Until Death Do Us Part 8, Bloody Monday 6, Cesare 7 (Level Comics 19 September 2011 manga)

Dropped Aikawa Yu's Dark Edge vol.2 from the list because it got postponed to 9.28.

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S
Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]
Published in Indonesia as Until Death Do Us Part by Elex Media/Level Comics

Haruka has a vision of a classmate's assassination and in trying to save the future victim, finds herself drawn into a gang war orchestrated by Edge Turus' protégé Komura. Hunted down by hired killers and finally cornered in an old building, Haruka and three other students brace for the worst, only to find an unlikely savior in the person of...Kilo. [Additions from Ki-oon's Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, Tome 8 synopsis]

My question: Where is Mamoru while all this action is going down? (I guess I'll have to live with my curiosity until Until Death Do Us Part Volume 8: Trap streets on the 19th.)

Bloody Monday 6 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

BLOODY-X infects the THIRD-i command center. Fujimaru races to decrypt the Shikimura file forwarded to Mrs. Munakata for an anti-virus. Meanwhile, hiding underneath the terrorists' truck, Kano refuses to back down from tracking the criminals to their lair.

Chuang Yi's Bloody Monday: Season 1, Vol.6 synop teases by saying Fujimaru is finding it impossible to decode the Shikimura file. Let's join the CY blurb in a chorus: Impossible...? For Fujimaru?

Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen
© Akana Shu & Makari Shinji
Kodansha [ Evening ]
Published in Indonesia as
Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula
by Level Comics

New Level titles: Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula

Yugo is shocked by partner Kogure's implication in extortion cases involving the yakuza. He investigates and learns that the case is linked to both the yakuza and an anti-Japan group out of North Korea. What makes strange bedfellows of organized crime and a high-ranked official wanted by the Japanese police? More importantly, can Yugo save Kogure from the crossfire?

Shimokita Peninsula is the first arc of the Yugo II side stories and its 9.19 appearance answers the question I posed when the main Yugo The Negotiator series concluded in June 2010: Is Level also licensing Yugo II? The implications of this premiere ought to make "Yugo is the ult bishie!" Andrea Tezumo-sensei (The Fifth Columnist) delirious. ^^

The side stories span at least eight arcs (they're still ongoing). The first Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen is succeeded by Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen; Tokyo Tanegashima-hen; Osaka-hen (two volumes); Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (two volumes); Toyako Summit-hen (two volumes); Philippines Oda-Hen (three volumes); and most recently, Taiwan-hen (volume 1 published 2011.06).

Level Comics manga (2011.09.19)

1. Bloody Monday 6 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Bloody Monday 「ブラッディ・マンデイ」 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 6 first published in 2008.07

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday one volume per 2011.08 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (PIKA Édition: Tome 7 shipped 2011.09.07)

Related series
Bloody Monday 0 (one volume; 2009.05) and sequels Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, eight volumes as at 2011.05.17) and Bloody Monday - Last Season (began serialization in Weekly Shonen Magazine 2011.07.14; volume 1 streets 2011.10.17 in Japan)

Kodansha published Bloody Monday: Seinaru Chi no Shukusai... Hajimaru!! under its KPC (Platinum Comics) imprint on 2011.07.27.

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku aired from October through December 2008 on TBS, followed by a second season, Bloody Monday Season2 ~Pandora no Hako~ (January to March 2010, nine episodes). Actor/singer Miura Haruma returned as protagonist Fujimaru Takagi/Falcon in the sequel.

2. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 7 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.08

3. Haruka 17 volume 13 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2006.10

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

4. Honey Hunt 6 of 6+ (Hiatus) by Aihara Miki

Honey Hunt 「Ｈｏｎｅｙ　Ｈｕｎｔ」 by Aihara Miki Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.12 Series on hiatus at volume 6

Other languages
English Honey Hunt (VIZ Media (six volumes per 2010.12), French (Marvel Panini France: Tome 6 shipped 2010.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 獵夢甜心 ~ Honey Hunt 6 released 2010.07)

5. K2 volume 9 of 15+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2008.08

6. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 12 of 42+ by Chan Mou

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 42 released 2011.09.05), Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 9 per 2009.12), Vietnamese Hỏa Phụng Liêu Nguyên. The manhua is also published in Mainland China, Korea and Thailand.

