Memorial Day in Tunbridge

I enjoyed wandering around with my camera during my hometown's Memorial Day activities — it's one of the best small-town experiences I know of. And it was great to see so many familiar faces! My daughter and I also stopped by our neighbor's farm for a fundraiser for NOFA-VT's Farmshare program.




From top: Band member Rudy Ruddell tunes up his harmonica for Haywire's performance at Tunbridge Hill Farm; Children try to get the attention of the Tunbridge Volunteer Fire Department as they throw candy during the parade; One pug had a good view of the tractors, hot rods, children and oxen parading down Route 110; Amy Bogardus tries to direct her Guernsey ox, Cash, during a game of Cow Plop Bingo at the fairgrounds.

where have I been?


It certainly was not my intention to completely drop out of sight when I stopped the Photo-a-Day project. I haven't any excuses. I attended the photography event in the Smokies and had a wonderful visit from two dear friends from South Africa, but beyond that - I've been lazy with the camera and the words. I shall attempt to make amends starting tomorrow/next month/June.

The SoFoBoMo project begins tomorrow... well, the "fuzzy" month begins tomorrow. The 35 photos need to be taken during a 31 day period, between June 1 and July 31. I may shift my start date - better decide soon, eh?

There is also NaBloPoMo and the June theme is NOW.... I can't decide if I should combine the two.

AND I have another project coming up... I will be on a road trip next week to Mississippi and Florida, celebrating my niece's birthday and I plan to take lots of pics and put them into a book ("Fifty is a four-letter word") for her.

I think that's enough on my photo-plate for the mo...

The Joy of Keeping a Root Cellar - coming soon!

Coming soon to your favorite neighborhood bookstore — The Joy of Keeping a Root Cellar! Author Jennifer Megyesi not only covers traditional canning in the book, but also talks about drying food and meat, making wine and different kinds of root cellars. The book is also beautifully designed, with lots of color photographs throughout. It is due to be available August 1 — to read more, go to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!







While visiting Fat Rooster Farm, former apprentice Whitney Taylor helps to peel cloves of garlic for Nahm Jeem Gratiem (Thai Crystal Sauce), which Jennifer Megyesi will can for sale at market; A bumblebee harvests the nectar from an artichoke flower at Fat Rooster Farm. The artichoke was overlooked by Jennifer Megyesi and went to seed. “By then, it’s October and I’m sick of harvesting,” she said; After harvest, New England pie pumpkins cure in the morning light in the barn at Fat Rooster Farm; As the sun melts the morning frost, apprentices Janet Van Zoren, left, and Tali Biale carry artichoke roots they dug up back to the barn at Fat Rooster Farm; A pantry at Donna Kausen’s home has bottles cemented into its end walls. Kausen said she was inspired by the same technique used in old miners’ buildings in California. Staples like beans, dried berries, corn, grains, rice, and wheat are stored in the space; Paddle the kitten explores the basement at Fat Rooster Farm, including the shelving that holds the farm’s canned goods. From left on the top shelf are canned tomatoes, beets, peaches, and maple syrup.

Naruto 48, InuYasha 47, A Story of Heroes 31 (Elex Media 2 June 2010 manga and manhwa)

NARUTO-ナルト- 48

Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi/Shueisha (Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo

Contains   [SPOILERS!] and Trope Sprinkles
(Caution is advised esp. when surfing from pink underlined links)

Naruto has been ditching the weekly roll call for four months now—allowing unorthodox ninja to provisionally hog the shinobi spotlight (a Don't they conventionally operate under cover of darkness? oxymoron)—when all of a sudden, the world's most famous ninja pops up to open a new month of Elex manga.

Albeit clueless over Naruto's Over 89 million copies sold worldwide! exploits, I still see why he materializes; the Pain arc has only been ratcheting up to The Big Reveal. (Sankyuu~ Elex's Recommended in June plug that also cites the global sales figures). In The Cheering Village, He Who Has Vanquished the ultimate Pain comes face to face with Nagato. Subduing his Berserk reflex long enough to hold Vengeance is mine! at bay, Naruto hears out Nagato's (sob + puppet corpses-littered) story and heroically counters with... (To find out What He Said, See Naruto volume 48, streeting this 2nd June.)

(VIZ's English Naruto 48 description adds this deet: an unexpected turn of events put a new ninja in power in Konoha, someone whose first executive act will change Naruto's world forever.)

