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'Case Closed' may see
wider DVD release

Fans of the anime series "Case Closed" -- "Detective Conan" in Japan -- may have noticed a small mystery developing in the series' American DVD releases over the past year.

When the series about the pint-size detective debuted last August, Funimation released the first four episodes of the first season on one DVD, and the first three episodes of season four on another.

Fast forward to the present, where Funimation is deep in its release of season five after finishing season four earlier this year. The first season ... well, there's that one DVD.

But it appears that this might be about to change. Funimation has posted a survey at www. caseclosed.com asking fans whether they'd buy the series' first 52 episodes on DVD and what premium items -- keychains, postcards, etc. -- they'd like to see in a starter box set.

There's no certainty that Funimation will follow through, of course, but this is an encouraging sign ...

MangaBento meets

It's a new month, which means it's time for another new batch of meeting times for local anime/manga art group MangaBento. The group will meet the first three Saturdays of the month, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 6, 13 and 20. The meeting place is the same -- the Academy Art Center at Linekona, 1111 Victoria St. For more information, check out the Web forums at manga-bento.doomdragon.com.

DVD pick of the week

"Kodocha" vol. 1, from Funimation: Here's the story of a Sana, a child superstar; Sana's manager, whom she jokingly calls her "pimp"; Sana's mom, a best-selling writer who houses a squirrel in her hair; and Akito, a bully who threatens the peace in Sana's class. Here's hoping Funimation generates enough interest to justify releasing all 102 episodes.