A long and winding road...

Went on another trip down memory lane this morning. One of the contributors to the local paper had written an article titled "If it ends in a '2', it's bound to be a good year". So, I took a trip back to 2002. The first challenge was 'where are the photos'? I wasn't sure about online galleries (though I would find them there also), so I went to the physical album. Looking through the trips to Florida, New York, the mountains and waterfalls of the Carolinas and Tennessee brought back lots of memories - good memories. The nice thing about 'real' photo albums is that you can add non-photo momentos. I found a leaf in the 2002 book. I wish I had made a note of where I found it. It was next to a postcard of the Tybee Island lighthouse, so perhaps I found it there. 

And from December 2002, my money shot. "Wired Ice" was very successful.

I wish you a Happy New Year and may 2012 be a very good year for us all!

Our Town

This just in: ArtSpace at the Tunbridge Public Library presents OUR TOWN: A SNAPSHOT OF TUNBRIDGE RESIDENTS IN 2011, by photographers Laura DeCapua and Geoff Hansen. Over 30 framed photographs will be on display from Jan. 15 to Mar. 10, 2012. An opening public reception is to be held Sunday, Jan. 15, from 2-4 PM.

Dawn Aria 8, Mail Girlfriend 2, Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil 3 (m&c! 28 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

The rest of m&c!'s covers and NikBabble™ later
Update: This thing wouldn't let me rest until I'd filled in the blanks :P

Akatsuki no Aria © Akaishi Michiyo/Shogakukan [Serialized in Flowers]
Published in Indonesia as Dawn Aria by Gramedia/m&c!

Dedication to music finally allows Aria to pursue her dream of going abroad, and despite Nishimikado family opposition, Natsuo insists on accompaning Aria. But before Natsuo can even set sail, he is stabbed by his ex-fiancée Beniko.

Aria sets off, unaware of the tragedy that has befallen her husband. Upon her arrival in a foreign land, she is greeted by Tsukio in a state of distress.

We finally get Dawn Aria volume 8, even if we had to wait—oh, just over a year for it. Thank goodness Akaishi Michiyo's Taisho era josei manga also serializes in Cherry, otherwise... (cue ominous music here).

As for The girlfriend connected by e-mail —

Mail Girlfriend vol 2 of 5
By Oshima Towa

Kakeru has been dating Haruka for a year, but their relationship appears to be going nowhere. In fact, they seem to be growing apart. In this kind of situation, can Kakeru refrain from taking comfort in the ‘arms’ of new online friend, Myuu?

Mail Girlfriend volume 2 compiles chapters 7 to 13: timeout, access point, security hole, cookie, response, buffer overrun and impedance. [Original Japanese titles]

New m&c! titles
m&c! introes three one-shot Betsucomi shoujo manga: The Flavor of Love by Taamo (Rifle Girl manga-ka), Love Drops by Konno Risa (Invincible Lover) and Yummy Love Cafe, the second in Washio Mie's popular Derakomi “Café love story” series (following Love Café). Previews behind the cut.

Sweet Boy ni Goyoujin
© Konno Risa
Shogakukan [Betsucomi]
Published in Indonesia as
Suddenly in Love
by Gramedia/m&c!

Mangazines: Cherry 60/2011
Suddenly in Love by Konno Risa and Captured by Love by Ichikawa Show debut

m&c! adds Betsucomi manga to its Ciao/ChuChu/Sho-Comi/Flowers line-up. Cherry Issue 60 sees the premiere of Suddenly in Love, Konno Risa's Sweet Boy ni Goyoujin and while Ichikawa Show's Koakuma Lion is originally from Sho-Comi, it, too, debuts, retitled Captured by Love. The Childhood Friends, Tsundere, Christmas, Cool Boy, Unrequited Love Suddenly in Love and Childhood Friends, Modeling, Older Female/Younger Male, Childcare Captured by Love first chapter covers »here and »here.

