The Sweet Nectar of Freedom

Taped to my computer monitor at the Valley News is the first panel of a Dilbert cartoon, shown above. While I enjoy my work as photo editor, there are days that I miss telling stories with my camera. But since September, I'm doing one shift a month at the newspaper as a photographer. I've also filled in while others are on vacation. Here's a few of my favorites from 2010:









From above: Moored at Shaker Village Sailing Club in Enfield, N.H., Phil MacVicar, of Enfield, prepares Rain Maker, his Day Sailer class boat, for an excursion on Mascoma Lake last July; Volunteer Lori Lounsbury, right, of Lebanon, N.H., assists Robert Smith, of White River Junction, Vt., as he picks out food from the Upper Valley Haven's food shelf in November. Smith said the food was for a Thanksgiving dinner for himself and three others; Cecilia Vicuna-Keady, seen here with Pablo, a green wing macaw who is one of her family's pet birds, moved to the United States in 1988 and to the Upper Valley in 2004. Part of the Changing Face of the Upper Valley series; Dust catches the light as Royals catcher Shanna Duffy catches the ball in South Royalton, Vt., in June; Democrat Walter Hastings, of South Royalton, answers a voter's question during a forum held with fellow candidate Sarah Buxton organized by the Tunbridge Democratic Caucus at the Tunbridge Town Hall in July; Swimming at the ledges at True's Brook in Plainfield, N.H., for the first time in August, Will Blinkhorn, 8, of Hanover, N.H., pretends to surf while balancing on a log with his sister Caitlin Blinkhorn, 11; Jim Douthart, of Bradford, Vt., fills out paperwork after a shift as a passenger representative for Green Mountain Railroad's White River Flyer in September; Mascoma's players, including goalie Colleen Kelty, in helmet, and Taylor Nugent (5) celebrate their win over Mascenic in October.

Photographs © 2010 Valley News — may not be reprinted without permission

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe...

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.

And with that New Year's quote from American essayist Hamilton Wright Mabie, I wish you all—my blog readers, followers and friends—a Happy New Year filled with peace, hope and love of family and friends. Also, may manga fill each day of the coming 2011.

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Portrait Session

Making a portrait of a person is a challenge I particularly enjoy. A successful portrait to me captures the subject's personality while taking advantage of light and camera technique. Here's a few from this year I had fun doing:




From top, the McDonnell family along the First Branch of the White River in Tunbridge, Vt.; author William Craig at his home in Thetford, Vt.; my daughter Emma marks her 10th birthday with a portrait at home in Tunbridge.

You Can't Disappear From Me 4 of 4, Female Wolf's Boy 11, Cherry 50/2010 (m&c! 29 December 2010 manga and manhwa)

Boku kara Kimi ga Kienai © Aikawa Saki/Shogakukan [Serialized in Sho-Comi]
Published in Indonesia as You Can't Disappear From Me by Gramedia/m&c!

Though years and seasons may pass, I hope to always be by your side...

After two years of misunderstanding, Hotaru and Kousuke are finally together. Or are they? Hotaru's dad has to transfer for work reasons, and he plans to bring Hotaru along.

Ikinari long-distance relationship? What's going to happen to Hotaru and Kousuke now? See how our couple overcomes the odds in the You Can't Disappear From Me finale (volume 4 out now)

Female Wolf's Boy
© Han YuRang/Samyang
Published in Indonesia
by Gramedia/m&c!

Female Wolf's Boy 11 of 17 by Han YuRang

Mister Cool JaeHee grows increasingly besotted over EunSoo, so much so that he can't put a lid on his jealousy when he sees his girlfriend bantering with HoWon. Meanwhile, someone plots revenge against JaeHee and sights EunSoo squarely in the crosshairs.

What will HoWon do after learning that his favorite girl has been abducted?

Wait. HoWon? HoWon? Shouldn't that be JaeHee, m&c!? Let's GET! Female Wolf's Boy 11 and see who rescues the girl first.

MANGAZINES: Cherry 50/2010 premieres Yomogi Loves Money? and She, Between He and Me

Don't know the Sho-Comi/ChuChu/Ciao manga on the Cherry 50 cover, but I do know Yomogi Loves Money? debuts this issue. I am so hoping that this is Arai Kiyoko's money-grubber, childhood friends-troped Yomogi Mochi Yaketa? 「ヨモギもちヤケた？」, ex-ChuChu. But whether it proves as big a draw as Beauty Pop remains to be (doh-obvious) seen.

Also, haven't the foggiest as to what She, Between He and Me refers to, but it also premieres in this Cherry. Furthermore, must note that m&c seems to be serializing KOLONI comics in the mangazine; I see Princessa listed for page 338.

