Tokyo 23 Vol. 1, Daydreaming 2, GoGo Hanasaki Detective Office 4 of 4 (Level Comics 15 June 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

The Level minimal-list mutates...and how! :D *sotto voce* BTW, I already have Level's release skeds clear to 6 July, thanks to Editor-in-Chief Demonbasher-san. Just have to get through this... and 22... and 28...

Tokyo23 © Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi/Shinchosha
[First serialized in Comic Bunch]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Someone designs a game to lure the increasing numbers of NEET and hikikomori back into the mainstream. Competitors are fitted with bracelets, and whoever retains the bracelet till the end walks away with a cool 100 million yen. For the washouts, however, death by bizarre means awaits...

Talk about a “novel” way of coping with a societal concern... >,<

ANN points out that Tokyo 23 takes place within the 23 wards of Tokyo and centers on Noboru, an unemployed youth whose dream is to become a martial arts fighter and rival Dan who also signs up for the ‘X Game.’ Level editor Nickyta-san raves about NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and hikikomori in the starring role and thumbs ups the meeting between aloof Dan and gung-ho Noboru. TC critic Lina-chan finds the premise similarly compelling, rates the series premiere an 8 of 10 and recommends it as a GET~!

Hashimoto Eiji- and Arashida Takeshi's Comic Bunch seinen manga was adapted into a live-action series—TOKYO23: Survival City—starring Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Yagira Yuya as Arai Noboru and Hongō Kanata (Nishi Joichiro, GANTZ Perfect Answer) as Komori Dan. The five-episode series aired between September and October 2010 on WOWOW.

Manga-ka Hashimoto Eiji-sensei's ongoing series include Chiruran: Shinsengumi Chinkonka; the alternate history Tenshou no Ryoma (in which Sakamoto Ryōma, the visionary leader of the anti-Shogun movement doesn't die by an assassin's hand); and the Yankee-troped Gakuen Heiki Mitsumaru. Wrapped up like Tokyo 23 is E.D.D. (Eliminate Dangerous Doctors). All quite intriguing titles.

Daydreaming 2 of 2+ by Yoshimura Akemi

One of Drill Sergeant Granny's grandchildren, Takato Akira, goes to live in the house where Suzuko boards. Akira's rudeness leads to squabbles with Suzuko, but Hatoko falls for Akira at first sight. Akira's susceptibility to spiritual possession further complicates the situation as the two ancestor spirits possessing him both drool over Suzuko!

Editor Adisti-san observes that this tank contains musings about the world we live in and life in general, par for the course for a Yoshimura Akemi manga. Adisti-san also asks for your patience regarding the next installment because even in its home country, the third Yume no Mahiru tankou has yet to release. This When is the next coming out? uncertainty also prompts Lina-chan to hold off buying the volumes, but she does approve of the escalating supernatural fantasy and gives Daydreaming 2 an 8 of 10.

ROMICs: Franquin's Marsupilami series premieres

André Franquin's series about a fictional black-spotted yellow monkey-like species, the Marsupilami, double launches with Marsupilami - Menangkap Marsupilami (Marsupilami, Tome 0: Capturer un Marsupilami!) and Marsupilami - Ekor Marsupilami (Marsupilami, Tome 1: La Queue du Marsupilami), the latter featuring art by Batem and story by Greg, originally published by Marsu Productions. The Marsupilami's arch-nemesis is the hunter Bring M. Backalive who lives to capture the critter, what else but breathing?

