Showing posts with label Beauty Honey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Honey. Show all posts

Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe, Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9, HanaLaLa 55/2010 - The Farewell Edition (Elex 8 December 2010 manga) [UPDATED]

If you want the lowdown on HanaLaLa's Sayonara & Arigatou end, go here.

Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe (Elex Media)

Glass no Kamen © Miuchi Suzue/Hakusensha [Serialized in Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Bunko edition published in Indonesia as Topeng Kaca Deluxe by Elex Media

Albeit small, Kitajima Maya lands a part in Tabuchi Emi's new film. She gives her all to her role as a paraplegic — despite everyone disparaging the rehearsal time she devotes to what would amount to seconds of screen time.

But Maya wouldn't be Maya without the “vicious” training; see where her hard work takes her in Miuchi Suzue's classic Topeng Kaca, the fourth Deluxe edition.

Also, Detektif Conan Animasi TV 23—in which Conan proves Kogoro's former boss innocent (or guilty) of a murder—and Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek, in which Nobita remembers his beloved grandma

Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

The Blade Children pressure a now free Ayumu to take on Kanon; Ayumu refuses, saying he doesn't possess the power to challenge the assassin. Meanwhile, bereft of hope, Kanon yearns for death at Ayumu's hands, claiming that only such an end will give his life meaning.

Will Ayumu grant Kanon's desire?

Volume 9 of Shirodaira Kyo- & Mizuno Eita's shounen detective mystery delves into more dangerous truths in chapters 41 through 45: Ritual of Surrender, The Mote in God's Eye, Time for Love, Is Shroedinger's Cat Alright? and The Eagle Has Swooped Down (NOT the Indonesian titles). I still gotta check whether Elex's Spiral 9 similarly encloses the bonus The Great Detective, Narumi Kiyokata: Kohinata Kurumi's Challenge. (It better.)

I Hate You More Than Anyone 4 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

✿ Elsewhere, Elex backs down on its insisting that I Hate You More Than Anyone 3 was the Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai finale, and issues volume 4 (of 13) this week. Vindication! (Well, we knew that from teh internets, not to mention how the English I Hate You More Than Anyone manga logged some nine volumes before CMX folded.) The shoujo romance AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 even has another prequel—Oki ni Mesu Mama?, a one volumer published last September—aside from Akiyoshi-ke Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same and Let Me Hear the Lyric). What's more, Hidaka Banri-sensei is working on an alternate Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai story, Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki, the latest chapter of which appeared in Hana to Yume Issue 24 of 2010.12.05 (released November). So the multi-relationshipped meta series is not about to end anytime soon.

In any case, the fourth I Hate You More Than Anyone follows the Akiyoshi sibs who find that the older one gets, the more one's problems.

Another Hakusensha shoujo manga does conclude at volume 3 — Matsumoto Tomo's Beauty Honey (after the manga list).

NEW ELEX SERIES: Devil & Sweet by Suzuki Julietta

Devil & Sweet 1 (Elex Media)

Akuma to Dolce © Suzuki Julietta
Hakusensha [Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as
Devil & Sweet by Elex Media

Not only does Ogura Mayuri's mama teach her how to bake; she also instructs her introvert daughter in the art of summoning demons. Mayuri does well enough in her lessons that she can rely on a little demon familiar's help with the baking and other kitchen chores.

But obviously, Mayuri's instruction in the magical arts still has gaps because one day, she accidentally summons Belzebeaut, a high-level demon.

Beaut blows his top upon learning that he's been called forth on menial task. What else is Mayuri to do but to let him eat cake?

[Additions from Aerandria Scans's Akuma to Dolce summary]

I wonder if Elex got the Demons, Magic, Food, Demon Love, World Travel, Character That Loves Sweets, Loneliness-troped Devil & Sweet as a package deal with that other more popular Suzuki Julietta manga Kamisama Hajimemashita? (Elex has only been penciling in Nice to Meet You God as an upcoming since October, and the manga is slated to debut this 22nd as Ciuman Dewa.) I wonder because Akuma to Dolce's fate beyond volume 2 (in its home country) remains nebulous, what with Suzuki Julietta-sensei reportedly more focused on the kitsunemimi'ed Kamisama Hajimemashita. If that were indeed the case, I'm wary of getting and starting yet another new series, especially one on hiatus, no matter how appealing a bishie demon with a sweet tooth may be, and more importantly, regardless that Elex's volume 2 is expected to street on the 22nd.

