Bandai recently launched the official Crest of the Stars website. It will provide the latest news and information such as character biography, release dates, etc. Banner of the Stars will continue the Crest of the Stars series by Hiroyuki Morioka. The first volume, Banner of the Stars: No Turning Back will feature an interactive menu, Japanese and English voice tracks, English subtitles, and Bandai Previews. It will also include various DVD goodies and bonus materials such as a reversible collector's cover, Hiroyuki Morioka's commentary, Banner of the Stars Glossary, and Crest of the Stars Summary. The volume will hit streets on January 21st.

Bandai also announced the premier screenings of Argentosoma and Kikaider at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention on February 9, 2003. It will start at 11:00 till 1:00 PM. A $5 admission fee is required. The early birds will receive Argentosoma t-shirts, .hack//SIGN posters, Cowboy Bebop postcards, and other promotional items. Be sure to call for more information:

Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention Shrine Auditorium Expo Center 700 West 32nd St. Los Angeles, California (818) 954-8432

TOKYOPOP has set a May 13th release date for Saint Tail - The Final Collection. It contains volume 6-8 and will retail for $69.99.

Speaking of release dates, ADV Films recently announced release dates for a multitude of titles. Dai-Guard: In the Red (volume 5) and The Devil Lady: The Strengthening (volume 3) are set for April 1st. NOIR: The Hit List (volume 2), Excel Saga: Going Way Too Far! (volume 6), Chance Pop Session: Session Three (volume 3), City Hunter: .357 Magnum, Compiler, and Rune Soldier: Enter the Klutz (volume 1) for a April 8th release. The anticipated RahXephon-Orchestration One: Threshold (volume 1) will hit streets on March 25th. Check here for more detailed information on each series.