TOKYOPOP News from Otakon

TOKYOPOP announced at last weekend’s Otakon that they consider the editorial changes to character names for the American version of Initial D, “a decision we made, to make it the best product possible.” As a result of the editing, Initial D manga volumes 3 on up will not be labeled as “100% Authentic.” TOKYOPOP confirmed that the American home video subtitled release will include the original Japanese Eurobeat music while the dubbed version may use original American music. Some, perhaps all, of of the Japanese Initial D soundtracks will be released domestically. However, in spite of the alterations made to Initial D to insure American mainstream acceptance, the series has not yet been optioned for American television broadcast.

TOKYOPOP presently has no plans to license the popular GTO live action Japanese television drama, but a future license is not out of the realm of possibility.

The Marmalade Boy TV series will tentatively debut in America in February or March 2003.

Source: Anime News Network