Other BDs this release: Boule & Bill - Empat Musim by Roba and Yakari dan Hantu Kayu by Derib & Job.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.06.15)

1. Daydreaming (Yume no Mahiru) 2 of 2+ by Yoshimura Akemi

Yume no Mahiru 「夢の真昼」 by Yoshimura Akemi Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2008.12

2. GoGo♪ Hanasaki Detective Office. (Go-Go♪ Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho) 4 of 4 by Watanabe Wataru [Finale]

Go-Go♪ Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho. 「ゴーゴー♪こちら私立華咲探偵事務所」 by Watanabe Wataru Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan in 2007.04

3. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 11 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 11 first published in Japan 2008.07

4. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 9 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 1989.01

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

5. Historie 6 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Historie 「ヒストリエ」 by Iwaaki Hitoshi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 6 (chapters 49-57) first published in Japan 2010.05

Awards
Finalist, 10th Osamu Tezuka Culture Award

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 歷史之眼 6 per 2010.10)

6. Ice Forest 7 of 9+ by Saito Chiho

Ice Forest 「アイスフォレスト」 by Saito Chiho Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 7 first published in Japan 2010.05

7. Jio 16 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 16 first published in Japan 2007.03

Volume 16 chapters:
61. Welcome Home
62. All Members Gather
63. Full Moon
64. Zenom's Headquarters
*NOT Level Comics' titles

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

8. Jormungand 3 of 9+ by Takahashi Keitarou

Jormungand 「ヨルムンガンド」 by Takahashi Keitarou Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 3 (chapters 12-17) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English Jormungand (VIZ Media: seven volumes per 2011.05 • volume 8 street date: 2012.01.10)

9. Officer Monju (Seigi Keikan Monju) 7 of 11+ by Miyashita Hiroki

Seigi Keikan Monju 「正義警官モンジュ」 by Miyashita Hiroki Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 45-50 + omake) first published in Japan in 2009.03

Other languages
French (Kana Monju, au service de la justice Tome 8 per 2011.02 • Tome 9 street date: 2011.09.23), traditional Chinese (Taiwan Tohan: 正義警官毛九 6 per 2010.11)

10. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 10 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 火凤燎原 (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 #41 released 2011.05.03) and Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 volume 9 per 2009.12; serialized in Comic Sangokushi). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

11. [Series Premiere] Tokyo 23 Volume 1 of 3 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi

Tokyo23 「ＴＯＫＹＯ２３」 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan in 2008.09

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.

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

European comics/BDs (2011.06.15)

1. Boule & Bill - Empat Musim (Boule & Bill 28: Les quatre saisons) by Roba
2. [Premiere] Marsupilami - Ekor Marsupilami (Marsupilami, Tome 1: La Queue du Marsupilami) by Franquin, Batem, Greg
3. [Series Premiere] Marsupilami - Menangkap Marsupilami (Marsupilami, Tome 0: Capturer un Marsupilami!) by Franquin
4. Yakari dan Hantu Kayu (Yakari, Tome 20: Le diable des bois) by Derib + Job

Read more »

Air Gear 15, Hikayat Genji 4, Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 (Level Comics 20 October 2010 manga)

Also, ROMIC (BDs): Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf, Spirou dan Fantasio - Petualangan di Australia and 2 × Yakari: Yakari - Lompatan Pertama and Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa

Akihabara@DEEP © Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto/Shinchosha
[First serialized in Comic Bunch]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Before I get to “Protecting The Geek Domination Dream” —

Benkei and Ohmu clash. Seeing Benkei overwhelmed by Sleeping Forest's Water Queen, Kazu recalls Emiri and Bucca's words and dives into the brawl. What can the ad interim leader do? Can they defeat Ohmu?

Consult the latest Air Gear volume 15 (Tricks 123-132), streeting tomorrow, for answers.

Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto

Under cover of an IT symposium, Page, Akira and Box infiltrate Digicapi. Zannen desu ga, their bid to make off with Crook appears destined to #Fail. A formidable security system, not to mention equally formidable security dudes, obstruct their efforts.

Does this mean the only victory our Akiba otaku can win is a Pyrrhic one? One obtained only at the cost of great sacrifice?