InuYasha 47 of 56

Blurbs for other ongoings A Story of Heroes 31, Wazabo 4 down below

Meanwhile, Takahashi Rumiko's allegedly feudal fairy tale finally delivers on a Sorting Algorithm Of Mortality promise: I Just Want To Be Normal but I'm that Shikon no Tama's custodian Kikyo wagers all on one purifying arrow to annihilate Nigh Invulnerable Mix-n-Mashup youkai villain Naraku.

I'm pretty sure you already know who emerges the victor in this battle of (relatively) good VS evil—especially if you watched InuYasha: The Final Act ep 8, or took a peak at Wiki. In case you passed on both counts—and missed the ShoStar installments to boot—I ship canon is the only warning I will give you.

NEW TITLES: Princess Story by Ebira Hiromi

The At My Paced Yorihime Kitan josei manga (only one volume out since 2008) is the sole newbie this release. Generically retitled Princess Story for the Indonesian market, Ebira Hiromi's paranormal series stars clairvoyant yamato nadeshiko Yoriko, latest heir(ess) to the precognition powers that has ensured the Yamaura clan's survival, if not prosperity, for generations. Future sight has thus kept Yoriko under house arrest, that is, until she meets (don't ask me how) gang leader Juzou who extricates her from her “prison.”

And so begins the legend of Yoriko, the “Witch from the Black Market.”

Reissues [RE-STO]

Elex also reissues the Nobita Drifts In The Universe (Awal x Akhir) cinemangafication of the third Doraemon movie, as well as a trio of Serial Cantik (Elex's standalone shoujo/josei line) manga: Anisaki Yuna's Invincible Diva; Hamada Shoko's Sejuta Kali Lipat Rasa Suka; and Nakahara Aya's Secret Base. Elex first issued Hamada Shoko's Suki no Hyakumanbai pre- my regular blogging of weekly releases (STO: 2007.02.07); same goes for Anisaki Yuna's Muteki na Diva! and Nakahara Aya's Himitsu Kichi. (I have both in my manga library.)

MANGAZINES: Happy Birthday, Shonen Magz!

Shonen Magz 72 - School Rumble front cover

School Rumble
© Kobayashi Jin/Kodansha

A School Rumble cover for the sixth anniversary Shonen Magz Issue #72 heralds moar All Love Is Unrequited LMAOness, but it is actually Sawada Hirofumi's Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits and Harold Sakuishi's BECK what's got their Featured turn in the Komikologi June limelight. Likely for the simple reasons that (1) Elex intends to ship Sanzoku Ou volume 1 soon (June, if all goes well) and (2) to insist that contrary to rumor, BECK is alive and kicking—to the point where it gets the movie treatment (live-action BECK premieres in Japan this September). I kid on the second point; BECK's reanimation already took place with volume 16's release six weeks ago (volume 18 reportedly releases 9th June).

So what we're given, in effect, are blanket blurbs, not Next on... previews.

The set during samurai times Sanzoku Ou follows protagonist Nagato's quest to avenge his father's death. Because Nagato bears the mark of a star on his chest, symbol of one foretold to topple the feudal regime, he is hunted down by imperial agents.

I think we all know that BECK is the story of a handful of Japanese teenagers who form a rock band (aside from Beck the dog and the band, remember these names: Koyuki, Ryuusuke) and their requisite bid for world domination fame. Well, that and Koyuki's romantic troubles with Ryuusuke's sister, Maho, as TV Tropes adds.

The other Absolutely Cool (Elex's hype, not mine) Kodansha shounen (and seinen) serials: Code:Breaker by Kamijyo Akimine · Fairy Tail by Mashima Hiro · Ghost Doctor (Youkai no Oisha-san) by Satou Yuuki · Kindaichi Case Files by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya · Kungfu Boy Legends (Tekken Chinmi Legends) by Maekawa Takeshi · Tokkyu!! by Komori Yoichi, Kubo Mitsurou · Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE by CLAMP · Vinland Saga by Yukimura Makoto. (Of these, Code:Breaker and Vinland Saga have yet to transition to tankou.)

Efon O

DO WANT!

