the oldest KNT picture he has on it, so I'll save you the trouble of searching all the way back to June 2006.

No Takers
No one has taken me up on my offer to start a second subbing team to assist Project Dream in translating and subtitling KNT episodes.  I'm not really surprised, there just doesn't seem to be enough SPC fans with the skills needed, and most of them are already working with Project Dream.  So please keep this in mind before you complain that subbed episodes aren't coming out quickly enough.  However if there ever are enough people willing to help and with the skills needed, I'm still willing to give this a try, so I will keep my offer open.  This does go to show why its important to keep "spreading the word" about SPC.  More fans means more people with more to offer and share.  This year, try to share some episodes with your friends who may not have seen it yet.
-Violet

[formallykat]

Luuurve that Guido/Sukashii pic. Cute 

[TGLucario475]

good newsletter

i didnt even notice Nih moved

i also like the pic of the month!

[Blackcat]

KNT Staff Member Tenko's Blog -Noritaka Suzuki (aka Tenko)-
the URL: http://geocities.yahoo.co.jp/gl/suzukitenko

Geocities? How can something work at geocities? But is good to see Fans are so damn anoyng they can make people still do something about a show they worked almost two decades ago. If i where Suzuki I would be mad about people bugging me with old stuff!

Pizza Cats Collectibles

I have more chances of paying someone to do a ten pages fancomic than getting this kind of stuff, credits cards suck here, and transferring money isn’t easy, so my only chance is finding a local artist to do the work.

Nihonbare Relocated

That’s cool, I have some short stories that beg for an editor and some clean up

This Month's Pic
-Sukashii picture-

I’m a Guido fan, so this is great!!!

No Takers

I think that the staff could work in translation the CD dramas, then after the text is done, we could get some people to do it in English as fan material!. The idea sounds silly but the "SPC in classic fairy tales" fan audio drama has been going for two years. I bet some people would beg to replay their “fan” roles if the CD dramas where re-done SPC style.

PS: Of course I suck and no one cares about what I say, have a nice day ^^

[Violet]

KNT Music Lives On
Music from KNT is sometimes still used today as background music for various Japanese TV shows.  I recently found an example while watching clips from the Japanese comedy show "Downtown Gaki no Tsukai" on YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4H4v48_qbw
This is by no means an isolated case.  I personally have heard various KNT music being used several times in various shows during visits to Japan, but this is the first time I've come across one online where I can share it.

"Open Source" Translation Project
Since I was unable to put a second KNT subbing team together, I've decided to try something else.  Just like "open Source" software allows any programmers who have ideas for improvements to work on a program, I will be trying an "Open Source" KNT Translation and Subtitling Project, using Edoropolis Emporium, and anyone who wants to help or even just check on progress will be welcome to stop by and contribute whatever they are able.  I personally feel that my Japanese reading level is at a level where I can attempt to translate scripts, especially if I have other people to check my work and help out. 

New KNT Doujin
Online doujin shop DLsite.com is offering a new downloadable doujin featuring some KNT characters.  Since this is a "hentai" doujin for adults only, I'll save the details for the Nihonbare board, but the significant news for all Pizza Cats fans is that this is the most recent KNT doujin, released just last month.  This shows Japanese KNT fans are still active (although not as organized as us).  Doujins are usually fan made books, but in recent years, there has been a trend to offer doujin on CDs or in a downloadable format.  This has the advantage of being able to offer more than a book, such as flash animation, audio, and games, as well as the traditional comics and pictures.  These are called "Doujin Soft" ("Soft" being short for "Software").  They range from digital versions of the paper books to complex 3-D video games.

This Month's Pic
Phone call for Polly?

That's all I have for you this month, see you in June.
-Violet

[Kits'Okami (fr. Dragonfox)]

KNT Music Lives On
Music from KNT is sometimes still used today as background music for various Japanese TV shows.  I recently found an example while watching clips from the Japanese comedy show "Downtown Gaki no Tsukai" on YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4H4v48_qbw
This is by no means an isolated case.  I personally have heard various KNT music being used several times in various shows during visits to Japan, but this is the first time I've come across one online where I can share it.

Sweet! I saw something similar on some Japanese quiz show, which used music from the Billy Hatcher game (who remembers that, anyway?).

But you know what'll be awesome? 'Battle in Flash' in Shaman King. Or other anime which are too many for me to list.

[sans soul]

What a strange video ^^;

[Mechadon]

LMAO at video.

Polly pic: Polly goes shopping for a new telephone receiver; she broke the old one trying to strangle Speedy with it. 