Ongoing series latest installments: 7 Centi! by Nanajima Kana (Memory 7 this issue), My Lovely Class Leader by Nishimura Tomoko (Episode 25), I Need You (Episode 4), Color of Sky, Color of Love by Ichikawa Show (Episode 3), Kiss & Harmony by Takamiya Satoru (Lesson 3), The Ring of God by Obara Shou (Episode 4) and Dawn Aria by Akaishi Michiyo (Episode 27).

KOLONI Local comics

m&c! liberates the second volume of Hans Jaladara's Intan Permata Rimba (on the right) as well as Be Boys by Van, Jalan Komik by Bayu Harditama/Fajareka Setiawan and Langit, Bumi, Samudra by a.k.a. (Click the titles for cover previews.)

m&c! manga, manhwa and manhua (2010.12.29)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. Bakugan Battle Brawlers 14: The Brawler's Last Stand by Sega Toys et al.

Bakugan Battle Brawlers 14: The Brawler's Last Stand by Sega Toys / Spin Master /Bakugan Project · TV Tokyo Dentsu

Not long after Webmaster Joe visits Danma and friends to inform them of the defeat of the Top 5, Dan receives a letter of challenge from Masquerade. Can Danma and Drago beat Masquerade and his evolved Bakugan, Hydra?

2. Confucius 5 by Ihara Sai/Lee Chi-ching (Culturecom)
3. Female Wolf's Boy 11 of 17 by Han YuRang

[Female Wolf's BOY] 「암컷늑대의 보이 (암컷늑대의 Boy)」 by Han YuRang Samyang (Kkonnim), soonjung Volume 11 first published in Korea 2007.10

Related
Based on the Korean Internet novel 암컷늑대의 BOY by i쿠키i조아 (iCookieiLike).

4. How to be a Man (Otona ni Naru Houhou) 5 of 8 by Yamada Nanpei

Otona ni Naru Houhou 「オトナになる方法」 by Yamada Nanpei Hakusensha, shoujo Volume 5 (bunko) first published in Japan 2001.09

Related series
Part of Yamada Nanpei's Kumiko & Shingo series (Series 6).

5. You Can't Disappear From Me (Boku kara Kimi ga Kienai) 4 of 4 by Aikawa Saki [Finale]

Boku kara Kimi ga Kienai 「僕から君が消えない」 by Aikawa Saki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.11

m&c! local comics

1. [Premiere] Be Boys by Van
2. Intan Permata Rimba 2 by Hans Jaladara
3. [Premiere] Jalan Komik by Bayu Harditama/Fajareka Setiawan
4. [Premiere] Langit, Bumi, Samudra by a.k.a

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Until Death Do Us Part 3, Zipang 5, Shattered Knife 6 (Level Comics 29 December 2010 manga)

And with that, this Level manga sked is done. Buh-bye.

Kidding! There's still the Lucky Luke - Menyusuri Sungai Mississippi or Lucky Luke: En remontant le Mississippi BD, which takes Luke down the Mississippi with Captain Barrows in a race to reach Minneapolis, all the while disrupted by rival skipper Lowriver. But over, above, beyond, obverse Luke — Mamoru!!

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S
Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]
Published in Indonesia as Until Death Do Us Part by Elex Media/Level Comics

The international terrorist organization “Plunder” launches an assault on the Ex Solid research center to steal the bio-chip the company developed in secret. The terrorists threaten to detonate bombs all over the metro—each C4 explosive weighing 100kg, which would claim casualties in the thousands and result in over ¥ 750 million in damages—if Mamoru & Co. do not hand over the bio-chip and Haruka. Mamoru counters with his terms: two billion dollars for both the chip and Haruka or no deal. [Additions from Ki-oon's Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, tome 3 summary and Nihil Sine Nefas scans]

What is Mamoru planning? Find out in Until Death Do Us Part 3, on sale today. (Mamoru fangirls, you can also drool over the blind swordsman's ripped abs while you're at it.)

Zipang 5 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

The JDS Mirai is ordered to dock to pave the way for talks to evacuate the Japanese soldiers in Gualdacanal. But while the Mirai crew get some needed R&R, Kusaka covertly meets with ex-military officer Ishihara and tells the story of Japan 60 years into the future, and the Mirai's role.

What is Kusaka's intention?

Shattered Knife 6 of 11+ by George Asakura

Not only does Natsume get marginalized after the kidnapping, she and Ko grow apart. From Otomo, Natsume learns that she's not alone in noticing how Ko has changed. Despite their distance, however, Natsume can't stop thinking about Ko...

