ADV Films recently announced an extensive manga line (see 'ADV Announces Manga Line'), but the mega-anime packager and distributor turned publisher is going to put out more than just manga.  In addition to its extensive list of manga titles and its monthly Newtype USA magazine, ADV also plans on publishing a number of anime illustration books, which quite naturally relate to the anime series that ADV is distributing here in the U.S.   The first two anime-related titles, the RahXephon Bible and Full Metal Panic! The Anime Mission, are slated for release in October.  Both of the anime illustration books will be listed in Diamond's September Previews (for November Shipping titles), but they will actually ship in October.

The RahXephon Bible will appear first on October 7.  RahXephon is the heir apparent to Neon Genesis Evangelion -- a modern masterpiece of mecha action set against a complicated, somewhat murky science fiction background.  The RahXephon Bible is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the RahXephon storyline with guides to the terminology and background of the science fiction epic as well as full-color original artwork, production sketches, mecha designs, and character profiles.  This essential 96-page guide has a cover price of $19.98.

Full Metal Panic! The Anime Mission ships two weeks later on October 21.  Full Metal Panic! combines elements of high school romance, mecha combat and character-based comedy into a delightful brew.  The heroine is high school girl, who doesn't know she needs protection, while the hero is a straight-laced Green Beret-type, who is a total fish-out-of-water in the high school setting.  The 96-page Full Metal Panic anime art book includes full color artwork, production sketches, interviews and weapon designs.  It also sports a cover price of $19.98.