I might've been tempted had Elex instead optioned Karakuri Odette by the same manga-ka. (CMIIW, but I don't think this complete Suzuki Julietta series has been released in Indonesia.)

MANGAZINES: HanaLaLa 55/2010 and Nakayoshi 87/2010

As noted above, the HanaLaLa Farewell Edition streets this week. Issue 55/2010 ramps up Nakajo Hisaya's Sugar Princess to the final three chapters so as to conclude in this edition. If you're a HanaLaLa fangirl (like me), I suggest getting at least two Issue 55's, one for enshrining.

Meanwhile, Issue 87 of the not-axed Indonesian Nakayoshi brings a New Hell Girl special and a one-shot, Love at Infirmary School. (I don't know whose creation this is.)

Moar babble after the manga list.

Elex Media manga and (one) manhua (2010.12.08)

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

  1. Artist Acro 4 of 9 by Sakurai Ato
  2. Artist Acro 4 (Elex Media)

    Artist Acroアーティストアクロ」 by Sakurai Ato
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.08

    Other languages
    Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; 魔法亚克罗 #3 per 2010.07)

  3. Beauty Honey 3 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo [Finale]
  4. Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV 23 by Aoyama Gosho
  5. [Series Premiere] Devil & Sweet (Akuma to Dolce) 1 of 2+ by Suzuki Julietta
  6. Devil & Sweet 1 (Elex Media)

    Akuma to Dolce悪魔とドルチェ」 by Suzuki Julietta
    Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.06

  7. [Premiere] Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide) by Fujiko F. Fujio
  8. Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (Elex Media)

    Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide
    映画ドラえもん おばあちゃんの思い出
    by Fujiko F. Fujio
    AKA Doraemon: A Grandmother's Recollections
    Shogakukan Tentoumushi Anime Comics, kodomo
    This volume first published in Japan 2000.07

    Related
    Based on the 27 minute-Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide movie that premiered in Japan 2000.03.04

  9. Flash of Wind (Kaze Hikaru) 28 of 29+ by Watanabe Taeko
  10. Flash of Wind 28 (Elex Media)

    Kaze Hikaru風光る」 by Watanabe Taeko
    Shogakukan Flowers, josei
    Volume 28 first published in Japan 2010.06

    Other languages/serializations
    English Kaze Hikaru (volume 18 per 2010.08 • volume 19 street date: 2011.08.02; formerly serialized in Shojo Beat)

    Awards
    Best Shoujo Manga, 48th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Yazawa Ai's Nana)

  11. Hyde & Closer (Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer) 5 of 7 by Aso Haro
  12. Hyde & Closer 5 (Elex Media)

    Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer
    呪法解禁!!ハイド&クローサー
    by Aso Haro
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 5 (Acts 38-45) first published in Japan 2009.02

    Other languages/serializations
    English Hyde & Closer (VIZ Media; volume 2 released 2010.10 • volume 3 street date: 2011.01.11; serialized in ShonenSunday.com.)

  13. I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) 4 of 13 by Hidaka Banri
  14. I Hate You More Than Anyone 4 (Elex Media)

    Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai世界でいちばん大嫌い
    by Hidaka Banri
    AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5
    Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Volume 4 first published in Japan 1999.04

    Related series
    Akiyoshi Family Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same, Let Me Hear the Lyric), Oki ni Mesu Mama? (one volume prequel released 2010.09) and Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki (alternate story; serialized in Hana to Yume; ongoing - latest installment in Hana to Yume 24/2010.12.05)

    Other languages
    English I Hate You More Than Anyone (CMX; nine volumes per 2010.03; cancelled)

  15. My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) 2 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun
  16. My First Mr. Akuno 2 (Elex Media)

    Hajimete no Akuはじめてのあく」 by Fujiki Syun
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
    Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

    Serializations
    Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

  17. Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou) 5 of 7 by Oda Aya
  18. Natural Honey Dormitory 5 (Elex Media)

    Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou天然はちみつ寮。
    by Oda Aya
    Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo
    Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.05