Level Comics manga (2010.12.29)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 6 of 11+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.07

2. Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 3 of 13+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 3 (chapters 17-24) first published in Japan 2006.10

Other languages
French (Ki-oon; Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, tome 12 per 2010.12.09), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong)

3. Zipang 5 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.10

Awards
Best General Manga, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002)

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana; tome 28 shipped 2010.08 • tome 29 street date: 2011.02.04) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press)

Adaptations
Anime by Studio DEEN starring seiyuu Inada Tetsu (Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke), Hoshino Takanori (Gunnery Officer Kikuchi Masayuki), Ueda Yuuji (Navigation Officer Oguri Kouhei), Yara Yuusaku (Captain Umezu Saburo) and Touchi Hiroki (Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi) aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005

Level Comics European comics (2010.12.29)

• Lucky Luke - Menyusuri Sungai Mississippi (Lucky Luke, tome 16: En remontant le Mississippi) by Morris

Read more »

Pandora Hearts 12, Absolute Peace Strategy 1 by Ogura Akane, Welcome to Host Detective Agency 1 by Tateno Makoto (Elex Media 29 December 2010 manga)

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen © Ogura Akane/Hakusensha [Serialized in LaLa DX]
Published in Indonesia as Absolute Peace Strategy by Elex Media

I will get to Pandora Hearts 12 (and Spiral 10, Wild Life 11 plus the other premieres) in a bit. Johanne-sama and Euda-sama (above) won't wait.

Fighting breaks out between the kingdoms of Meteora to the north and Cannan to the south. But Meteora's war hero, Prince Johanne, and Cannan's Florence Nightingale, Princess Euda, fall in love with one another and prevail upon their sovereigns to end the conflict. Peace finally reigns over the two kingdoms, now awaiting the wedding of Prince Johanne and Princess Euda. The End.

NOT!

Apparently, Johanne and Euda are in cahoots guarding The Secret to the fragile peace.

MUST-HAVE!

To find out what the “lovebirds” are hiding, GET! Absolute Peace Strategy 1. If you lurve Rome×Juli-esque (bickering) romances, you won't regret investing in this four-volume confection. Cute Couple prolly best describes our protagonists: the Johanne × Euda combi is one of the keeyootest in the manga biz, and that's saying a lot, especially in a genre strong with pinchables. And aside from blond bishieness, Johanne-sama can open up a serious can of whoop-ass, while Euda-sama, who normally resembles a weather paper doll, provides the LOLarious comic relief.

Absolute Peace Strategy 1 compiles chapters 1 through 4 and the omake When They were Young.

You might already know creator Ogura Akane-sensei from Mademoiselle Butterfly, the two-volume Geisha, Live-in Lover, Older Male Younger Female-troped shoujo manga released by m&c!.

Pandora Hearts 12 of 13+ by Mochizuki Jun

To give Oz a break from the relentless hunt for the seal, Oscar Vessalius invites his nephew and Oz's close friends to a tea party (that hopefully won't have the party-goers stuck at 6:00 forever nor require answering unanswerable riddles like Why is a raven like a writing desk?). As Oz sips his tea on this Unbirthday, he cherishes only one wish: that these peaceful days continue... forever.

Pandora Hearts 12 Retraces XLVI through XLIX: Persona, Unbirthday, Isla=Yura and Night in gale. (NOT Elex's titles.)

NEW ELEX SERIES

Year-end debuts include the Hakusensha shoujo trifecta Absolute Peace Strategy already blurbed above, The Recipe For Gertrude by Kusakawa Nari and Welcome to Host Detective Agency by Tateno Makoto. On the kodomo and shounen side, there's Dodge Fighters, the Japan Dodge Ball Association-approved Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters manga from Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo and the Demons, Summoned creatures-troped Traumeister by Nakayama Atsushi that should've premiered months ago. All completed series. (Aren't you glad?)

Per usual, only training the spotlight on one newbie here — half of the pair that garnered the most LXO interest. (The other was Absolute Peace Strategy.)

Welcome to Host Detective Agency 1 of 5 by Tateno Makoto

Host-tan e Youkoso
© Tateno Makoto/Hakusensha
[Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as
Welcome to Host Detective Agency
by Elex Media

Ever since he was a kid, Kobayashi has dreamed of becoming a detective — cracking mysteries and running down thieves while he's at it. So, he's understandably over the moon when he is accepted into a detective agency and meets the burning with tantei passion manager Akechi, I mean, Aketomo, a deduction paragon Kobayashi can look up to.

The same idol, however, bursts Kobayashi's euphoria bubble when he tells the newest employee of the agency's side business (because simple detecting can't pay all the bills). The detectives by day become Lady Killers (hosts) by night! [Additional info from Twee Quidam Scans]

Despite Tateno Makoto-sensei's fame as a yaoi manga-ka (Yellow, anyone?), she does dabble into non-fujoshi offerings, one of which is this tantei meets hosuto and Host-Tan hilarity ensues and the gender-bending Cute Guy (also released by Elex). To say that Welcome to Host Detective Agency is fujo-unfriendly, however, would be stretching it; BL sparks start flying from the get-go between newbie Kobayashi (host alias: Shinobu-kun) and ex-rookie and third most wanted host Rindo. (The other Lady Killer hosts are Aketomo, the legendary #1 host in Shinjuku, and hosts #2, 3 and 5 — Shiranui, Akane and Shigure.)