Level Comics manga (2010.10.20)

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

1. Air Gear 15 of 29+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2006.09

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey; Volume 15-17 released 2010.08.31), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; latest volume 28), French (Pika Édition), 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 Satelight-animated Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD shipped with volume 29 in July 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki and a series of musicals

2. Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto [Finale]

Akihabara@DEEP 「アキハバラ＠ＤＥＥＰ」 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto Shinchosha (Coamix) Bunch Comics, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.06

Other languages
English Akihabara@Deep (Media Blasters; six volumes) and French (12 Bis)

Related
Based on Ishida Ira's Akihabara@DEEP novel

Adaptations
A live-action drama starring Kazama Shunsuke (Page), Ikuta Toma ((Box), Himura Yuki (Daruma), Hoshino Gen (Taiko), Kosaka Yuka (Akira), Matsushima Hatsune (Ism) and Honjo Manami (Yui) and a theatrical release (September 2006.09.02)

3. Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2001.04

Volume 4 contains chapters:
1 自分の気持ちが確かならいいの
2 そういうおまえがいちばん変わったよ。
3 もう簡単には変わらないわ
4 俺が本気で変えてやる
5 本気なところ見て見たい
6 早く本気になってみせてよ
7 そんなに焦るなよ
8 ぼちぼちイッてみっか。
9 そんなに余裕で大丈夫？
10 大丈夫じゃねえかも...
11 珍しく弱気じゃない？

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya, and Ishii Teruyuki

4. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 4 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 4 first published in Japan 2006.06

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 1983.05

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Others languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2005.02

Volume 10 contains chapters:
37. A Real Monster, Part 1
38. A Real Monster, Part 2
39. The Bird Inside a Cage
40. The Shape of One's Heart
NOT Level's titles

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

7. Restore Garage 251 v10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2004.03

8. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2007.02

Level Comics ROMICs (2010.10.20)

1. Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf (Schtroumpf vert et vert Schtroumpf, tome 9) by Peyo & Yvan Delporte
2. Spirou - Petualangan di Australia (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 34: Aventure en Australie) by Tome & Janry
3. Yakari - Lompatan Pertama (Yakari, tome 16: Le premier galop) by Derib & Job
4. Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa (Yakari, tome 10: Le grand terrier) by Derib & Job

¹ Sources: Elex STO 20 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except for Restore Garage 251 vol. 10 (SRP: IDR 19,500). All ROMICs listed retail for IDR 30,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Volume previews (continued)

Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

My—my name is Amon!! My body may be big, but I'm actually a coward who can only annoy the people around me. But I understand the feelings of Omugi's family.

Chiyoko finally finds the courage to invite Ichigo to the school's cultural festival, but Nana-san is kidnapped on the very day the festival opens! Saying that it's gonna be a problem is severely understating it!

Half an Apple 4 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

I don't want to be separated; I don't want to lose. But...

Despite vowing to marry each other, despite Hikaru's love for Shindo eclipsing all others', Hikaru continues to contend with Natsuko who hasn't given up on getting Shindo. What fiendish plot is Natsuko hatching now? Can Hikaru and Shindo protect their relationship from Natsuko's predations?

Hikayat Genji 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Consorting with a hime with the wrong political affiliations exiles Genji to Suma. There, fate leads him to Akashi and a love affair with the beautiful Akashi princess. Meanwhile, unrest in the capital worsens; the Okami falls ill and summons Genji back.

What will happen to Genji's relationship with the Akashi princess? And will Genji's return bring peace to the capital?

Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

As Yulia and Paison go at it in the O.P.T. Olympics, Jio senses the presence of a Kabbalah demon. Which one is it?

Restore Garage 251 v.10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

To finance his daughter Saori's schooling abroad, Satoshi dips into his laboriously squirreled away savings. Unfortunately, Saori's stepfather uses up the education fund, prompting Saori's mom to plead with Satoshi for more money.

Learning that her mother is pressuring her father for money, Saori sees red and refuses to continue further studies. An oblivious Satoshi, meanwhile, searches for a gift for Saori when work lets him.

