2chan.us

Since you replied to this, I feel compelled to respond. I used to be the Executive Editor of Newtype USA and feel strongly about this.

No, Otaku USA is not a “good pub.” It’s a magazine that stole its ideas, format, look, “USA” suffix, DVD and layout from Newtype USA and banked largely on consumer confusion at the newsstand to sell issues (which got even easier when NTUSA went away, lucky for you guys). You proceeded to trumpet how unbiased a magazine it was while often having large news items/features promoting books the magazine’s editors and contributors had written. And you printed columns on vinyl toys written by a guy who makes a living selling those same toys and often spent lots of real estate promoting his own merchandise. Unbiased? Hardly. Finally, for a magazine that claims to be for only the “hardcore” fans Otaku USA has spent its last 3 recent months peddling only mainstream titles like Naruto, Bleach and Dragon Ball Z on its cover–apparently in a vaguely Beckett Anime-style attempt to sell issues. What’s on your next cover, InuYasha? One Piece? Oh, maybe Bleach again?

Let’s call a spade a spade. Otaku USA was conceived from the beginning as a Newtype USA copycat and will always be a poorly executed, amateurish dupe in my eyes. (Despite having the opportunity to do something original or fill the void left by Animerica’s departure.) My only regret is that ADV’s ill-advised business “tactics” in late 2007 caused Kadokawa to pull the Newtype license before Otaku USA fell back into the porta-potty from whence it came. Hopefully though, as your pool of anime advertisers shrinks and costs of paper/postage and that free DVD go up, you’re circling the bowl. Since you feel the need to advertise the mere existence of your magazine in a PiQ topic, maybe that time is near. I can only hope.

Sure I’m bitter. But when someone attempts to copy your act so completely like the way OUSA did (badly, thankfully–but it may have fooled some) I think I’m entitled.

Now, I don’t know much about this whole magazine thing, but isn’t the writing quality more important than having “USA” in the name? I guess not when all your articles were translated from Japanese anyway.

12/31/07:

• long lines (though shingo has my eternal gratitude for helping me bypass the worst one)
• neko miko reimu
• pornography

1/1/08:

• long lines
• rl mikos
• takoyaki

  I’m still debating which one wins out. Pictures of my ~$400 spent (wasted) at comiket possibly to follow, depending on whether or not Yodobashi has decent camera prices and will take my amex.

addendum: I will not be going to day 2 of c73, my legs hurt too much and I’ll end up spending a lot of money on doujins that I won’t read. there are a few circles that I regret missing (keroro rozen maiden crossover, these guys, but I want to be in good shape for tomorrow.

correction: the maritan card I got only says “FUCK’IN NEW YEAR.” I guess it’s up to you to make it a happy one.

I won a Gundam model in an OTAKU USA drawing.
Thanks, Patrick Macias. Thacias.

(Too bad I have no idea how you put it together.)