Ms. Answerman

Enter Title Here

I've gathered up the list of online sites that various members have recommended and added them at the end of the column (the length of the list caused the column to look bad when I included it in the opening). Please note that while I did look through each site for any bootlegs, it's always possible I missed something. If the site itself does sell bootlegs, feel free to email me with a link to let me know and I'll update the list when it's appropriate to do so. Also note that I had trouble organizing the sites, since many offer a wide variety of goods, so if you're looking for something specific you may want to try a number of different links.
Finally, the sites are listed in no particular order within their own categories.

Welcome to another edition of Answerman!

Hey Answerman,
Samurai Champloo looks fantastic, but I don't really know where to watch it (besides buying the DVD, which is...expensive). Was it ever on tv in the US? I did see that it's coming to Adult Swim this summer, but I was wondering if there were any other options.
Thanks for your time,
Dan

As of now, you have two choices: buy the DVDs as they come out or wait until May 14 (11:30pm) to see it on Cartoon Network. You can always try renting the DVDs, either from a local store or an online one, but if you're not willing to spend a few greens then you'll have to wait.

Dear M. Answerperson,
I've noticed that blue blood tends to play an important part in anime, for example: RahXephon, Evangelion, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Is there some special mythological significance of blue blood in Japan that I am missing?
-Pete

The term “blue blood” is used when referring to someone of noble or royal descent, which came from the fact that blue blood veins would stand out more prominently beneath the fair skin of Castile family members. If you think of it in terms of the human race, everyone's blood runs red when it leaves the body. Bleeding blue blood (or any other color of blood for that matter) automatically distinguishes a person as not being human (or at least completely human). Someone may look and act human, but no amount of words or actions can change the fact that their blood is blue.
Though the term originates from Spain, this is a universal term and occurrence which probably popped up wherever there were members of royalty who had fairer skin. In the US, Carnivale is just one example where blue blood helps the audience know beyond a shadow of a doubt that certain characters are not completely human.

Answerman,
Hi there! I was in Tokyo a few months ago and noticed that they already had Appleseed available in DVD, but it was, of course, a region 2 disc, which i didn't buy. Do you have or know of the US release date for the flick? We've just read the first 4 volumes and are anxious to know when the film will be available to watch since we couldn't make it to Chicago in time to see it in a theater.
Thanks!
-jack

The Appleseed movie will be released on DVD on May 10 and fans will have three versions to choose from: a DVD with the movie and interviews with the producer and director, a limited collector's edition which also includes a bonus DVD filled with ‘making of’ goodies and information, and the special edition (both DVDs) with a Briareos figure. The movie's OST has already been released stateside, so you can enjoy the music while waiting for the movie to hit the shelves.

Hey, Answerman, I have a few questions that should all have short answers. First off, I was curious as to what are the 2 longest running anime. Not right now, just at any time. Second, how lond did they run? And finally, how did they air? Meaning, daily or weekly?
That's all.
Thank you Answerman - Matt

Doraemon is the top dog of all time, having over 2000 episodes on its resume. Sazae-san comes in a close second with over 1700 episodes, even though the series has been on the air longer (since 1969, versus Doraemon in 1973). Some thirds (though they're hardly close in count) would be Dragon Ball/Z/GT with 500 episodes, Detective Conan with 400, and Pokémon with 400.
The longest running manga title is Kochikame (Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo) by Akimoto Osamu and has run for over 110 volumes in Shonen Jump.

Dear Ms. Answerman,
Hey just wanted to say you are doing a great job, so thank you so much for all your hard work.
Anyway I was wondering how many volume of the Fullmetal Alchemist will be released in the US? Also how many different "tins" will be released?
The first tin holds 5 DVD, and many people on the board believe this series to be 13 volumes and 3 special tins.
I am a huge Monster fan, I just can't get enough of this show.
The encyclopedia says that it will cover 70+ episodes, do you have any new info on exactly how many shows will be made. Also how does this show fair in the rating for Japan? Do you think that this show will be picked up soon for a US release, or more then likely (If at all) after the show has finished it run.
Thanks,
Delta Kiral

I've been getting this FMA question a lot, so I thought I'd point out this news article that was posted last year. In case you're lazy and don't feel like clicking the link, it says that FMA will be released in 13 volumes and three box sets.
Monster is set to run for 72 episodes, which is a good number considering the fact that most shows aren't slated to run past 26 episodes unless the ratings are solid. I'm not sure what the ratings are like in Japan, but they have to be high enough to keep this show running (it's not uncommon for shows to be cut halfway if the ratings are poor). I'm also a big fan of Monster and love watching it, but I'd be surprised if this series is ever licensed. The characters are realistic (both in design and personality), the plot is complicated, and the show prefers conversation over action. This would actually be a great show for people who don't like anime because of the way anime looks or themes it focuses on, but it's extremely hard to release something when the target audience wouldn't buy anime in the First Place. As for normal anime fans, the only ones who'd buy it would be those who want a series that's ‘different’ from the rest of the anime out there.

Anime/etc stores online:

Anime/Manga/Misc
http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/
http://www.digitaleyes.net/
http://www.overstock.com/
http://www.rightstuf.com/
http://www.buydvd.com/
http://www.animecornerstore.com/
http://www.yayanime.com/
http://www.animecastle.com/
http://www.animegamersusa.com/
http://www.animenation.com/
http://www.tmpanime.com/
http://www.sasugabooks.com/ ((both Japanese and English goods))

CDs
http://www.deepdiscountcd.com/

Japanese Goods
http://www.jlist.com/ ((this site will direct you to two different areas: the ‘under 18 goods’ and ‘all goods including adult’))
http://www.japanesegifts.com/ ((I personally recommend this store for their speedy service and great items))

Imports
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/
http://us.yesasia.com/en/index.aspx
http://www.amazon.co.jp/ ((Japanese language only))
http://www.lik-sang.com/
http://www.play-asia.com/
http://shop.himeya.com/

Search engines
http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/ ((compares prices from various online stores and searches for the best deals))
http://www.anime-planet.com/vendors/ ((can't find what you want in the list above? There are more online stores listed here))