Winer-Tully wedding

Last weekend I photographed a wedding at Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington, Vt. The couple's sweet pooch, Bonnie, was the ring bearer! More photos can be seen on my Facebook page, or in the Prints section of my Web site.





Crazy Dreams


I had strange and crazy dreams last night. Someone broke my heart, another stole from me and I was lost in a parking garage. But... I could pick up my car (a Lincoln Continental - have never owned one but I'm reading the second 'Lincoln Lawyer' novel). This morning I asked myself why everyone was so mean to me. The answer? Because I let them. As true in my real life as in my dreams.

Well - no more. I've already begun erasing people who have a very peculiar way of showing that they care about me. And don't get me started on the passive-aggressives...

So - treat me right or I'll throw a car at ya! ;-)

If you don't know it's missing, is it really lost?


I accidentally found two to-do lists today. I say "accidentally" because they were inside a notebook and I need a notebook tomorrow and... there they were.

One was a list of things that need to be done in/around the house. Half had been completed (Yay me!!). The other list appears to be New Years resolutions. *sigh* I think it must have been from 2010, because I'm quite sure I didn't make the perfunctory gesture this year.

Now - on the latter list, I have at least made some progress on all but one of the "promises". So... I'm not feeling completely disappointed in myself. And I am going to keep the lists in sight and hopefully they won't get buried or filed away somewhere again.

Ahhhh... birthdays, a good time to reflect and make any necessary course corrections.


Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 14, My Life 4, Cherry 55/2011 (m&c! 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Update: What's the stage after minimalism? Because that's where this release sked lands, with its additional m&c! artwork and NikBabble™ :D

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 14 (m&c!)

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen © Sawada Hirofumi
Kodansha [Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War by Gramedia/m&c!

Yoshinaka ousts Heike from the capital, but his overweening ambition results in despotic excesses. The Kiso troops, too, begin oppressing the townfolk. To curb the tyranny, a mysterious group, concealing its members' identities behind lion masks, emerges...

I assume this Yoshinaka is the general who defeated the army of Taira no Koremori at the Battle of Kurikara Pass and marched to Kyoto. I really should read Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War, but catching up with 14 Genpei War tankou, plus the 22-volume prequel—volumes 17 through 22 of which are individually restocked this street date—fazes me. >.< (More on the Restocks below.)

Elsewhere, the case of Kotori's murder cracks wide open in —

My Life 4 of 5 by Momochi Reiko

Three years have passed since Kotori's murder. Her case file is gathering dust, and people's memories are short. Nobara spends her days listless as evidence proving Gotouda's guilt remains elusive. Only her friend Himeno's miscarriage rouses her from her lethargy.

Nobara goes to Himeno's boyfriend Murase's apartment to fetch some things for the hospitalized Himeno, only to discover there a DVD recording of Kotori's last moments...

Even sight unseen, am willing to bet that the penultimate My Life ends in an evil cliffie. My suggest: Wait till 10 August for the finale to street.

m&c! mangazines: Cherry 55/2011

Cherry 55/2011 (m&c!)

Premieres I Love Dog and You by Ichikawa Show and Always by Your Side by Nakamura Sayumi

Sawry, I don't know from which Sho-Comi/ Ciao/ ChuChu/ Flowers shoujo manga Cherry 55's cover comes from, but that doesn't really matter (much) right now, does it? The moar important thing — the two debuts noted above.

About I Love Dog and You
I speculate that I Love Dog and You is Ichikawa Show's Inu Jikan犬じかん」, first serialized in Sho-Comi. Only three chapters long, Inu Jikan follows Riku, a girl who prefers the company of Canis lupis familiaris to that of (male) Homo sapiens. And it just so happens that the most popular boy in school not only has the word ‘dog’ in his name but owns three large dogs too! Will love bloom? [Excerpted from Baka-Updates Manga's Inu Jikan description]

The tankou compiling AKA Dog Time also collects a pair of one-shots, Amakuchi koigokoro and Himitsu no chikara. (Adding the latter two on the off chance the m&c! serializes them later.)