Congratulatory shikishi will be given away with this birthday ShoMagz, but Elex doesn't say from whom. Last year, teh 'grats were from four manga-ka.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.06.02)

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

  1. InuYasha 47 of 56 by Takahashi Rumiko
  2. 犬夜叉 47

    InuYasha犬夜叉 」 by Takahashi Rumiko
    Full title: Sengoku Otogizoushi InuYasha
    (InuYasha, A Feudal Fairy Tale)
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 47 first published in Japan 2006.11

    Volume 47 contains chapters:

    • 459. Captured Friends (絡め捕られた仲間 Karametorareta Nakama)
    • 460. Flowing Heart (流れ込む心 Nagarekomu Kokoro)
    • 461. Opened Body (開かれた体 Hirakareta Karada)
    • 462. The Jewel's Whereabouts (玉の行方 Tama no Yukue)
    • 463. Purifying Arrow (浄化の矢 Jōka no Ya)
    • 464. Sunset (落日 Rakujitsu)
    • 465. Light ( Hikari)
    • 466. Parting Thoughts (別れの想い Wakare no Omoi)
    • 467. Meidou (冥道)
    • 468. Darkness of Hell (冥界の闇 Meikai no Yami)

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Inuyasha is published in English by VIZ Media (Volume 48: Feeding Frenzy released 2010.05.11 • volume 49 street date: 2010.06.08).

    Global release: Kana (France, Netherlands) · Glénat (Spain) · Star Comics (Italy) · Egmont (Germany, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland) · Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico) · LARP Editores (Argentina) · Editora JBC (Brazil) · Aruts Hayeladim (Israel) · Ching Win Publishing (Taiwan) · NXB Trẻ (Vietnam) · Haksan (South Korea)

    Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star

    ADAPTATIONS
    The manga was adapted into anime by Sunrise: the first, based on volumes 1 through 36 and spanning 167 episodes, aired on Yomiuri TV from October 2000 until September 2004. The sequel, InuYasha Kanketsu-hen, which picks up from volume 36 until series end, premiered October 2009 with seiyuu Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, and Morikawa Toshiyuki reprising their roles as Inuyasha, Kagome, and Naraku. The sequel ended 2010.03.29

    Four originally-conceived anime features have also been released: InuYasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001.12) · InuYasha the Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002.12) · InuYasha the Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003.12) ·InuYasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island (2004.12). A prequel special InuYasha Meguri Au Mae no Unmei Koiuta aired 2004.04.19 in Japan.

  3. Kumpulan Cerita Berwarna Doraemon 3 by Fujiko F. Fujio
  4. Naruto 48 of 51+ by Kishimoto Masashi
  5. NARUTO-ナルト- 48

    NarutoNARUTO-ナルト-
    by Kishimoto Masashi
    Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen
    Volume 48: Kanko no sato!! (歓呼の里!!/The Cheering Village) first published in Japan 2009.11

    AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
    The American volume 7 edition won the industry- and reader-voted 2006 Quill Award (awards to encourage reading and promote literacy) in the graphic novel category, the first manga to do so.

    Sales of the manga have topped 100 million copies in Japan alone (Wikipedia), with over 83 million sold globally (Shueisha Manga News for Europe 2007, cited by Elex Media). Naruto is also the #1 bestselling manga in Indonesia, with upwards of one million copies sold nationwide.

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Naruto is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 47 released 2010.02.02 • volume 48 street date: 2010.06.01)

    Serialized in English in SHONEN JUMP

    Global release: Kana (France) · Glénat (Spain) · Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico) · LARP Editores (Argentina) · Carlsen Comics (Germany; serialized in Banzai!) · Kana (The Netherlands) · Comix-ART (Russia) · Japonica Polonica Fantastica (Poland) · Bonnier Carlsen (Sweden; serialized in Shonen Jump Sweden); · Tong Li (Taiwan) · Chuang Yi (Singapore; latest: volume 50)

    ADAPTATIONS
    A 220-episode anime based on manga volumes 1-27 was produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex and aired from October 2002 to February 2007. Seiyuu Takeuchi Junko, Nakamura Chie, and Sugiyama Noriaki returned in their roles as Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke in the sequel (manga volume 28 onwards) that premiered February 2007 on TV Tokyo. Naruto Shippūden is still ongoing (episode 162 aired 2010.05.27).

    At least five OAVs and six films have also been released.

    OAVS: Find the Crimson Four-leaf Clover! (2003) · Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2004) · Konoha Sports Festival (2004.08) · Finally a clash! Jonin VS Genin!! Indiscriminate grand melee tournament meeting!! (2005.12) · Naruto: The Cross Roads (2010)

    Films: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004.08) · Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005.08) · Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006.08) · Naruto Shippūden (2007.08) · Naruto Shippūden: Kizuna (2008.08) · Naruto Shippūden: Hi no Ishi o Tsugumono (2009.07)

    A fourth Naruto Shippūden movie, Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower, is scheduled to open 31 July 2010.

