sitting here, waiting for happy



I finished my SoFoBoMo book yesterday... I wish I could say that I learned something in the process; or that I feel newly inspired or have felt a sense of accomplishment. Instead, the conclusion is anticlimactic.

The summer drones on... with extreme heat and severe thunderstorms. I went to the pool yesterday morning. I like to get there early to enjoy the peace and quiet, while also getting some exercise. I can't tolerate the hottest part of the day, even in close proximity to the water. I remembered another time, a couple of years ago, when we came early to the pool. The first thing I usually do is clear the toys, floats, etc that have blocked the skimmers overnight. On that morning, when I pulled away the toys, I was greeted by two huge bullfrog eyes! Can I walk on water? Perhaps not, but I can move very quickly! Jeremiah hopped out of the skimmer basket and into the pool. He was eventually rescued and evicted from the pool area (read: over the fence). I didn't realize at the time what a happy memory this would be.

We take these moments for granted. If I had looked around me on that morning, I would have seen the happy, smiling faces of my family; not one of us could imagine that it would ever be anything different. There is a phrase "The world was made round so we would not see too far down the road."

So now I am waiting for happy, hoping I will recognize its smiling face.

The 100 Most Powerful Celebrities

Forbes has released a new list of the most powerful celebrities in the world. Oprah Winfrey reigns as number one; and Lady Gaga has catapulted to the number four spot. Here's the top 10 actors, actresses, musicians, and personalities. These hotshots are huge in Hollywood. See the full list HERE.


17022873


1 - Oprah Winfrey: $315 M

2 - Beyonce Knowles: $87 M

3 - James Cameron: $210 M

4 - Lady Gaga: $62 M

5 - Tiger Woods: $105 M

6 - Britney Spears: $64 M

7 - U2: $130 M

8 - Sandra Bullock: $56 M

9 - Johnny Depp: $75 M

10 - Madonna: $58 M


*Getty


The 100 Most Powerful Celebrities

Forbes has released a new list of the most powerful celebrities in the world. Oprah Winfrey reigns as number one; and Lady Gaga has catapulted to the number four spot. Here's the top 10 actors, actresses, musicians, and personalities. These hotshots are huge in Hollywood. See the full list HERE.


17022873


1 - Oprah Winfrey: $315 M

2 - Beyonce Knowles: $87 M

3 - James Cameron: $210 M

4 - Lady Gaga: $62 M

5 - Tiger Woods: $105 M

6 - Britney Spears: $64 M

7 - U2: $130 M

8 - Sandra Bullock: $56 M

9 - Johnny Depp: $75 M

10 - Madonna: $58 M


*Getty


Manga prices to increase starting July 2010; Price hike covers Elex, Level and m&c! imprints [UPDATED]

IDR 16,500 (approx. USD 1.81) and IDR 18,500 (USD 2.03) are the new price standards.

Starting July, Elex Media, Level Comics and m&c! up manga and manhwa¹ prices. Elex Media and m&c! cite soaring paper costs as the reason for the upward adjustment.

ImprintOldNew% increase
Elex Media & m&c!IDR 15,000IDR 16,50010%
Elex (Doraemon Pika Pika)IDR 13,500IDR 14,5007.4%
Elex (comics <136 pages)n/aIDR 15,000n/a
Level ComicsIDR 17,000IDR 18,5008.8%
Level ComicsIDR 18,000IDR 19,5008.3%
Level ComicsIDR 19,000IDR 20,0005.3%

Manga already in stores will be adjusted to the new standards beginning August.

Elex's regular manga anthologiesHanaLaLa, Nakayoshi Gress!, Shonen Magz and Shonen Star—will remain at pre-hike IDR 27,000 prices, albeit with a reduction in pages. Shonen Star and Shonen Magz appear to be on a twice-monthly release schedule beginning June (ShoStar) and July (ShoMagz). Shonen Star Issue 66 and 67 both released in June, with #68 and 69 slated for July. Shonen Magz Issues 73 and 74 are penciled in for the same month.

¹ I assume even Level- and m&c!'s Franco-Belgian bande dessinée/BDs (AKA ROMICs and AMERO comics), as well as m&c!'s Hong Kong manhua will likewise be affected.

Popular manga affected include best-sellers Naruto, Detektif Conan and One Piece (published by Elex Media); Perfect Girl Evolution and Fight!! Ippo (Level Comics); and Bleach (m&c!).

The last time Elex and m&c! implemented a price hike was back in May 2009, when prices rose from IDR 13,800 to IDR 15,000 for the same increased production costs reason.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks KiRaidesu-san and Raven-san for the separate tips

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Bleach 29, A Badboy Drinks Tea 6, the Quick and Flupke series by Herge (m&c! 30 June 2010 manga and BDs)

Bleach 29: The Slashing Opera (m&c!)

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

Contains [SPOILERS!]

Privaron Espada—Arrancar elite stripped their rank—intercept Ichigo and Chad. As Ichigo battles Dordoni, Nel is wounded. Meanwhile, Chad's desperate fight with (Afranccar) Gantenbainne forces him to power upgrade to get him out of the tight fix.

Yup, after a (wee) two-week “hiatus,” Bleach is back with Volume 29: The Slashing Opera. The cover is 105th Arrancar, Cirucci Sanderwicci, who will eventually go up against Uryū and the Quincy's sole bladed weapon.

A Badboy Drinks Tea! 6 of 11 by Nishimori Hiroyuki

As for the Devil Ma-kun, he's still toughing it out at the Sadou club's summer camping trip. It's the final night, and the kimodameshi or Test of Courage Yamada wants so bad (because it will create memories with the girls) is realized. At the stroke of midnight, something appears. Everyone panics, but Ma-kun...

NEW M&C! TITLES

  • Six standalones, of which five are shoujo anthologies and the remaining title, josei: 1/3 Romantica by Shibano Yuka, Cherish Fight (AKA Cherries Fight) by YASUKO, Finding My Destiny (A.ka.i.i.to) by Nakamura Sayumi, Love is Sweet ♥ (Vampire no Okiniiri) by Kumaki Eri, Prince of Sewing (Handmade no Oujisama) by Koito Sayo and Wounded Angel (Tobenai Tori) by Mitsuha Yuu. (Prince of Sewing and Wounded Angel come highly recommended.)
  • One new manhua series—Confucius by Ihara Sai & Lee Chi-ching—that one assumes is about the philosopher most famed for The Silver Rule. Also assuming that Lee Chi-ching refers to the manhua artist who won the first International Manga Award sponsored by the Japanese government in 2007 for his work on Sun Zi's Tactics. The manhua series is originally among Culturecom's lineup, the publisher that also issues Tony Wong's Long Hu Men or Oriental Heroes series.
  • Nine bande dessinée/BDs, Franco-Belgian comics or what m&c! calls AMERO comics (and Level Comics, ROMICs). Four were originally published by Bamboo and the remaining five constitute a fraction of the Quick and Flupke series by Hergé, creator of Tintin. Rascals Quick and Flupke wreak mischief on the streets of Brussels, much to the aggravation of their parents and the police.
  • Three new KOLONI titles, proudly homegrown: The Creator Jade by Aloysius Alfa, Komik Cihuy Anak Band by Indra Prasta/Aang Anggoro and Sweethearts by Cassandra Massardi/Almie Amalia/Ancha

m&c! manga and manhua (2010.06.30)

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

  1. [New] 1/3 Romantica by Shibano Yuka
  2. 1/3 Romantica (m&c!)