As for other series still running in Cherry, I would assume: Dawn Aria by Akaishi Michiyo, I am not a Maid! by Iwaoka Meme, My Lovely Class Leader ♥ by Nishimura Tomoko and Yomogi Loves Money? by Arai Kiyoko. If I'm wrong and/or missed any title, please add/correct in the comments :)

m&c! manga (2011.12.28)

1. Dawn Aria (Akatsuki no Aria) vol 8 of 13+ by Akaishi Michiyo

Akatsuki no Aria 「暁のＡＲＩＡ」 by Akaishi Michiyo Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.10

Serializations
Cherry (ongoing)

2. [Premiere] The Flavor of Love (Onegai, Sensei) by Taamo

Onegai, Sensei 「お願い、せんせい」 by Taamo Shogakukan Betsucomi and Deluxe Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2008.07

3. Images of You (Ginen Shounen) vol 2 of 4 by Goto Junpei

Ginen Shounen 「銀塩少年」 by Goto Junpei AKA Gelatin Boy Shogakukan Shonen Sunday Super, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.03

4. [Premiere] Love Drops (Katakoi Drops) by Konno Risa

Katakoi Drops 「片恋ドロップス」 by Konno Risa Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.08

5. Mail Girlfriend (Mel Kano.) vol 2 of 5 by Oshima Towa

Mel Kano. 「メルカノ。」 by Oshima Towa Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 7–13 + Afterword) first published in Japan 2008.04

6. Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil (Takeru - SUSANOH Mashō no Ken yori) vol 3 of 4 by Nakashima Kazuki & Karakara Kemuri

Takeru - SUSANOH Mashō no Ken yori 「ｔａｋｅｒｕ－ＳＵＳＡＮＯＨ魔性の剣より」 by Nakashima Kazuki & Karakara Kemuri Mag Garden Comic Blade Zebel, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.11

Related series
Oguna - Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil (one-volume prequel; Japan release: 2007.06)

Other languages
English takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil (TOKYOPOP: four volumes)

7. [Premiere] Yummy Love Cafe (Oishii Koi Café) by Washio Mie

Oishii Koi Café 「美味しい恋カフェ」 by Washio Mie Shogakukan Deluxe Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.11

Related series
Washio Mie's "Café love story" series including Kare ga Café ni Iru no nara (Japan release: 2009.11, published by m&c! as Love Café) and Café ni wa Amai Wana (Flower Comics: 2011.09)

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

Magazines (2011.12.28)

• Cherry Issue 60/2011 (Indonesian Ciao/ChuChu/Sho-Comi/Betsucomi/Flowers)

AMERO comics (2011.12.28)

• [Premiere] Monika dan Kawan-kawan: Putri Duyung di Taman Bermain Monika by Mauricio De Sousa (MSP)

Hong Kong manhua (2011.12.28)

• Pedang Maha Dewa 4: Amazing Weapons - The Lost Blade vol 5 by Tony Wong

Pedang Maha Dewa 4: Amazing Weapons - The Lost Blade by Tony Wong Published by Jade Dynasty

Read more »

Soul Eater 13, Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima, Giant Killing 10 (Level Comics 28 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

The rest of Level's covers and NikBabble™ to follow...whenever :P Update: "Whenever" cometh in January

Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen © by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji
Kodansha [Serialized in Evening]
Published in Indonesia as Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima
by Elex Media/Level Comics

As is obvious from the lead pix, we get the third Yugo II arc, Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima:

Yugo is suddenly arrested by "old acquaintances" Kamijo and Omaki. They grill him about the case of an aerospace researcher's abducted wife, whose kidnappers specifically asked for Yugo to negotiate on their behalf. Apparently the case is connected with the rocket launch of an intel satellite.

One wrong move and Japanese-American relations could sour... fast.

Telor Ceplok contributor Lina-chan gives Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima an 8 of 10 in the comments and considers it a definite collectible, especially for Yugo fans. (Yoo, hoo! Andrea Tezumo-sensei... :D)

Soul Eater vol 13 of 20+
By Ohkubo Atsushi

The infiltration team led by the witch Medusa manage to sneak into Baba Yaga's castle, headquarters of the sprawling organization Arachnophobia. The reunion between Ox and Kim has finally arrived, but things have changed greatly since Kim's brainwashing by the morality machine, switching Kim's allegiance to Arachne. Black*Star chooses this moment to return to the stage, stronger and more determined than ever to dispatch Samurai Mifune!