    Other languages
    Vietnamese Bạn trai thông minh (Thanh Hoa Publishing)

  19. The Real Fake Princess 4 of 5 by Ihuan
  20. The Real Fake Princess 4 (Elex Media)

    The Real Fake Princess真假公主
    by Ihuan (also Yi Huan)
    Tong Li, shoujo

    Other languages
    English Real Fake Princess (DrMaster; five volumes), Thai องค์หญิงกำมะลอ (Burapat Comics), Vietnamese Công Chúa Lac Loài (Nhà Xuất Bản Trẻ) and Hungarian Makrancos hercegnő (Delta Vision)

  21. Shugo Chara! 11 of 12 by PEACH-PIT
  22. Shugo Chara! 11 (Elex Media)

    Shugo Chara!しゅごキャラ!」 by PEACH-PIT
    AKA My Guardian Characters
    Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo
    Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.03

    Awards
    Best Children's Manga, 2008 Kodansha Manga Awards

    Other languages/serializations
    Serialized in Nakayoshi Gress!
    English Shugo Chara! (Del Rey; volume 9 shipped 2010.07), French (Pika Edition tome 10 per 2010.10), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan 守護甜心 11 released 2010.03)

    Related
    Shugo Chara! Encore! (sequel, four chapters only) and Shugo Chara-chan! (spin-off, four volumes as at 2010.12; serialized in Nakayoshi Gress!)

    Adaptations
    Satelight's 51-episode anime adaptation aired on TV Tokyo from October 2007 to September 2008, followed by sequel Shugo Chara!! Doki— (2008.10-2009.09) and Shugo Chara Party! (2009.10-2010.03). Seiyuu Itō Kanae, Takagi Reiko, Nakamura Yuuichi and Mizuki Nana (Hinamori Amu, Tadase Hotori, Ikuto Tsukiyomi and Utau Hoshina respectively) star in all.

    A Shugo Chara! musical, starring Shugo Chara Egg! (Shugo Chara!! Doki— OP performer) and S/mileage member Maeda Yuuka as Amu, enjoyed a theater run in early 2009.

  23. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 9 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita
  24. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9 (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 9 (chapters 41-45) first published in Japan 2003.07

    Other languages
    English Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (Yen Press; volume 13 released 2010.10.26 • volume 14 street date: 2011.01.25) and German (Carlsen Comics; Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 9 per 2010.12.24)

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

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

  25. Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) 5 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin
  26. Summer Storm! 5 (Elex Media)

    Natsu no Arashi!夏のあらし!」 by Kobayashi Jin
    Square Enix Monthly Gangan Wing and Monthly Gangan Joker, shounen
    Volume 5 first published in Japan 2009.03

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

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

  27. Topeng Kaca Deluxe (Glass no Kamen) 4 of 24+ by Miuchi Suzue
  28. Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe (Elex Media)

    Glass no Kamenガラスの仮面」 by Miuchi Suzue
    Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo
    Bunko volume 4 first published in Japan 1994.03

    Related
    Glass no Kamen tankoubon

    Adaptations
    Three anime and two seasons of a live-action drama

¹ Sources: Elex STO 8 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV 1 (SRP: IDR 32,800), Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (IDR 24,000) and Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe (IDR 24,000). Both mangazines—HanaLaLa 55 and Nakayoshi Gress! 87—retail for IDR 30,000/issue.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

New titles

Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek by Fujiko F. Fujio

Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (Elex Media)

Upon unearthing a much-beloved teddy bear, Nobita remembers his warm-hearted grandmother. He and Doraemon then use the time machine to go back eight years into the past.

There the pair bumps into three-year-old Nobita, Giant, Suneo and Shizuka. But most of all, Nobita meets Grandma, still in the pink of health.

The Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek manga is based on the short Doraemon film, おばあちゃんの思い出, Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide or A Grandmother's Recollections. Nobita's nostalgia comes at IDR 24,000 a pop, but that's because his reminiscences are in full color.

Other Doraemon movie manga earlier issued, or rather, reissued by Elex include The Records of Nobita Spaceblazer, Nobita's Legendary King of the Sun and Nobita Drifts in the Universe — bundled as the Paket Doraemon Movie (Jakarta).