7. Tokyo 23 Vol. 3 of 3 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi [Finale]

Tokyo23 「ＴＯＫＹＯ２３」 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan in 2009.02

Adaptations
The live-action TOKYO23: Survival City, starring Yagira Yuya (Arai Noboru) and Hongō Kanata (Komori Dan) aired from September to October 2010 in Japan on WOWOW.

8. Until Death do us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 8 of 15+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 8 (Parts 58-65) first published in Japan 2008.11

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare tome 14 shipped 2011.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 終極感應 13 per 2011.06.09 and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong), Korean (Haksan: 죽음이 두 사람을 갈라놓을 때까지 12 released 2011.06.17)

9. [Premiere] Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula (Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen) by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji

Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen 「勇午　下北半島編 」 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji Kodansha Evening, seinen First published in Japan 2004.09

Related series
Part of the Yugo II side stories that include Yugo: Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen (2005.05); Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen (2006.03); 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)
Main story: Yugo (22 volumes)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.19)

1. Leonard - Jenius Sejati (Léonard, Tome 2: Léonard est toujours un génie) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)
2. Yakari dan Beruang Hantu (Yakari, Tome 24: Yakari et l'ours fantôme) by Derib + Job (Le Lombard)

Read more »

X Blade 5, Sky of Love 6, Half an Apple 12 (Level Comics 13 July 2011 manga)

Yes, yes, X Blade should've gotten the headline pix. I just didn't luck into a big enough, height at least 400px, pix :P

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari © Haneda Ibuki, Mika
Futabasha [First serialized in Comic Mahou no iland]
Published in Indonesia as Sky of Love by Elex Media/Level Comics

Blurbing X Blade first —

Mighty Casey doesn't advance to the bat, but everyone's still excited over the baseball game. Haru, Kazunari, Sanae, their classmates are all fired up and eyeing victory. Mana, too, shows her Go, Haru! support by bringing him a bento...awww.

But just as there was no joy in Mudville then, happiness and peace elude Haru and Mana this day. One of the Nanatsusaya (Seven Sheaths) attacks Chris — Sakura, whom Chris had once beaten. Of course, Haru and Mana aren't about to let the assault on the Hollyhock Crusader go unchallenged.

Sky of Love 6 of 10 by Ibuki Haneda, Mika

Enfolded in Yuu's warmth, Mika thaws and her frozen heart melts. She begins to think that she can finally let go of Hiro, her soul mate. She puts all of her Hiro memories and feelings into the "Are you happy?" she writes on the blackboard.

But just as Mika regains confidence in leaving everything behind, a problem arises...

Sky of Love editor Sina-san sez we get a flashback of Mika's feelings for Hiro, the Level editor highlighting what she describes as a a poignant separation >O<

Half an Apple 12 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

When was the last time we were at the beach? A kiss brings back fond memories, but even the smallest smile remains an impossibility.

Shindo's transfer to the medical products division unsettles Hikaru. Similar to Amano, Hikaru suspects Takeuchi's new drug of disturbing side effects. If she acts on her suspicions, however, she threatens Shindo's position.

Meanwhile, despite resistance from Natsuko who refuses to let Shindo go, Shindo confesses that he still loves Hikaru.

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.07.13)

1. Air Gear 23 of 32+ by Oh!great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 23 (Tricks 208-217) first published in Japan 2008.12

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15/16/17 per 2010.08; Kodansha Comics: volume 18 released 2011.06.14 • volume 19 street date: 2011.08.16), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 飛輪少年 #31 per 2011.05), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition: Tome 28 ships 2011.06.29 • Tome 29 street date: 2011.09.07), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 25-episode anime by Toei Animation, starring Kamakari Kenta as Ikki; a series of Satelight-animated OADs shipped with the manga tankoubon (The first Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD streeted with volume 30 in November 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki; the second OAD was bundled with volume 31 (2011.03.17), with a third released 2011.06.17); and a series of musicals

2. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 6 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.11

3. Devil Devil 3 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 1999.04

Other languages
French (PIKA Édition: 15 volumes per 2005.10), German (Planet Manga)

4. Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 4 of 9+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「神様ドォルズ」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 4 (chapters 19-24 + Extra chapter and Commentary) first published in Japan 2009.01

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Ching Win Publishing Taiwan: 神樣DOLLS 8 per 2011.06)

Adaptations
The Kamisama Dolls anime premiered 6 July 2011 in Japan. The TV series animated by Brains Base casts seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Kuga Kyōhei, Fukuen Misato as Kuga Utao and Kayano Ai as Shiba Hibino.

