Cartoon Network has acquired 26 episodes of .HACK//SIGN and added the Japanese animated series to its Saturday lineup of action/adventure programming, starting Saturday, February 1, 2003 at 3 pm (ET, PT). .HACK//SIGN (typically referred to as "dot hack") takes place in "The World," an immersive virtual gaming environment of the future where millions of players log on each day to test their skill in virtual adventures and battles. The series features character designs by illustrator Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who has worked on NEON GENESIS EVANGELION and WINGS OF THE HONNEAMISE. The story was scripted by Kazunori Ito (GHOST IN THE SHELL, PATLABOR) and directed by Kouichi Mashimo. And there is more good news for "dot hack" fans. Bandai Entertainment has announced that March 18, 2003 is the release date for the .HACK//SIGN platinum series DVD box set.
