Vice has some new PVC figures based on Murata's characters: PSE PRODUCTS #3, and PSE SOLID LINE 005 UJ14.

A discussion forum for all things Tsukasa and Murata has now been added to the site. Play nice, kids!

We have learned details about the Murata prints featured in the Compound Gallery's online shop, mentioned yesterday.

"They are prints from digital files provided by Mr.Murata. These images were created digitally so there is no drawing or painting they have been created from. This is the first time these files have been and will be printed. Each printed is limited  to 10 and is signed and numbered by Range Murata. The prints are on Kodak photo paper and are 18 x 24. There is roughly 1-2 inches of white space for framing purposes, so the actual image is a little smaller."

Also, just to mention... Nippon Export has raised the price of SPHERES++ from ¥1200 to ¥3215.

The Compound Gallery has added several Range Murata items to their online shop: signed copies of re: futurhythm, English copies of robot Vol. 1, robot Vol. 2, and several random prints. It is unclear what kind of prints the illustrations are, but hopefully more details will be added.

Copies of Murata's SPHERES+ and SPHERES++ are available at Nippon Export, at nicely non-jacked prices.

Sidenote... GONZO's official SOLTY REI animation site has been launched, and it is now clear that Murata is merely one of two concept designers. No character designs this time around.

Here are two high quality PVC figures based on two of Tsukasa's character designs for Psikyo's Sengoku Blade: Koyori and Hagane.

Almost forgot: WANI will be releasing Range Murata's third major professional release in autumn, titled 'form code.' The content is said to include illustrations from Kairakuten and the robot releases. A special black binder will be included.

robot Vol. 4 is set for release this September from WANI. No other details as of yet.

[Thanks lh!]

COMIKET 68 is long over, and both Murata and Tsukasa have introduced some new goods. Murata has released his latest [and probably last?] SPHERES release, SPHERES++. Tsukasa released 'DRAW' in limited quantities due to overstock from TB 2002, and it immediately sold out. Along with DRAW, he released a deluxe double poster set.

In other related news, yet another Hot Gimmick game will see release in the arcades, featuring more new artwork from Tsukasa Jun.

A new sample page for SPHERES Pre++ has been added.

Murata has very recently appeared at Anime Expo 2005 in California as a guest. During his visit, he discussed the background history on the forming of the robot manga compilation series, in addition to revealing some information on GONZO's upcoming anime project. Titled 'Maldox Scramble' [sp?], the series will feature Murata's character designs. Check this for some Q&A with the man himself.

Murata will be present at COMIKET 68 on August 14. His booth info. is present on his official site.

robot Vol. 3 has been delayed to 7/08. Check out WANI's recent official site update.

Sample pages for robot Vol. 2 and SPHERES PRE++ are coming shortly.

Details on the upcoming Last Exile - Memorial Fun Book can be found here [or purchased here.] This anthology doesn't actually include artwork by Murata, but there is a featured interview with him. The content consists of fan-style artwork and manga stories based on Last Exile.

robot Vol. 2 samples now up at WANI.

Anime News Network has a pretty ho-hum interview with Range Murata up.

You can view a picture of the robot Vol. 2 cover in the animated GIF at the top of WANI's main page.

The Last Exile Aerial Log has released today. Some essential stats.: hardcover, 136 pgs., 30% text, and includes two-sided pullout poster. No word on how much Murata artwork there is, but I'm not counting on a huge load. Expect lots of general series background information and the like. [Info. from TC.]

Vice has pictures of the lastest Murata PVC figure, PSE SOLID LINE 003 TRINODE. It is 200mm tall and priced at ¥9,240.

The Last Exile Aerial Log is up at Amazon Japan.

Digital Manga Publishing has announced that they will be releasing an English version of robot Vol. 1 in July. Awesome.

Here is the cover art for X-Nauts's release of Hot Gimmick Axes-Jong [as in Access Mahjong.] The girl in the foreground is Tsukasa's doing, and the LE of the game will include a mini art book with his illustrations.

Here is GoFa's page for the PSE Products 001 Skipper figure. Looks like the gray version is limited to 300 pieces, with the orange limited to 5000.

Finally, a release date for the Last Exile Aerial Log: February 23, 2005. TokyoCentral has it up for preorder. The price seems a bit steep, so hopefully the book will be heavy on the artwork end, and lighter on basic series information...

And... similarly, the PSE Solid Collection ver. 1.5 is up at TC.

Amazon Japan has the PSE Products 001 Skipper PVC figure up for preorder. It is due out from Vice on 3/25 for ¥4410. You can view Vice's picture page here. A gray version will also be available, as seen on Manganomori's page. [Thanks to little harlock for this bit.]

More Murata PVCs... Anime Grand will be releasing a 25cm 1/6 scale PVC figure of Blue Submarine No. 6's Kino. It will be ¥12000 and release next month. You can view images here. [Again, thanks to little harlock for the find.]

Look for an info. / sample page for the Tsukasa Bullet Special 2000 soon on the original doujinshi page.

Copies of Murata's SPHERES Pre ++ are back in stock at TokyoCentral, as well as a few sets of the PSE Solid Collection.

In his latest journal entry, Tsukasa mentions that he will be appearing at Comic Treasure in Osaka on 1/30. He will be selling TB2002, TB2004, the COMIKET 66 posters, and the TB2005 calendar.

Information and images have been added for Eternal Chain under Murata's game contribtion page.

Tsukasa has illustrated a new top image for the Kacchu Musume home page.

PSE Solid Collection ver. 1.5 has been announced. There are no new figures in this set, only different color schemes.

Right Stuf has the PSE additional card package u.s. limited edition version back in stock.

A new page for the Pasta's Estab. 10th Anniversary Bibliography has been added. Scans of the actual fliers are included. These fliers pack a boatload of Murata history into them and have introduced a good chunk of missing information for this very site. Check out the newly revised and updated original doujinshi page to see the wealth of new information.