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 Another year draws to a close, and we find ourselves moving inexorably closer to the year 2000 and all the problems and promises that it brings. Many people have given up on the current century and sustain themselves by looking forward to the next. This "doom and gloom" approach extends even
to the anime industry as critics, industry insiders, and detractors say that
anime "is over" or is "dying" or any number of other things marking a decline
in its current state. (We at EX are even guilty of this
ourselves. Witness Chad Kime's article in this issue mourning
the death of the laserdisc.)But when you think about it, fans have a lot
to look forward to in 1999. 1998 was a good year for anime in many respects,
especially in the United States. Companies announced a large number of titles,
which we can look forward to in the year ahead and beyond. We even saw the
release of two of the most popular anime titles of all time—GUNDAM and ESCAFLOWNE. And
more and more anime- and manga-related products are washing up on our shores
as well. Anime in Japan is moving in new directions as well, with films such
as PERFECT BLUE stretching the limits of the genre and
creating innovative entertainment. But let those who do not enjoy change rest
assured that much remains the same—TV shows and
OVAs are still the norm and still have mass market
appeal.Of course, this increase in product means more
work trying to stay on top of who's got what and when things are going to be
released. And with the lineup for 1999 as full as it is, everyone will have
their hands full trying to keep up with the products that will continue to
find space on our video shelves during the coming year.1998 is coming to a close, and looking back
at the year that was, it has been an interesting ride. We've seen things we
never thought we'd see, and things we never thought we'd want to see. But
overall, we've continued to see the industry move forward and grow, which is
a good thing.At this time of the year, many companies in
Japan will be holding their bounenkai, parties which celebrate the close
of the old year and ring in the new, and we here at EX
feel like doing the same. Take this time to enjoy the holidays, your family
and friends, and everything else that makes the holidays special. We're going
to take a little break and remember the things that are important to us. I
hope that you find time in your busy schedules to do the same.Happy 
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  Charles McCarter
All contents submitted to EX are submitted and published on the basis of full assignment of copyright, unless otherwise agreed in advance and in writing. EX recognizes all copyrights and trademarks. Where possible, we acknowledge the copyright holder. Please contact us if we haven't credited your copyright and we'll correct any oversight. EX is a publication of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation. EX: The Online World of Anime & Manga ©1996-1998 EX, The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation. All Rights Reserved. |
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