  6. [Premiere] Princess Story (Yorihime Kitan) 1 of 1+ by Ebira Hiromi
  7. 依姫綺譚 1

    Yorihime Kitan依姫綺譚
    by Ebira Hiromi
    Shogakukan Flower Comics, josei
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.08

  8. A Story of Heroes (Heroes) 31 of 37 by Choi Mir - Daiwon C.I.
  9. V.B. Rose 3 of 14 by Hidaka Banri
  10. V・B・ローズ 3

    V.B. RoseV・B・ローズ 」 by Hidaka Banri
    Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.04

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    V.B. Rose is published in English by TOKYOPOP (volume 8 released 2010.04.27 • volume 9 street date: 2010.08.03) and in traditional Chinese by Ever Glory (Taiwan).

    Serialized in Indonesian in HanaLaLa

    ADAPTATIONS
    A V.B. Rose drama CD was released in Japan in 2006.12, starring seiyuu Mizuki Nana as Shiroi Ageha, Sakurai Takahiro as Arisaka Yukari, and Suwabe Junichi as Kuromine Mitsuya.

  11. Wazabo 4 of 5+ by Soyama Kazutoshi
  12. わざぼー 4

    Wazabooわざぼー 」 by Soyama Kazutoshi
    Shogakukan Corocoro Dragon, shounen
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.07

Elex Media reissues (2010.06.02)

  1. [RE-STO] Doraemon Movie 3 - Nobita Drifts In The Universe (Awal) by Fujiko F. Fujio
  2. [RE-STO] Doraemon Movie 3 - Nobita Drifts In The Universe (Akhir) by Fujiko F. Fujio
  3. [RE-STO] Invincible Diva by Anisaki Yuna - SC
  4. [RE-STO] Sejuta Kali Lipat Rasa Suka by Hamada Shoko - SC
  5. [RE-STO] Secret Base by Nakahara Aya - SC

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media 2 June 2010 release schedule and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) All listed manga are priced at IDR 15,000 each, except Kumpulan Cerita Berwarna Doraemon 3 (SRP: IDR 28,800) and the Doraemon Movie 3 - Nobita Drifts In The Universe reissue duo (IDR 20,000 each)
(3) Links like this are Amazon.com (or other online merchants) search and/or product links (commercial), in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews/babble continued

A Story of Heroes 31 by Choi Mir

A Story of Heroes 31 (Elex Media)

A Story of Heroes
© Choi Mir/Daiwon C.I.
Published in Indonesia
by Elex Media

Yushin faces a lightning-quick foe in the Best 8 contest. His opponent's speed renders Yushin powerless to pluck the flower at his adversary's sword tip.

Flowers and swords. The mind boggles. It boggles even more when you wonder what a fabled martial arts book (see Overview below) has to do with flora, because Choi Mir's martial arts action adventure, unhelpfully titled Heroes, has got to be the sonyun manhwa tease of teh century, if not of my entire manga blogging career.

Apparently, other than this Baka-Updates entry and and my own write-ups, there is next to no (English) info on the Heroes manhwa on teh internets — none that Gugel (moderate filtering »ON!) threw back, at any rate. (Warukatta ne, I can't claim personal acquaintance as I don't read it and with volumes exceeding 30-something, I'm not about to.) In any case, what I've been able to excavate—referring to the ertswhile Soleil-licensed manhwa—amounts to this overview:

Devenu le plus grand des voleurs après de longues années d'entraînement, Yushin se retrouve mêlé malgré lui à une lutte où s'affrontent plusieurs clans de combattants. L'objet de leur convoitise : le grand livre des arts martiaux. Yushin apprend qu'il est, en réalité, le successeur légitime de Guimun, le fondateur de l'un des clans. Il devra donc affronter Dumyo, le chef actuel, en duel. Un lourd secret pèse sur le jeune voleur, son existence est menacée... [from Manga-News]

Mangling Machine translation, with my tweaks:

Now an accomplished thief after long years of training, Yushin finds himself embroiled in a struggle for the Great Book of Martial Arts, the object of lust of several competing fighter clans. Yushin learns that he is in fact the legitimate successor of Guimun, founder of one of the clans. The discovery pits Yushin against current leader Dumyo in a duel. A dark secret lies within the young thief, his existence is threatened...

Don't worry, Yushin, as long as I'm blogging I will always find a way to babble about you, even if I don't know you.

I also don't read the Corocoro Dragon manga below:

Wazabo 4 by Soyama Kazutoshi

Wazabo impresses upon Mimimi the importance of doryoku in winning, but Mimimi, crushed by with guilt over making someone vanish, decides to quit fighting instead. If a magic wand can't make Mimimi fight again, what will?