5. Fist of The Blue Sky (Souten no Ken) 5 of 22 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson

Souten no Ken 「蒼天の拳」 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.01

Related
Hokuto no Ken (sequel; 27 volumes)

Other languages
English (Gutsoon! Entertainment; dropped), French (Marvel Panini France; KEN - Fist of the Blue Sky tome 21 shipped 2011.03) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan; 蒼天之拳 22 per 2010.11)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime by Souten Studio, starring seiyuu Yamadera Kouichi (Kasumi Kenshiro), aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on TV Asahi.

6. Giant Killing 5 of 20+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.04

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.

7. Glass Chair (Garasu no Isu) 7 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

Garasu no Isu 「ガラスの椅子」 by Nakamura Mariko Kodansha Be Love, josei Volume 7 first published in Japan 2006.10

8. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 12 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.11

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 8 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 8 (chapters 20-21) first published in Japan 1997.03

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2000)

Other languages
English Red River (VIZ Media: 28 volumes), Italian Anatolia Story (Editions Star Comics: 28 volumes), German (EMA/Egmont Manga and Anime), Vietnamese Dòng Sông Huyền Bí (Tre Publishing House) and traditional Chinese 赤河戀影 (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

Related
An artbook (Japan release: 1999.02.24), fanbook (2002.07.26) and a two-volume novel adaptation Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Ma ga Jidai no Reimei written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

10. Shadow Skill 4 of 7+ by Okada Megumu

Shadow Skill 「ＳＨＡＤＯＷ　ＳＫＩＬＬ」 by Okada Megumu Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2004.11

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Matsuoka Akio (Gau Ban) and Hayashibara Megumi (Elle Lagu), aired in Japan from July to December 1998. Four OAVs preceded the series (four episodes released between 1995 and 1996).

11. Sky of Love (Koizora) 6 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.08

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

12. X Blade 5 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.11

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, one volume per 2011.07)

13. Zipang 7 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2002.05

Awards
Best General Manga, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002)

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana: tome 29 shipped 2011.02 • Pack Fidelite Zipang T30+T31 street date: 2011.08.26) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: 次元艦隊 43 per 2010.06)

Adaptations
Anime by Studio DEEN starring seiyuu Inada Tetsu (Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke), Hoshino Takanori (Gunnery Officer Kikuchi Masayuki), Ueda Yuuji (Navigation Officer Oguri Kouhei), Yara Yuusaku (Captain Umezu Saburo) and Touchi Hiroki (Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi) aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005

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

European comics/BDs (2011.07.13)

1. Jojo - Nenek Jagoan by André Geerts (Dupuis)
2. Smurf - Pensmurf Kartu by Peyo (Le Lombard)

Read more »

Bloody Monday 4, xxxHOLiC 13, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 4 (Level Comics 18 May 2011 manga)

Bloody Monday © Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji/Kodansha
[First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

During interrogation, Orihara Maya offers to barter coordinates to Terrorist HQ for freedom. Fujimaru agrees, and with Hosho and Kano, heads for the location Maya specifies. En route, Fujimaru lucks on to a clue about the THIRD-i spy, but a thin line separates friend from foe. [Additions from Chuang Yi's Bloody Monday: Season 1, Vol. 4 synopsis]

Sez Level's Bloody Monday editor Adisti-san: Excitement ratchets as, despite the revelation of the THIRD-i spy's identity, the terrorists' moves remain unpredictable.

xxxHOLiC 13 of 19 by CLAMP

People beat up “Liar!” Kohane on national TV, but the exorcist's suffering isn't enough to make her mother back off. Watanuki tries to intervene, but Kohane's mom, believing Watanuki responsible for Kohane's loss of powers, decides to... [Additions from PIKA Édition's xxxHOLIC, tome 13 summary]

What happened to Watanuki? How will Kohane-chan's torment end? See xxxHOLIC 13 for answers.

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 4 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

The pervy guy who stole a kiss from Choko was none other than the company president! Choko has several bones to pick with the goukon-crashing prez, the utmost of which is his monopolizing Masayuki. Worse, he isn't even through toying with Choko; he forces her to become his 24/7 private secretary, threatening to destroy Masayuki should she refuse.

So, of course, it's Chaa-chan to milady's rescue!