Soul Eater 13 compiles chapters 49 through 52: Operation: Capture Baba Yaga's Castle (Parts 4-7). [*NOT Level's chapter title(s)]

Level Comics manga (2011.12.28)

1. Giant Killing vol 10 of 21+ by Tsujitomo & Tsunamoto Masaya

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsujitomo and Tsunamoto Masaya Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2009.04

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Tatsumi Takeshi), Okiayu Ryotaro (Murakoshi Shigeyuki), Mizushima Takahiro (Tsubaki Daisuke) and Ono Daisuke (Yoshida Luigi) aired between April and September 2010 on NHK.

2. Red Eyes vol 15 of 15+ by Shindo Jun

red Eyes 「ｒｅｄ　Ｅｙｅｓ」 by Shindo Jun Kodansha Magazine E-no, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2011.03

Other languages
French, German and Italian (Panini Comics)

3. Soul Eater vol 13 of 20+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 13 (chapters 49–52) first published in Japan 2008.10

Related series
First appeared as one-shots in two Gangan Powered special editions (Summer and Fall 2003) and Gangan Wing's 26 November 2003 issue. (Regular Monthly Shonen Gangan serialization commenced May 2004.)

Other languages
English Soul Eater (Yen Press: seven volumes as of 2011.10 • volume 8 street date: 2012.02.28), French (Kurokawa: Tome 18 per 2011.12.08 • Tome 19 street date: 2012.03.08), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 14 shipped 2011.12.16 • Band 15 street date: 2012.02.08) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: SOUL EATER噬魂者 18 released 2011.08)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (spin-off; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12; volume 1 released in Japan 2011.09.22)

Adaptations
Manga volumes 1 to 12 adapted to anime by BONES. Fifty-one episodes starring seiyuu Omigawa Chiaki (Maka Alban) and Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater) aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009.

Square Enix bundled an audio drama, Soul Eater (Vol. 1): Special Social Studies Field Trip, with an artbook in August 2005. The drama CD featured different actors (Takeuchi Junko as Maka; Hoshi Souichirou as Soul Eater); only Kobayashi Yumiko reprised her Black☆Star role in the TV series.

4. [Premiere] Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima (Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen) by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji

Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen 「勇午　東京・種子島編 」 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji Kodansha Evening, seinen First published in Japan 2006.03; Kodansha Manga Bunko reissue: 2011.09

Related series
Part of the Yugo II side stories that include Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen (2004.09), published by Level Comics as Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula; Yugo: Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen (2005.05), released as Yugo in Tsushima, Kitakyushu; Yugo: Osaka-hen (Volume 1 per 2006.10, volume 2: 2007.02); Yugo: Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (V1: 2008.01 - V2: 2008.02); Yugo: Toyako Summit-hen (V1: 2008.09 - V2: 2009.05); Yugo: Philippines Oda-Hen (V1: 2010.02 - V3: 2010.08), Yugo: Taiwan-hen (V1 2011.06 - V2: 2011.10.21)
Main story: Yugo (22 volumes)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.12.28)

• Leonard: Jenius Selamanya (Léonard, Tome 5: Génie a toute heure) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)

Postponed title(s)
Suske & Wiske: Setengah Havelaar by Willy Vandersteen (pending new street date)

Read more »

Nodame Cantabile 25 of 25, Yozakura Quartet 2, Yakitate Japan 25 (Elex Media 28 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

T'is the season of hectic—I need a holiday from the holidays—but I managed to sneak away to post this MinimaList. Artwork and NikBabble™ when I can next snatch another time window. Update: Snatched enuf albeit very, VERY belated

Nodame Cantabile © by Ninomiya Tomoko/Kodansha
[First serialized in Kiss]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo

Even if Chiaki is still wrasslin' with White Rose until the last dress rehearsal, on D-Day, the performance stuns the audience with perfection. Chiaki, too, gets a sweet surprise smack in the middle of The Magic Flute opera.

But what about Nodame?

Well, just like Chiaki, Nodame, too, receives a delightful gift in the Nodame Cantabile finale, which means everyone who invested in our couple and the kooky cast supporting them can close their personal Nodame Cantabile chapter with goony grins and/or satisfied sighs :) (Telor Ceplok contributor Lina-chan in the comments gives the finale a 9 of 10 ♥ and deems it a Must-Have in your manga library.)

Two titles tied for the first runner-up DO WANT! — Yakitate!! Japan vol 25 and Yozakura Quartet vol 2. Find their previews below the release list.