    1/3 Romantica1/3ロマンチカ
    by Shibano Yuka
    Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo
    This volume first published in Japan 2009.02

    Contains: 1/3 Romantica, cm of Us (Cm na Futari) and My Life My Melody

  3. A Badboy Drinks Tea! (Ocha Nigosu) 6 of 11 by Nishimori Hiroyuki
  4. A Badboy Drinks Tea! 6 (m&c!)

    Ocha Nigosuお茶にごす。 」 by Nishimori Hiroyuki
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.11

    Volume 6 contains chapters:

    • 50 理論
    • 51 ひと組め
    • 52
    • 53
    • 54 VS.霊
    • 55 運動部
    • 56 3対3
    • 57 パウァ
    • 58 ダンク
    • 59 夏祭り

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
    Ocha Nigosu is published in traditional Chinese by Tong Li.

  5. Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7: The Story of Bakugan by Sega Toys et al.
  6. Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7 (m&c!)

    Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7: The Story of Bakugan
    by Sega Toys / Spin Master /Bakugan Project · TV Tokyo Dentsu

    Danma and friends go to Shun's place, only to encounter Masquerade and Shun engaged in battle. Who will win this match?

  7. Bleach 29 of 45+ by Kubo Tite
  8. Bleach 29 (m&c!)

    BleachBLEACH-ブリーチ- 」 by Kubo Tite
    Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen
    Volume 29 first published in Japan 2007.08

    Volume 29: The Slashing Opera contains:

    • 252. REBUT TO THE BARON'S LECTURE
    • 253. Don't Call Me Niño
    • 254. Deja Chocolate Aquí
    • 255. DON'T BREATHE IN THE BUSH
    • 256. Infinite Slick
    • 257. The Slashing Opera
    • 258. Seele Schneider
    • 259. Flicker Flames
    • 260. RIGHTARM OF THE GIANT2
    • BLEACH on the BEACH!!

    AWARDS
    Best shounen manga in the 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Bleach is translated into English by VIZ Media (volume 31 released 2010.06.01 • volume 32 street date: 2010.09.01). 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 (latest volume: #44: Vice It).

    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 277 Hakunetsu! Kyōraku VS Sutāku! (白熱!京楽VSスターク!; Climax! Kyōraku vs. Starrk!) aired on 2010.06.29). 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.

  9. [New] Cherish Fight (Cherries Fight) by YASUKO
  10. Cherish Fight (m&c!)

    Cherries Fightチェリーズファイト 」 by YASUKO
    Shogakukan Flower Comics, shoujo
    This volume first published in Japan 2009.03

    Contains: Cherish Fight, The Princess and The Prince, Miss Yankee and The Swordsman's Secret

  11. [Premiere] Confucius 1 by Ihara Sai/Lee Chi-ching (Culturecom)
  12. [New] Finding My Destiny (A.ka.i.i.to) by Nakamura Sayumi
  13. Finding My Destiny (m&c!)

    A.ka.i.i.toア・カ・イ・イ・ト
    by Nakamura Sayumi
    Shogakukan ChuChu, shoujo
    This volume first published in Japan 2008.10

    Contains: A.ka.i.i.to (ア・カ・イ・イ・ト), Koi no Arashi ga Yattekuru (恋の嵐がやってくる/The storm of love comes) and Senchi na Futari (センチなフタリ)

  14. [New] Love is Sweet ♥ (Vampire no Okiniiri) by Kumaki Eri
  15. Love is Sweet ♥ (m&c!)

    Vampire no Okiniiriバンパイアのおきにいり
    by Kumaki Eri
    Shogakukan Ciao DX, shoujo
    This volume first published in Japan 2009.07

  16. Mysterious Joker (Kaitou Joker) 4 of 5+ by Takahashi Hideyasu
  17. Mysterious Joker 4 (m&c!)

    Kaitou Joker怪盗ジョーカー
    by Takahashi Hideyasu
    Shogakukan Coro Coro Comics, shounen
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.09

  18. [New] Prince of Sewing (Handmade no Oujisama) by Koito Sayo
  19. Prince of Sewing (m&c!)

    Handmade no Oujisamaハンドメイドの王子さま
    by Koito Sayo
    Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei
    This volume first published in Japan 2008.09

    Contains: Palpitation's Antenna, Camera of Love and My Brother, My Best Friend

  20. The Story of Wang Fenglei Book Three by Tony Wong & Dick Kwong
  21. The Story of Wang Fenglei 3 (m&c!)

    The Story of Wang Fenglei
    Directed and Produced by Tony Wong
    Illustrated by Dick Kwong
    Publisher: Jade Dynasty (Hong Kong)

    RELATED SERIES
    Long Hu Men (main story)

  22. [New] Wounded Angel (Tobenai Tori) by Mitsuha Yuu
  23. Wounded Angel (m&c!)

    Tobenai Toriとべない鳥 」 by Mitsuha Yuu
    Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo
    This volume first published in Japan 2008.09

    Contains: Wounded Angel, Wounded Angel: Before I Met You and Sweet Tears

m&c! bande dessinée/AMERO comics (2010.06.30)

  1. The Babies: Jangan Sentuh Bonekaku! (Les Ripoupons, tome 1: Touche pas à mon doudou!) by Gégé & Bélom (Bamboo, 2003.04)
  2. The Great Ants: Kesemutan (Les Fourmidables, tome 1: Des fourmis dans les jambes) by Vincent Deporter (Bamboo, 2003.01)
  3. Kalau Besar Nanti: Aku Ingin Jadi Ibu (Si j'étais grande... je serais maman) by Curd Ridel (Bamboo, 2009.05)
  4. Quick and Flupke - Mainan Terlarang (Quick et Flupke, tome 1: Jeux interdits) by Hergé (Casterman, 1985.01)
  5. Quick and Flupke - Baik-Baik Saja (Quick et Flupke, tome 2: Tout va bien) by Hergé (Casterman, 1993.05)
  6. Quick and Flupke - Kembangkan Layar (Quick et Flupke, tome 4: Toutes voiles dehors) by Hergé (Casterman, 1993.05)
  7. Quick and Flupke - Sekarang Giliranmu (Quick et Flupke, tome 5: Chacun son tour) by Hergé (Casterman, 1993.05)
  8. Quick and Flupke - Tanpa Ampun (Quick et Flupke, tome 6: Pas de quartier) by Hergé (Casterman, 1993.05)
  9. Toutou and Friends -Selendang Ular (Toutou et cie, tome 1) by Soffritti/Brrémaud/Reynès (Bamboo, 2009.02)

m&c! KOLONI local comics (2010.06.30)

  1. The Creator Jade by Aloysius Alfa
  2. Komik Cihuy Anak Band by Indra Prasta/Aang Anggoro
  3. Sweethearts by Cassandra Massardi/Almie Amalia/Ancha

NOTE
¹ Source: m&c! (artwork)
² Manga are priced at IDR 15,000, except Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7 (SRP: IDR 25,000). The Story of Wang Fenglei 3 manhua retails for IDR 85,000, while Confucius 1 costs IDR 18,500/volume. BDs are priced at IDR 25,000, save the Quick and Flupke series (IDR 30,000/book). All KOLONI comics are IDR 15,000 each except Komik Cihuy Anak Band (IDR 12,500).
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.