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who directs you to check out the Elex June upcomings for more to Kyaaa~! about (no matter that they're still Jadwal dapat berubah sewaktu-waktu tentative)

UP NEXT: More 2 June 2010 manga

Level Comics: Hikayat Genji 2 · Honey Hunt 3 · Jio 6 · Last Inning 5 · Ole! 5 of 5 · Over Rev 12 · Revolution No.3 Vol 2 · Subaru 6 · Team Medical Dragon 11 · Yugo The Negotiator 22 of 22

m&c!: The Best Selection of Akaishi Michiyo· Bleach 27 · Cash by Kawazoe Mariko · Dragon Girl 4 · Meet the BanchouWhen Love is Hiding by Shiumi Saki · AMERO comics: Maniak Sepakbola: Hidup FC Palajoy!!! by Sulpice & Jenfevre and Maniak Sepakbola: Priiit!!! Keluar Stadion by Jack & Beka

disclaimer

Source summaries and cover images and used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

currently available manga (26 May 2010 street date)

  • Elex Media: Alice Academy 13 · The Best Skilled Surgeon 3 · Crows 8 · Detektif Conan Animasi TV 21 · Fruits Basket 23 of 23 · Hell Girl 1 by Eeto Miyuki & Jigoku Shojo Project · K-ON! 2 · Kunai Legend 2 · Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati 2 · Libero Revolution 10 · Otoboke Section Chief 2 · Princess 31 · The Ruler of Nabari 10 · Tale of The Sea King 37 · With My Brothers 5 · Shonen Star 65/2010
  • Level Comics: Black Lagoon 6 · Chocolat 3 · Eagle 11 of 11 · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 2 · Master of Sea 14 · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 1 by Yoshihara Yuki · Rainbow 17
  • m&c!: Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5 · Bleach 26 · Hand 7 Vol. 3 of 3 · Hellboy 3 · Jinco From Room 203 Vol. 3 of 3 · Panta Pan 1 by Aomata Pink · Pendragon 3 · Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho 2 of 2 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 2 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 2 · KOLONI: I Want To Live by Kababonken · KOLONI: Shangrila by Mage · KOLONI: Xenopet by Rizky Arrydesta · Cherry 43

related monthly schedules

Elex June 2010 manga (Tentative list)

[Premieres] Beauty Honey by Matsumoto Tomo, Gensou Suikoden III by Shimizu Aki (double launch with volume 2), Hello Master by Tsukuba Sakura, Hidamari Sketch by Aoki Ume, Natural Honey Dormitory by Oda Aya, Rakka Ryuusui by Sanada Iki, Rockwell the Scarlet Knight by Nadatani Wataru, Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits by Sawada Hirofumi, Tena on S String by Mikabe Sesuna, Toradora by Zekkou, Vampire Knight by Hino Matsuri, and Winter's Love by Mamura Mio (standalone)

[Finales] Fairy-Tale Motif Brocade (volume 5) by Hikawa Kyouko and Ghost Sweeper Mikami by Shiina Takashi (volume 39)

[CONTINUING] Serial Topeng Kaca: Bidadari Merah 11 by Miuchi Suzue, Claymore 15 by Yagi Norihiro, C.M.B. 12 by Katou Motohiro, Fairy Tail 6 by Mashima Hiro, The Great Detective Kiyoshiro Yumemizu 9 by Enue Kei, Q.E.D. 33 by Katou Motohiro, Red-Haired Snow White 3 by Akizuki Sorata, Yotsuba&! 9 by Azuma Kiyohiko

Elex May 2010 manga
Premiering Animal Doctor by Sasaki Noriko, Artist Acro by Sakurai Ato, Blooming Youth by Itsuki Natsumi, Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi, Hell Girl by Eto Miyuki & Jigoku Shojo Project, Hero Tales by Arakawa Hiromu, A Kiss for My Prince by Kim HeeEun, Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati by Kiyuduki Satoko, New Sexy Simpleton by Hwang MiRee, Princess Story by Ebira Hiromi, Shinagawa Cat Story by Nishida Kana, Summer Storm! by Kobayashi Jin, Vitamin Cat by Sugiyama Ryoko, and The Moon & Lake by Ashihara Hinako (standalone)

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · ANN

Technorati tags
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American Idol Season Finale: So Long, Simon!

Last night's American Idol finale was bitter sweet as we said hello to a new star and goodbye to our old friend Simon. (His wise-cracks and snooty 'tude were the only reasons I watched the show! Good thing he'll soon be judging a new series!) Check out a few snaps from the extraordinary event including the crowning of this season's Idol. Spoiler Alert! If you haven't yet watched and don't know who won, don't click below the fold!