Mangazines
Shonen Star 23/2011 ☆ Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi

Dr. Koto Shinryoujo
© Yamada Takatoshi
Shogakukan
[Young Sunday Comics]

In the latest chapter of Yamada Takatoshi's Dr. Koto —

Dr. Koto's guilt over having neglected his family melts after he calls his mom and she tells him she doesn't blame him at all. The mood on Koshiki island, too, lightens. In contrast to the levity, Nurse Hoshino's attitude changes, after she discovers a lump in her chest...

These serials also run in the Indonesian Shonen Sunday: ARAGO by Arai Takahiro, Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, The World God Only Knows by Wakaki Tamiki, Alice in Borderland by Aso Haro, Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato, Magi by Ohtaka Shinobu, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho and My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun.

(Still waiting on the premieres of Arakawa Hiromu's Silver Spoon and Mitsuda Takuya's Buyuden.)

Collecting the tankou? Reminding most recently released volumes: Dr. Koto 8 (2011.11.02), Detektif Conan 64 (10.26), Kekkaishi 10 (10.19), Wild Life 20 (9.28), My First Mr. Akuno 5 (8.15) and Defense Devil 5 (8.10).

The next issue of Shonen Star streets on the 4th of January 2012.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.12.28)

1. Beck vol 30 of 34 by Harold Sakuishi

BECK 「ＢＥＣＫ」 by Harold Sakuishi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 30 first published in Japan 2007.06

Awards
Winner, 2002 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category (tied with Nonaka Eiji's Cromartie High School)

Serializations/Other languages
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English BECK:Mongolian Chop Squad (TOKYOPOP: till volume 12), French (Akata/Delcourt: 34 volumes per 2010.03), Italian (Dynit), German (Tokyopop Germany; lapsed) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Adaptations
Anime adaptation (till manga volume 11) by Madhouse featuring seiyuu Namikawa Daisuke (Tanaka Yukio/Koyuki), Ueno Yuuma (Minami Ryuusuke) and Saiki Miho (Minami Maho). Twenty-six episodes aired from October 2004 to March 2005 on TV Tokyo.

A BECK live-action film directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, starring Mizushima Hiro (Ryuusuke) and Satoh Takeru (Koyuki), premiered 4 September 2010 in Japan.

Related
Guidebooks: BECK The Guidebook Complete Edition (Japan release: 2010.08); BECK Live! -Festival & Movie Guide- (2010.07); BECK At Last 33 1/3 (2008.10); BECK Music Guide (2005.10); BECK Volume 00 The Guidebook (2004.03); BECK Volume 0 The Guidebook (2002.11)

2. Bride of the Water God (Habaek-eui Shinbu) vol 7 of 16+ by Yun MiKyung

Habaek-eui Shinbu 「하백의 신부」 by Yun MiKyung Seoul Cultural Publishers Wink, soonjung Volume 7 first published in Korea 2008.09

Other languages/serializations
English Bride of the Water God (Dark Horse: nine volumes per 2011.11.01 • volume 10 street date: 2012.01.31), French L'épouse du dieu de l'eau (Editions Clair de Lune: Tome 5 shipped 2011.08 • Tome 6 street date: 2012.01.19)

3. The Dog's Magical Touch (Himitsu no Wantacchi) vol 2 of 3 by Anisaki Yuna

Himitsu no Wantacchi 「ヒミツのわんタッチ」 by Anisaki Yuna Shogakukan Tentoumushi Special, kodomo/shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2008.08

4. More a Flower than a Flower (Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku) vol 2 of 9+ by Narita Minako

Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku 「花よりも花の如く」 by Narita Minako Hakusensha Melody, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2004.05

5. New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) vol 13 of 22+ by Ueda Masashi

Shin Kobo-chan 「新コボちゃん」 by Ueda Masashi Houbunsha Manga Time Comics, seinen/4-koma Volume 13 first published in Japan 2008.07

6. Nodame Cantabile vol 25 of 25: Encore Opera Edition by Ninomiya Tomoko [Finale]

Nodame Cantabile 「のだめカンタービレ」 by Ninomiya Tomoko Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 25 first published in Japan 2010.12

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 2004 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages
English Nodame Cantabile (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2009.07), French (Pika Édition: Tome 13 shipped 2011.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 交響情人夢 25 released 2011.01)

Related
The Nodame Illustrations collection was released in Japan 2011.04.