Before I Love Dog and You, m&c! also serialized Color of Sky, Color of Love that I rated a “shocking” 5.75 on a scale of 10 (considering how much I wub Ichikawa Show-sensei's Let's Go Home). For other Ichikawa Show manga, see after the release list.

About Always by Your Side
Meanwhile, Nakamura Sayumi's Always by Your Side is most likely Itsumo Soba ni Koi no Utaいつもそばに恋のうた」 ex-ChuChu, originally compiled 2010.04. Can't understand Gugel's translation of the Japanese synop, but a much-wubbed love song figures in a certain couple's life.

For other Nakamura Sayumi manga, please scroll down.

Additionally, m&c! includes Glasses In Love among the Cherry 55 titles, but I have no clue about its original title nor its manga-ka. If you know, please leave me a comment.

These other manga (for sure) continue their serial runs: Yomogi Loves Money? (Yomogi Mochi Yaketa?) by Arai Kiyoko; Dawn Aria (Akatsuki no ARIA) by Akaishi Michiyo; My Lovely Class Leader (Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou) by Nishimura Tomoko (volume 2 is skedded for this 10 August, btw); and I am not a Maid! (Maid ja Naimon!) by Iwaoka Meme.

m&c! also sneaks in a sneak peek into the local KOLONI series Satu Atap by Azisa Noor, a comedy set in a Bandung boarding house populated by not-quite human residents. (Two volumes released as per July 2010.)

☂ [RE-STO] Restocks of restocks, unless they didn't restock per m&c!'s plan?

m&c! manga (2011.07.27)

  1. My Life (Inochi) 4 of 5 by Momochi Reiko
  2. My Life 4 (m&c!)

    Inochiいのち」 by Momochi Reiko
    Kodansha Dessert, shoujo
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.04

  3. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 14 of 16+ by Sawada Hirofumi

m&c! mangazines (2011.07.27)

  • Cherry 55/2011

Hong Kong manhua (2011.07.27)

  1. Long Hu Men - The Next Level 5: Berebut Supremasi by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty)
  2. The Story of Wang Fenglei Season 2 Book Two by Tony Wong and Dick Kwong (Jade Dynasty)

[RE-STO] Restocked (2011.07.27)

Read more »

Bronze Angel 4, Magister Negi Magi 26, Hotaru's Light 12 (Level Comics 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Update: Cleared the WIP dust to reveal the rest of Level Comics' manga covers and NikBabble™.)

Bronze Angel 4 (Level Comics)

Bronze no Tenshi © Saito Chiho/Shogakukan [Serialized in Flowers]
Published in Indonesia as Bronze Angel by Elex Media/Level Comics

While attending the royal ball with Pushkin, Natalya is asked to pair up with d'Anthes and dance with the emperor and empress. Although initially wary of d'Anthes, Natalya begins to open up her heart to the French officer. This marks the start of a genius poet's wife's forbidden love for the lonely soldier.

Bronze Angel editor Sina-san squees over the beginning of Natalya's thrilling affair ...>0< Kyaaa~

Magister Negi Magi 26 of 35+ by Akamatsu Ken

Negi and Kotaro advance to the tournament finals, only to face Kagetaro and his new partner, Rakan of the Thousand Blades. Cornered into desperation by his inability to defeat the invincible Rakan, Negi turns to Eva and his father's friends for training help. Meanwhile, Fate and his accomplice successfully trap Asuna and Anya.