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American Idol Season Finale: So Long, Simon!

Last night's American Idol finale was bitter sweet as we said hello to a new star and goodbye to our old friend Simon. (His wise-cracks and snooty 'tude were the only reasons I watched the show! Good thing he'll soon be judging a new series!) Check out a few snaps from the extraordinary event including the crowning of this season's Idol. Spoiler Alert! If you haven't yet watched and don't know who won, don't click below the fold!


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Bleach 26, Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 2, Jinco from Room 203 vol. 3 of 3 (m&c! manga out now)

Edited because it is Jinco from Room 203 vol. 3 of 3, NOT 2 of 2 (that refers to Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho)

Bleach 26: The Mascaron Drive (m&c!)

Bleach © Kubo Tite/Shueisha (Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump)
Published in Indonesia by PT Gramedia/m&c!
[Artwork from m&c!]

Contains [SPOILERS!] and just a smattering of (TV) Tropes

(I might as well tell you now that Bleach 27 is penciled in for 2 June, so better let m&c! know you appreciate its doryoku shimasu! efforts on your Bleach fanboy/girl behalf.)

I told you that Bleach was shipping this week, didn't I? And here it is: Volume 26: The Mascaron Drive.

Whether that Mascaron alludes to Ichigo or his hollow enemies, I leave up to you to speculate (mascaron is Spanish for “mask”). Because the more important thing is that m&c! apparently doesn't want to leave us hanging, now that we know What Aizen Is Up To.

When we last left Ichigo, he had just barely established control over his hollow self Shirosaki. But Ichigo isn't the only one leveling up; Renji trains Chad on Urahara's behest and Ishida, not to be left out, tries to regain his Quincy powers and willingly endures major pounding from dad Ryuuken. All this to withstand the coming incursions. Pro tem Sexta Espada Luppi as the cover boy, however, gives away that he (and his #6 right hip tat) get to see action in this volume. He does, handily routing diverse Soul Reapers until he's flattened by I'm-not-telling.

And despite the Visored lessons and what passes for a mini-victory, Ichigo still has some ways to go in holding his hollow mask for longer than a handful of seconds in battle: he manages to wound Grimmjow in a fight, but his powers fizzle out after 11 seconds, thus turning the tide in Grimmjow's favor.

As for our XX-chromosomed characters, Orihime who wants to get stronger is dismayed to hear Urahara virtually ordering her to sit the imminent war out, citing Yammy Riyalgo's annihilation of her only offensive Shun Shun Rikka spirit Tsubaki as reason. Rukia, however, doesn't agree with Urahara and decides to train with Orihime in Soul Society. Their training is cut short by news of an Espada squad's arrival in the human world. Rukia leaves for Karakura first. On her way back, Orihime meets...

You know who ambushes ’Hime, doncha? I fangirl him (and his seiyuu) muchness.

(Above summary owes a HUGE DEBT from Wiki and Bleach Wiki for its existence.)

Other 26 May 2010 highlights:

  • Three¹ series conclude: Jinco from Room 203 (203 Goushitsu no Jinko-san) by Yamada Nari, Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho (Onigawara Yokochou Sanchoume) by Yagami Chitose, and Hand 7 by Alber CG (Albert Carreres Guardia) & Sébastien Célimon
  • Panta Pan by Aomata Pink premieres
  • Three standalones from home-grown KOLONI komikus: I Want to Live by Kababonken; Shangrila by Mage; and Xenopet by Rizky Arrydesta
  • The slice of life I Want to Live follows five youths who choose to live life to the fullest, despite the odds; the Shangrila: The Pilgrimage to the Broken Past fantasy places the burden of saving the mythical Shangrila on school girl Ayu, in which the redemptive powers of Srikandi dwell. The Pokémon-reminiscent Xenopet is the story of Ray who detest Xenopets, genetically-modified creatures used for battling other Xenopets, but finds an abandoned Xenopet and learns the true meaning of friendship (like those overly-earnest Shonen Jump heroes).

¹ Anyone know if Mika's (reminds me of Naruto) Pendragon volume 3 is also a finale? I could only find three listings for it in Amazon France.

Blurbs after the release lists, except the synopsis for Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5: A Perfect Match (slipped under the toggle link).

MANGAZINES: Cherry 43

Cherry 43 (m&c!)