New m&c! titles (Babble + Blurb)

1/3 Romantica by Shibano Yuka

A slip of the tongue—or more properly, a Freudian slip—lands Hana deep into boy trouble. Now she has to spend days as the girlfriend of popular bishie Tokumoto. Tokumoto-kun just loves teasing Hana, but bit by bit, he starts showing her his softer side. Predictably, Hana falls—hard—for Tokumoto. Which is just about perfect because Hana discovers who Tokumoto's ex is...

In addition to 1/3 Romantica, this Betsucomi omnibus from the creator of March Our Hearts Together (Kono Sora ni Hibike) and My Summer Love (Taiyou ga Yonde Iru!) also contains cm of Us (Cm na Futari, about childhood “sweethearts”) and My Life My Melody, about Aoi's destined meeting with runaway street musician Kei. [Additions from Midnight Scans' description, excerpted by Baka-Updates Manga]

Cherish Fight by YASUKO

This is why you should always go easy on teh alcohol. (Or alternatively, go bottoms up on it.)

Manami glugs down sake at her junior high reunion and wakes up the next day beside “friend” Motoyoshi Hajime. A discombobulated Manami doesn't remember anything, least of all how she ended up in bed with Hajime. What's going to happen The Morning After The Night Before?

Let's hope she doesn't use those pistols she's brandishing.

Alternatively romanized as Cherries Fight, the anthology also includes The Princess and The Prince, Miss Yankee and The Swordsman's Secret.

YASUKO-sensei is the manga-ka of Sayap Yang Tak Bisa Terbang (Tatoe Konohana ga Sakanakutemo), Holiday, Midnight Express (Mayonaka Express) and Don't Let Me Awake If This is a Dream (Yumenara Samenaide).

Finding My Destiny by Nakamura Sayumi

It doesn't matter if we go to different schools.

Kiichi and Momo plan to go to the same senior high school, but when Kiichi's grades fail to make the cut at their dream school, he utters that platitude you read above. Momo believes wholeheartedly that things will be okay even if they're not together, so, how come Kiichi is now asking for a cool down?

Aside from the title story A.ka.i.i.to (ア・カ・イ・イ・ト), this anthology also contains: Koi no Arashi ga Yattekuru (恋の嵐がやってくる/The storm of love comes) and Senchi na Futari (センチなフタリ). [Additions from Baka-Updates Manga]

Other Nakamura Sayumi manga licensed in Indonesia: 5PM I Fall in Love (PM 5:00 - Koi Ochiru Toki), Hoshi Star (Hoshiori) and The Shortest Poetry For You (Sekaiichi Mijikai Uta wo Kimi ni), all released by m&c!. Her work is also included in the 16-sai Kiss anthology (along with works by Miyasaka Kaho, Minami Kanan, Fukami Sakana, Ibuki Kaede, Satsuki Mikiko and Yuina Haga), published by Level Comics as First Kiss.

Love is Sweet ♥ by Kumaki Eri

You wouldn't know it from m&c!'s generic titling, but this is a vampire-troped thingy.

Love is as sweet as cake.

Ichigo is an expert baker, and friends clamor for her cakes, cookies 'n such. The descending horde even includes the bishie vampire Stard. Now, everyone knows (as Ichigo well does) that bloodsuckers prefer, well, blood, so what's with Stard's sweet tooth?

Or fangs, as the case may be.

Kumaki Eri is also the creator of another shoujo fantasy/romance, Majo wo Koi ni Hen Shiteru.

Efon O

DO WANT!

Prince of Sewing by Koito Sayo

Co-workers look up to the All-Capable Michiru, little knowing there IS something she #Fails at. Because she can't sew on buttons, her boyfriend Inomata dumps her. Outraged and dejected, Michiru turns to Sachi—the Handmade Prince—for some sewing lessons.

Will needlework be the only thing Michiru lears at Sachi's hands? Or will she also learn to forget all about getting Inomata back?

Prince of Sewing—a definite GET!—contains the josei romance shorts Palpitation's Antenna, Camera of Love and My Brother, My Best Friend.

Wounded Angel by Mitsuha Yuu

Shoujo A here (Angst or Aoi, both apply).

Aoi meets Kaoru, her first love, while on vacation. The two were torn apart after Aoi moved to another city because of her parents' divorce. Aoi hasn't forgotten about Kaoru, but she doesn't want him to know the girl she is now...

Includes Wounded Angel, Wounded Angel: Before I Met You and Sweet Tears.

Mitsuha Yuu also created these shoujo standalones: Kimi no Subete wo Misete, Liar and Momoiro Renka.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

UP NEXT: 7 July 2010 manga

m&c!: Electric Daisy 5 · Rasetsu's Flower 6 · Dawn ARIA 3 · Gorgeous Twins by Shiiba Nana · Love Letter by Chiba Kozue · Meet the Banchou 3 · Sayaka's Special Attack, Big Victory! by Wao Akira · Welcome to Lovers Café Marina by Kitamura Yuka

Elex Media: Otomen 9 · Caramel Boy 2 · Hero Tales 1 by Huang Jin Zhou & Arakawa Hiromu · Hyde & Closer 3 · Dorabase 17 · A Kiss For My Prince 4 · Kurozakuro 3 · LUM, The Invader Girl 24 · Shinagawa Cat Story 1 by Nishida Kana ·Otoboke Section Chief 4 ·Winter's Love by Mamura Mio · Shonen Magz 73/2010

Level Comics: Air Gear 13 · Hellsing 4 · Jepang Tenggelam 7 · Restore Garage 251 vol.6 · Subaru 7 · Zipang 3

disclaimer

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

other currently available manga (30 June 2010 street date)

Elex Media: BECK 19 · Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest by Aoyama Gosho · Detektif Conan Spesial 32 · Hayate The Combat Butler 21 · Hell Girl 3 · A Kiss for My Prince 3 · Kunai Legend 3 · Legend of the Cursed Sword 30 · Look Up! 1 by Kusaba Michiteru · Natural Honey Dormitory 1 by Oda Aya · Otomen 8 · Pandora Hearts 10 · The Puppet Master Lin 8 · The Ruler of Nabari 11 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 4 · V.B. Rose 4 · Wild Life 6 · HanaLaLa 51/2010

Level Comics: Diamond Life 3 of 3 · Ghost Mum Investigator 1 by Sato Tomokazu · Honey Hunt 4 · K2 vol. 2 · Master Of Sea 15 of 15 · Psychometrer Eiji 14 · Tomo'o 9 and ROMIC BDs: Cubitus - Anjing yang Selalu Beruntung · Cubitus - Si Anjing Penurut · Lucky Luke - Sepupu Dalton · Spirou - 4 Petualangan Spirou dan Fantasio · Spirou - Seine di Paris

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Amazon France · Wikipedia

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Diamond Life 3 of 3, Master Of Sea 15 of 15, Honey Hunt 4 (Level Comics 30 June 2010 manga)

Honey Hunt 4

Honey Hunt © Aihara Miki/Shogakukan (Serialized in Cheese!)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Contains [SPOILERS!]

Haruki keeps pushing Kanae away; however, Kanae refuses to budge from Haruki's side. The pair eventually decides to get married, but before the happy day can dawn, Haruki's condition worsens. It's critical.