Finales

Beauty Honey 3 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo

Kohinata Momoyo, twice divorced. A wife who pastes smiles on her face as she waits for her husband to come home.

Kohinata Chiyo, the matriarch of the Kohinata family, thrice divorced. What hides behind her vaunted strength?

Nananan, a famous stylist and the ex-wife of Kaoru, caught up in the business of business.

The final Beauty Honey traverses the unfamiliar territory of these women's loves and lives. Niko, too, faces a turning point in her relationship with Kaoru.

What awaits them all?

Ongoing series

Artist Acro 4 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

“Artists” in this world possess special powers and skills to captivate normal people. Sculptor Acro himself has the ability to soften whatever his hand touches, just as if it were clay. But other artists work with more ominous media like people's souls.

Acro and Subaru infiltrate the Art Organization to save their friend Deko and stop the deviant artists, which makes them enemies of the “Aokishi Force.” Can they withstand the onslaught? And what will happen once Acro meets Renji, one of the 7 Most Skilled Artists?

Flash of Wind 28 of 29+ by Watanabe Taeko

The Bakufu declares war on Choshu even as Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi lies dying from beri-beri. His death leaves turmoil in its wake as the only acceptable successor is General Hitotsubashi, whom Sei and Okita once met as Ukinosuke.

Hyde & Closer 5 of 7 by Aso Haro

Hyde's Core is destroyed, and Pakwa sez reviving Hyde is now an impossibility. The devastating news drops Shunpei into the Slough of Despond (actually he locks himself in his room). As Shunpei gives in to his depression, a conglomerate shows up to assemble 100 wizards. The organization's objective is just one: to obtain the power of Closer. Just as the situation approaches critical, Shunpei discovers that the letters on his grandfather's missive can transform into other writing.

It turns out to be a message from the magician king to his grandson who has already mastered magic.

Hyde & Closer volume 5 contains Acts 38-45: President 1-8.

My First Mr. Akuno 2 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun

A brother and sister pair mooches off a friend, and that's just the beginning. Not only do Jirou's inventions bring reluctant ‘landlady’ Kyoko grief, his attempts to modify Kyoko's body makes Kyoko wish for anyone's life but hers.

THIS is the beauty of youth?!

Natural Honey Dormitory 5 of 7 by Oda Aya

Hachimitsu dorm receives a guest — Hikaru's mother. After a decade's absence, she shows up, wanting to meet Hikaru's girlfriend. Obviously, Hikaru & Co. are at a loss over how she even found out.

To protect Nene, Hikaru again pretends to be lovey dovey with Non-chan. And despite being against it initially, Hikaru's mom gives Hikaru and Non-chan her blessing and now plans to take the ‘couple’ back with her!

The Real Fake Princess 4 by Ihuan

Dr. Master's Real Fake Princess Volume 4 soul of brevity description puts it so well: Secrets are revealed as love is shattered and rekindled anew. But in case you need a refresher —

A misunderstanding brought on by Dai Xuan drives Zili and Zhonglu apart. Zili doesn't help matters by running to Hui, who in turn plans to leave Lin'an with Zili.

Meanwhile, the secret of Princess Yifu guarded by Madam Jia Hua is revealed, prompting the emperor to pass a death sentence over the princess for her pretense.

The Real Fake Princess finale is scheduled for a 22 December.

Shugo Chara! 11 of 12 by PEACH-PIT

First, my apologies for reporting Shugo Chara! 11 as the finale. This tankou is still the penultimate.

Just as Amu is in the middle of searching for ‘What is it that she wants?’ and makes a pledge to Ikuto, Ran, Miki and Suu vanish. To find them, Amu needs the help of navigator Daiya.

Summer Storm! 5 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin

Arashi and the gang holiday at the beach, but Yasaka and Jun squabble over the onsen at the place where they're staying. Still, the atmosphere is conducive to lurve blooming. When oh when will Yasaka declare his feelings for Arashi?

Mangazines

HanaLaLa 55/2010 - Front cover: Sugar Princess

Sugar Princess
© Nakajo Hisaya
Hakusensha

HanaLaLa 55/2010 ~ Farewell Edition ~

The Farewell Edition concludes Nakajo Hisaya's Sugar Princess.