Adaptations
Adapted into an award-winning live-action TV series starring Ueno Juri (Nodame) and Tamaki Hiroshi (Chiaki Shinichi) that aired from October to December 2006 on Fuji TV, followed by a four-hour sequel TV special, Nodame Cantabile New Year's Special in Europe (4-5 January 2008), and two live-action movies: Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Zen-Pen (Japan premiere: 2009.12.19) and Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Kou-Hen (2010.04.17).

The first season of the Nodame Cantabile anime aired in Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block from January to June 2007. The 11-episode second season Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter ran from October to December 2008. An OAV was bundled with the limited edition manga volume 22 released 10 August 2009. The third season Nodame Cantabile: Finale aired from January to March 2010. Seiyuu Kawasumi Ayako and Seki Tomokazu played protagonists Nodame and Chiaki in all three seasons.

7. A Tale of The Cat Painter (Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi) vol 2 of 4+ by Nagao Maru

Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi 「猫絵十兵衛　御伽草紙」 by Nagao Maru Shonen Gahosha Neko Panchi, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
English Edo Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi (JManga)

8. Yakitate!! Japan vol 25 of 26 by Hashiguchi Takashi

Yakitate!! Japan 「焼きたて！！ジャぱん」 by Hashiguchi Takashi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 25 (chapters 223–231 + Gaiden) first published in Japan 2007.01

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Arakawa Hiromu's Fullmetal Alchemist)

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)
English Yakitate!! Japan (VIZ Media: 26 volumes per 2011.04), French (Delcourt/Akata; Yakitate Ja-Pan !! un pain c'est tout tome 26 per 2010.01), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Spain), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 新鮮出爐﹗日式麵包王 26 released 2007.06)

Adaptations
Sunrise's 69-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Kobayashi Yumiko as Azuma Kazuma aired from October 2004 to March 2006 on TV Tokyo.

9. Yozakura Quartet (Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~) vol 2 of 11+ by Yasuda Suzuhito

Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~ 「夜桜四重奏　ヨザクラカルテット」 by Yasuda Suzuhito Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.03

Other languages
English Yozakura Quartet (Del Rey: five volumes per 2009.09), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 夜櫻四重奏 (10) released 2011.12.09)

Adaptations
A 12-episode anime produced by Nomad, starring seiyuu Kaji Yuuki (Hiizumi Akina), Fukuen Misato (Yarizakura Hime), Fujita Saki (Nanami Ao) and Sawashiro Miyuki (Isone Kotoha), aired from October to December 2008, followed by the Yozakura Quartet ~Hoshi no Umi~ OAVs (three DVDs released between October 2010 and September 2011)

Related
Shooting Star Carnaval Side: Yozakura Quarter Yasuda Suzuhito Illustrations artbook (published in Japan 2011.06)

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

Postponed title(s)
The Knight in the Area vol 2 (pending new street date)

Magazines (2011.12.28)

• Shonen Star Issue 23/2011 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)

Read more »

One thing leads to another...

This morning I went hunting a particular photo from... one year ago? Two? This happens often; I go looking for one thing and find something else. What I found today stopped me in my tracks. Words left as a comment on one of my galleries from someone who, before that year was out, would walk away from her home - never to be seen again. She had battled depression for a long time and finally one day, she could fight no more.

Donné, thank you for these words:

"I do not know you - but the beauty and sadness I saw in your words and photographs made my soul ache. Am I glad Kees Terberg (my internet friend, an outstanding talent with a golden heart) led me to your blog? I have to say yes. 

Why? To know that my heart can share your grief, your honesty, your courage proves that I too am like you. Be proud, unkown friend, for your ability to touch people with a click of a shutter and the ink of a pen. Actually....... I do know you."

Merry, Merry and Happy, Happy

"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store." ~Dr. Seuss

Yona The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn 4, School Babysitters 2, Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 16 (m&c! 21 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

m&c! has covers and synopses if you don't wanna gamble on me filling in this MinimaList's blanks. Update: I now have my own version, belated though it is.

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!

Yoritomo defies Yoshinaka for threatening Lord Houou to issue an edict quelling Yoritomo. At the banks of River Rokujou, Yoshinaka challenges the Supreme Commander of the Shadow Forces Yoshitsune to a one-on-one duel.

