What have we learned this week, Toonami faithful?
MegaMan Battle Network is NOT coming to Toonami (Megaman NT Warrior, as it's now called, is headed to Kids' WB! this summer). This wasn't unexpected, considering that many people compared this series to Pokemon, and to be honest, nobody wants to see a Pokemon-like series on Toonami.
And changes are coming to Toonami on March 17.
This is nothing new (see WTS #25 and WTS #27). What is new is what will be added on Monday, March 17 in addition to the new look and the final 15 episodes of Dragonball Z.
A samurai named Kenshin.
Rurouni Kenshin, the popular franchise previously seen on Toonami in Latin America, is coming to the US Toonami starting on Monday, March 17 at 6:30 PM EST/PST. The story takes place years after the underlooked OVA, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal. Himura Kenshin, the hero with the X on his face, trying to atone his past sins, comes to the family dojo of Kamiya Kaoru, where he begins his new adventures. This series is MUCH lighter than the OVA, but it still maintains it's often violent action and great storyline along with light-hearted humor.
Like I said, Rurouni Kenshin is no stranger to the Toonami family. The series has appeared on Cartoon Network's Latin American lineups for a while before becoming a cornerstone of the relaunched Talisman action lineup, now known as (gasp!) Toonami.
It is a much welcome addition to the lineup that includes G-Gundam, Dragonball Z, and Yu Yu Hakusho. Wonder if Cartoon Network's smart enough to put Toonami vet Samurai Jack right after "Samurai X."
Dragonball GT fans (the fourteen of them out there) are extremely ticked off about FUNimation's plans for the series. Aside from the new logo, it was revealed that some episodes are going to be skipped. On purpose. They gave no explanation why they're going to be skipped, but one could figure they want to stretch out the short franchise even more. Shameful. It's a short series, the least they could do is dub ALL the fricken episodes.
On a non-Toonami note, I'm really enjoying Reign. With designs from the master of show openings Peter Chang (including C.O.P.S., the syndicated season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rugrats, along with his own creations Aeon Flux and Phantom 2040) and a very Shakespearean storyline, Reign is a very healthy diversion from the riotous action with limited plot found in every other anime series. Yeah, it's anime, despite the presence of South Korean-born American citizen Chang. If you're of age, check it out at midnight on Cartoon Network as well as the upcoming release in one week from Tokyopop!
Until we are one, later.
Jeff Harris
CNX Creator/Webmaster
February 14, 2003