Maaya and Shun perform brilliantly and now only await the judges' decision. If they win, they will be able to save the skating rink. But was Maaya's performance good enough to secure the pair the top prize?

Aside from Sugar Princess chapters 20 to 22, these Hana to Yume/LaLa shoujo serials bid bye-bye this issue with these installments:

Your guess is as good as mine as to when Elex will release the tankou continuation.

Nakayoshi Gress! 87/2010

Nakayoshi Gress! 87/2010 front cover

I assume that's Ando Natsumi's Arisa on the cover because the serial hyped this issue is that.

Tsubasa sneaks into Manabe's house in disguise and meets a girl in a wheelchair. Who is she?

And as I said before the cut, there's a New Hell Girl special by Etoo Miyuki and the Love at Infirmary School one-shot in this issue.

The rest of the Nakayoshi pals:

What happened to Counting Sheep by Moro Orie? Don't ask me; I don't know.

other currently available manga (8 December 2010 street date)

  • Level Comics: Magister Negi Magi 23 · Rainbow 19 · Desert Love by Sachimi Riho · To Be Beautiful 5 · Subaru 11 of 11 · Basara 14 · K2 vol.4 · Spirou dan Fantasio - Bayangan Z
  • m&c!: Aoizaka Baseball Club 16 · Golden Age 12 · Magical X Miracle 1 of 6 by Mizutani Yuzu · News Parade by Kumeta Natsuo

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

disclaimer

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

upcoming manga (15 December 2010 street date)

  • Elex Media: Golden Book (Deluxe) · Inuyasha 50 · Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 · Kariage kun 37 · Godhand Teru 28 · Mixim 11 vol.2 · Bakeru kun Pika-pika 2 · Artist Acro 5 · New Sexy Simpleton 8
  • Level Comics: Genius Family Company 5 · xxxHOLiC 11 · Restore Garage 251 vol.11 · Haruka 17 vol.10 · Half an Apple 5 · Last Inning 7 · Nurse Aoi 17 · Yakari dan Monster Danau
  • m&c!: Electric Daisy 6 · Goong [Palace Story] 21 · Sugar Family 5 · Be a Naughty Girl 3 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 13 · Monika 137

related monthly schedule(s)

December 2010
Premiering Cynical Kanoko by Tsuda Ririko, Hallelujah Overdrive by Takata Kentaro, Hitohira by Kirihara Idumi, The Recipe for Gertrude by Kusakawa Nari

other invaluable resources

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

The Ruler of Nabari 12, Vampire Knight 3, Beauty Honey 1 by Matsumoto Tomo (Elex 11 August 2010 manga)

Also, Piano Hutan (Piano no Mori) 17, in which Kai makes it past the first round of the Chopin competition, and the penultimate Kaiser Z (volume 15) that presages Hitler's end. (Continued after the manga list.)

ビューティーハニー 1

Beauty Honey © Matsumoto Tomo/Hakusensha (Serialized in LaLa)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo

Taking Shelter from the Snow
Conviction into that Palm
Promise that Cannot Be Kept (or Broken Promise)
To the Place that Memories Return 1

Elex doesn't have a blurb for The Ruler of Nabari 12, this sked's top DO WANT!, so you'll have to DIY infer what's happening to Miharu from the chapter 56-59 titles Wiki provided (above). What I gots instead is the preview of First Runner up GET!, Hino Matsuri-sensei's Vampire Knight:

Vampire Knight 3 of 12+ by Hino Matsuri

To test whether Zero still has that slayer mojo, the Hunters' Association orders him to dispatch a fellow Level E. Zero finishes off the mindless vampire and the mission without even working up a sweat (or at least no drops provide a bishie sparkle op). But a bigger headache lies in store for Zero, one that easily resists OTC or blood pill medication: a new student transfers into the Night Class, and she's got the mother of a bone to pick with our hero.

NEW ELEX TITLES: Beauty Honey and Magic Peddler Roma

Elex rolls out Beauty Honey (on the premiere back burner since June) and the came out of nowhere Magic Peddler Roma.

Beauty Honey 1 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo

Been awhile since we saw a Matsumoto Tomo shoujo romance in circulation (Beauty is the Beast finished its Indonesian run June 2009 and English School Wars concluded its HanaLaLa serialization July that same year). While I would've liked to see 23:00 licensed first, I don't mind Beauty Honey leapfrogging the standalone.

