Geneon (formerly Pioneer Animation) has announced five new anime series, which will be available in English for the first time when they are released this June and July.  Gad Guard, a 26-episode series from Gonzo, is out first on June 22.  The first Gad Guard DVD has a suggested retail price of $29.98 ($44.98 with collector's box).  Gad Guard is a mecha-heavy science fiction series with a jazzy upbeat score, which should please fans of one of anime's most popular genres. 

On June 29 Geneon will release the first DVD of R.O.D. the TV ($29.98, $44.98 w/box) the sequel to very impressive Read or Die anime released last year by Manga Entertainment.  While Gad Guard finished its Japanese run in 2003, R.O.D. the TV is still on the air in Japan, demonstrating once again the shrinking gap between when the typical anime series airs in Japan and when an English version is released in the U.S.

Geneon will release the first volumes of three new (to the U.S.) anime series on July 6.  Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi ($29.98, $39.98 w/box) is the sequel to the highly romantic (and very popular) Ai Yori Aoshi, while the Gungrave anime ($29.98, $39.98 w/box) is based on the popular arcade and PS 2 games.  The third anime to receive its U.S. debut on July 6 is Hajime no Ippo (retitled Fighting Spirit for its American release) a 75-episode series which aired in Japan from 2000 to 2002 and is simply one of the best sports anime productions ever.  The story is basic, a weak youngster turns to the 'sweet science' to defend himself from bullies, but the characterizations are strong and the story compelling.