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First of all, you have probably noticed that this issue of PROTOCULTURE ADDICTS is unusually late (yes, again). We are very sorry about this situation and are (as always) working hard to correct it. The fact that we are under-staffed (only two persons), that the Special Issue #1 took longer than expected to produce (someone who was suppose to help, did not), that we experienced some personal upheavals and even bad weather (December was so dark, rainy and gloomy that we were demoralized, always sleepy, often sick and hardly resisting the call for hibernation) were all causes that made it impossible for us to give the magazine to the printer before it close down for the Holidays -- adding to the delay.
However, it gave us some time to think about the contents, make few more corrections, and to decide that (to atone for this delay) we would add more color pages! We hope that the result will be good and that you will enjoy it. And don't worry about the delay. Next issue should be on time since we have adjusted our schedule: #44 (formerly announced for January) has become the February/March issue and should be available at the end of February.
Japanese were once living in a bubble of invulnerability. They were thinking that their technology and their social development would keep them in security from all harm. With such catastrophe like Kobe's earthquake and Aum Cult terrorist attacks, their sense of security shattered as easily as the bubble economy did. Now, they are feeling psychologically and spiritually insecure and are searching themselves ("Who is this? This is myself. Who am I? This is myself. Myself is me..." like Hideaki Anno said through his EVANGELION's character, Shinji). Their inner world crumbled -- Japan is changing -- and they are looking to rebuilt it.
That is probably why we see much more anime with deeper psychological subjects like love or identity crisis. This new trend brought us many great shows like WHISPER OF THE HEART, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION and... VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE.
This issue feature a short guide (over sixteen pages!) to the world of ESCAFLOWNE, with an overview of its story, its character and mecha files and a short synopsis for each episode. The rumor says that one of the North American releaser is currently negotiating to acquire the rights of ESCAFLOWNE. We hope they will succeed, so everybody could more easily enjoy this excellent anime. This issue is also offering a report on one of the greatest American anime convention: Anime Expo '96. Miyako Graham have talked to many of the guests and is giving us here many anecdotes. Finally, you will find in those pages more of our precious news and reviews.
1996 was an excellent year for Japanese animation. We have seen so many good titles. We will probably most remember EVANGELION, that was quite excellent, and ESCAFLOWNE, that was even greater. Let's hope that 1997 will be better and let us wish you all that this new year will be your best and your happiest. Let it bring peace and prosperity to the world -- it surely need it. We will continue, here at Protoculture, to do our best to promote anime & manga, and to keep our dear readers well informed. But right now, let me just go back to sleep! Zzzzzz...
Claude J. Pelletier