The first order of the day is solving the mystery of a host club customer's message ring, but there are three more Orders (chapters) in volume 1.

MANGAZINES: Shonen Star 78/2010 ☆ Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho

Meitantei Conan
© Aoyama Gosho
Shogakukan [Shonen Sunday]

Phantom Thief Kid is back! This time, Jirokichi-ojisan, Sonoko's eccentric uncle, lays a trap for Kid that leads to another showdown between Conan and the high-profile kaitou.

Aoyama Gosho's Detektif Conan rates the Shonen Star 78 front cover. The rest of the the ShoStar pack follow: Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi, Inuyasha by Takahashi Rumiko, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, Magical Iroha by Inoue Kazurou, Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, Yakitate!! Japan by Hashiguchi Takashi, D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji, Katsu! by Adachi Mitsuru, My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun, Takkoku!!! by Fukuchi Tsubasa and Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato (volume 11 also streets 12.29).

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.12.29)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. [Series Premiere] Absolute Peace Strategy (Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen) 1 of 4 by Ogura Akane

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen 「絶対平和大作戦」 by Ogura Akane Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4 + omake) first published in Japan 2008.08

2. Animal Doctor (Doubutsu no Oishasan) 5 of 12 by Sasaki Noriko

Doubutsu no Oishasan 「動物のお医者さん」 by Sasaki Noriko AKA Mr. Veterinarian Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 1991.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese Ai Xin Dong Wu Yi Yuan (Tong Li Taiwan; 12 volumes)

3. [Series Premiere] Dodge Fighters (Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters) 1 of 10 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo

Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters 「がんばれ！ドッジファイターズ」 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2003.06

Volume 1 chapters:
1. 転校生はスーパーアタッカー!!
2. エースＶＳエース!!力の対決
3. たのもしいチームメイト
4. ファイターズ絶体絶命!?
5. 本気で勝負!!女同士の戦い
6. 華麗なミラクルキャッチ
7. こしぬけなんて言わせない!!
8. サルとカニの必殺シュート!!
9. 暴走する熱意
10. オレたちのドッジボール
11. 新生!!ドッジファイターズ
12. 敵は忍者!?強烈な自己紹介

4. Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) 2 of 4+ by Tsuda Masami

Chotto Edo Made 「ちょっと江戸まで」 by Tsuda Masami Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Legend of Nereid 12 of 15 by Hwang MiRee

Legend of Nereid 「네레이드의 전설」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 12 first published in Korea 2003.04

6. LUM, The Invader Girl (Urusei Yatsura) 27 of 34 by Takahashi Rumiko

Urusei Yatsura 「うる星やつら」 by Takahashi Rumiko Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen New edition volume 28 released in Japan 2007.12 Re-released in shinsoban from 2006.11 to 2008.03

Volume 28 contents:
1. 星に願いを
2. 口づけ速達小包
3. 兄妹愛の闘い　前編
4. 兄妹愛の闘い　後編
5. 怒りのプール
6. つるつるソープ
7. 浜茶屋の夏
8. 風鈴樹の音色
9. 涙の家庭訪問
10. 妖精のパラソル
11. 写真の中の女
［うる星やつら］完全データファイル28
［MyLum×34］28
34くらもちふさこ

Awards
Winner, 26th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Shounen/Shoujo category

Other languages
English (VIZ Media), French and Spanish (Glenat)

Adaptations
The 195 episode-anime adaptation by Kitty Films, starring seiyuu Hirano Fumi (Lum) and Furukawa Toshio (Moroboshi Ataru), aired from October 1981 through March 1986 on Fuji TV. Eleven OAVs and six theatrical movies were also released.

7. Pandora Hearts 12 of 13+ by Mochizuki Jun

Pandora Hearts 「Ｐａｎｄｏｒａ　Ｈｅａｒｔｓ」 by Mochizuki Jun Square Enix GFantasy, shounen Volume 12 (Retrace XLVI-XLIX) first published in Japan 2010.07

Other languages
English Pandora Hearts (Broccoli Books (dropped) and Yen Press; volume 3 per 2010.10 • volume 4 street date: 2011.01.25), French (Ki-oon tome 4 per 2010.11; tome 5 ships 2011.01.06) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan 潘朵拉之心 10 released 2010.07)

Adaptations
A 25-episode XEBEC anime adaptation starring seiyuu Minagawa Junko (Oz Vessalius), Kawasumi Ayako (Alice) and Toriumi Kousuke (Raven) that aired in Japan from April to September 2009 and a Pandora Hearts Drama CD released by Frontier works in December 2007

Related
Pandora Hearts Official Guide 8.5 mine of mine guide book (2009.03) and Pandora Hearts Official Animation Guide and the 望月 淳 画集　Pandora Hearts～odds and ends～ artbook (both released 2009.09)

8. Pokonyan Pika-pika (Pokonyan) 3 of 3 by Fujiko F. Fujio [Finale]

Pokonyan 「ポコニャン」 by Fujiko F. Fujio AKA Rocky Rackat! Shogakukan Pikkapika Comics, kodomo Volume 3 released in Japan 2004.10

Related
A 170-episode anime adaptation by Animation 21, starring seiyuu Mita Yuko as Pokonyan, aired from April 1993 to March 1996 on NHK.