Niko grew up “cursed” with a family suffering from the worst luck when it comes to men. Boyfriendless seems inevitable, following the example set by other Kohinata women, all estranged from their husbands, if not trapped in It's complicated on-again, off-again relationships.

Surrounded by so much Happy Never After, the 17-year-old Niko decides to PASS on Love, that is, until she meets the very popular hair stylist Kaoru.

That Niko (initially) doesn't trust males reminds me of Misaki (My Sweet Kaicho) — even if Elex doesn't share whether Niko's dad left her mom like Misa-chan's did. But older love interest Kaoru is definitely no Usui; in that age gap thingy, he reminds me more of English teacher Ish Kilroy from Eikaiwa School Wars. (I'm optimistic though that Kaoru is not as miiin (mean) to Niko as Ish was to Kiko.)

Magic Peddler Roma 1 of 3+ by Kurazono Norihiko

魔法行商人ロマ 1

Mahou Gyoushounin Roma
© Kurazono Norihiko
Shogakukan
Shonen Sunday Super

Magic Peddler Roma, which has the title chara teaching us that Greed is NOT Good, skips a Shonen Star-first debut to go straight to tankou. (Kurazono Norihiko's Mahou Gyoushounin Roma serializes in Shonen Sunday Super.) Elex has neither blurb nor initial impressions, so crafted this with MangaHelpers' aid [ex the Baka-Updates Manga-excerpted synop]:

Roma siphons “greed” off humans by supplying them with magical artifacts that multiply greed when their wielders submit to emotions like love. In the predictably tragic aftermath, Roma skims off the greed surplus.

Greed being so easy to fall prey to, Roma probably has her hands full; people just don't shy away from using the greed-breeding things.

I don't know why Roma collects greed, nor for what purpose, but the amassing-something-from-humans reminds me of another Shonen Sunday manga—Defense Devil—in which exiled demon Mephisto Bart Kucabara gathers dark matter from human sinners to regain his powers. The devil legal counsel appears in fortnightly in the Indonesian SS (Shonen Star), the latest issue also streeting this coming Wednesday.

MANGAZINES: Shonen Star 70/2010 ☆ Look Up!

Shonen Star 70/2010 - Front cover: Look Up! by Kusaba Michiteru

Miagete Goran
© Kusaba Michiteru
Shogakukan/Shonen Sunday

Aside from Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl's Defense Devil, Look Up!, Kusaba Michiteru's Miagete Goran tennis manga also installs in Shonen Star — actually nabbing Issue 70's cover and featured serial slot:

Yuzawa and Azis' fight heats up, with neither giving his opponent any quarter. Despite equal ability to read the ball's direction and anticipate enemy moves, however, Yuzawa gains the upper hand.

Other ShoStars: Detektif Conan (Meitantei Conan) by Aoyama Gosho, D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji, Dr. Koto (Dr. Koto Shinryoujo) by Yamada Takatoshi, InuYasha by Takahashi Rumiko, Katsu! by Adachi Mitsuru, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) by Fujiki Shun, Takkoku!!! by Fukuchi Tsubasa, Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato and Yakitate!! Japan by Hashiguchi Takashi.

Elex Media manga (2010.08.11)

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

  1. [Premiere] Beauty Honey 1 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo
  2. Beauty Honey 1 (Elex Media)

    Beauty Honeyビューティーハニー
    by Matsumoto Tomo
    Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.09

  3. Dorabase (Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden) 18 of 20+ by Mugiwara Shintaro & Fujiko F. Fujio Production
  4. Dorabase 18 (Elex Media)

    Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden
    ドラベース ドラえもん超野球外伝
    by Mugiwara Shintaro & Fujiko F. Fujio Production
    Shogakukan CoroCoro Comic, kodomo
    Volume 18 first published in Japan 2009.09

  5. Kaiser Z (Tenkuu no Hasha Z) 15 of 16 by Uno Hiroshi
  6. Kaiser Z 15 (Elex Media)

    Tenkuu no Hasha Z天空の覇者Z」 by Uno Hiroshi
    Kodansha Shounen Magazine Comics, shounen
    Volume 15 first published in Japan 2002.06

