New Information on English Newtype Magazine

The release of the English version of popular Japanese anime magazine Newtype is now scheduled to begin in early spring 2002. Digital Manga has issued a press release stating that the extended preparation time “assure a high quality magazine packed with features and accessories befitting the name Newtype – a big magazine with vivid colors, full double page spreads that cover the spectrum of anime.”

Early statements claimed that the magazine would focus mainly on current and upcoming news and anime in Japan and essentially be a English language adaptation of the Japanese magazine, but in what may be a significant priority shift, the most recent press release from Digital Manga suggests that, in actuality, the American version of Newtype will be little different than an expanded version of veteran domestic anime magazine Animerica. According to the press release, “The English language version of Newtype will be tailored to North American and European audiences, focusing on shows that are popular outside of Japan. But the magazine will also publish pieces on shows just released in Japan, providing for a balanced look at the global anime community.”

Anime News website Akadot, affiliated with the domestic version of Newtype, has announced that it will reduce its own publishing to the Akadot website by ¾ in order to concentrate on production of the print Newtype magazine.

Akadot has opened a questionnaire to the English speaking anime fan community seeking imput on what American and European fans would like to see included in the American version of Newtype.