Two site openings, one belated April Fool’s joke…

As many of you are aware by now, GONZO’s next project will attempt to retell the story of the long-lasting feud between the two noble families of Verona, the Capulets and the Montagues; not to mention the fate of these two young ill-fated lovers:


Romeo


Juliet

Did I mention this all takes place in a floating city now known as “Neo Verona”?

  • Director: Oizaki Fumitoshi (Kaleido Star series, originally a key animator)
  • Series Composition: Yoshida Reiko (Kaleido Star, Maria-sama ga Miteru, Canvas2, ARIA, REC, Shinigami no Ballad, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
  • Sound Director: Satou Junichi (Ojamajo Doremi, Princess Tutu, Keroro Gunsou, Fushigiboshi no Futagohime, ARIA)

As far as I can tell, this will be Oizaki’s first time filling in the position of director for an animated series — he’s probably better known for his Keroro Gunsou anime character designs. Should note that he’s also the man responsible for that effervescent NHK ni Youkoso ED1 sequence we’ve all grown to love. This one should prove to be interesting, seeing what he can accomplish while in the director’s chair.

You may also now visit the official “Romeo X Juliet” website here.
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The official website to “Wellber no Monogatari 〜Sisters of Wellber〜” is also available for the first time today. The series is expected to premiere April 2007.

  • Director: Hamana Takayuki (The Prince of Tennis/Idaten Jump)
  • Series Composition: Maekawa Jun (The Prince of Tennis/Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters/Onegai My Melody ~Kuru Kuru Shuffle!~)
  • Character Design: Iizuka Haruko (The Prince of Tennis, Two Samurais, The First Game/Tsubasa Chronicle: Torikago no Kuni no Himegimi)/Takahashi Nariyuki (Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street)
  • Music: Dobashi Akio (ex-Rebecca)
  • Animation Studio: Production I.G/Trans Arts
  • Producer: Avex Entertainment/Zoomflicker/Production I.G

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Can someone please explain to me just why the hell a highly refined studio such as Madhouse is taking a risk with producing an animated adaptation to that awful 2D side-scrolling MMORPG known as “Maple Story“? Is the game even popular anymore? Apparently so :/

Source.