Issue 43 of Cherry, m&c!'s (not always) monthly anthology of Shogakukan shoujo (and sometimes, josei) titles from Sho-Comi, ChuChu, and Ciao, also releases this Wednesday. One of the serials in the mangazine that celebrates its I don't know what number anniversary this June is Nishimura Tomoko's school life comedy, My Lovely Class Leader. You might know it from the Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou anime-adapt. I assume that's My Lovely Class Leader on the Cherry 43 cover. If not, then... *shrug*

m&c! manga and manhua (2010.05.26)

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

  1. Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5: A Perfect Match by Sega Toys et al.
  2. Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5 (m&c!)

    Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5: A Perfect Match
    by Sega Toys / Spin Master /Bakugan Project · TV Tokyo Dentsu

    Masquerade tricks two boys, Kosuke and Takashi, into provoking Dan's friends to duel. Can Runo and buddies beat the challengers?

  3. Bleach 26 of 45+ by Kubo Tite
  4. Bleach 26 (m&c!)

    BleachBLEACH-ブリーチ- 」 by Kubo Tite
    Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen
    Volume 26: The Mascaron Drive first published in Japan 2007.02

    Volume 26: The Mascaron Drive contains:

    • 224. Imitated Gaiety
    • 225. Slip Into My Barrier
    • 226. Right of My Heart
    • 227. The Swordless Soldier
    • 228. Don't Look Back
    • 229. The Howling Tempest
    • 230. Dead White Invasion
    • 231. The Mascaron Drive
    • 232. The Mascaron Drive 2
    • 233. El Violador

    AWARDS
    Best shounen manga in the 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Bleach is translated into English by VIZ Media (volume 30 released 2010.03.02 • volume 31 street date: 2010.06.01). The manga is published in French by Glénat; in Spanish by Glénat Espagne (Spain) and Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico); in German by Tokyopop Germany; in Dutch by Kana Netherlands; in Russian by Эксмо; in Polish by Japonica Polonica Fantastica; in Portuguese by Planet Manga (Panini Comics); and in simplified Chinese by Chuang Yi Singapore (latest: volume 44).

    ADAPTATIONS
    Studio Pierrot's anime adaptation began TV broadcast in October 2004 and continues to this day. Season 15, the return to the Fake Karakura Town arc, opened with episode 266 on 2010.04.13; the latest episode 272 Ichigo VS Ulquiorra, kecchaku! (一護VSウルキオラ、決着!; Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Conclusion!) aired on 2010.05.25). Seiyuu Morita Masakazu and Orikasa Fumiko star as leads Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia. Park Romi and Namikawa Daisuke play 10th Division captain Hitsugaya Toshiro and Arrancar Ulquiorra Cifer respectively. At least two OAVs and three theatrical movies—Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody, Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyōrinmaru, and Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black, I Call Your Name—have been released.

    Eight drama CDs have been produced so far. Featuring the original anime seiyuu, the drama CDs were bundled with the DVDs.

  5. Jinco from Room 203 (203 Goushitsu no Jinko-san) 3 of 3 by Yamada Nari [Finale]
  6. [Premiere] Panta Pan 1 of 2 by Aomata Pink
  7. Panta Pan 1 (m&c!)

    Panta Paanパンタパーン 」 by Aomata Pink
    Shinshokan Wings comics, shoujo
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2000.12

  8. Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho (Onigawara Yokochou Sanchoume) 2 of 2 by Yagami Chitose [Finale]
  9. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 2 of 11+ by Sawada Hirofumi
  10. The Story of Wang Fenglei Book Two by Tony Wong & Dick Kwong
  11. The Story of Wang Fenglei 2 (m&c!)

    The Story of Wang Fenglei
    Directed and Produced by Tony Wong
    Illustrated by Dick Kwong

    RELATED SERIES
    Long Hu Men (main story)

m&c! AMERO comics (2010.05.26)

  1. Hand 7 Volume 3 of 3 by Alber CG - Sébastien Célimon [Finale]
  2. Hand 7 vol. 3 (m&c!)

    Hand 7 by Alber CG (Albert Carreres Guardia), Sébastien Célimon
    Les Humanoïdes Associés/Shogun Shonen
    Volume 3 first released in France 2008.11.05

  3. Hellboy 3 of 10 by Mike Mignola
  4. Hellboy 3 (m&c!)

    Hellboy 3: The Chained Coffin and Others
    by Mike Mignola
    Dark Horse Comics
    Volume 3 first released as a trade paperback 1998.08.05

  5. Pendragon 3 by Mika
  6. Pendragon 3 (m&c!)

    Pendragon by Mika
    Les Humanoïdes Associés/Shogun Shonen
    Volume 3 first released in France 2009.03.25

m&c! KOLONI local comics (2010.05.26)

  1. [New] I Want To Live by Kababonken
  2. [New] Shangrila: The Pilgrimage to the Broken Past by Mage
  3. [New] Xenopet by Rizky Arrydesta

NOTE
(1) Source: m&c! (artwork)
(2) All listed manga are priced at IDR 15,000 each, except Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5 (SRP: IDR 25,000), The Story of Wang Fenglei 2 (IDR 85,000), and Hellboy 3: The Chained Coffin and Others (IDR 45,000)
(3) Links like this are Amazon.com (or other online merchants) search and/or product links (commercial), in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews continued...