I apologize for any misinterpretations of Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 16's original Indonesian synopsis; whatever I know of the Genpei War, Wiki supplied. I'm a bit more confident, though, with my adapt of m&c!'s Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn 4 blurb:

Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn vol 4 of 7+
By Kusanagi Mizuho

"A legend tells of Four Dragon Warriors sworn to serve and protect the first king of Kouka, the Scarlet Dragon God."

Yona, Haku and Yun journey in search of the legendary Dragon Warriors. They find the White Dragon who joins their quest. He possesses the power to detect the other dragons but upon the group's arrival at the village of the Blue Dragon, the Blue Dragon is nowhere to be found...

New m&c! manga
Three shoujo one-shot tankou street: Tokyo Rock Boy by Kikuchi Kamaro (My Very Dear Bad Boy manga-ka), originally Tokyo Rock Shounen first serialized in Betsucomi; ex-Sho-Comi Stylist of Love (Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru) by Sakisaka Mea (Lovely Lesson - Hair Make Episode); and Ciao serial Diamond Step by Iwaoka Meme (I am not a Maid!), retitled Ice Dancing with You. Must thank tweep, manga translator Nishi-san, for identifying Stylist of Love as Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru. (m&c!'s version has a different front cover; the original Japanese cover was demoted to first page — don't ask me why.)

I preview this newbie trio after the release list.

[Holiday restocks]
If you missed some of The Best m&c! Mini-series (Namida Usagi!), now's your chance to make up.

m&c! manga (2011.12.21)

1. The Adventure of Yoshito-sama (Yoshito-sama!) vol 3 of 5+ by Shii Haruka

Yoshito-sama! 「よしとおさま！」 by Shii Haruka Shogakukan Gessan, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.10

2. Eighty Eight (88 Eighty Eight) vol 4 of 4 by Namiki Hiromi [Finale]

88 Eighty Eight 「８８　エイティエイト」 by Namiki Hiromi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.05

3. [Premiere] Ice Dancing with You (Diamond Step) by Iwaoka Meme

Diamond Step 「ダイアモンド・ステップ」 by Iwaoka Meme Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.11

4. School Babysitters (Gakuen Babysitters) vol 2 of 4+ by Tokeino Hari

Gakuen Babysitters 「学園ベビーシッターズ」 by Tokeino Hari Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.11

5. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) vol 16 of 17+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 16 first published in Japan 2011.08

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

6. [Premiere] Stylist of Love (Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru) by Sakisaka Mea

Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru 「指先で恋、染まる」 by Sakisaka Mea Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.11

7. [Premiere] Tokyo Rock Boy (Tokyo Rock Shounen) by Kikuchi Kamaro

Tokyo Rock Shounen 「東京ロック少年」 by Kikuchi Kamaro Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2009.10

Related series
Adapted from Nousatsu Rock Shounen (three of three volumes published between 2006.02 and 2011.05), in turn the sequel to the 2005 Betsucomi one-shot Nousatsu Rock Star. Nousatsu Beat de Utawasete (2008.12) is a side story.

8. Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) vol 4 of 7+ by Kusanagi Mizuho

Akatsuki no Yona 「暁のヨナ」 by Kusanagi Mizuho Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2011.01

m&c! manhwa (2011.12.21)

1. The Breaker vol 2 of 10 by Jeon KeukJin & Park JinHwan

The Breaker 「브레이커 (THE BREAKER)」 by Jeon KeukJin & Park JinHwan Daiwon C.I. Young Daiwon, seinen Volume 2 first published in Korea 2007.12

Related series
Sequel: The Breaker: New Waves (volume 1 per 2011.10 • volume 2 street date: 2011.12.28)

2. Full House: Love Continues (Full House II) vol 2 of 5 by Won SooYeon

Full House II 「FULL HOUSE 풀 하우스 2부」 by Won SooYeon AKA Full House 2: Ally & Ryder's Second Story Chulganil (TBC), josei Volume 2 first published in Korea 2006.01

Related series
Prequel: Full House (16 volumes)

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Ceres 3, GTO Shonan 14 Days 4, Nurse Aoi 19 (Level Comics 21 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Make Gugel happy and help me out by providing your own babble; RL only allows a MinimaList for nau~ Update: Babble, babble, babble :D

Ayashi no Ceres © Watase Yuu/Shogakukan [First serialized in Sho-Comi] · GTO Shonan 14 Days © Fujisawa Toru/Kodansha [First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]. Published in Indonesia as Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale and GTO Shonan 14 Days by Elex Media/Level Comics

"Weird is my normal."