9. [Series Premiere] The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) 1 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4) first published in Japan 2001.07

Other languages
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX; five volumes)

10. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 10 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「スパイラル　推理の絆」 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 (chapters 46-50) first published in Japan 2003.12

Other languages
English Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (Yen Press; volume 13 released 2010.10 • volume 14 street date: 2011.01.25) and German (Carlsen Comics; Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 9 per 2010.12.24)

Related
Spiral Alive (prequel; five volumes); a series of light novels; Mizuno Eita artbooks: ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　水野英多画集; (2003.03) and ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　ＡＬＬ　ＡＬＯＮＧ (2006.02; released with volume 15); and the Life is Spiral 「スパイラル完全解説本　ライフ・イズ・スパ」 guide, which includes the first draft of the Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「それさえも貴き日々で」 drama (2003.03)

Adaptations
A series of audio dramas and a 25-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff, based on the first six volumes of the manga, with an alternate ending (aired on TV Tokyo from October 2002 to March 2003, starring seiyuu Suzumura Kenichi as Narumi Ayumu, Asano Masumi as Yuizaki Hiyono and Ishida Akira as Eyes Rutherford).

11. Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) 6 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin

Natsu no Arashi! 「夏のあらし！」 by Kobayashi Jin Square Enix Monthly Gangan Wing and Monthly Gangan Joker, shounen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 夏日風暴 (Tong Li Taiwan).

Adaptations
SHAFT's 13-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through June 2009, starring seiyuu Sanpei Yuko (Yasaka Hajime) and Shiraishi Ryoko (Arashiyama Sayoko AKA “Arashi”). A 13-episode sequel Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chū ran from October to December 2009.

12. [Series Premiere] Traumeister 1 of 5 by Nakayama Atsushi

Traumeister 「トラウマイスタ」 by Nakayama Atsushi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.11

Volume 1 chapters:
1. 真実の自己（アートマン）
2. ピカソとゲルニカ
3. 可愛い赤ちゃん
4. 初陣
5. 湯煙に浮かぶ傷
6. 始めてのデート
7. 危険因子

13. [Series Premiere] Welcome to Host Detective Agency (Host-tan e Youkoso) 1 of 5 by Tateno Makoto

Host-tan e Youkoso 「ホス探へようこそ」 by Tateno Makoto Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4) first published in Japan 2008.05

14. Wild Life 11 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato

Wild Life 「ワイルドライフ」 by Fujisaki Masato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2005.02

Volume 11 chapters:
87. 新展開？
88. 王様ゲーム!!
89. 盟央大の夜
90. 観月の「初めて」
91. 自分だけ寝ていた男
92. 食い逃げ？
93. 平波の受難
94. R.E.D.最後の夜
95. 犬の危機

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

Read more »

Buh-bye 2010

As I began this year, I looked beyond the dreaded foot surgery to... visitors from afar, road trips around the southeast and generally moving on with life. Of course, life moves on whether you're ready or not. 

There were good times and there were also losses. Life can turn on a dime, make no mistake about it.

So, I have no grand expectations for 2011. I don't know where life will take me or what hurdles will be placed in my path. I can only hope there is more laughter than sadness.

I Need Job!! 1 by Yoshino Aki and Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao (3L josei and shoujo manga out now)

Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~ © Yoshino Aki/Shogakukan [First serialized in Petit Comic]
Published in Indonesia as I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~
by PT Tiga Lancar Semesta/Tiga Lancar Comic (3L)

What I wished for when King of Hearts was first published here finally came true: 3L licensed Yoshino Aki's job- (and love) hunting josei manga Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~. I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ 1 of 2 is now on sale.

Asaoka Yuri discovers you need more than just enthusiasm to get somewhere in the Tokyo job market. The college senior has applied to 49 companies and been unanimously rejected, much to her chagrin. It looks like even her 50th try is doomed, but what's worse, another student from the same university is there to witness (and snicker at) her epic #Fail.

Yuri should've bopped the too self-confident Manabe Ryoji on the head, but instead she lets fly a left-fielder to the Do you agree/disagree with the proposal to ban smoking in taxis question Ryoji poses. (She answers: The taxi should provide candies on board.)