Is there a Happy Even After in store for our couple? Find out in Diamond Life volume 3 that, at the very least, promises s'more tearjerking. (Won't say which kind. I will, however, (over)share that the Diamond Life finale will likely be a Very Fast Read; fellow shoujo/josei fan dalina02-san confirms: It only took one hour to finish that manga.)

I don't have a summary for the other finale—Komori Yoichi & Takemura Yuji's marine salvage saga Master Of Sea—but one assumes Rintarou eventually services (if he hasn't already done so) his dad's ¥1.5 billion debt in full. (Sorry, not reading this Level title.)

Honey Hunt 4 of 6+ by Aihara Miki: Hot Springs Episode!

The latest Honey Hunt—the shoujo manga ANN calls a transparent rip-off of Yoshiki Nakamura's Skip Beat!... with a mopey heroine instead of a magnificently angry one and a cast of pretty boys with potentially bad intentions—has Yura landing a role in screenscribe Todoh Maki's newest drama. At the same time, singer/composer Q-Ta returns from England to see her — and we all know what effect he will have on Yura's concentration, at a time she really needs it.

Deeming celebrats like Q-Ta (and his twin Haruka) so much unacceptable debauch and not wanting to see Yura's budding career go down the tubes, manager Mizorogi orders his acting protégé to Just Say No! to boys and any romantic relationships. (VIZ's Honey Hunt 4 blurb cites greater paparazzi scrutiny of Yura as Machiavelli's, I mean, Mizorogi's reason.)

So what is Yura doing, disobeying Mizorogi and escaping to an onsen with Q-Ta?

Okay, so I don't think I've seen a Hot Springs Episode (yet) in Skip Beat!, so this is a Honey Hunt one-up.

New Level Titles

Ghost Mum Investigator by Sato Tomokazu

Ghost Mum Investigator 1 (Level Comics)

Ghost Mama Sousasen
© Sato Tomokazu
Shogakukan (Big Comics)
Published in Indonesia as
Ghost Mum Investigator
by Level Comics

Dead Mama Helps Son Solve Cases is the (relatively) novel premise of Sato (or Satou) Tomokazu's seinen manga Ghost Mum Investigator, originally Ghost Mama Sousasen. (I say novel because I'm blanking out on any similarly-troped extramundane detective manga.)

First-grader Tonbo sorely misses his mommy, an ex-policewoman who died in an accident. Now whenever the grade-schooler wears his mother's specs, he can see and communicate with her spirit. What else to do with the newfound power, other than collaborate with mom to investigate spiritual cases?

Among the Ghost Mum & Son's initial caseload: spiritual kidnapping and a double suicide (if I read chapter title translations right). Level bills the Mediumship With a Twist story funny and poignant.

Cubitus by Dupa

I'm pretty sure this is Cubitus' debut as a Level ROMIC/bande dessinée. Cartoonist Dupa's chubby white canine protagonist was first popped his furry head in Komikologi February, but only pokes his big black nose in and wags that highlighter yellow tail this Wednesday with Cubitus - Anjing yang Selalu Beruntung (Cubitus, chien sans accroc) and Cubitus - Si Anjing Penurut (Cubitus, donne la belle papatte).

The other BDs are regulars Lucky Luke and Spirou et Fantasio
(see list below).

Cubitus, who first appeared in Tintin, also starred in his own 1988-vintage Japanese anime, Don-don Domeru to Ron that became Wowser after export to the US. Aside from fame as Dommel in Japan, Flanders and the Netherlands, the Belgian native also goes by the aliases Teodoro (Italian) and Kaaboul (Arabic).

Level Comics manga (2010.06.30)

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

  1. Diamond Life 3 of 3 by Fujiwara Akira [Finale]
  2. [Premiere] Ghost Mum Investigator (Ghost Mama Sousasen) 1 of 3+ by Sato Tomokazu
  3. Ghost Mum Investigator 1 (Level Comics)

    Ghost Mama Sousasenゴーストママ捜査線
    by Sato Tomokazu
    Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2002.06

    Volume 1 contains chapters:

    • 1 とんぼのめがね
    • 2 奇っ怪・霊界・誘拐・捜査!!
    • 3 霊が何ぼのモンジャ!?
    • 4 一人でできるモン!?
    • 5 愛の降霊劇場
    • 6 心霊写真は誰のもの?
    • 7 犬も鳴かずば撃たれまい
    • 8 心中ブルース
    • 9 アリとカマキリ
  4. Honey Hunt 4 of 6+ by Aihara Miki
  5. Honey Hunt 4 (Level Comics)

    Honey HuntHoney Hunt 」 by Aihara Miki
    Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2008.11
    Series on hiatus (volume 6 released 2009.12.24)

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Honey Hunt is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 4 released 2010.04.06 • volume 5 street date: 2010.08.03) and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan)

  6. K2 2 of 13+ by Mafune Kazuo
  7. K2 vol. 2 (Level Comics)

    K2K2 」 by Mafune Kazuo
    Kodansha Evening, seinen
    Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.05

  8. Master Of Sea (Waga Na wa Umishi Master Of Sea) 15 of 15 by Takemura Yuji and Komori Yoichi [Finale]
  9. Master Of Sea 15 (Level Comics)

    Waga Na wa Umishi Master Of Sea
    我が名は海師-MasterOfSea
    by Takemura Yuji and Komori Yoichi
    Shogakukan Big Comics Spirits, seinen
    Volume 15 first published in Japan 2008.03

    Volume 15 contains chapters:

    • 139 百獣の王のやり方
    • 140 技を超える力
    • 141 それでもあきらめない気持ち
    • 142 親父の形見
    • 143 王の方法論
    • 144 海の男の礼儀
    • 145 噴出した本性
    • 146 サルヴァーの基本
    • 147 2つの流儀
    • 148 重責からの解放
    • 最終話 海師たちの夢
  10. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 14 of 25 by Ando Yuma, Asaki Masashi
  11. Psychometrist Eiji 14 (Level Comics)

    Psychometrer EijiサイコメトラーEIJI
    by Ando Yuma¹ and Asaki Masashi
    Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen
    Volume 14 first published in Japan 1998.12
    (Series re-released in 12 bunko volumes from 2003.06 to 2003.11)

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
    Psychometrer Eiji is published in simplified Chinese by Chuang Yi Singapore, in traditional Chinese by Tong Li Taiwan, and in French by Kana.

    ADAPTATIONS
    The live-action renzoku alternatively known as Simply Psychic ran for two seasons on NTV (January to March 1997 and October to December 1999). A one-episode, 45-minute anime OAV Eiji was released in August 1990.

    NOTES
    ¹ Ando Yuma's real name is Kibayashi Shin; he also writes under the pennames Agi Tadashi (The Drops of God, in collaboration with his sister); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files, Remote); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday); Arimori Jōji (Monkey Typhoon); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi).

