Cel Shaded Jason Yadao

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Vote now for best in ’06 anime (sort of)

Music has its Grammys, movies have their Oscars and TV has its Emmys. And now, the anime industry has ... the Ammy Annies? The Triple A's? The Golden Otaku?

Whatever the nickname is, what is known is that the American Anime Awards, an industrywide effort, will debut during New York Comic Con on Feb. 24. Fans can vote for favorite actors and series at www.americananimeawards.com until Jan. 31.

There certainly is no lack of choices. The 12 categories contain anywhere from a low of 14 nominees (for best actor in a comedy) to a high of 23 (a tie between DVD package design and anime theme song).

What is a bit odd, however, are some of the nominations. Anime eligible for the awards include anything broadcast on TV, shown in theaters or sold on DVD in 2006.

This situation creates an odd hodgepodge of nominees. For instance, a series like "Maison Ikkoku" (released in Japan in 1986, with the last of its 96 episodes released in America in July) vies for the same award against "Nerima Daikon Brothers" (vintage 2006, first four episodes released Dec. 19). "Astro Boy," "Akira" and "Voltron"? All eligible.

And then there are the head scratchers. Most notable among them: Johnny Yong Bosch is nominated for his role in "Akira" ... as best actor in a comedy series. Last time I checked, "Akira" was all about cyberpunk and screams of "TETSUOOOOOOOOO!" ... not exactly a knee-slapper.

Still, it's an intriguing concept. Check back here on Feb. 26, though, when I'll offer a few awards for people and series snubbed in the Anime Awards nominations ...

Meeting roll call

» Oahu Anime Explorer: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at HMC Academy, 555 N. King St. Visit www.oahuanimeexplorer.com for more details and this month's trivia question ...