Editor Adisti-san can only proffer: Magister Negi Magi 26 is finally here; sorry for the long wait. ^^;;

Negima 26 compiles chapters 232 through 240: Episode 1: ‘Rakan's Journey ’ - Continued Furthur, Episode 1: ‘Rakan's Journey! Forever ’, Captured Imperial Princess, Advent of the Goddess of Breasts , Nagi/Kojiro Team, Head Out!, The Legend's Urgent Entry!!, Declaration of Utter Defeat!?, Massing of Troops Courageous Allies and All Ready! Crush Rakan. [*NOT Level's chapter titles]

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.07.27)

  1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 17 of 27+ by Samura Hiroaki
  2. LC: Blade of Immortal 17

    Mugen no Juunin無限の住人
    by Samura Hiroaki
    Kodansha Afternoon, seinen
    Volume 17 first published in Japan 2004.11

    Volume 17 chapters:
    Dai Hyaku Roku Maku Jakura (Sono Ni)
    Dai Hyaku Nana Maku Jakura (Sono San)
    Dai Hyaku Hachi Maku Jakura (Sono Yon)
    Dai Hyaku Kyū Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Ichi)
    Dai Hyaku Jū Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Ni)
    Dai Hyaku Jū Ichi Maku Kachihadashi (Sono San)
    Dai Hyaku Jū Ni Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Yon)
    Dai Hyaku Jū San Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Go)

    Awards
    1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

    Other languages
    English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 23 volumes per 2011.02 • Volume 24: Massacre street date: 2011.11.08), French (Casterman: L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 per 2010.10 • Tome 26 shipped 2011.06), Italian (Planet Manga), German and Polish (Egmont), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil) and Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania)

    Adaptations
    A 13-episode anime starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Manji) and Satou Rina (Rin) aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

    Related
    The 小説無限の住人 刃獣異聞/Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon novel written by Ohsako Junichi and illustrated by Samura Hiroaki was published under the KC Novels imprint in 2008.07 and by Dark Horse Comics in 2009.11.

    The 艶(あだ)浪 「無限の住人」画集/The Art of Blade of the Immortal illustration book was released 2008.06 in Japan, 2010.06 in North America by Dark Horse.

  3. Bronze Angel (Bronze no Tenshi) 4 of 7 by Saito Chiho
  4. LC: Bronze Angel 4

    Bronze no Tenshiブロンズの天使
    by Saito Chiho
    Shogakukan Flowers, shoujo
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2005.10

    Other versions
    Rereleased in five bunko volumes (per 2011.03)

    Related series
    Bronze no Tenshi Gaiden (one volume spin-off; 2009.01)

  5. Haruka 17 volume 12 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka
  6. LC: Haruka 17 vol.12

    Haruka 17はるか17」 by Yamazaki Sayaka
    Kodansha Morning, seinen
    Volume 12 first published in Japan 2006.07

    Adaptations
    A 10-episode live-action drama starring Hirayama Aya (Miyamae Haruka) aired on TV Asahi from July to September 2005.

  7. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 12 of 15 by Hiura Satoru
  8. LC: Hotaru's Light 12

    Hotaru no Hikariホタルノヒカリ
    by Hiura Satoru
    AKA IT'S★ONLY★LITTLE★LIGHT★IN★MY★LIFE
    Kodansha Kiss, josei
    Volume 12 first published in Japan in 2008.09

    Adaptations
    The 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix award-winning Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired between July and September 2007 on NTV. The 10-episode drama starred Ayase Haruka ((Amemiya Hotaru) and Fujiki Naohito (Takano Seiichi). The pair reprised their roles in the 11-episode second season that aired between July and September 2010 on the same network.

  9. Karakuri Circus 3 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro
  10. LC: Karakuri Circus 3

    Karakuri Circusからくりサーカス
    by Fujita Kazuhiro
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 3 (chapters 18-26) first published in Japan 2001.10

    Other languages
    French (Delcourt: Karakuri Circus Tome 21 per 2007.12)

  11. Kowloon's Seekers (Shin Kijou no Kowloon) 2 of 3 by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi
  12. LC: Kowloon's Seekers 2

    Shin Kijou no Kowloon真 机上の九龍 中
    by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi
    AKA Shin Kijou no Kuryuu
    Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen
    Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

    Related series
    Prequel: Kijou no Kowloon (one volume published under Shogakukan's Big Comics Special imprint; 2002.12)

  13. Lost Man 3 of 13+ by Kusaba Michiteru
  14. LC: Lost Man 3

    Lost ManLOST MAN
    by Kusaba Michiteru
    Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), shounen
    Volume 3 (chapters 19-27) first published in Japan 2009.01

