Bandai Entertainment caused a frenzy at their New York Comic Con panel on Friday afternoon with two new license announcements: the acquisition of GUNDAM 00, which recently completed its first season in Japan, and the surprise news they will be bringing Aniplex's release of the GAINAX series GURREN LAGANN to North America.

From the press release:

The 27-episode science fiction, comedy action series centers on Simon, Kamina and Yoko, youths who live in an underground village on a future earth. They become embroiled in a conflict with surface “Beastmen” who pilot mech known as Gunmen, one of which they take for themselves and name GURREN, and lead the battle against the Beastmen. Recently the series won “best television series” and “best character design” at the 2008 Tokyo Animation Fair (TAF).

Because of the overwhelming desire by fans to have this title released, Bandai Entertainment Inc. will create a subtitle only initial release of the series in three parts. Vol. 1 of the sub only release will contain episodes 1-9 and be released on July 8th for $29.98 with a pre-sale occurring the weekend of Anime Expo 2008. Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 of the subtitled only version will be released in August and September respectively. In early 2009, an all new English dub version will be released with Japanese audio and English subtitles with both a regular and special editions. More details on the 2009 release pattern and spec will be announced later this year.

Of course, keep your eyes on RightStuf.com for the pre-order news, when it's available!