Yes, it is true. The Ah! My Goddess TV series, which just aired it's 7th episode Thursday night has already been licensed for distribution in America by Media Blasters.
Why so quick you may ask? Well, there are two possible reasons: one bad and one wonderful.
Possible bad reason first: It gives them a reason to crack down on fansubs. American companies typically don't release a series in America (anime that is, not manga) until it has completed it's run in Japan. This is becoming more and more common, and they did the same thing to Tenchi Muyo OVA 3 (fortunately, it looks like that will be released in the US late this year / early next year). Lord knows an American company has just been sitting on the license for Naruto for months.
The good reason is far more hopeful, but less likely. Media Blasters may begin selling Season one shortly after the 26th episode airs - which is still 5 months away). If not, it may be a few years until we get this over here :(
There is a third, HIGHLY unlike possibility too, but the chances are very remote. They may decide to release it in a few months, and try to keep pace with Japan, lagging only a few months behind. It has happened, but not very often. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!
Larry
20-Feb-2005