With such a bad first impresh, youdathunk Yuri would've given Ryoji a wide berth, especially when they're back at the university, but nooo. Yuri actually goes and falls for Ryoji.

Manga GET!

I know, I know, the synopsis doesn't come across as a compliment to Yuri, much less a GET! recommendation for her manga starrer. In fact, Typical Shoujo Triad member dalina02-san only gave the first I Need Job!! a 6 out of 10 rating and suggests it as a Rent. But I enjoyed—muchness—Yuri's job hunt and found the required Ryoji × Yuri reading compelling. You be the judge.

I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ volume 1 contains chapters 1 through 5: Masa Sulit (Tough Times), Interview, Antusias (Enthusiasm), Saatnya Istirahat (A Well-earned Break) and Turning Point.

Aside from I Need Job!! and King of Hearts (my gateway Yoshino Aki manga), Yoshino Aki-sensei also created the oh-so-cute Petit Comic one-shot Non-chan to Watashi, the sports-themed Kimi wa Kirakira and Yuru Koi, which encloses the Heart no Ousama sequel Happy Birthday.

I synopsize the other 3L debut—Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao—that I didn't see (prolly overlooked) at Gramed Below the Cut. But before that, let me just say that this SFW pair is truly welcome after the recent spate of Dewasa/Mature 3L releases.

3L josei and shoujo manga (2010.12.20)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.

1. [Series Premiere] I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ (Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~) 1 of 2 by Yoshino Aki

Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~ 「シューカツ！！～キミに内定～」 by Yoshino Aki
AKA Job Hunting～Tentative Job Offer
Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei
Volume 1 (chapters 1-5) first published in Japan 2008.01

2. [Premiere] Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao

Kon Kon x Honey 「コンコン×ハニー」 by Maita Nao
AKA Con Con x Honey
Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo
This anthology (main story chapters 1-3 and three one-shots) first published in Japan 2007.08

Read more »

Kinokuniya Indonesia Christmas Event - 20% OFF Storewide from 23-26 December 2010

That's today, START-OH! Get thee shopping ^^

Via Kinokuniya

~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)

The Gramedia Grand Indonesia 1st Anniversary -30 OFF Storewide is also still ongoing till the 26th

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from all at The Picture Works and i-Site. Our office will be closed from 1pm on the 23rd until Tuesday 4th January.

Ouran High Host Club 17, Karneval 1 by Mikanagi Touya, Twinkle Stars 5 (Chuang Yi 21 December 2010 English manga)

Also, simplified Chinese manga: ONE PIECE #60 and 铁拳小子 Legends (Tekken Chinmi Legends) #10

Ouran Koukou Host Club © Hatori Bisco/Hakusensha [Serialized in LaLa]
Published in Singapore as Ouran High Host Club by Chuang Yi

No more Ouran hosts? The Chairman succeeds in mothballing the Host Club and Haruhi's fangirls are shocked to see their bifauxnen revert to her pre-Host Club “ugly duckling” self in Ouran High Host Club 17. Haruhi has her reasons, but...

Meanwhile, despite his father's meddling, Tamaki continues to pursue his grandmother's approval, which further levels up the drama. As Chuang Yi puts it: It's an emotional volume of Ouran High Host Club, not to be missed! (BTW, this Chuang Yi volume has caught up with the Japanese tankou, released last September.)

Karneval—which premiered at the recently-held STGCC 10—is also available now. Special Abilities, Friendship, Circus, Amnesia, Secret Organizations comprise the top Baka-Updates Manga tags for this ongoing josei fantasy adventure from Mikanagi Touya, but the real draw are the bishies, voiced by some of the most droolicious seiyuu in the biz. At least three drama CDs have been released (with a fourth on the way), featuring Shimono Hiro and Kamiya Hiroshi as leads Nai and Gareki, supported by Miyano Mamoru as Yogi, Ono Daisuke as Hirato and Endou Aya as Tsukumo.

Scroll down for Chuang Yi's manga previews and covers.

Chuang Yi English manga (2010.12.21)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.

1. [Series Premiere] Karneval 1 of 6+ by Mikanagi Touya

Karneval 「カーニヴァル」 by Mikanagi Touya
AKA K∀RNEVAL
Ichijinsha Comic Zero-Sum, josei
Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.03

Adaptations
Adapted into a series of drama CDs: the first Karneval - Flightless Wings / Mermaid's Bottle, spanning Scores 12 through 15 was first offered only to Zero-Sum readers in late 2009, but eventually made commercially available by Ichijinsha. Frontier Works released the second Karneval Circus CD, covering Scores 3-8 in March 2010 (the same street date as volume 5). The drama starred seiyuu Shimono Hiro (Nai), Kamiya Hiroshi (Gareki), Miyano Mamoru (Yogi), Ono Daisuke (Hirato) and Endou Aya (Tsukumo). A third drama CD Karneval Rinoru (Scores 16-20) featuring the same voice cast, in addition to Hirakawa Daisuke (Akari) and Suwabe Junichi (Uro), went on sale in Japan last September. A fourth drama CD Vinto is expected to street 2011.04.27. [Info from karnevalesque, the Karneval manga community]