Once transformed into Ceres, Aya has to accept that strange things tend to happen around her. This time, at school, Aya faces a series of mysterious fires. Do the blazes have anything to do with Aya's awakened Tennyo powers?

Let's hope Yuuhi is up to saving Aya when she needs it in Ceres 3, this Level release's top DO WANT!

Meanwhile, in the other Most Wanted manga —

GTO Shonan 14 Days vol 4 of 9
By Fujisawa Toru

Onizuka stops Seiya from shooting mom's boyfriend, but not for long. Twins from Smile Duck show up, collecting on certain "promise."

What's this promise all about? See GTO Shonan 14 Days 4 for answers.

The rest of the previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.21)

1. Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale (Ayashi no Ceres) vol 3 of 14 by Watase Yuu

Ayashi no Ceres Tenkuu Otogizoushi 「妖しのセレス　天空お伽草子」 by Watase Yuu Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 1997.07

Awards
Winner, 43rd Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shoujo category

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in seven Shogakukan Bunko from 2005.11 to 2006.02
English Ceres: Celestial Legend (VIZ Media: (14 volumes per 2006.02), French (Editions Tonkam: Ayashi no Ceres: Un conte de fée céleste: 14 volumes per 2002.01), German (EMA), Spanish (Glènat España: Ceres: La Leyenda Celestial), Italian (Play Press: La fiaba del cielo), Vietnamese Truyền Thuyết Thiên Nữ

Adaptations
Studio Pierrot's 24-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan on WOWOW from April to September 2000, with seiyuu Kakazu Yumi as Aya Mikage, Iwao Junko as Ceres, Konishi Katsuyuki as Tooya, Itou Kentarou as Yuuhi, Chiba Susumu as Aki, Miki Shinichiro as Mikagi and Sugita Tomokazu as Mikage Kagami.

Light novels written by Nishizaki Megumi and illustrated by Watase Yuu: Ayashi no Ceres Episode of Tooya (one volume Palette bunko: 2000.06); Episode of Shuro (Palette bunko: 2000.09); Episode of Aki (Palette bunko: 2001.01); and Episode of Miku (Palette bunko, three volumes from 2001.06 to 2001.08)

Related
Sequel: Ayashi no Ceres Gaiden (side story included as furoku for Sho-Comi #18; also compiled in Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden vol 6)
Watase Yuu Postcard Book Fushigi Yuugi Ayashi no Ceres Imadoki! (Japan release: 2001.01)

2. GTO Shonan 14 Days vol 4 of 9 by Fujisawa Toru

GTO Shonan 14 Days 「ＧＴＯ　ＳＨＯＮＡＮ　１４ＤＡＹＳ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.07

Related series
Prequels: Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 of 31 volumes); Bad Company (1 of 1 volume); and GTO (25 of 25 volumes)

Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: volume 4 per 2010.10), English GTO 14 Days in Shonan (Vertical: Volume 1 street date: 2012.01.31)

3. Last Inning vol 10 of 31+ by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

Last Inning 「ラストイニング」 by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu, Katou Kiyoshi (Supervisor) Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2006.07

4. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) vol 19 of 32 by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2008.06

Recognitions
Jury Recommended Work for Story Manga, 12th Japan Media Arts Festival

Related
Ns' Aoi - Those Days (side story; 2 of 2 volumes)

Adaptations
Live-action renzoku starring Ishihara Satomi (Misora Aoi) aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006, followed by a special in September the same year.

European comics/BDs (2011.12.21)

1. Ric Hochet: Ric Hochet vs Sherlock (Ric Hochet, Tome 44: Ric Hochet contre Sherlock) by Tibet - A.P. Duchâteau (Le Lombard)
2. Smurf: Smurf dan Telur Ajaib (L'oeuf et les Schtroumpfs, Tome 4) by Peyo (Dupuis)
3. Smurf: Smurf Liar (Le Schtroumpf Sauvage, Tome 19) by Peyo (Le Lombard)

Postponed titles and new street dates
Le Scrameustache: Penyihir Ursa Mayor by Gos & Walt and Smurf: Smurf Hitam (both postponed to 2012.01.11)

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