  7. [Premiere] Magic Peddler Roma (Mahou Gyoushounin Roma) 1 of 3+ by Kurazono Norihiko
  8. Magic Peddler Roma 1 (Elex Media)

    Mahou Gyoushounin Roma魔法行商人ロマ
    by Kurazono Norihiko
    Shogakukan Shonen Sunday and Shonen Sunday Super, shounen
    Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.09

    Volume 1 contains chapters:

    1. レリスの魔券
    2. アルパトランの鏡
    3. メムの魔香
    4. ベルメント騎士団の銀貨
    5. ギルギアヌの黒翼
  9. Otoboke Section Chief (Otoboke Kachou) 5 of 22+ by Ueda Masashi
  10. Otoboke Section Chief 5 (Elex Media)

    Otoboke Kachouおとぼけ課長」 by Ueda Masashi
    Houbunsha Manga Time, seinen
    Volume 5 first published in Japan 1988.04

  11. Piano Hutan (Piano no Mori) 17 of 18+ by Isshiki Makoto
  12. Piano Hutan 17 (Elex Media)

    Piano no Moriピアノの森」 by Isshiki Makoto
    AKA Piano no Mori: The Perfect World of Kai
    Kodansha Morning (formerly in Uppers), seinen
    Volume 17 first published in Japan 2010.03

    Awards
    Recipient, Grand Prize for Best Manga, 2008 Japan Media Arts Festival

    Other language versions
    Published in traditional Chinese by Sharp Point Press (Taiwan)

    Adaptations
    The Piano Forest, an animated movie adaptation by Madhouse, starring Kamiki Ryunosuke (Kyuu, Tantei Gakuen Q live-action drama) as Amamiya Shuuhei and Ueto Aya (Azumi, Azumi) as Ichinose Kai premiered 2007.07.21 in Japan. The film was nominated for the 2008 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year and in the Theatrical Film category at the 2008 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

  13. The Ruler of Nabari (Nabari no Ou) 12 of 13+ by Kamatani Yuhki
  14. The Ruler of Nabari 12 (Elex Media)

    Nabari no Ou隠の王」 by Kamatani Yuhki
    Square Enix GFantasy, shounen
    Volume 12 (comprising chapters 56-59) first published in Japan 2009.12

    Awards
    Finalist, 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival

    Other language versions/serializations
    Nabari no Ou is published in English by Yen Press (volume 4 released 2010.07.13 • volume 5 street date: 2010.11.30; serialized in Yen Plus). Other global releases: France (published by Asuka; tome 10 released 2010.06 • tome 11 scheduled 2010.10) and Taiwan (Sharp Point Press, in traditional Chinese).

    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.

  15. Vampire Knight 3 of 12+ by Hino Matsuri
  16. Vampire Knight 3 (Elex Media)

    Vampire Knightヴァンパイア騎士
    by Hino Matsuri
    Hakusensha LaLa (also, LaLa DX and LaLa Special), shoujo
    Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.04

    Volume 3 contains chapters:

    *HanaLaLa chapter titles, unless indicated with an asterisk, in which case they come from Chuang Yi's volume 3.

    Alternative language versions/serializations
    Vampire Knight English editions are published by VIZ Media (volume 10 released 2010.06.01 • volume 11 street date: 2010.12.07) and Chuang Yi (latest volume 11). Chuang Yi also publishes the simplified Chinese edition, while Ever Glory publishes a traditional Chinese version in Taiwan. Panini Comics releases the series in Italian and Portuguese; Marvel Panini France in French (latest tome 11 released 2010.07.07) and Carlsen Comics in German (latest release: Band 10).

    In Indonesia, Vampire Knight serializes in HanaLaLa (latest chapter: 30th Night: For Whom the Blood Flows). The manga is serialized in German in Daisuki.

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

    Two drama CDs preceded the anime. 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 furoku CD also contained dramas for four other LaLa serials: Tsukuba Sakura's Penguin Kakumei (Track 3), Nakaji Yuki's ZIG☆ZAG (Track 4), Tanaka Meca's Sailor Fuku ni Onegai! (Track 5), and Hatori Bisco's Ouran Koukou Host Club (Track 6)). 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 has already translated the first novel into English (Vampire Knight: Ice Blue Sin shipped 2010.07.06). Marvel Panini France's Vampire Knight: Coeur de glace released by 2010.07.07. Carlsen published the novel in German as Vampire Knight: Eisblaues Verbrechen. Carlsen also released the second Noir's Trap novel as Vampire Knight: Tiefschwarzer Hinterhalt.