How will this situation resolve itself?

Shattered Knife 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

After Natsume's kidnapping by a stalker, Natsume and Ko's relationship starts to fray. Natsume also grows distant from friends, especially Kana.

Kana likes Ko and the only thing preventing her from getting in between Natsume and Ko is her belief that the two are the perfect couple. But what will happen once Natsume and Ko break up and Ko starts going out with another girl?

UP NEXT: m&c! 20 October 2010 manga and manhwa

m&c!: Oresama Teacher 3 · Kingdom of the Beast by Takagi Shigeyoshi · A Badboy Drinks Tea! 10 · To The Top! 2 of 2 · Idol Shopping 4 · Canon by Usami Maki · Beauty Pop 8 · Cold Heart by Hoshimori Yukimo · Go! Hiromi Go! 4 · Secret 2

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Hyasinta-san for the artwork and blurbs

disclaimer

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

other upcoming manga (20 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Vampire Knight 5 · Fullmetal Alchemist 24 · Hello Master 2 · Topeng Kaca 2 Deluxe · Rinne 1 by Takahashi Rumiko · Artist Acro 3 · Natural Honey Dormitory 3 · New Sexy Simpleton 7 · Want You 1 by Hwang MiRee · Our Dear Tamura-kun 1 by Kurafuji Sachi · Legend of Nereid 10 · Nakayoshi 85/2010 · Shonen Star 74/2010

related monthly schedules

October 2010
Premiering Red River by Shinohara Chie,Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi andHunt for the Thumb by Yamada Yuusuke (standalone)

September 2010
Premiering Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki and The Duke and I by Hara Chieko

other invaluable resources

Wikipedia · 7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shounen · AirGear · Akihabara@Deep · Chocolat · Half an Apple · Hikayat Genji · Jio · Restore Garage 251 · Shattered Knife · Smurfs · Spirou et Fantasio · Yakari

The Hunting of The Snark by Miyabe Miyuki & Ohishi Hiroto (Level Comics seinen manga premiere)

Snark Kari © Miyabe Miyuki & Ohishi Hiroto/Shinchosha
Published in Indonesia as The Hunting of The Snark by Elex Media/Level Comics

The Hunting of The Snark 1 of 3+

Story by Miyabe Miyuki; Art by Ohishi Hiroto
Original title: スナーク狩り (Snark Kari)
Shinchosha, serialized in Comic Bunch, seinen
Volume 1 first released in Japan 2008.08
Published in Indonesia 2010.09 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

A mysterious girl stops by the bar where Shuji works on Christmas eve. She drops by again several times, before disappearing for two whole months. When Shuji next sees her, she's lurking at a crime scene.

Did Mystery Girl have anything to do with the man's death? And what's with the weird shadow trailing her?

A love story wrapped in a mystery is how Level promoes this seinen series. Mystery is apropos, considering how there's next to nothing on teh internets about this manga adapt of the Snark Kari novel by the author of Brave Story, Miyabe Miyuki.

The title itself representers a loaner from Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem—The Hunting of the Snark (An Agony in 8 Fits)—but Miyabe-sensei's version probably has no connection (beyond that of a shared name) to the original impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature.¹ If there is, I'll let you know (after I GET! my hands on it).

Level Comics The Hunting of The Snark 1 street date: 22 September 2010

Thank you, Lenny-san, for the artwork and summary.