Domoto, I love you ♡.
(That's not Choko speaking; it's president Yanagi *sweatdrop*)

Volume 4 of the LMAO! office romance Oh Butterfly Oh Flower compiles chapters 16 through 20: Before Winter Comes, Dance of the Butterfly, Dance of the Flower.... Sleeping Beauty, Valentine Crisis and Beside You... [*NOT Level's chapter titles; Serenus-Dreamers × Aerandria translations]

New Level manga: Escape Express by Shinohara Chie

Natsumi stumbles onto a crime scene on her way home. The investigating officers are keeping a lid on the case, forcing the news reporter to observe from afar. But instead of staying hidden from all eyes, Natsumi bumps into the alleged murder suspect, Satoru.

[Natsumi and Satoru]
From Toubou Kyuukou © Shinohara Chie/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia as Escape Express by Level Comics

Satoru claims he's innocent and he and Natsumi head to Switzerland in pursuit of the real perp, contributes Baka-Updates Manga in its Toubou Kyuukou description.

Gushes editor Nickyta-san: A new manga from Shinohara Chie — with an unexpected ending! (If I were Natsumi, I wouldn't want the story to end :D) You know Shinohara Chie-sensei, right? She's only responsible for Red River, which Level also publishes. (Volume 7 is slated for a 25 May release.)

Escape Express also contains the Missing city short in addition to the Escape Express cover story. And speaking of covers, based on Level's cover art, this volume appears to be the 2008 Flower Comics Alpha reissue. (Toubou Kyuukou was first published in 1996 under the Flower Comic Special imprint and then again in 2002 as a bunko. Different covers.)

☆ Teh other debuting series is a BD—Peyo's Johan & Pirlouit, the sword-and-sorcery tale of medieval page Johan and his dwarf sidekick Pirlouit, prolly most famous for introducing the Smurfs. (The blue-skinned critters actually debuted there.) Level double launches Johan & Pirlouit's Seruling Enam Smurf and Malam Para Penyihir.

Speaking of Smurfs, Smurf - Smurf Kecil, part of the Histoires des Schtroumpfs (Les p'tits Schtroumpfs et le Schtroumpf robot) also streets, introducing four new characters, promises editor Niken.

Level Comics manga (2011.05.18)

1. 3x3 Eyes 40 of 40 by Takada Yuzo [Finale]

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 40 first published in Japan 2002.11

Other languages
English 3x3 Eyes (Dark Horse Comics; till volume 8), Korean (Young Movie Comics), French (PIKA Édition; 40 volumes), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics; dropped), Italian (Editions Star Comics) and German 3x3 Augen (Carlsen Comics)

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1993 Kodansha Manga Awards

Adaptations
Two anime OAVs starring seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji (Fujii Yakumo) and Hayashibara Megumi (Ayanokouji Pai)

2. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 10 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 66-72) first published in Japan 2005.12

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards
Grand Prize winner for the comic category, 10th Japan Media Arts Festival

Other languages
French (Tonkam Spirit of The Sun, tome 17: Le troisième pays per 2009.12)

Adaptations
Adapted into an anime special by Madhouse (two episodes)

3. Bloody Monday 4 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Bloody Monday 「ブラッディ・マンデイ」 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in 2008.02

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday volume 1 street date: 2011.08.23), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (PIKA Édition: five volumes per 2011.05.04 • Tome 6 street date: 2011.06.29)

Related series
Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (sequel, AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, eight volumes as at 2011.05.17)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku aired from October through December 2008 on TBS, followed by a second season, Bloody Monday Season2 ~Pandora no Hako~ (January to March 2010, nine episodes). Actor/singer Miura Haruma returned as protagonist Fujimaru Takagi/Falcon in the sequel.

4. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 5 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.07

5. [Premiere] Escape Express (Toubou Kyuukou) by Shinohara Chie

Toubou Kyuukou 「逃亡急行」 by Shinohara Chie Shogakukan Flower Comics Alpha, shoujo This anthology first published in Japan 2008.11

Related
Earlier released Toubou Kyuukou anthologies (one published under the Flower Comic Special imprint, 1996.05 and as Shogakukan Bunko: 2002.08)

6. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 82 of 95+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 82 first published in Japan 2007.12

Volume 82 chapters:
Round 778: Malfunctioning Machine
Round 779: Other Than Boxing
Round 780: Two Things To Remember
Round 781: These Fists Aren't Heavy
Round 782: Insane Connection
Round 783: Magic Punch
Round 784: Counterattack vs. Counterattack
Round 785: Preparing to Enter the Ring
Round 786: Another Trick
Round 787: I Can See!!
*NOT Level chapter titles

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

Related series
Hajime no Ippo Gaiden (one-shot prequel)

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs tome 12 per 2011.05.12 • Tome 13 street date: 2011.06.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (26 episodes) was telecast from January to June 2009.