  12. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) 9 of 16+ by Oda Tobira
  13. Tomo'o 9 (Level Comics)

    Danchi Tomoo団地ともお 」 by Oda Tobira
    Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen
    Volume 9 first published in Japan 2007.03

    Volume 9 contains stories/chapters:

    1. ズレは気になるかいともお
    2. 一度は言いたいよなともお
    3. システムも大事だなともお
    4. 偉くなったもんだなともお
    5. ノープロブレムかよともお
    6. ホレボレするよなともお
    7. まだ続いてるなともお
    8. それも愛これも愛さともお
    9. いやいや今日は私が…ともお
    10. まだ間違えてたのかよともお
    11. 乗り越えていくのだともお
    12. せっかちでおセンチだったよともお
    13. 会イタカッタデースだよなともお
    14. で、赤いのは何なんだともお
    15. アフターケアも大事ってことともお
    16. 巡りゆくともお

Level Comics BDs or ROMICs (2010.06.30)

  1. Cubitus - Anjing yang Selalu Beruntung (Cubitus, tome 25: Chien sans accroc) by Dupa (Le Lombard)
  2. Cubitus - Si Anjing Penurut (Cubitus, tome 23: Cubitus donne la belle papatte) by Dupa (Le Lombard)
  3. Lucky Luke - Sepupu Dalton (Lucky Luke, tome 12: Les Cousins Dalton) by Morris & René Goscinny (Dupuis, 1958)
  4. Spirou - 4 Petualangan Spirou dan Fantasio (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 1: 4 aventures de Spirou... et Fantasio) by Franquin (Dupuis, 1950)
  5. Spirou - Seine di Paris (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 47: Paris-sous-Seine) by Morvan & Munuera (Dupuis, 2004)

NOTE
¹ Sources: Elex Media STO 30 June 2010 and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
² 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

K2 vol.2 of 13+ by Mafune Kazuo

Some detective work required in the K2 medical drama

Dr. K tries to locate nine of the 10 surgical scalpels left by his predecessor Kazuya, and gets word about Blade #2: a doctor named Takaiwa Seiji has it. Apparently, 15 years ago, Takaiwa got into an accident and was saved by Kazuya. So how did Takaiwa end up with the scalpel? And can Dr. K recover it?

Psychometrist Eiji 14 of 25 by Ando Yuma, Asaki Masashi

First it was the tragic suicide of a girl who threw herself in front of train. Next came the shooting deaths of several Shibuya youths. And now, Toru has disappeared. While investigating Toru's trail, Shima and Eiji become suspects!

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

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

other manga available this week (30 June 2010 street date)

Elex Media: BECK 19 · Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest by Aoyama Gosho · Detektif Conan Spesial 32 · Hayate The Combat Butler 21 · Hell Girl 3 · A Kiss for My Prince 3 · Kunai Legend 3 · Legend of the Cursed Sword 30 · Look Up! 1 by Kusaba Michiteru · Natural Honey Dormitory 1 by Oda Aya · Otomen 8 · Pandora Hearts 10 · The Puppet Master Lin 8 · The Ruler of Nabari 11 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 4 · V.B. Rose 4 · Wild Life 6 · HanaLaLa 51/2010

m&c!: 1/3 Romantica by Shibano Yuka · A Badboy Drinks Tea 6 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7 · Bleach 29 · Cherish Fight by YASUKO · Finding My Destiny by Nakamura Sayumi · Love is Sweet by Kumaki Eri · Mysterious Joker 4 · Prince of Sewing by Koito Sayo · Wounded Angel by Mitsuha Yuu | AMERO BDs: 5 × Quick and Flupke by Hergé: (1) Mainan Terlarang, (2) Baik-Baik Saja, (4) Kembangkan Layar, (5) Sekarang Giliranmu and (6) Tanpa Ampun | Hong Kong manhua: Confucius 1 by Sai Ihara/Lee Chi-Ching · The Story of Wang Fenglei 3 | KOLONI local comics: Sweethearts · The Creator Jade · Komik Cihuy Anak Band

related monthly schedules

Level Comics July 2010 manga
Premiering Soul Eater by Ohkubo Atsushi and Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Nishi Yuuji · Ending Diamond Life

Level Comics June 2010 manga
Premiering Dark Edge by Aikawa Yu, Ghost Mum Investigator by Sato Tomokazu · Standalones: 1 or W by Takahashi Rumiko and Bus Hashiru by Sahara Mizu

other invaluable resources

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

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Pandora Hearts 10, The Ruler of Nabari 11, Wild Life 6 (Elex 30 June 2010 manga)

This be the last batch of Elex manga and manhwa retailing for IDR 15,000 apiece. Prices go up to IDR 16,500 starting 7 July 2010.

Pandora Hearts 10

Pandora Hearts © Mochizuki Jun/Square Enix (Serialized in GFantasy)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo

Some (TV) Tropes and   [SPOILERS!]
Be careful, especially when surfing from pink underlined links.

Also, Otomen 8 (blurb after the manga list)

Open not the door lest you unleash damnation upon us all.

A long time ago, a boy—hoping to save his brother from Glen Baskerville—heeded not the warning and opened the forbidden door of Sabrie. A century hence, the city of Sabrie lies in ruins, but the portal itself remains, hidden in the mists of darkness. The Baskerville door Pandora has been seeking all along.

Pandora Hearts 10, the top DO WANT! this release, contains Retrace XXXVIII to XLI: Scapegoat, Gate of Blackness, Blindness and Where am I!?

The Ruler of Nabari 11 of 13+ by Kamatani Yuhki

Kamatani Yuhki-sensei again proves Nabari no Ou's NOT!Naruto creds:

Miharu activates the hijutsu within and fulfills his Because Destiny Sed So fate to become the ruler of Nabari. Miharu, however, is not the only one undergoing metamorphosis: everyone in the ninja world is affected, making Miharu regret ever using it. Tobari-sensei tries to help Miharu by perfecting the zeku, a procedure that would unfuse the Shinra Banshou from its wielder's body.

But the technique can only succeed if the Banten and Fuma ninja cooperate.

Wild Life 6 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato

Doofus vet Iwashiro Tessho's unshakeable belief in friend Kurachi Hisataka's powers awakens the latter's abilities, just in time for their next job: bagging a crocodile.

And Fearless Kurachi goes into super(hero) mode in Wild Life volume 6.

NEW ELEX TITLES: Shounen—shounen—shoujo

We get Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest, a Meitantei Conan Story and Character Guide Plus from Aoyama Gosho; Look Up! or Miagete Goran, Kusaba Michiteru's tennis manga serialized in Shonen Star; and the licensed version of Oda Aya's school romance Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou). Blurble for this shounen—shounen—shoujo trio is after the manga list.

MANGAZINES: HanaLaLa 51/2010, featuring Alice Academy

HanaLaLa 51/2010 - Front cover: Gakuen Alice

Gakuen Alice
© Higuchi Tachibana
Hakusensha

Higuchi Tachibana's They're in grade school, but their readers are (mostly) considerably older Alice Academy logged two chapters in the last HanaLaLa, but still refuses to give up the spotlight. Aside from grabbing the front cover, latest Story 80 cops the honor of being this Indonesian Hana to Yume and LaLa's featured installment:

Mikan is accused of causing chaos in Alice Academy, when the actual twerp, I mean, perp is Koizumi. Threatened with dire things by Koizumi, Mikan is helpless to acquit herself of the trumped up charge and is carted away by the disciplinary committee.

It's a good thing someone goes after Mikan.

I don't think it's wishful thinking to hope it's “Your first kiss is MINE!” and “We have cohabitedNatsume who rescues our Determinator. I base this on TV Tropes pointing out that in Story 81 —   [SPOILAGE!]