Hand 7 Volume 3 of 3 [Finale]

They are seven with nothing in common and they know nothing of handball. But to save a family's honor, they will become the 7 mercenaries of the hand!

Can our handball team snatch its first victory from Team 1 in the face of trainer Julia's underhanded tactics and lack of sportsmanship?

[With additions from Amazon France's Hand 7 Tome 3 description]

Jinco From Room 203 Volume 3 of 3 [Finale]

Hyodo Jinco's social skills includes the ability to speak with ghosts. Spirits who still have unfinished business with the world thus visit Jinco in her apartment, Room 203, expecting her to help them achieve closure.

All this changes when Jinco loses her mediumship. But instead of being happy over no longer being a conduit, Jinco feels lonely.

Is there any way for Jinco to recover her powers?

Panta Pan 1 of 2

Manatsu, her friend Shiero, and six other students go camping in the woods, but none know why they were chosen to go, nor what's in store for them at the camp.

Horrific events begin to unfold, starting with the death of the teacher who accompanied the camping group. Forced to struggle just to find a way out, the group runs into a mysterious figure: the “God of the Forest.”

Does salvation now await or can the campers only look forward to their doom?

Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho 2 of 2 [Finale]

When her parents leave her for parts abroad, Kanade moves in with her grandfather at his antique shop on Yokocho Sancho-me. But gramps isn't Kanade's only housemate. When Kanade breaks a horned crystal ball in the shop, out poofs Oni, the Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho.

Kanade falls for Aka Oni but the odds are definitely against them. Ao Oni, responsible for sealing Aka Oni in the first place, has returned!

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 2

Yoritomo, dead?!

Before a despondent Hyota appears Taira no Noritsune who challenges Hyota to one-on-one combat. Hyota agrees, little knowing that he might have just set himself up for defeat. Noritsune is Clan Heike's best fighter.

The Story of Wang Fenglei Book Two

News of Wang Fenglei's death spreads like wildfire and shakes the underground world. Though many refuse to believe that Wang Fenglei is no more, the Ginseng School announces a competition for the next leader.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

UP NEXT: 2 June 2010 manga

ELEX MEDIA: Kumpulan Cerita Berwarna Doraemon 3 · InuYasha 47 · Naruto 48 · Princess Story 1 by Ebira Hiromi · A Story of Heroes 31 · V.B. Rose 3 · Wazabo 4 · Shonen Magz 72/2010

LEVEL COMICS: Hikayat Genji 2 · Honey Hunt 3 · Jio 6 · Last Inning 5 · Ole! 5 of 5 · Over Rev 12 · Revolution No.3 Vol 2 · Subaru 6 · Team Medical Dragon 11 · Yugo The Negotiator 22 of 22

M&C!: The Best Selection of Akaishi Michiyo· Bleach 27 · Cash by Kawazoe Mariko · Dragon Girl 4 · Meet the BanchouWhen Love is Hiding by Shiumi Saki · AMERO comics: Maniak Sepakbola: Hidup FC Palajoy!!! by Sulpice & Jenfevre · Maniak Sepakbola: Priiit!!! Keluar Stadion by Jack & Beka

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

other available manga (26 May 2010 street date)

  • Elex Media: Alice Academy 13 · The Best Skilled Surgeon 3 · Crows 8 · Detektif Conan Animasi TV 21 · Fruits Basket 23 of 23 · Hell Girl 1 by Eeto Miyuki & Jigoku Shojo Project · K-ON! 2 · Kunai Legend 2 · Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati 2 · Libero Revolution 10 · Otoboke Section Chief 2 · Princess 31 · The Ruler of Nabari 10 · Tale of The Sea King 37 · With My Brothers 5 · Shonen Star 65/2010
  • Level Comics: Black Lagoon 6 · Chocolat 3 · Eagle 11 of 11 · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 2 · Master of Sea 14 · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 1 by Yoshihara Yuki · Rainbow 17

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · TV Tropes · ANN · Amazon FR

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