2. Metal Fight Beyblade 3 of 7+ by Adachi Takafumi

Metal Fight Beyblade 「メタルファイト　ベイブレード」 by Adachi Takafumi
AKA Beyblade: Metal Fusion
Shogakukan CoroCoro Comic, shounen
Shinsōban volume 3 (chapters 10-14) first published in Japan 2009.11

Related
Spin-off of the original Beyblade anime series

Adaptations
Tatsunoko Pro, Synergy SP and Nelvana collaborated on a Metal Fight Beyblade anime adaptation. Fifty-one episodes comprising Season 1 and the follow-up Battle Bladers aired on TV Tokyo from April 2009 to March 2010.

The Metal Fight Beyblade VS the Sun - The Movie: Sol Blaze, the Scorching-hot Invader animated feature premiered in Japan in August 2010.

3. Ouran High Host Club (Ouran Koukou Host Club) 17 of 17+ by Hatori Bisco

Ouran Koukou Host Club 「桜蘭高校ホスト部」 by Hatori Bisco
Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo
Volume 17 first published in Japan 2010.09

Other languages/serializations
Alternative English Ouran High School Host Club (VIZ Media; volume 15 released 2010.12.07), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi 樱兰高校男公关部 #17 coming soon), traditional Chinese (as 櫻蘭高校男公關部; Tong Li Taiwan), Indonesian (Elex Media; serialized in HanaLaLa [discontinued]), French and Spanish (Panini Comics; Marvel Panini France Host Club: Le lycée de la séduction tome 16 ships 2011.01), German (Carlsen Comics, Band 16 street date: 2011.03.18), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica/JPF)

Adaptations
BONES' 26-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through September 2006, preceded by a mail-order only Host Club anime DVD from LaLa. The anime starred seiyuu Sakamoto Maaya (Fujioka Haruhi), Miyano Mamoru (Suou Tamaki), Matsukaze Masaya (Ootori Kyouya), Suzumura Kenichi and Fujita Yoshinori (twins Hitachiin Hikaru and Kaoru), Saito Ayaka (Haninozuka Mitsukuni) and Kirii Daisuke (Morinozuka Takashi). The cast reprised their roles in two anime drama CDs that followed and were expected to record another CD compiling fan favorite manga quotes to celebrate the manga finale in 2010. (The CD was available through mail-in, beginning with LaLa's October 2010 issue, which streeted August 2010.)

Three pre-anime audio dramas (2003 vintage) featured different actors: Hisakawa Aya (Haruhi), Midorikawa Hikaru (Tamaki), Suwabe Junichi (Kyouya), Hoshi Souichirou (Hikaru), Ohtani Ikue (Hani-senpai) and Tsuda Kenjirou (Mori-senpai). Suzumura Kenichi (Hikaru in the anime) portrayed Hitachiin Kaoru.

The audio-only ensemble also recorded a drama for the LaLa 28th Anniversary LaLa Memorial Drama CD, a giveaway of the 2004 LaLa magazine issue #9. (Other dramas in this furoku: Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou by Tsuda Masami, Bijo ga Yaju by Matsumoto Tomo, MeruPuri ~Märchen Prince~ by Hino Matsuri and Omake no Kobayashi-kun by Morio Masami). This was followed by the LaLa 29th Anniversary LaLa Kirameki Drama CD/2005 magazine issue #9 giveaway. (This CD also contained dramas for Hino Matsuri's Vampire Knight, Tsukuba Sakura's Penguin Kakumei, Nakaji Yuki's ZIG★ZAG and Tanaka Meca's Sailor Fuku ni Onegai!).

Later LaLa furoku audio dramas featured the anime cast: LaLa Gorgeous Drama CD (November 2006 issue, with VK and PenKaku dramas), LaLa Treasure Drama CD (October 2007 issue, with VK, Fujiwara Hiro's Kaichou wa Maid-sama! and Midorikawa Yuki's Natsume Yujincho), LaLa Premium Drama CD (May 2008 edition, with VK, Tanaka Meca's Faster Than a Kiss and Maid-sama!), LaLa Excellent Drama CD (November 2008, with VK and Natsume Yujincho). [Info from For Richer or Poorer, an Ouran High School Host Club fansite]

An Ouran High School Host Club PlayStation 2 visual novel, featuring four new characters, was released in April 2007 by Idea Factory.

