2009 is Crossover Crazy!

It’s crossover madness this week on Robot Punch! In 2009, we’ll be treated to serving after serving of never before imagined match-ups between some of Japan’s (and our) favorite characters! We may be closer to finally putting those nerdy debates to rest over whose favorite characters can beat up whom. But the ones who do walk away victorious, for the most part, are up to you!

Shounen Magazine Vs. Shounen Sunday

In Western culture, most comic books are sold monthly in thin, “brochure” format, each dedicated to a single title. Meanwhile, in Asia, comics are typically released on a weekly basis in collected anthologies. Each of these hosting about 5-10 separate series in thick, back & white printed books. Thanks to shows like Naruto and One Piece, America has been introduced to this format in the form of Shounen Jump Magazine.

Later this year, two of Japan’s mightiest publications, Kodansha’s Shounen Magazine and Shogakukan’s Shounen Sunday will pit their characters in a one-on-one 3D fighting game on the PSP. Along with some more obscure characters, players will be able to assume the title characters of Inu Yasha and Hajime no Ippo (aka Fighting Spirit).

Here is the current list of series to be included in the game, with more hopefully to come:

• Air Gear
• Fairy Tail
• Hajime no Ippo
• Inu Yasha
• Hayate no Gotoku
• Sakigake!! Cromartie High School
• Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi
• Kekkaishi
• Zettai Karen Children

A release date for Japan has not yet been set and it’s uncertain whether this game will make a North American release. If you’re a hardcore fan of any of these series, keep an eye out for your favorite video game importer, just in case!

Lupin III Vs. Detective Conan

No, not Conan the Barbarian. Though imagining the ancient Cimmerian crossing swords with Goemon would be an awesome scene! In this case, it is the pint-sized star of the English-titled Case Closed series. And who better to chase the world’s most illusive thief than the world’s most clever detective?

The two characters will match wits in an animated television special, set to air in this month. The special will be used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yomiuri TV and the 55th anniversary of NTV, the respective hosts of Conan and Lupin’s animated television series.

Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom

It’s the crossover game from Capcom that nobody asked for but now everyone wants! Unlike previous “Versus” games, this is the first of it’s kind to be rendered in 3D. But an extra dimension far from slows the action down from the genre’s high-speed reputation!

Unfortunately, the chances of this game getting a North American release is slim-to-none, due to legal red tape. While Tatsunoko alone holds the licensing rights to its own characters in Japan, many of their characters are held by a handful of companies in North America and Europe.

There is some hope, however, in that the character licenses are the only known roadblock. Since half the game’s characters and all of the game’s mechanics are owned by Capcom, they could produce an alternative version, sans Tatsunoko. Since half a cast would mean half the fun, Capcom could instead find another intellectual property to fill that slot. And thus perpetuating the eternally springing hope for Marvel fans.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy

Chances are pretty good that you’ve heard of this title. Much like Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom, Dissidia: Final Fantasy was released in Japan by the tail end of 2008. However, 2009 will truly be the year that these titles shine brightest.

While not so much a crossover of different brands, Dissidia brings fan-favorite characters from each Final Fantasy game together in ways only dreamed of in the past. Players can now lay to rest their bets on which hero are the most skilled warrior or—even more fun—unleash the forces of evil upon itself to see which demons reign supreme.

You’re also welcome to create your own mix of match ups, in case you’ve always wondered if Cloud Strife might have been the better man for the job to take out Kefka, if given the chance.

Dissidia may be what it takes to revive a dwindling PSP market in America when it’s released stateside in mid-2009.

Do you have crossovers that you’d love to see? Anime, video game, or otherwise? Post your fanboy fantasies in the comments below!