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

Notes

¹ Excerpted from Wikipedia's article; from Sidney Williams and Falconer Madan: Handbook of the Literature of the Rev. C.L. Dodgson, as quoted in Martin Gardner: The Annotated Snark, Penguin Books, 1974]

disclaimer

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

Technorati tags

manga · Level Comics · seinen · The Hunting of The Snark (Snark Kari) · Miyabe Miyuki · Ohishi Hiroto · Shinchosha

Nanase Fire Investigator 5 by Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige (Level Comics seinen manga out now)

Kasai Chousakan Nanase © Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige/Shinchosha
Published in Indonesia as Nanase Fire Investigator by Elex Media/Level Comics

Nanase Fire Investigator 5 of 7

Story by Hashimoto Izo; Art by Ichikawa Tomoshige
Original title: 火災調査官ナナセ (Kasai Chousakan Nanase)
Shinchosha Bunch Comics, seinen
Volume 5 first released in Japan 2006.11
Published in Indonesia 2010.09 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Two rookie investigators, Sato and Yamagata, are assigned to work under the newly-promoted Nanase. Their first assignment: investigating a fire in a tollway underpass. Unaware that the tunnel has been booby-trapped, the team walks into certain death.

Level Comics Nanase Fire Investigator 5 street date: 22 September 2010

Thank you, Lenny-san, for the artwork and summary.

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

disclaimer

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

Technorati tags

manga · Level Comics · seinen · Fire Investigator Nanase · Hashimoto Izo · Ichikawa Tomoshige · Shinchosha

Soul Eater 1 by Ohkubo Atsushi, Bambino! 5, Angel Heart 4 (Level Comics 28 July 2010)

Soul Eater © Ohkubo Atsushi/Square Enix (Serialized in Shonen Gangan)
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics (Elex Media)

May contain   [SPOILERS!]

Meet weapon meister Maka, a student of the DWMA or Death Weapon Meister Academy founded by Death himself—Shinigami-sama—to school fighters and their living weaponry. Maka has one ambition: to turn Soul Eater, her human weapon, into the strongest Death Scythe around. For this to happen, though, our combat combi first has to amass 99 impure human souls (and that of one Wicked Witch).

The problem: Before they can vanquish the prerequisite number of evil doers and Soul Eater becomes the baddest of badass Scythes evar!, Maka and Just call him Soul must first learn to get along as a team. (TV Tropes points out: She's a raging workaholic, he's a slacker — as antithetical in personalities as you can get and the perfect formula for inertia-manufactured trouble if I've seen one.)

So Level finally rolls out half of its July Premieres—Soul Eater 1—this 28th. While you might've already met our “Golden Pair” in the BONES anime (if the number of DO WANT! at the EMO forum is any indication), I haven't. So, following Level's advice to cekidot (check it out).

Aside from Maka and Soul, the first tankou also introduces us to (equally quirky) schoolmate meisters/weapons, Black☆Star and Tsubaki and Death the Kid and his twin demon guns, sisters Liz and Patty Thompson.

Bambino! 5 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Meanwhile, you might be forgiven for thinking that something's wrong with Future Chef Ban in the latest Bambino!, Sekiya Tetsuji's OMB! The food! cooking manga. That Ban continues to harvest critiques and break crockery—even after working the Hall for two weeks—is probably not (that) surprising. What raises teh eyebrows is Ban rejecting Miyuki's suggestion to revert to kitchen duty, insisting instead on staying on the floor.

Ban doesn't want to return to the kitchen? Ban ga? What can he be thinking?

About Angel Heart and R.I.P. Weekly Comic Bunch

I don't have a blurb for Angel Heart, returning to circulation next Wednesday, but I do have news that should set Glass Heart fans at ease. Manga-ka Hojo Tsukasa promises that the crime manga will continue even after Comic Bunch—the magazine that serializes it—folds. (Last issue: 27 August 2010.) ICv2 reports via the French news site Actua Litte that Hojo-sensei reassured attendees of the recent 11th Annual Impact of Japan Expo in Paris that the Comic Bunch closure doesn't spell the end for Angel Heart, adding that fans can even look forward to a different form. The manga-ka, however, stopped short of revealing the differences he plans for post-Bunch Angel Heart.

Unfortunately, I don't know what lies ahead for Restore Garage 251 (another ongoing Bunch serial), volume 8 of which ships with Angel Heart 4. The volume 8 preview, however, as well synopses for the latest Glass Chair and New Comic Bomber are after the manga list.)