    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 has scheduled the Vampire Knight Official Fanbook for 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).

Elex Media reissues (2010.08.11)

Links are NOT toggle links; they will take you to the original release posts.

  1. [RE-STO] SC: Cat's Dreams by Kosaka Tomoko
  2. [RE-STO] SC: Shirley by Mori Kaoru
  3. [RE-STO] SC: Youth Love Story by Kayama Yumi

¹ Sources: Elex STO 11 August 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each, including the three re-issues. Otoboke Section Chief 5 (mistakenly?) carries a price tag of IDR 15,000. Shonen Star 70/2010 retails for IDR 30,000/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued

Dorabase 18 of 20+ by Mugiwara Shintaro & Fujiko F. Fujio Pro

The All-Japan baseball tourney sponsored by legendary homerun run king Sadaharu opens. Both speedy Monta and Shiroemon are participating, but who will captain Kuroemon face on the diamond?

Kaiser Z 15 of 16 by Uno Hiroshi

The quest for the pure mutant cell nears its end, with Tenma and allies finally entering Lebensbrunn after snatching victory in a pitched battle. But what greets them there is Hitler's death at the hands of a very surprising traitor.

Piano Hutan 17 of 18+ by Isshiki Makoto

Kai qualifies for the next round of the Chopin competition; Pang Wei opens the second round, playing music encompassing deep sorrow and burning rage. As the musical story unfolds, Pang Wei relives the tragedy that led to meeting Ajino — a fateful encounter that could only end in hell.

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

UP NEXT: More 11 August 2010 manga

Level Comics: Blade of Immortal 9 · Half An Apple 3 · Hotaru's Light 10 · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 3 · A Spirit of the Sun 5 · Subaru 8 | Lucky Luke - Hukuman Gantung · Spirou - Sarang Marsupilami · Yakari - Para Tawanan Pulau

m&c!: Sparkling Gingachou 10 of 10 · Bleach 32 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 9 · Go! Hiromi Go! 2 · Ijime: The Invisible Malice by Igarashi Kaoru · Miracle Ball 10 · Sugar Family 2 · Yabuuchi Yuu Fan Book | Confucius 2

disclaimer

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

manga available this week (4 August 2010 street date)

  • Elex Media: Vampire Knight 2 · Topeng Kaca Bidadari Merah 11 · Claymore 15 · Coz We're Not Children 2 of 2 · Godhand Teru 25 · Hidamari Sketch 2 · Kurozakuro 5 · Look Up! 2 · New Sexy Simpleton 6 · Summer Storm! 3 ·Yureka 17 · Shonen Magz 75/2010
  • Level Comics: ARMS 18 · Happy Hello Work at Age 21 volume 3 · Hikayat Genji 3 · Jio 8 · Love & Collage 10 · Over Rev 13 · Tomo'o 10 · Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 1 by Nishi Yuuji · Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim · Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy · Smurf - Smurf Magang · Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak
  • m&c!: Bleach 31 · ChimaChima Papetto by Hina · The Strawberry Marshmallow 6 · Triple Honey by Yamanaka Rico · Wizard in July by Tanaka Meca · Yowamushi Pedal, Go! 8 · Toutou and Friends - Ayam Panggang by Soffritti/Brrémaud/Reynès · Sejejak Harap by Gita & Rie

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering Topeng Kaca Deluxe by Miuchi Suzue, Mixim 11 by Anzai Nobuyuki, Rinne by Takahashi Rumiko, A Little More to Edo by Tsuda Masami, Beauty Honey by Matsumoto Tomo, Want You by Hwang MiRee, Hello Master by Tsukuba Sakura, Ogawa & Team Saito by Sakyo, You are so cool by Lee YoungHui | Standalones: Angin Musim Gugur by Hikawa Kyoko and Manekineko Real Estate by Sorano Sakana

other invaluable resources

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