Bandai announced to an overflowing Otakon panel room today that they would be releasing Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED (Mobile Fighter Gundam SEED) next year. The 52-episode TV series is the story of friends Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala, and the war that brings them together and apart. The series will soon end its run in Japan, and Sunrise is preparing to air a second season.

Also on the Gundam end, Bandai repeated its Anime Expo announcement that Zeta Gundam would be released first in a full box set (the price of which is not currently set) early next year, and then the individual volumes.

Other news bits:

• The second season of The Big O can be found on DVD this December.
• The final volume of .hack//SIGN will most likely suffer a short delay, but for good reason. It will contain new episodes 27 and 28, and some new extras.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex will be out ...soon, says Bandai.
• The Infinite Ryvius limited edition first volume will include a box, mini pencil board, and plushie.
• The .hack//SIGN first CD soundtrack will be released as a standalone product at the end of October.
• Galaxy Angel will see release early next year.
• A new kiddie Gundam show titled Superior Defender will be on DVD next year, and will appear on television.