[TGLucario475]

lol crazy video

Polly Pic: i think its for you Mechadon/Narrator

[Mechadon]

Polly Pic: i think its for you Mechadon/Narrator

Oh no! I don't think so; I'm not falling for the ol' "baseless phone" trick.  (...again. )

Man, I can really go a long way with that Polly/Phone pic. So many jokes I can think of. (some of them very dirty) It's defiantly the highlight of my week.

[TGLucario475]

Polly Pic: i think its for you Mechadon/Narrator

Oh no! I don't think so; I'm not falling for the ol' "baseless phone" trick.  (...again. )

Man, I can really go a long way with that Polly/Phone pic. So many jokes I can think of. (some of them very dirty) It's defiantly the highlight of my week.

come on, tell us, we need a laugh

[Cloud-Boy]

When you get 10 U.S. Marines to just wonder what the hell was going on, that is priceless. That video just made our morning.


And something i always wondered, what are the Nihonbare boards?

[Violet]

And something i always wondered, what are the Nihonbare boards?

The Nihonbare board is for the SPC/KNT topics that are not suitable for "all ages".  It's here on EE (although it used to be a separate board), and to access it you need to send a note to me or Supersonic to be added.

[KageReneko]

KNT Music Lives On
Music from KNT is sometimes still used today as background music for various Japanese TV shows.  I recently found an example while watching clips from the Japanese comedy show "Downtown Gaki no Tsukai" on YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4H4v48_qbw
This is by no means an isolated case.  I personally have heard various KNT music being used several times in various shows during visits to Japan, but this is the first time I've come across one online where I can share it.

Well, I remember have heard one of the KNT BGMs in Tekkaman Blade (AKA Tecnoman)... I was puzzled but then I leanred that Tekkaman Blade was made right after KNT so I just think the music people got lazy...

[Blackcat]

KNT Music Lives On?

Is not that weird, some TV shows in japan use old music from other shows....

"Open Source" Translation Project

Huh... good luck!

New KNT Doujin for adults?

Weird, but I want it ^^

This Month's Pic

A Phone call for Polly?

I bet is her mommy asking when she is gonna get married...

-Blackcat

[Violet]

KNT Manga Becomes International
By Daisensei
Souma Tatsuya's "Kyattou Ninden Teyandee" manga is probably the most famous work produced after the end of the TV series. For a long time this manga was only accessible to Japanese readers, until translation work was started in a discussion board (see http://www.edoropolis.org/forums/index.php?topic=1103.0). The thread is one of the most visited on Edoropolis Emporium, so it is likely this project has been attracting much attention.  Every week one scanned and translated page has been published, and now 78 pages from a total of 97 are available online. In that pace one may expect it would be finished in few months.
Text only Portuguese translation are available too (at http://www.edoropolis.org/forums/index.php?topic=1109.0), but only few pages has been edited to the scanned pictures. The Spanish translation status is better, it began recently and is based upon English scanlation (see http://www.edoropolis.org/forums/index.php?topic=1917.0). However its main translator has been sent to Iraq, attending his duty as US Marine. Owing to
this, it was feared the project could be stopped temporarily or even definitely, but other people have stepped up to help and the project is very active now.

SPC Shop Closing
The Nekofuji Anime Shop, commonly known as the SPC Shop will discontinue sales through it's web site.  Shep, the owner says he was never able to find enough of the rare SPC and KNT items to keep the online shop stocked, but he will continue to sell these and other anime items on eBay when he is able to acquire them.  The site also has a gallery of scanned KNT animation cels that have been sold in the past.

SPC "Cold" Web Comic Progressing Well
I can now say this is the most successful SPC web comic to date.  Others have made shorter comics or started and quit after a while, but this one is still going strong.  As you may know, when I see a fan story introduce new characters, I usually just groan and think "Well, now you've ruined it.  The new character will take the spotlight and the original characters will just be in the background." After all, I'm a SPC fan because I like SPC, not some new fan character.  So far, "Cold" seems to be walking on the edge.  There is a fan character who plays an important, maybe even starring role, however, I can't say the original SPC characters have been taken out of the spotlight.  They are still featured prominently enough to keep my interest.  "Cold" is now over 80 pages.  It is updated on it's own site, and on Deviant Art.  Updates on Fur Affinity seem to have been discontinued of just fallen behind.
http://www.fireball20xl.com/spcc/
http://bignasty4life.deviantart.com/

This Month's Pic
"Shima Nagashi!" is Japanese for "Exile to an island!"

-Violet