4. Twinkle Stars (Hoshi wa Utau) 5 of 10+ by Takaya Natsuki

Hoshi wa Utau 「星は歌う」 by Takaya Natsuki
Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo
Volume 5 (chapters 24-29) first published in 2009.05

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi; 星歌恋曲 #6 per 2010.06), traditional Chinese (Tong Li; 星歌戀曲 8 released 2010.09), Indonesian (Elex Media; serialized in HanaLaLa [discontinued]), French (Delcourt Twinkle Stars: Le Chant des Etoiles tome 7 per 2010.10 • tome 8 street date: 2011.01.12), German (Carlsen Comics band 1 street date: 2011.02.25), Italian Le stelle cantano (Panini Comics) and Spanish La melodía de las estrellas (Norma Editorial Spain)

Adaptations
Geneon Entertainment's Hoshi wa Utau drama CD, starring seiyuu Tomatsu Haruka, Kondo Takashi and Takahashi Hiroki, released 2010.02 in Japan.

Source: Chuang Yi (per 21 December 2010)

Chuang Yi previews

Karneval 1 of 6+ by Mikanagi Touya

ISBN : 978-981-4323-18-5
SRP: SGD 8.90

When innocent country boy Nai sets foot into the sordid, cutthroat realm of the city, he might as well have painted a target on his own back. Kidnappers, murderers and desperados abound, waiting to take advantage of a boy guileless enough to believe blood is merely 'red water'. When he is framed for a murder, it is the bandit Gareki who bails him out. Being a shrewd and sharp-eyed thief, however, Gareki's motives are less than pure. Nai is looking for a friend who has disappeared and left behind something particularly intriguing - an I.D bracelet from the organisation named 'Circus', the country's supreme defence agency. While Gareki has his sights set firmly on the bracelet, 'Circus' in turn, has shifted its eye onto the duo as well.

Karneval 1 compiles chapters:
Score 1: Opening
Score 2: Wanted
Score 3: Noise
Score 4: Circus
Score 5: Black Sheep
Score 6: Hide & Seek

Metal Fight Beyblade 3 of 7+ by Adachi Takafumi

ISBN: 978-981-4323-57-4
SRP: SGD 8.90

The quarter-semifinals of the Battle Bladers tournament has begun, and Gingka and Kyoya are paired up to battle two of Ryuga's most powerful subordinates, Tsubasa and Yu! What deadly move will the duo unleash on our heroes? Will their Beyblades withstand the enemy's onslaught?!

Metal Fight Beyblade 3 compiles chapters:
10. Dragon Emperor, Super-evolve!!
11. The Terrifying Lightning L Drago!!
12. The Phantasmagoric Pisces!!
13. Fusion Special Move: Annihilation Attack!!
14. Conclusion of the Death Match!!

Ouran High Host Club 17 of 17+ by Hatori Bisco

ISBN: 978-981-4323-60-4
SRP: SGD 8.50

As per the Chairman's orders, the Host Club has been disbanded. Haruhi goes reverse ugly duckling on everyone and reverts to the fashion mistake she was before her Host Club days! All are aghast, but she has a perfectly good reason, of course. Meanwhile, Tamaki continues his struggle to gain his grandmother's acceptance, but all his efforts threaten to become undone by his own father's secret plans, if Kyoya's detective work proves accurate...

Twinkle Stars 5 of 10+ by Takaya Natsuki

ISBN: 978-981-4297-97-4
SRP: SGD 8.90

On the day of the fireworks display, Chihiro unexpectedly comes down with a fever and is unable to go with Sakuya as promised. At Saki's persistent urgings, Sakuya drops in to check on Chihiro, but how will Chihiro react to her unexpected visit, even as memories of his Tokyo past continue to haunt him and hold his feelings back? What is this sad secret that Chihiro wants to keep hidden from everyone, and will Sakuya's heart be able to handle the truth?

Chuang Yi simplified Chinese manga (2010.12.21)

ONE PIECE © Oda Eiichiro
Shueisha [Shonen Jump]

Chuang Yi's simplified Chinese ONE PIECE and 铁拳小子 Legends (Tekken Chinmi Legends) have caught up with the Japanese tankou with the release of #60 and #10 respectively on the 21st. (Oda Eiichiro's ＯＮＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ　６０ came out in Japan on 2010.11.04, while Maekawa Takeshi's 鉄拳チンミＬｅｇｅｎｄｓ　１０ was issued 2010.10.15).

Also Coming Soon: 樱兰高校男公关部 (Ouran Koukou Host Club) #17 (you already know the English version releases on the 21st) and Tanabe Yellow's 结界师 (Kekkaishi) #31.

Next Chuang Yi release: 4 January 2011

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography

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other invaluable resources

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Technorati tags

Chuang Yi · manga · josei · shoujo · shounen · Karneval · Metal Fight Beyblade · Ouran High Host Club (Also, Ouran High School Host Club & Ouran Koukou Host Club) · Twinkle Stars (Hoshi wa Utau) · One Piece · Tekken Chinmi Legends