As for what's doubling up in this issue:

  • Skip Beat! by Nakamura Yoshiki: We get Act 102: Fireballs Between the ☆ T-w-o and Act 103: Bad News — both continuing the Kuu (Hozu Shuuhei) arc; and
  • Sugar Princess by Nakajo Hisaya: Chapters 11 to 12, in which Maaya continues to turn ice skating mentor Shun into a melted puddle

Watch out, too, for the 49-paged Chapter 5 of Natsume Yujincho by Midorikawa Yuki, and the return of Mr. Ermine Si Penguasa (Okojo-banchou), now that by Uno Ayumi's Darling has concluded.

Other borderline-nerdy Hakusensha shoujo manga in serialization: Arakure: The Wild Ones by Fujiwara Kiyo (this issue: Chapter 31) · Dragon's Fiancé (Ryuu no Hanawazurai) by Kusakawa Nari (Chapter 22) · La Corda D'Oro (Kin Iro no Corda) by Kure Yuki (Symphony 51) · Ouran High School Host Club by Hatori Bisco (Chapter 57; the manga is already entering its final arc in Japan) · Twinkle Stars (Hoshi wa Utau) by Takaya Natsuki (Chapter 3) · Vampire Knight by Hino Matsuri (29th Night: Quickening) · V.B. Rose by Hidaka Banri (Chapter 51; Elex's volume 4 release coincides) · With My Brothers (Oniichan to Issho) by Tokeino Hari (Chapter 50).

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.06.30)

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

  1. BECK 19 of 34 by Harold Sakuishi
  2. BECK 19 (Elex Media)

    BECKBECK 」 by Harold Sakuishi
    Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen
    Volume 19 first published in Japan 2004.06

    AWARDS
    Winner, Best shounen manga, 2002 Kodansha Manga Awards (tied with Nonaka Eiji's Cromartie High School)

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    BECK:Mongolian Chop Squad is published in English by TOKYOPOP (dropped after volume 12). The manga is also licensed in France (Akata/Delcourt), Italy (Dynit), Germany (Tokyopop Germany; lapsed) and Taiwan (traditional Chinese version by Tong Li).

    Ongoing Indonesian serialization in Shonen Magz.

    ADAPTATIONS
    Adapted into anime (covering until manga volume 11) by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Namikawa Daisuke as Tanaka Yukio/Koyuki, Ueno Yuuma as Minami Ryuusuke, and Saiki Miho as Minami Maho. Twenty-six episodes aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005 on TV Tokyo.

    A BECK live-action film directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko (20th Century Boys live-action film) is slated to premiere in Japan on 4 September 2010. The movie stars actors Satoh Takeru (Princess Princess D, Kamen Rider Den-O) as Koyuki and Mizushima Hiro (Zettai Kareshi, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e: Ikemen Paradise) as Ryuusuke.

  3. [Premiere] Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest by Aoyama Gosho
  4. Detektif Conan Spesial 32 (Concept by Aoyama Gosho; Art by Oota Masaru & Kubota Kazuhiro
  5. Hayate The Combat Butler (Hayate no Gotoku) 21 of 24+ by Hata Kenjiro
  6. Hayate The Combat Butler 21 (Elex Media)

    Hayate no Gotokuハヤテのごとく!
    by Hata Kenjiro
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 21 first published in Japan 2009.10

    Volume 21 contains chapters:

    • 218. The Stone of Bonds (絆の石)
    • 219. We Are Not Innovators! Our Minds Cannot Be Transmitted to Each Other Well (イノベイターではない僕らの心はお互いうまく伝わらない)
    • 220. The Time to Forget Your Troubles Has Come. The Memory Mechanism Is Still Scientifically Unclear (トラブルは忘れた頃にやってくる)
    • 221. Because You Go to the Beach, There's Something You Have to Do (ビーチに来たからにはやる事がある)
    • 222. Love Makes People Run in Odd Directions And Then They Want to Die (恋は人をおかしな方向に走らせる。後で死にたくなる)
    • 223. Winning And Happiness Are Equal But Not Linked (勝つことと幸せはイコールで結ばれない)
    • 224. Getting a Girl Into a Good Mood Is Difficult, But Important (女の子のご機嫌をとるのは大変。でも大事)
    • 225. And Yet I Shoudn't Be Doing It (それでも僕はやってないはず)
    • 226. The Living Things Known as Girls Are Naturally Strong (女の子という生き物は普通に強い)
    • 227. Like Shadows Overlapping Each Other in the Sunset (夕日で重なる影のように)
    • 228. Memories Transcend Time (思い出は時を超えて)

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Hayate The Combat Butler is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 15 released 2010.06.15 • volume 16 street date: 2010.09.14). The manga is published in French by Kabuto and in traditional Chinese by Sharp Point Press (Taiwan).

    ADAPTATIONS
    A 52-episode anime adaptation by Synergy SP aired in Japan between April 2007 and March 2008, followed by the Hayate no Gotoku!! sequel (animated by J.C. Staff) from April to September 2009. Seiyuu Shiraishi Ryoko and Kugimiya Rie played Ayasaki Hayate and Sanzenin Nagi, reprising their roles in the OAV released in between seasons.

    Two light novels have been released, the first by Tsukiji Toshihiko, illustrated by Hata Kenjiro, streeted 2007.05.24; the second titled Nagi is the Familiar!? Let it ★ World Conquest released 2008.03.18 featured insert art by Hata Kenjiro and Zero no Tsukaima light novels illustrator Usatsuka Eiji.

  7. Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo) 3 of 9 by Eto Miyuki
  8. Hell Girl 3 (Elex Media)

    Jigoku Shoujo地獄少女
    by Eto Miyuki · Jigoku Shojo Project
    Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo
    Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.10

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Hell Girl is published in English by Del Rey (Volume 6: His Time Has Come released 2009.11.24 • volumes 7-9 street date: 2010.10.26); in French by Pika Édition; and in German by Tokyopop Germany (volumes 1-4) and EMA (volume 5 onwards).

    Concluded Indonesian serialization in Nakayoshi Gress!.

    RELATED
    Adapted from the anime produced by Aniplex and Studio DEEN. Twenty-six episodes aired in Japan from October 2005 through April 2006 (the Animax Asia Girl from Hell telecast premiered on 24 October 2006), followed by a second and third season: Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori (2006.10 to 2007.04) and Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae (2008.10 to 2009.04), both also 26 episodes long. Seiyuu Noto Mamiko, Sugo Takayuki, Matsukaze Masaya, and Honda Takako starred as Enma Ai, Wanyuudou, Ichimoku Ren, and Hone-Onna respectively.

    A 12-epsiode live-action renzoku aired on NTV between November 2007 and January 2008, with Iwata Sayuri as Enma Ai, Ogura Hisahiro (the Narrator in the anime series) as Wanyuudou, Kato Kazuki as Ichimoku Ren, and Sugimoto Aya as Hone-Onna.

    RELATED MANGA
    Shin Jigoku Shoujo (New Hell Girl, sequel; three volumes; ongoing Indonesian serialization in NakaGress) · Jigoku Shoujo R (sequel; one volume as at 2010.03)

  9. A Kiss for My Prince 3 of 5 by Kim HeeEun
  10. A Kiss for My Prince 3 (Elex Media)

    A Kiss for My Prince왕자님에게 Kiss를
    by Kim HeeEun
    Seoul Cultural Mink, soonjung
    Volume 3 first published in Korea 2006.01

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    A Kiss for My Prince is published in English by Infinity Studios (volume 2 released 2007.06.06 • volume 3 on hold).