  15. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 26 of 35+ by Akamatsu Ken
  16. LC: Magister Negi Magi 26

    Mahou Sensei Negima!魔法先生ネギま!
    by Akamatsu Ken
    Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen
    Volume 26 (chapters 232-240) first published in Japan 2009.05

    Other languages
    English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28 and Kodansha Comics: volume 29 per 2011.05 and volume 30 by 2011.07.19 • volume 31 street date: 2011.09.20 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore: MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, Volume 27 per 2011.02), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔法老师 #31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 魔法老師! 33 per 2011.04), French (Pika Édition: Tome 31 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 32 street date: 2011.08.17), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime; Band 30 shipped 2011.05 • Band 31 street date: 2011.08), Norway (Schibsted Forlag), Brazil (Editora JBC) and Croatia (Algoritam).

    Adaptations
    A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17, 2009.12.17, 2010.05.17 and 2010.07.17; and Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Ariadone-hen~ per 2010.11.17), an anime movie for the Magic World arc expected to premiere in 2011 and a live-action drama (TV Tokyo, 2007.10-2008.03)

  17. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 11 of 42+ by Chan Mou
  18. LC: The Ravages of Time 11

    Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan火鳳燎原
    by Chan Mou
    AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes
    Tong Li New Youth, seinen

    Other languages/serializations
    Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 41 released 2011.05) and Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝 火鳳燎原 volume 9 per 2009.12; serialized in Comic Sangokushi). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

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

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Vampire Knight 7, One Piece 59, Natsume Yujincho 1 by Midorikawa Yuki (Elex Media 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Blooming Youth 4 and Her Idol Boy 1 postponed to 3 August. (I have it on good authority that Natsume Yujincho 1 streets as planned.)

Update: Added s'more Elex covers and blurbs

Natsume Yujincho 1 (Elex Media)

Natsume Yujincho © Midorikawa Yuki/Hakusensha [Serialized in LaLa]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Before Natsume Yujincho though, manga DO WANT! #1 and #2 first —

After her arduous research gets her nowhere, Yuki decides to ask Kaname about her past. Kaname reacts by dodging her question in various ways, and asks her to become his ‘lover’. She agrees, and from that moment on, her life changes... even though she doesn't know it yet....

The Vampire Knight 7 blurb above excerpted from Chuang Yi because I couldn't find Elex's version. »Edit: Eventually found one, but since it's more or less the same as what I have here, keeping mine :D Meanwhile, VIZ's Vampire Knight, Vol. 7 contributes that Yuki suspects Kaname of memory manipulation; when Zero tackles the Pur Sang (using the word in its original sense) about it, the two come to blows over Yuki. They not only struggle violently (as Panini's French Vampire Knight, Tome 7 blurb hints), Zero also ends up quaffing Kaname's blood. (Thanks, Wiki.)

Vampire Knight 7 compiles 30th through 34th Nights: For Whom the Blood Flows, The Answer's Whereabouts, False Miniature Garden, The Pure Blood Vampire's Lover (last chapter before HanaLaLa ceased publication) and Bloody World (the last NOT HanaLaLa's title, obviously). Rounding out the seventh VK tank is the Cross Family Vacation side story. With volume 7's release, Elex surpasses what it serialized via (poor, axed) HanaLaLa.

One Piece 59 of 62+ by Oda Eiichiro

The pirates' war with the Navy reaches its climax; what fate lies in store for Luffy, Ace and every other combatant?

I refuse to say moar on grounds of   [SPOILAGE]. That's why no One Piece 59 subtitle nor chapters 574 to 584 titles.

