As we reported a while back in July, Viz has announced they are going to be putting out a so-called “omnibus” version of the manga, which in a single volume will collect three individual volumes of the original “graphic novel” run. The first of these is apparently due out 06 May 2008 for a retail price of $17.99, though RightStuf has it listed for a pre-order price of $13.49. This should cover Dragon Ball volumes one, two, and three… which itself covers chapters one to thirty-six.

We will give details on the cover art and assorted other things as they come in.

MidoriVX points us over to SuperHeroHype.com — apparently some filming for the upcoming American live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball is going to be done in Mexico…? This negates what we heard earlier about being filmed in Canada. Then, of course, there is what was posted earlier today on Anime News Network regarding James Kyson Lee (who I guess does something in the TV show “Heroes”…?) auditioning for the role of Yamcha.

These covers have been out for a while, but it just would not be the same without posting something about them. Discs #22 and #23 contain six episodes, while disc #24 contains five episodes, all covering episodes 127 thru 143. These beautiful DVDs were released 07 November 2007.

You can still order any of the released Z discs or any of these discs from Amazon Japan. Also, for the first time, you can pre-order the first two Dragon Ball GT discs.

Word on the street from quite a few people is that the new re-release of both the Bardock and Trunks TV specials, which FUNimation is releasing as a “double feature” combining both TV specials on a single DVD, is going the route of the faux-“remastered” nonsense as the rest of the TV series. We are extremely disappointed to hear this, although it comes as absolutely no surprise. Apparently the latest disc inserts from FUNimation have a confirmation on this.

Thanks to everyone on the forum for the info.

Tanooki Kuribo points us to toywiz.com, which has updated with some pre-orders for new DBZ figures from Bandai:

I guess these look kinda cool. We will check them out upon release, which appears to be in February.

Atari’s much delayed financial statement for Q1 2007 has been released, to the tune of a $12 million loss. They are concerned about being able to continue as a company. This is looking pretty fantastic.

The official “Sparking! METEOR” website has updated with another batch of passwords (in addition to the three from before) for some super-duper awesome maximum power crazy versions of Trunks, Piccolo, Gohan, and Boo.

As posted over on Anime News Network:

A proven leader in the action figure and youth electronics categories, Bandai America Incorporated today announced that it is returning to FUNimation Entertainment’s Dragon Ball Z franchise as the North American master toy licensee. Fans of all ages are poised to see one of their favorite brands, considered one of the most successful anime properties from Japan, recapture the excitement since Bandai America’s last Dragon Ball Z lineup in 2000.

“We are proud of this partnership with Bandai America and we look forward to unveiling the new line,” said Bob Brennan, director of licensing at FUNimation Entertainment. “We are confident that together with Bandai we can move into the new era of Dragon Ball Z.”

“Beginning Spring 2008, the Dragon Ball Z toy line will be reborn like no one has ever seen before,” said Colleen Sherfey, director of marketing, Bandai America. “With our expertise in action figures, existing fans will have their ravenous demand for exclusive Dragonball products satiated, while new kids will be drawn in by the unique play patterns and toys.”

So there you go. All sorts of information to chew on. Enjoy!