Cartoon Network is set to air anime series GUNDAM SEED and DETECTIVE CONAN, beginning in April.
The latest GUNDAM anime series will air on its weekend Action Block. GUNDAM SEED's appearance on the Cartoon Network will roughly coincide with the release of the first volume of the GUNDAM SEED manga from Del Rey on April 30. The series was a huge hit in Japan, where it brought the GUNDAM franchise back to the top of the TV ratings and stimulated tie-in merchandise sales. Rights holder Bandai America plans a huge new line-up of GUNDAM toys to roll out in 2004 as well.
DETECTIVE CONAN will air in Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block, which is expanding to six nights a week starting April 17. The series has consistently posted the top TV ratings for an anime series in Japan over the past year and remains a top-rated show. Funimation, which owns the U.S. rights to DETECTIVE CONAN, is currently producing the U.S. adaptation.
Cartoon Network, seen in 85.7 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering animated entertainment. For more information, visit www.cartoonnetwork.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