New Elex manga: Natsume Yujincho by Midorikawa Yuki

Two titles actually premiere, but I lob the NikBabble™ on proudly homegrown Geng Bokek Behind the Cut. Although I will say here that Annisa Nisfihani's art and Geng Bokek's premise, despite its Kalimantan setting, show Very Shoujo Sensibilities :D

Speaking of shoujo—with a male lead though—leads us to With friends like these, enemies are overkill Natsume Yujincho. I prolly don't need to babble, especially if you followed HanaLaLa (nine chapters serialized) and/or Brains Base's anime adapt (Natsume Yūjin-Chō, Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō and the ongoing Natsume Yūjin-Chō San). Enough to say that since childhood, Natsume has been able to see spirits and that one day, he discovers he has to undo what his grandmother accomplished with a certain book, "Yujincho." Meanwhile, a sealed feline spirit Nyanko-sensei ("Master Little Meow") eagerly waits for Natsume to die so that he can get paws on the problematic "Book of Friends." [Continued after release list]

In other LaLa manga, Tsuda Masami's Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) wraps in the Japanese mangazine's upcoming 24 August issue. The Elex Kisah Edo volume 3 streets this Wednesday. I still wrote of 5+ below because I don't know the final volume number yet. [More babble below]

Elex Media manga, manhwa and local comics (2011.07.27)

  1. A Story of Heroes (Heroes) 37 of 37 by Choi Mir (Daiwon C.I.) [Finale]
  2. Casting 2 of 8 by KITT & Park SangYong (Daiwon C.I.)
  3. Crows 19 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi
  4. Crows 19 (Elex)

    Crowsクローズ」 by Takahashi Hiroshi
    AKA Crows: Busou Sensen Reimeihen
    Akita Shoten Monthly Shounen Champion, shounen
    Volume 19 first published in Japan 1995.12

    Related series
    Main story: Crows Gaiden (three volumes: 1, 2 (Sono Go no Crows) and 3 (Zoku - Crows Gaiden))
    Sequel: Worst (27 volumes as at 2011.08.06)
    Spin-offs: Crows Zero (nine volumes as at 2010.08); Crows Gaiden: Linda Linda (two volumes); Suzuran Danshi Koukou Nyuugaku Annai (one volume)

    Adaptations
    Two live-action prequel movies: Crows ZERO (Japan theatrical release: October 2007) and Crows ZERO II (April 2009), directed by Miike Takashi and starring Oguri Shun (GPS leader Takiya Genji) and Yamada Takayuki (Serizawa Tamao)

  5. Culdcept 6 of 6+ [Hiatus] by Kaneko Shinya & OMIYA Soft
  6. Culdcept 6 (Elex)

    CuldceptCuldcept
    by Kaneko Shinya & OMIYA Soft
    Kodansha Magazine Z, seinen
    Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.09
    (On hiatus at volume 6)

    Related
    Based on the Culdcept video game

    Other languages
    English Culdcept (TOKYOPOP: five volumes per 2006.06), Italian (Star Comics), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain: volume 6 per 2009.02)

  7. Cute Children (Zettai Karen Children) 17 of 26+ by Shiina Takashi
  8. Cute Children (Elex)

    Zettai Karen Children絶対可憐チルドレン
    by Shiina Takashi
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 17 first published in Japan 2009.07

    Adaptations
    Synergy SP's 51-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Hirano Aya (Akashi Kaoru), Tomatsu Haruka (Sannomiya Shiho), Shiraishi Ryoko (Nogami Aoi) and Nakamura Yuuichi (Minamoto Kōichi) aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009. A special episode Generous Treatment! Natsuko and Hotaru's B.A.B.E.L. Report aired 2009.01.04. An OAV released 2010.07.16.

    The Zettai Karen Children no Gōka Shinsaku Audio Drama "Tsuika kōen! Pati no hime rareta kōzen no jōnetsu" drama CD was bundled with the limited edition manga volume 26 (2011.06).