  11. Kunai Legend (Kunaiden) 3 of 4 by Iori Tabasa
  12. Kunai Legend 3 (Elex Media)

    Kunaiden クナイ伝 」 by Iori Tabasa
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.07

    Volume 3 contains chapters:

    • 17 北の悲劇(1)
    • 18 北の悲劇(2)
    • 19 北の悲劇(3)
    • 20 北の悲劇(4)
    • 21 追い出してやるぅ~~
    • 22 真実をね!!
    • 23 お人好し!
    • 24 お兄ちゃま!
    • 25 覚悟はできてるよ
    • 26 使命がある
  13. Legend of the Cursed Sword (Pageomgi) 30 of 37 by Park HuiJin and Yeo BeopRyong
  14. Legend of the Cursed Sword 30 (Elex Media)

    Pageomgi파검기
    by Park HuiJin and Yeo BeopRyong
    AKA PaGumKi
    Daiwon C.I. Comic Champ, sonyun
    Volume 30 first published in Korea 2007.04

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
    The Pageomgi manhwa is published in English as Chronicles of the Cursed Sword by TOKYOPOP (volume 23 scheduled 2008.11.04). It is also licensed in Germany by EMA and Sweden by B. Wahlströms Bokförlag AB.

  15. [Premiere] Look Up! (Miagete Goran) 1 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru
  16. Look Up! 1 (Elex Media)

    Miagete Goran見上げてごらん
    by Kusaba Michiteru
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2005.07

    Volume 1 contains chapters:

    1. そして伝説が始まった
    2. 本当に素人なんだ!?
    3. シロートのサーブ
    4. 憧れの聖稜ジャージ
    5. 光と影
    6. 球拾い
    7. 葉の重み

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Ongoing Indonesian serialization in Shonen Star.

  17. [Premiere] Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou) 1 of 7 by Oda Aya
  18. Natural Honey Dormitory 1 (Elex Media)

    Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou天然はちみつ寮。
    by Oda Aya
    Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2002.05

  19. Otomen 8 of 10+ by Kanno Aya
  20. Otomen 9 (Elex Media)

    Otomenオトメン(乙男) 」 by Kanno Aya
    Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.08

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
    Otomen is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 6 released 2010.05.04 • volume 7 street date: 2010.08.03) and Chuang Yi Singapore (latest volume 9). The manga is also published in France (by Akata/Delcourt), Spain (Planeta DeAgostini) and Taiwan (Tong Li).

    ADAPTATIONS
    A live-action Otomen aired from 1 August to 3 November 2009 on Japan's Fuji TV. The renzoku reunited actors Okada Masaki (Asuka) and Kaho (Ryo). Okada-san and Kaho-san previously appeared in the 2007 movie, Tennen Kokekkou or A Gentle Breeze in the Village. Okada-san (also Sekime Kyogo in Hana-Kimi Ike-para) played Osawa Hiromi, boyfriend of Tennen Kokekkou's lead Migita Soyo (Kaho-san).

  21. Pandora Hearts 10 of 12+ by Mochizuki Jun
  22. Pandora Hearts 10 (Elex Media)

    Pandora HeartsPandora Hearts
    by Mochizuki Jun
    Square Enix GFantasy, shounen
    Volume 10 (containing Retrace XXXVIII-XLI) first published in Japan 2009.11

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Pandora Hearts was first licensed for North America by Broccoli Books but dropped; the series is now published in English by Yen Press (volume 2 released 2010.05.18 • volume 3 street date: 2010.10.26). The manga is also published in France (by Ki-oon) and in Taiwan and Hong Kong (Sharp Point Press).

    ADAPTATIONS
    A 25-episode anime adaptation produced by XEBEC aired in Japan from April to September 2009. Seiyuu Minagawa Junko, Kawasumi Ayako, and Toriumi Kousuke played Oz Vessalius, Alice, and Raven respectively.

    A drama CD, Pandora Hearts Drama CD, was released in December 2007 by Frontier works.

    RELATED
    The Pandora Hearts Official Guide was released 2009.03.27. Numbered 8.5, the guide book is subtitled Mine of mine.

  23. The Puppet Master Lin (Kairaishi Lin) 8 of 10+ by Wada Shinji
  24. The Puppet Master Lin 8 (Elex Media)

    Kairaishi Lin傀儡師リン 」 by Wada Shinji
    Akita Shoten Mystery Bonita, shoujo
    Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.06

  25. The Ruler of Nabari (Nabari no Ou) 11 of 13+ by Kamatani Yuhki
  26. The Ruler of Nabari 11 (Elex Media)

    Nabari no Ou隠の王 」 by Kamatani Yuhki
    Square Enix GFantasy, shounen
    Volume 11 first published in Japan 2009.06

    Volume 11 contains chapters:

    • 052. The Dangerous Thread that Has Become a Bundle (束なる危うい糸 Taba Naru Ayaui Ito)
    • 053. Idiot!! (ばかやろっ!! Bakayaro!!)
    • 054. Lost Memory, Lost Shape (うしなったきおく、うしなったかたち Ushinatta Kioku, Ushinatta Katachi)
    • 055. You are My Assistant From Now On (今からお前はオレの助手だ Ima Karao Mae wa Ore no Joshu da)

    AWARDS
    Finalist, 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Nabari no Ou is published in English by Yen Press (volume 3 released 2010.03.23; volume 4 street date: 2010.07.13). It is also serialized in Yen Plus (online only after July 2010). The manga is licensed in France by Asuka and in Taiwan by Sharp Point Press (traditional Chinese version).

    ADAPTATIONS
    A 26-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff, starring seiyuu Kugimiya Rie as Rokujou Miharu, Saiga Mitsuki as Yoite, Namikawa Daisuke as Kumohira Durandal Tobari, Hino Satoshi as Aizawa Kouichi, and Fujimura Ayumi as Shimizu Raimei, aired in Japan from April to September 2008.

  27. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 4 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita
  28. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 4 (Elex Media)

    Spiral: Suiri no Kizunaスパイラル 推理の絆
    by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita
    Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen
    Volume 4 (containing chapters 15-19) first published in Japan 2001.06

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning is published in English by Yen Press (volume 11 released 2010.04.20 • volume 12 street date: 2010.07.13). The manga is translated into German by Carlsen Comics.

    RELATED SERIES
    Spiral Alive (prequel; five volumes) and a series of light novels.

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

    A series of drama CDs have also been produced.

  29. V.B. Rose 4 of 14 by Hidaka Banri
  30. V.B. Rose 4 (Elex Media)

    V.B. RoseV・B・ローズ 」 by Hidaka Banri
    Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2005.07

    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).

    Ongoing Indonesian serialization 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.

  31. Wild Life 6 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato
  32. Wild Life 6 (Elex Media)

    Wild Lifeワイルドライフ 」 by Fujisaki Masato
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 6 first published in Japan 2004.03

    Volume 6 contains chapters:

    • 42 恋愛戦争エピソード2(後編)
    • 43 戦争と平和
    • 44 子キリン“銀河”
    • 45 足の壊死
    • 46 生きる意志
    • 47 二科(ワイルドライフ)の新人
    • 48 鞍智の想い
    • 49 クジラの座礁
    • 50 潜入作戦!