Level Comics manga (2010.07.28)

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

1. Angel Heart 4 of 32+ by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「 エンジェル・ハート 」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2002.07

RELATED SERIES
City Hunter (35 of 35 volumes)

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Published in French by Génération Comics and Panini Comics

ADAPTATIONS
Adapted into anime by TMS, starring seiyuu Kamiya Akira as Saeba Ryo and Kawasaki Mao as Shan-In Glass Heart Lee. Fifty episodes adapting manga volumes 1 to 18 aired in Japan from October 2005 to September 2006.

2. Bambino! 5 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「 バンビ～ノ！ 」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 5 contains chapters:

• 43 アッヴォルジェレ（包む）
• 44 コンプレアンノ（誕生日）1
• 45 コンプレアンノ 2
• 46 コンプレアンノ 3
• 47 コンプレアンノ 4
• 48 給料日（ジョルノディバーガ）
• 49 トラッターレ（交渉する）
• 50 ピッカンテ（辛い）
• 51 シェッリエレ（選ぶ）
• 52 アッパレッキアーレ（配置する）
• 53 ウニオーネ（団結）

AWARDS
Best seinen/general manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- and Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

RELATED SERIES
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; four volumes as at 2010.06.30)

ADAPTATIONS
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun as Shogo Ban and Kitamura Kazuki as 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.

3. Glass Chair (Garasu no Isu) 5 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

Garasu no Isu 「 ガラスの椅子 」 by Nakamura Mariko Kodansha Be Love, josei Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.04

4. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 3 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Shin Hoero Pen 「 新吼えろペン 」 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko AKA New Be Growl, Pen Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.12

Volume 3 contains chapters:

• 9 命のテンション
• 10 新人のアシは来るけれど
• 11 わかれ！ヒーロー！自分の価値を!!
• 描き下ろし
• あとがきまんが
• 特別掲載その1
• 逆境ナイン・特別編
• 特別掲載その2
• 新吼えろペン・番外編

RELATED SERIES
Prequels: Burning Pen (Moeyo Pen, one volume) and Comic Bomber (Hoero Pen, 13 volumes)

5. Restore Garage 251 volume 8 of 32+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「 レストアガレージ２５１ 」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2003.10

6. Soul Eater 1 of 17+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「 ソウルイーター 」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2004.06

Volume 1 contains chapters
Soul Eater • Black☆Star • Death the Kid • 001. Remedial Lesson (Part 1)

RELATED
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 LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Soul Eater is published in North America by Yen Press (volume 3 released 2010.06.15 • volume 4 street date: 2009.10.27; serialized Yen Plus).
Other global releases: France (published by Kurokawa) · Germany (Carlsen Comics) · Taiwan (Sharp Point Press)

ADAPTATIONS
Manga volumes 1 to 12 adapted to anime by BONES. Fifty-one episodes starring seiyuu Omigawa Chiaki as Maka Alban and Uchiyama Kouki as 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.

¹ Sources: STO 28 July 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, except where indicated)
² All manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each, except Angel Heart 4 and Restore Garage 251 vol. 8 (SRP: IDR 19,500/volume).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued

Glass Chair 5 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

To protect Izuru, Aoi submits to all of Hayao's demands, struggling to understand him and perhaps, uncover his softer side. She presents Hayao with something she thinks he will find precious; the “gift,” however, is unwelcome, and a wounded Hayao lashes out.

Just what did Aoi give and how does Hayao retaliate? Find out in volume 5.

New Comic Bomber 3 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

The sound and the fury and the fierce squabbling between director and author are over, or are they? At the GJ9 movie premiere, Hono-sensei continues to criticize the film adapt and disses each and every scene. What reprisal awaits the fault-finding manga-ka?