  9. Doraemon 10 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Right-to-left edition)
  10. Doraemon 10 (Elex)

    Doraemonドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio
    Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo
    Volume 10 first published in Japan 1976.04
    Premiered in Indonesia in left-to-right format (vintage ca. 1994)

    Awards
    Best Children's Manga, 27th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Grand Prize, the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (1997) and the Excellence Award, Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (1973)

    Related series
    Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 of 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 22 volumes as at 2011.05, ongoing;) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)

    Adaptations
    A 52-episode anime adaptation by Nippon TV (1973.04 - 1973.09), a 1,787-episode series by Shin-Ei Animation (broadcast on TV Asahi from 1979.04 - 2005.03), a 2005 adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Pierrot (premiered 2005.04.15; 300+ episodes) and numerous movies

  11. [Premiere] Geng Bokek by Annisa Nisfihani - SL
  12. Godhand Teru 33 of 58+ by Yamamoto Kazuki
  13. Godhand Teru 33 (Elex)

    GodHand Teruゴッドハンド輝
    by Yamamoto Kazuki
    Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen
    Volume 33 first published in Japan 2007.02

    Awards/Recognitions
    Nominee, the first Keitai Comic Taishō/Mobile Phone Comic Award (along with Ghost Sweeper Mikami by Shiina Takashi, Itazura na Kiss by Tada Kaoru, The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi and 16 other manga titles)

    Other languages
    Traditional Chinese (Tong Li 天生妙手 vol. 55 per 2011.04)

    Adaptations
    Live-action adaptation starring Hiraoka Yuta (Mahigashi Teru) aired on TBS from 11 April to 16 May 2009.

    Related
    Godhand Teru novels (15 volumes as at 2009.01)
    Godhand Teru Complete Dictionary (2010.03); Godhand Teru Valhalla Perfect Guide (2010.03)

  14. Hitohira 5 of 7 by Kirihara Idumi
  15. Hitohira (Elex)

    Hitohiraひとひら」 by Kirihara Idumi
    Futabasha Comic High!, seinen
    Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.04

    Other languages
    English Hitohira (Aurora Publishing: three volumes/hiatus) and traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan: 女優大試煉 4 per 2008.02)

    Related series
    Sequels: Hitohira Encore (one volume, complete) and Sakaki Mirei no Tame nara Boku wa...!! (two volumes per 2011.08.11)

    Adaptations
    XEBEC M2's 12-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Kimoto Orie (Asai Mugi), Kawasumi Ayako (Ichinose Nono), Narita Ken (Katsuragi Takashi), Hikami Kyoko (Nishida Risaki) and Kishio Daisuke (Nishida Kai), aired from March to June 2007 in Japan.

  16. Inazuma Eleven 4 of 9+ by Yabuno Tenya
  17. Inazuma Eleven 4 (Elex)

    Inazuma Elevenイナズマイレブン
    by Yabuno Tenya
    Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.10

    Awards
    Best Children's Manga, 34th Kodansha Manga Awards (2010)

    Related
    Based on the Nintendo DS game of the same name, from which an OLM anime, starring seiyuu Takeuchi Junko as Mark Evans (Endou Mamoru), Nojima Hirofumi as Axel Blaze (Gouenji Shuuya), Yoshino Hiroyuki as Jude Sharp (Yuuto Kidou) and Miyano Mamoru as Shawn Frost (Shirou Fubuki), was also adapted. The TV series premiered 2008.10.05 on TV Tokyo and its sequel, Inazuma Eleven GO, is still ongoing (episode 13 airs 2011.07.27); the Inazuma Eleven: Saikyō Gundan Ogre Shūrai sequel premiered 2010.12.23 in Japan, with Inazuma Eleven GO's movie sequel Inazuma Eleven GO: Kyūkyoku no Kizuna Griffon slated to premiere 2011.12.23.