    AWARDS
    Winner, Best shounen manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards

    OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
    Ongoing Indonesian serialization in Shonen Star

NOTE
¹ Sources: Elex Media STO 30 June 2010 and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
² All listed GN are priced at IDR 15,000 each, except Detektif Conan 10+Plus Super Digest Book (SRP: IDR 20,000)
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.

New Manga

Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest by Aoyama Gosho

Detektif Conan 10+ Super Digest

Elex bills this Indonesia's first licensed STORY and CHARACTER GUIDE ¹ and promises that by reading the Conan Super Digest, you will:

  1. Get to know the Meitantei Conan characters and creator (includes an interview with Aoyama Gosho-sensei) better
  2. Discover the secrets behind the cases and With a keen eye on details, one truth prevails! deduction à la Edogawa Conan
  3. Be “diagnosed” into what type of tantei you'd make

Elex adds that that there there are several digest books in the series: 10+, 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+.

¹ Of Meitante Conan, maybe. I know for a fact that 3L has licensed Midori is a Tomboy and Moe Kare!! fanbooks in Indonesia.

LOOK UP! 1 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru

NOT!TeniPuri tennis shounen manga from the manga-ka of Fantasista:

Yuzawa Ryo enrolls into Seiryo High, a private school famed nationally for the strength of its sports clubs. Despite a tennis virginity, Ryo tries out for the school's tennis club. Does he think he's a genius, or is he just plain stoopid?

Natural Honey Dormitory 1 of 7 by Oda Aya

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou Elex's first Oda Aya shoujo manga? Just curious; more used to seeing Oda-sensei's manga with 3L, m&c!, and Level Comics.

Nene's only wish as she enters a new school is to live the rosy-pink school life with the “Honey Boy” she met during the entrance test. But while she's praying at a nearby shrine, she finds someone in shrine maiden garb bound up in ropes. Our heroine and the “miko” scamper from the perverted monk guarding the temple, but Nene's bad luck streak is just starting. Her good deed forces Nene to stay at the co-ed dorm Hachimitsu. And the girl she rescued? Turns out, “she” is actually a he!

Continuing manga previews

BECK 19 of 34 by Harold Sakuishi

Parting is such sweet sorrow. So goes The Bard's (actually Juliet's) lament in Romeo and Juliet [Act 2, scene 2, 176-185]. And Koyuki and Maho are finding out just how much pleasure/pain they will have to endure on this day, their last together...

A Kiss for My Prince 3 of 5 by Kim HeeEun

Not sure if the A Kiss for My Prince 3 & 4 summary (in Komikologi) refers to volume 3 or 4, but it talks about how Chayene, powerless to defend herself against the entire palace's accusation of theft, is helped by Kiera, who may or may not be trying to entrap her. That being the case, am also borrowing Infinity Studios' description for the (on hold) A Kiss for My Prince 3 as blurb back-up:

Upon her return from the Antoweif Castle, Sei-Ann has given up all hope of being able to uncover her past and learn her true identity. On the other hand, Prince Joon is seemingly more concerned with her welfare after secretly being told information which may reveal her identity to be that of Lady Ashley, the last heir to the house of Antoweif. In the meanwhile, Sei-Ann has other more pressing matters at hand as three notorious palace “trainers” have come to pay her a visit. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, a Prince comes to her rescue... but which one?!

Kunai Legend 3 of 4 by Iori Tabasa

In the penultimate Kunaiden (containing chapters 17-26) —

Kunai gets an unwelcome visitor. No, it's not Grandpa Neko and Rin (though they do show up); it's Izuna's older sib whose sharp vampire hunter instincts just might sniff out Kunai- and his father's *cough*vampireninja*cough* secret.

Otomen 8 of 10+ by Kanno Aya

Volume 8 of Asuka is the guy; Ryo is the girl. Understandable if you get that mixed up Otomen FInally! streets:

After reassuring scary Grandpa Miyakozuka, Asuka FInally! confesses and scotches plans of Ryo transferring out. But during Ryo's Welcome Back party, teeming with otomen, Asuka's mother pops up. Her Trap!! Berserk Button pushed, Mrs. Masamune vows to reinstate stringent gender lines and uphold the integrity of the true (female) otome.

The Puppet Master Lin 8 of 10+ by Wada Shinji

An Indian girl pays a visit to Lin's house, looking for the 12th-generation Kashima. Her reason: to apologize for losing the puppet left in her care. Is she the ninth Puppet Master? If so, where is her puppet?

Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 4 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Hiyono tapes Blade Child Rio confessing to murdering Imazato-sensei. Faced with incriminating evidence, co-conspirator Kosuke makes a grab for the tape, which Hiyono tosses to Ayumu who hotfoots it out of there. Left behind, Hiyono is made a hostage for the next battle between Ayumu and Rio. Rio would like nothing more than to kill off Hiyono, and Ayumu will do everything in his power to help his senpai slash trusty information dealer. Who will win this rematch?

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna volume 4 contains chapters 15 through 19: The Follower's Decision, The Loser's Day, 5 O'Clock Thunder, A Cold Equation and All That You Can Do.

V.B. Rose 4 of 14 by Hidaka Banri

Ageha is thrilled to be a wedding dress model at the Bridal Fair. (V.B. Rose owner Arisaka is her mock groom.) Their relationship seems destined for cheek-pinchingly cute, what with Arisaka-san inviting Ageha to go out with him. What will happen during this all-important First Date?

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

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

other manga available this week (30 June 2010 street date)

Level Comics: Diamond Life 3 of 3 · Ghost Mum Investigator 1 by Sato Tomokazu · Honey Hunt 4 ·K2 vol. 2 · Master Of Sea 15 of 15 · Psychometrer Eiji 14 · Tomo'o 9 and ROMIC BDs: Cubitus - Anjing yang Selalu Beruntung · Cubitus - Si Anjing Penurut · Lucky Luke - Sepupu Dalton · Spirou - 4 Petualangan Spirou dan Fantasio · Spirou - Seine di Paris

m&c!: 1/3 Romantica by Shibano Yuka· A Badboy Drinks Tea 6 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 7 · Bleach 29 · Cherish Fight by YASUKO · Finding My Destiny by Nakamura Sayumi · Love is Sweet by Kumaki Eri · Mysterious Joker 4 · Prince of Sewing by Koito Sayo · Wounded Angel by Mitsuha Yuu | AMERO BDs: 5 × Quick and Flupke by Hergé: (1) Mainan Terlarang, (2) Baik-Baik Saja, (4) Kembangkan Layar, (5) Sekarang Giliranmu and (6) Tanpa Ampun | Hong Kong manhua: Confucius 1 by Sai Ihara/Lee Chi-Ching · The Story of Wang Fenglei 3 | KOLONI local comics: Sweethearts · The Creator Jade · Komik Cihuy Anak Band

related monthly schedules

Elex Media July 2010
Premiering Coz We're Not Children by Seta Haruhi, Look Up! by Kusaba Michiteru · Continuing One Piece (volume 55), Here We Are (#13) and Topeng Kaca: Bidadari Merah (#11) · Ending A Kiss For My Prince (volume 5)

Elex Media June 2010
Premiering 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)

DEC-09

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · manaworld.com · YES24 · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

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