Restore Garage 251 vol. 8 of 32+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Takamura Gen apologizes to Yumejiro for the rudeness of his son, celeb Takamura Shinya, but Yumejiro doesn't let the issue die there. He offers to “discipline” Shinya by putting the young artist to work restoring cars at Garage 251.

Under Yumejiro's tutelage, will Shinya change and become a nicer person?

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

Other 28 July 2010 manga

Elex Media: BECK 20 · Dear Boys Act 3 vol. 3 · Fullmetal Alchemist 23 · Hayate The Combat Butler 22 · Kariage-kun 31 · A Kiss For My Prince 5 of 5 · Legend of Nereid 9 · Legend of The Cursed Sword 31 · Ruler of the Land 48 · Tena on S String 2 · Vitamin Cat 2 · Wild Life 7 | Mangazine: HanaLaLa 52, Shonen Star 69/2010

m&c!: Ah Dear Banchou 5 · Because I Love You 1 of 2 by Akira Shouko · Bleach 30 · Dragon Girl 5 of 5 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 4 · Tell Me One Million Times 1 of 2 by Oobayashi Miyuki · You Can't Disappear from Me 1 of 4 by Aikawa Saki | Manhua: The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 10 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 4 | AMERO: Quick & Flupke series: Maaf Bu!, Hidup Teknologi, Malapetaka, Kena Batunya, Tukang Kibul and Kencangkan Sabuk Pengaman | Mangazine: Cherry 45/2010 | KOLONI local comics: Satu Atap 2 · Merdeka: Di Bukit Selarong

disclaimer

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

currently available (21 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Q.E.D. 34 · Juvenile Remix 4 · New Sexy Simpleton 5 · Hell Girl 5 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 2 · Kurozakuro 4 · Real 9 · Katsu! 6 · Geobreeders 13 · Coz We're not Children 1 by Seta Haruhi · Crows 10 · Shonen Magz 74/2010
• Level Comics: xxxHOLiC 9 · Genius Family Company 3 · Gokusen 14 of 15 · Revolution No.3 vol. 3 of 3 · Fight!! Ippo 77 · Priest 7
• m&c!: Happy Cafe 15 of 15 · Innocent Dragon 6 · Idol Shopping 1 by Hwang MiRee · Female Wolf's Boy 1 by Han YuRang · Sandwich Girl 1 by Han YuRang · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 1 by Hwang MiRee · Long Hu Men 169 | AMERO comics (Dark Horse): Actions Speak by Sergio Aragonés · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 7

related monthly schedules

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

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · shounen · Angel Heart · Bambino! · Glass Chair · New Comic Bomber · Restore Garage 251 · Soul Eater

Nanase Fire Investigator seinen manga volume 2 by Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige (Level Comics street date: 21 April 2010)

Kasai Chousakan Nanase © Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige/Shinchosha
Published in Indonesia as Nanase Fire Investigatorby Elex Media/Level Comics

Nanase Fire Investigator 2 of 7

By Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige
Original title: 火災調査官ナナセ (Kasai Chousakan Nanase)
Shinchosha Bunch Comics imprint, seinen
Volume 2 first released in Japan 2006.03
Published in Indonesia 2010.04 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

May contain [SPOILERS]

Synopsis

Rookie fire investigator Nanase probes into the death of her instructor Tsuraga who perished in the line of duty. Iwai, Tsuruga's junior, believes the killer blaze had been set off by the serial arsonist Firebug. Will Nanase be able to crack this case? And what if Firebug is indeed the culprit?

Fire Investigator Nanase is also published in English by CMX (volume 3 released 2009.11.10; volume 4 street date: 2010.04.20)

Level Comics Volume 2 street date: 21 April 2010

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the cover and blurb

disclaimer

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

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

Technorati tags
manga · Level Comics · seinen · Fire Investigator Nanase · Hashimoto Izo · Ichikawa Tomoshige · Shinchosha