  18. Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) 3 of 5+ by Tsuda Masami
  19. Mixim 11 volume 3 of 12 by Anzai Nobuyuki
  20. Mixim 11 vol.3 (Elex)

    MiXiM 11MIXIM☆11
    by Anzai Nobuyuki
    AKA MiXiM♀12
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 3 (chapters 24-33) first published in 2009.03

    Other languages
    English Mixim 11 (Chuang Yi: volume 5 released 2010.05)

  21. [Series Premiere] Natsume Yujincho 1 of 12+ by Midorikawa Yuki »Ex-7.20
  22. Natsume Yujincho 1 (Elex)

    Natsume Yuujinchou夏目友人帳
    by Midorikawa Yuki
    Hakusensha LaLa DX, then LaLa (starting 2008), shoujo
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2005.10

    Awards
    First Manga Taishō finalist (2008)

    Other languages/serializations
    Serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (only until chapter 9 [ex-volume 9] in Issue 55/2010)
    English Natsume's Book of Friends (VIZ Media: seven volumes per 2011.06 • volume 8 street date: 2011.08.02), French (Delcourt: Le Pacte des yôkai Tome 10 shipped 2011.04), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 妖怪連絡簿 10 released 2010.11)

    Adaptations
    Adapted into anime by Brains Base, featuring seiyuu Kamiya Hiroshi as Natsume Takashi and Inoue Kazuhiko as Nyanko-sensei. Thirteen episodes of Natsume Yūjin-Chō aired between July and September 2008; the second Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō season, also 13 episodes, aired from January to March 2009. The third 13-episode Natsume Yūjin-Chō San anime premiered 2011.07.04.

    Also adapted into audio drama, the drama CDs given away with LaLa issues: LaLa Treasure Drama CD (2007.10); LaLa Excellent Drama CD (2008.11); and LaLa Double Premiere Drama CD (2009.05). Another drama CD comes as a furoku in the September 2011 issue.

  23. New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) 8 of 21+ by Ueda Masashi
  24. New Kobochan 8 (Elex)

    Shin Kobo-chan新コボちゃん」 by Ueda Masashi
    Houbunsha Manga Time Comics, seinen/4-koma
    Volume 8 first published in Japan 2006.11

  25. One Piece 59 of 63+ by Oda Eiichiro »Ex-7.20
  26. One Piece 59 (Elex)

    One PieceONE PIECE」 by Oda Eiichiro
    Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen
    Volume 59 (chapters 574-584) first published in Japan 2010.08

    Awards
    Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize finalist (2000-2002)

    Other languages
    English One Piece (VIZ Media: 57 volumes per 2011.06 • volume 58 street date: 2011.09.13), French and Dutch (Glenat: Tome 57: Bataille décisive au sommet per 2011.04 • Tome 58 street date: 2011.09.07), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain, Editorial Toukan Mexico, LARP Editores S.A. Argentina), Italian (Editions Star Comics), German, Danish and Swedish (Carlsen Comics: German Band 58 shipped 2011.04 • Band 59 street date: 2011.07.29), Portuguese (Conrad), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海賊王 One Piece volume 60 per 2010.12), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 62 released 2011.06)

    Adaptations
    Adapted into a couple of OAVs before a full anime TV series that has aired over 500 episodes and is still ongoing (seiyuu Tanaka Mayumi plays Monkey D. Luffy). At least 10 animated movies have also been released.

    Related
    A series of light novels based on the anime, at least five art books and five guidebooks.

  27. Princess Resurrection (Kaibutsu Oujo) 3 of 15+ by Mitsunaga Yasunori
  28. Princess Resurrection 3 (Elex)

    Kaibutsu Oujo怪物王女」 by Mitsunaga Yasunori
    Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen
    Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.12

    Other languages
    English Princess Resurrection (Del Rey: seven volumes per 2009.11), French (PIKA Édition: Princesse Résurrection Tome 10 shipped 2010.09 • Tome 11 street date: 2011.10.19), German (EMA: Band 7 released 2011.07.07 • Band 8 street date: 2011.09)

    Adaptations
    A 26 (24 + 2 Extra) episode anime adaptation by Madhouse that aired April through September 2007 (starring seiyuu Kawasumi Ayako as Hime and Oura Fuyuka as Hiyorimi Hiro) and 2 OAV episodes animated by Tatsunoko, bundled with manga volumes 13 and 14 (released 2010.12.09 and 2011.03.09 respectively), with a different voice cast (Hayami Saori as Hime and Irino Miyu as Hiro)

