ADV Films announced the acquisition of the exclusive broadcast and home video rights for the new Fist of the North Star anime trilogy, which is based on the manga series and anime feature film. 

 

The Anime Network will be exclusively broadcasting the new trilogy prior to the home video release on DVD, which is expected in the late spring or early summer of this year.

 

The Fist of the North Star manga, which was released in the early '80s, sold over 60 million copies in five languages.  This success led to two television series, two animated movies, a live action film, numerous video games, action figures (see 'New Product Announcement:  New Fist of the North Star Action Figures') and other licensed merchandise based on the ultra-violent post-apocalypse hero.

 

Several anime titles have parodied Fist of the North Star, including Magical Shopping Arcade, which is available from ADV Films.

 

The upcoming new Fist of the North Star trilogy should put a new burst of life into related products in the line, including the manga from Gutsoon.