7. Jepang Tenggelam! (Nihon Chinbotsu) 13 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 13 (chapters 104-112) first published in Japan 2008.11

Related
Based on the award-winning disaster novel by Komatsu Sakyou, also adapted into film and live-action TV.

8. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 9 of 11+ by Miyasaka Kaho

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 「僕達は知ってしまった」 by Miyasaka Kaho AKA We Experienced the Affair Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2010.04

9. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 8 of 12+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.07

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 11 per 2011.02)

10. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 4 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 4 (chapters 16-20) first published in Japan 2007.05

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media: six volumes per 2011.03.01 • volume 7 street date: 2011.06.07), French (Soleil Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

11. xxxHOLiC 13 of 19 by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 13: Hon no Sasai na Deai de mo, Kokoro to Karada mo Kawatte iku. (chapters 80-84) first published in Japan 2008.06

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2010.10 • volume 17 street date: 2011.09.13), French (PIKA Édition; tome 17 shipped 2011.01 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.06.15), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06, bundled with volumes 14 and 15). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, is scheduled for March 2011 release with manga volume 19.

A feature film adaptation xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in Japan before the first anime season (2005.08.20). The movie was a finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Seiyuu Fukuyama Jun and Ohara Sayaka play the roles of Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko in all adaptations.

Related
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (crossover) · xxxHoLic: ANOTHERHOLiC Landolt-Ring Aerosol by NisiOisiN (Novel; side story) · Soel to Larg: Mokona=Modoki no Bouken (Novel; side story)

At least four official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17) · xxxHolic Complete Book (2011.03.17)

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European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.18)

1. Cubitus - Warisan Pastaga (Cubitus, tome 35: L'héritage du Pastaga) by Dupa
2. [Premiere] Johan & Pirlouit - Seruling Enam Smurf (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 9: La flûte à six Schtroumpfs) by Peyo
3. [Premiere] Johan & Pirlouit - Malam Para Penyihir (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 5: Magie et exotisme) by Peyo
4. Lucky Luke - Pony Express (Lucky Luke, tome 28: Le Pony Express) by Morris, X. Fauche & J. Léturgie
5. Smurf - Smurf Kecil dan Smurf Robot (Les p'tits Schtroumpfs et le Schtroumpf robot, tome 13) by Peyo

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Until Death Do Us Part 5, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 3, Sky of Love 3 (Level Comics 23 March 2011 manga)

Actually, Sky of Love 3 would've tied with Red River 5 and Cesare 4 for third place, if not for a late-breaking pledge. So as it stands, Sky of Love 3 ties with Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 3 for second place and earns it a spot Above the Cut.

Why the belaboring? I prefer to dwell on how much of a shoujo fangirl/boy's dream this Level release sked is, rather than wonder at what led to skedding Jepang Tenggelam 11 thisclose to the 3.11 devastation and continuing crisis. Still, please continue to pray for Japan and/or help Japan in these heartbreaking times.

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S
Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]
Published in Indonesia as Until Death Do Us Part by Elex Media/Level Comics

To stop Fang from killing Toyama Minori, Mamoru and Haruka rush to the police station, only to run afoul of killer drones. Haruka 'sees' two possible outcomes to the stalemate, both presaging Mamoru's death. [Additions from Ki-oon's Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare tome 5 synopsis]

Of course, Mamoru won't be parting with Haruka yet in Until Death Do Us Part 5; otherwise, his Blind Swordsman Badass-ness wouldn't still be hacking and slashing his way to the next nine tankou. I'm sure the drones' bullet-deflecting hybrid armor (thanks, Cold Manga × OMFGG Scans) would prove useless against Mamoru's absurdly sharp katana, of the single molecule wide variety. Still, the *urk* point is How? How does Mamoru elude death? Find out somewhere between chapters 33 and 40 of the edgy volume 5, streeting this Wednesday.

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 3 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Domoto and Choko officially start dating, but their rabu rabu frays in the face of Jinguji — Domoto's pretty boy childhood pal, Tackey to Domoto's Tsubasa.

Jinguji, also a former Kuze family retainer, bids for Milady Choko's favor; Stop discussing my period! fed up with Domoto's indelicacy, Choko agrees to a dinner date with Domoto's rival.