  29. Smash! 3 of 18 by Saki Kaori
  30. Vampire Knight 7 of 14+ by Hino Matsuri
  31. Vampire Knight 7 (Elex)

    Vampire Knightヴァンパイア騎士」 by Hino Matsuri
    Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo
    Volume 7 (chapters 30-34 + side story) first published in Japan 2008.04

    Other languages/serializations
    English Vampire Knight (VIZ Media: 12 volumes per 2011.06 • volume 13 street date: 2011.10.04 and Chuang Yi: volume 13 per 2011.03), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 吸血鬼骑士 #13 released 2011.03), traditional Chinese (Ever Glory: 吸血鬼騎士 13 shipped 2011.05), Italian and Portuguese (Panini Comics), French (Marvel Panini France tome 13 shipped 2011.05), German (Carlsen Comics Vampire Knight Band 11 released 2011.06 • Band 12 street date: 2011.11.18; serialized in Daisuki)

    Adaptations
    Studio DEEN's 13+13-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Horie Yui (Cross Yuki), Miyano Mamoru (Kiriyu Zero) and Kishio Daisuke (Kuran Kaname), aired on Japan's TV Tokyo from April through July 2008 (first season) and October through December 2008 (second season as Vampire Knight Guilty). The anime spanned manga chapters 1 through 46.

    Two drama CDs preceded the TV series. The first was Track 2 of the LaLa Kirameki Drama CD, produced for LaLa's 29th anniversary and given away as a freebie with the magazine's September 2005 issue. The second Vampire Knight Midnight CD-Pack (LaLa Oubosa Zenin Service CD Vampire Knight (Midnight CD Pack)) was exclusively released for mail order in 2006. The drama CDs feature the same cast as the anime's, with the exception of characters Headmaster Cross Kaien (Koyasu Takehito in the drama; VK anime sound director Gôda Hozumi in the anime), Hio Shizuka (Sonoda Keiko in the drama; Orikasa Fumiko in the anime) and Sayori Wakaba (Ueda Kana in the drama; Mizuno Risa in the anime).

    Related
    Two Hino Matsuri-illustrated light novels were written by Fujisaki Ayuna. The Vampire Knight: Ice Blue no Tsumi and Vampire Knight: Noir no Wana side stories released in Japan 2008.04.05 and 2008.10.03 respectively. Chuang Yi published the first novel in English as Vampire Knight: Ice Blue Sin in July 2010. Marvel Panini France's Vampire Knight: Coeur de glace also shipped the same month. Carlsen published the German version as Vampire Knight: Eisblaues Verbrechen in November 2009, following that up with the second Noir's Trap novel (retitled Vampire Knight: Tiefschwarzer Hinterhalt) in May 2010.

    The official fanbook, Vampire Knight Fanbook: Cross, containing character and story information and details from Hino-sensei's storyboard, was published in November 2008 in Japan. (German Vampire Knight: X Official Fanbook released by Carlsen; VIZ Media launched the Vampire Knight Official Fanbook in October 2010.)

    The Vampire Knight artbook 「樋野まつりイラストレーションズ-ヴァンパイア騎士(ナイト)-」 streeted concurrently with volume 12 in Japan (2010.07.05).

  32. Vinland Saga 5 of 10+ by Yukimura Makoto
  33. Vinland Saga 5 (Elex)

    Vinland Sagaヴィンランド・サガ
    by Yukimura Makoto
    Kodansha Afternoon (initially in Weekly Shonen Magazine), shounen/seinen
    Volume 5 (chapters 29-35) first published in Japan 2007.10

    Awards
    Nominee, 2008 Manga Taisho award and Grand Prize winner, Manga division, Japan Media Arts awards

    Other languages/serializations
    Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing serialization)
    French (Kurokawa: Tome 9 shipped 2011.03.10), Italian (Star Comics), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海盜戰記 9 released 2011.03.)

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

Mangazines (2011.07.27)

  1. Nakayoshi Gress! 7/2011 (Kodansha)
  2. Shonen Star 13/2011 (Shogakukan)
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