I always love this time of the year, because so many conventions are taking place... and that means new license announcements. The one that excited me most was Funimation's acquisition of the fantasy anime, "Fairy Tale." There had been rumors, but this weekend's announcement at Sakura-Con put those rumors in place. Funi expects to release the 1st 48 episodes on DVD and Blu-ray later this year most likely in sets of 12 episodes each.

Other noteable announcements are as follows: Bandai Entertainment adds Star Driver Kagayaki no Takuto Anime; Sentai Filmworks adds Senko no Night Raid and (just announced) Clamp's Kobato; Funimation adds Aria the Scarlet Ammo for Simulcast. I'm sure we can look forward to more!

And now for the site updates, which are listed below:

Summary/pics from Medabots Season 3 Episode 10.
Images of Bakugan Mechtanium Surge Episodes 7 added.
Images added of Digimon Xros Wars Episode 34.
A Shrine to Merlock Holmes of Flint the Time Detective (see "Extras").
Dog Days added to the "New From Japan" 2011 link.
Added images from episodes 3 of the OVA Gundam Unicorn.

First let's start with a few license acquisitions that took place since my last post. Funimation announced the home video and broadcast rights to Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. There was a rumor going around that this may hit Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, but that is unconfirmed at this time. Also, NIS America announced recently they had picked up the rights to the anime series Katanagatari and Arakawa under the Bridge. Both series will be released with English subtitles on Blu-ray and DVD (Combo pack) in July.

Next: Bakugan Spoiler Alert! Oops...looks at image. Too late!! That's right, it's the return of Spectra!! He will be joining the Brawlers this season to battle along side Shun and Marucho while Dan is gone. You can read about more spoilers at TOONZONE.NET.

Let's get to the updates, which are the following:

Images of Bakugan Mechtanium Surge Episodes 5 & 6 added.
Images of Bleach episode 316 Added.
Character summary for Bleach's Kenpachi Zaraki added.
Images added of Digimon Xros Wars Episode 32.
Images of Heroman episode 9 added.
Added images from episodes 5 thru 7 of Mobile Fighter G Gundam.

After a month long hiatus, which due to the circumstances in Japan was probably a good thing, Digimon Xros Wars returns in its new time slot of Sunday Mornings. Along with the new time, our Digidestined this Season have a slightly new look…..shower…bath….haircut….whatever… Anyway, the episodes should prove to be very exciting. No word on licensing yet….oh well..

I could regurgitate all of the shows that Crunchyroll will be simulcasting this season, but why not just say, "a lot!" What I will mention Is how happy I am that Sentai Filmworks has licensed "Angel Beats," which will include an English dub! I haven't seen all of the episodes, but I do remember one very touching episode that had me close to tears. Basically, the story is about kids who, after passing on, fight against their eventual fate. Those of you lucky enough to attend Anime Boston in April will get to see it's dub premiere. It's a definite buy for me!

Updates this time are as follows:

Summary/pics from Medabots Season 3 Episode 9.
Added some Medabot avatars in the extras section.
Dragon Crisis added to the "New From Japan" 2011 link.
Images of Bakugan Mechtanium Surge Episode 4 added.
Images of Bakugan Gundalian Invaders eps 37 & 38 added.
Images added of Digimon Xros Wars Episode 19.
Added images from Bleach episodes 314 & 315 to that section.