I wouldn't worry about Chaa-chan and Choko just yet, but you have to GET! Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 3 for the LOLarious one-upmanship between Domoto and Jinguji over a sick Choko and...suppositories.

Volume 3 compiles chapters 11 through 15: All or nothing, the sprouts of love, Battler (Butler?) battle, The two's summer story, You're my beloved and Confused butterfly. (NOT Level's titles; these are Serenus-Dreamers × Aerandria's translations.)

Sky of Love 3 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

The loss of their baby brings Hiro and Mika closer to each other. Or so Mika thinks, until Hiro's attitude changes drastically. Around her confusion and pain, Mika struggles to accept Hiro and protect their relationship.

More previews below the manga, manhwa and ROMICs lists.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2011.03.23)

1. 3x3 Eyes 37 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 37 first published in Japan 2001.10

Other languages
English 3x3 Eyes (Dark Horse Comics; till volume 8), Korean (Young Movie Comics), French (Pika Édition; 40 volumes), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics; dropped), Italian (Editions Star Comics) and German 3x3 Augen (Carlsen Comics)

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1993 Kodansha Manga Awards

Adaptations
Two anime OAVs starring seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji (Fujii Yakumo) and Hayashibara Megumi (Ayanokouji Pai)

2. Air Gear 20 of 31+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 20 (Tricks 176-185) first published in Japan 2008.03

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15-17 released 2010.08 • Kodansha Comics' volume 18 street date: 2011.06.14), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition tome 26 shipped 2011.03.02), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 25-episode anime by Toei Animation, starring Kamakari Kenta as Ikki; a series of Satelight-animated OADs shipped with the manga tankoubon (The first Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD streeted with volume 30 in November 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki; the second OAD was bundled with volume 31 (2011.03.17), with a third scheduled for 2011.06.17); and a series of musicals

3. Bambino! 10 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 99-109) first published in Japan 2007.10

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; six volumes per 2011.02.26)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

4. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 4 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2007.11

5. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 11 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 11 (chapters 86-94) first published in Japan 2008.06

Related
Based on the award-winning disaster novel by Komatsu Sakyou, also adapted into film and live-action TV.

6. Jio 13 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2006.02

Volume 13 chapters:
49. Figure
50. 1 Hit
51. Light and Dark
52. The Key of Solomon

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa tome 19 released 2008.12) and Italian (JPOP)

7. Last Inning 9 of 29+ 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 9 (chapters 78-87) first published in Japan 2006.03

8. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 3 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 3 (chapters 11-15) first published in Japan 2006.12

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media: six volumes per 2011.03.01 • volume 7 street date: 2011.06.07), French (Soleil Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

9. Priest 15 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 15 first published in Korea 2005.05 Series on hiatus from volume 16

Other languages
English Priest (TOKYOPOP: 16 volumes), French (Tokebi; 16 volumes), German (Tokyopop Germany), Polish (Kasen Comics), Italian (J POP), Portuguese (Lumus Brazil) and Japanese (Enterbrain Beam comix)

Adaptations
A film adaptation starring Cam Gigandet, Paul Bettany and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (Indonesian screening is scheduled to begin 12 May 2011.)

10. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 5 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 5 (chapters 13-14) first published in Japan 1996.06

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2000)

Other languages
English Red River (VIZ Media: 28 volumes), Italian Anatolia Story (Editions Star Comics: 28 volumes), German (EMA/Egmont Manga and Anime), Vietnamese Dòng Sông Huyền Bí (Tre Publishing House) and traditional Chinese 赤河戀影 (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

Related
An artbook (Japan release: 1999.02.24), fanbook (2002.07.26) and a two-volume novel adaptation 天は赤い河のほとり　外伝　魔が時代の黎明 written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

11. Sky of Love (Koizora) 3 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.11

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

12. Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 5 of 14+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 33-40) first published in Japan 2007.06

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, tome 12 per 2010.12 • tome 13 ships 2011.05.12), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong)

13. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 4 of 12+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 4 (stories 22-28) first published in Japan 2007.11

14. Zenith (Jinasu - Zenith) 6 of 6 by Yoshida Satoshi & Big O [Finale]

Jinasu - Zenith 「ジナス－ＺＥＮＩＴＨ－」 by Yoshida Satoshi & Big O Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.08

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Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.03.23)

1. Cubitus - Santai Saja! (Cubitus, tome 39: Tu te la coules douce...) by Dupa
2. Smurf - Smurf Terbang (L'aéroschtroumpf, tome 14) by Peyo

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