ADV has Clannad?

OK ... I had planned on starting off this anime blog with my top 10 favorite anime of all time. But some bigger news may have broke this afternoon.

Sources are telling posters at Anime on DVD's forums that ADV has licensed Clannad.

ANN: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7809

Of course, we've gotten no official confirmation from ADV yet. If this is true ... it is the first real sign that ADV is back following the Sojitz failed partnership.

Matt Greenfield stated at Otakon that they were 'so close' on a few licenses, but because of what they had been through, they didn't want to announce anything until it was absolutely final. They also said that once things were finalized, they wouldn't wait around for a major convention to announce it.

Having seen Air and most of Kanon (minus Vol. 6), and having seen some of Clannad, I'm personally very excited about this license. But even if this title isn't something you would like, the fact that ADV is licensing known shows again leads you to believe that more is to come. Their new financial backer (still unnamed) is willing to pay to get ADV back on the map. And I couldn't be happier.

Our "home" convention, Ohayocon, has been an ADV hangout in the past few years. This year will likely be no different, especially considering Greenfield himself will be the one "roasted" this year. Last year, Greenfield was mostly quiet - only previewing the first couple episodes of Gurren Lagaan (which were awesome, BTW). This year, if the company is rebounding as it seems, the mood should be much lighter. Plus, it will be easier to "roast" Greenfield now that his company is headed in the right direction again.

ADV has always been one of my favorite companies. I hope they make a strong comeback. It would be some good news in the anime industry for a change.

I will continue to follow this situation and post an update if we get a confirmation from ADV.

Also ... I'll be posting thoughts from the year in conventions for us in 2008. We went to three (so far): It started at Ohayocon in January, then went to ColossalCon in Beachwood, OH in June, then finished at our first huge con - Otakon in Baltimore in August. I'll have more to say about this ... but seeing JAM Project live in concert at Otakon is the highlight of my anime year, without a doubt.

Welcome to the KOR's Anime Blog

For those who might be fans of Japanese animation, welcome to the King of Online Radio anime blog. I will be posting thoughts on anime news, DVD releases and TV airings. I will also post photos and videos from conventions we attend.

Coming soon (maybe later today), I will make my first full blog post ... the beginning of the countdown of my top 10 favorite anime.

See you then!