Until Death Do Us Part 9, Air Gear 25, Psychometrist Eiji 24 (Level Comics 16 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Also, Dolls of God 5 that Imma lead with because (1) I'm a Kuga Aki fangirl and (2) I actually like Mahiru (Neither appear on the cover :P)

Kamisama Dolls © Yamamura Hajime/Shogakukan
[Serialized in Sunday GX]
Published in Indonesia as Dolls of God by Elex Media/Level Comics

Settle for the shopping MinimaList for now. I'll be back later with the rest of the Level artwork and NikBabble™ are heeeere :D

In Dolls of God 5, Koshiro and Kirio return to Tokyo to continue the manhunt for Aki, while Hirashiro dispatches another Hyuga Seki to further his agenda. The new Seki Mahiru is totally in lurve with Kyohei-sama but that doesn't stop her from attacking other Seki, Utao included...

Dolls of God 5 compiles chapters (Seg.) 25 through 30: Moyako's Visit, Girl Meets Boy (I and II), Beautiful Girl's Confusion, Magatsuhi and Aki vs Mahiru, and Then... and the Dalam Keputusasaan: Kisah di Balik Layar extra. (Yes, these ARE Level's titles.)

Sowwy, Mamoru-sama, for not leading with you and your *cough*bride*cough*. I just had to play wif Aki (and Kyohei) first :D Imma preview Until Death Do Us Part 9 (top DO WANT! this sked) nau~

Until Death Do Us Part vol 9 of 15+
By Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Wiseman's tactics succeed where others failed. Defeat, guilt and self-directed anger drive Mamoru to distance himself from the Element Network. Precog Loli Haruka, however, is not about to let Mamoru go. What fate awaits our Till Death Do Us Parters after they exit Network?

Until Death Do Us Part 9: Shadow collects Parts 66–74. There's the usual full-color inserts, the first featuring Haruka begging Mamoru to kill her. (Oops, did I say that out loud? :P)

Moar previews—with or without SPOIL—after the release list.

New Level titles [Just added]
Tibet & A.P. Duchateau's Ric Hochet BD (ROMIC) series double-launches with Attila's Triangle (Ric Hochet, Tome 45: Le Triangle Attila) and Teror Topeng Kematian (Ric Hochet, Tome 54: Le masque de la terreur). And who is Ric Hochet? He's a reporter for the newspaper La Rafale in Paris and depending on where his comic is published, also goes by the names Rick Master (Germany), Rik Ringers (The Netherlands and Flanders), Rick Hart (Scandinavia) and Reporter Johnny (South India). (Thanks, Wiki.)

I forgot the NikBabble™ the first, rather, the second, time around :P

Level Comics manga (2011.11.16)

1. Air Gear vol 25 of 34+ by Oh!great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh!great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 25 first published in Japan 2009.06

Awards
Winner, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15/16/17 per 2010.08; Kodansha Comics: from volume 18; volume 20 shipped 2011.10.25 • volume 21 street date: 2011.12.13), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 飛輪少年 #32 per 2011.10.12), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition: Tome 30 shipped 2011.11.02 • Tome 31 street date: 2012.01.04), 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. Black Lagoon vol 9 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2009.10

Volume 9: Chapters 65–76: El Baile de la muerte Parts 22–33

Other languages
English Black Lagoon (VIZ Media: nine volumes per 2010.07) and Chuang Yi: nine volumes as at 2010.10), French (Kazé Manga: tome 9 shipped 2010.10), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 9 per 2010.07), Polish (Waneko).

Adaptations
The 12-episode Madhouse anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy) and Namikawa Daisuke (Rock), aired in Japan from April to June 2006. The Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage second season (episodes 13 to 24) was telecast from October through December of the same year. The OAV sequel, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, premiered 17 July 2010, with the fifth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray/DVD released 2011.06.22.

Related
The Sunday GX Comics 10YEAR'S CHRONICLE: Black Lagoon 1: Born to Rock (JP release: 2011.01), which contains the Black Lagoon Gaiden, and Black Lagoon 2: Rock to the Core (2011.02)

The Black Lagoon: Shaitane Badi light novel written by Urobuchi Gen and illustrated by Hiroe Rei (Black Lagoon side story; Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07)

3. Blood Alone vol 2 of 7+ by Takano Masayuki

Blood Alone 「ＢＬＯＯＤ　ＡＬＯＮＥ」 by Takano Masayuki MediaWorks Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh (after 2010.11 serialized in Kodansha's Evening), seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.07 (Evening KC reissue: 2010.11)

Related series
Originally published as series of doujinshi (the manga is based wholly or partly on Blood Alone dj: Wild Arts 1.2.3., Holy Night, Stroll, Vanishing Point - Kiss In the Moonlight)

Other languages
English Blood Alone (Infinity Studios: four volumes [discontinued], picked up by Seven Seas: four volumes per 2011.09 • volume 5 street date: 2011.12.06), French (Editions Ki-oon: Tome 6 shipped 2010.06), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 6 released 2011.02), Italian (Edizioni BD s.r.l. [JPOP Division]), Russian (Istari Comics), traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan), Vietnamese (as Dòng máu lạ kì)

Adaptations
Three Blood Alone drama CDs—BLOOD ALONE, BLOOD ALONE II and BLOOD ALONE III— were released between July 2006 and May 2008. Seiyuu Nakahara Mai and Morikawa Toshiyuki voiced Misaki and Kuroe. Supporting cast included Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie and Miki Shinichiro as Higure, Sainome and Slye respectively.

4. Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) vol 5 of 9+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「神様ドォルズ」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 25-30 + omake) first published in Japan 2009.07

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

Adaptations
The Kamisama Dolls anime aired from 6 July to 28 September 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. Giant Killing vol 9 of 21+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2009.01

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.

6. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) vol 24 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 24 first published in Japan 2000.08

Other languages
French Psychometrer Eiji (Kana/Dargaud: 25 volumes), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore 感应少年 Eiji: 25 volumes), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Related series/Reissues
Re-released in 12 bunko volumes (2003.06 to 2003.11)
Sequel: Psychometrer (began serialization in Young Magazine No. 22-23, street date: 2011.04.25; two volumes per 2011.11.04)
KPC (Kodansha Platinum Comics): Psychometrer Eiji - Satsujin Chef (one volume, 2011.11.16); Psychometrer Eiji - Aoi zameta-te (2011.10.19); Psychometrer Eiji - Jude no Mokushiroku (2011.09); Psychometrer Eiji Satsujinki Justice (2011.08); Psychometrer Eiji - Silent Stalker (2011.07); Psychometrer Eiji - Tokei Shikake no Ringo (2011.06); Psychometrer Eiji - Satsujin Oni Mebius (2011.05)
Kunimitsu (spin-off; 27 volumes)

7. Until Death Do Us Part vol 9 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 9 (Parts 66-74) first published in Japan 2009.03

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare Tome 14 shipped 2011.08 • Tome 15 street date: 2012.01.12), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 終極感應 13 per 2011.06 and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong), Korean (Haksan: 죽음이 두 사람을 갈라놓을 때까지 13 released 2011.10.06)

[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]
Postponed title(s)
Under The Rose: Spring's Paean vol 5 by Funato Akari (pending new street date)

European comics/BDs (2011.11.16)

1. Boule & Bill - Boule & Bill Bertanding (Boule et Bill, Tome 2: Boule et Bill déboulent) by Roba (Dupuis)
2. Lanfeust of Troy - Kastil Azur Emas (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 3: Castel Or-Azur) by Arleston & Tarquin (Soleil)
3. [Premiere] Ric Hochet - Attila's Triangle (Ric Hochet, Tome 45: Le Triangle Attila) by Tibet - A.P. Duchateau (Le Lombard)
4. [Premiere] Ric Hochet - Teror Topeng Kematian (Ric Hochet, Tome 54: Le masque de la terreur) by Tibet - A.P. Duchateau (Le Lombard)
5. Smurf - Wisata Para Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 27: Schtroumpf les Bains) by Peyo (Le Lombard)

Read more »

Perfect Girl Evolution 23, Air Gear 21, Angel Heart 6 (Level Comics 6 April 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

NikBabble©: If you ask me why Perfect Girl Evolution's Takenaga doesn't lead this post, it's because I couldn't find a big enuf Level cover. In any case, Cruise 2 IS the finale —

Cruise © Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki/Shogakukan [Serialized in Big Comic]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

—though you wouldn't know it from the back cover blurb:

The luxury liner Phoenix continues its voyage around Japan, and medical fast lane “dropouts” Dr. Yamada Kohei and nurse Shinbashi Megumi get to know all manner of passengers, each with his or her poignant story: a band consisting of four sexagenarian musicians; a woman who met her soul mate before marriage [And presumably didn't marry him —Nik]; and a model who feigns cheerfulness on the outside but hides pain within.

Now for the top GET!

Perfect Girl Evolution 23 of 28+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

The “uncle” who approached Sunako at the Halloween party is apparently a Real Deal Vampire, which thrills our Dark Princess to no end. Vampire-sama, mistaking Sunako for his Elizabeth, insists on spiriting her away, an abduction Kyouhei and the other fair bishounen (and Auntie) are not about to let happen. But as Kyouhei attempts to stop the vampire, he loses his strength and ends up in the undead's clutches.

What will happen to Kyouhei and The Future Mother of His Children Sunako now?

The above alludes to chapter 92, The Path to Becoming a Dark Lady (Part II), which closes the Vampire×Sunako mini-arc. New Perfect Girl Evolution stories begin with chapter 93, Welcome F*ckin' Xmas Night (censorship mine), A Seasoned Pro's Paradise (94) and Sleepless Tonight (95). [*NOT Level's chapter titles]

☆ Moar previews after the manga and ROMICs/BDs lists, the latter including the rude awakening of Sleeping Beauty, I mean, Lazy Smurf — Smurf - Mimpi Aneh Smurf Pemalas (AKA The Strange Awakening of Lazy Smurf) and the former, the second tankou of Dolls of God, which gets the anime treatment this July with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko (Usui!) as Kuga Kyōhei.

Level Comics manga (2011.04.06)

1. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 9 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 9 (chapters 59-65) first published in Japan 2005.08

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)

2. Air Gear 21 of 31+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 21 (Tricks 186-196) first published in Japan 2008.06

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15/16/17 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 • tome 27 street date: 2011.05.04), 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. Angel Heart 6 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2003.03

Related series
City Hunter (Adapted from; 35 of 35 volumes), Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; one volume per 2011.03.19)

Other languages
French (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.

4. Black Lagoon 7 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「 ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ 」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 47-55: El Baile de la muerte, Parts 4-12) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English Black Lagoon (VIZ Media: nine volumes per 2010.07) and Chuang Yi: nine volumes as at 2010.10), French (Kazé Manga: tome 9 shipped 2010.10), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 9 per 2010.07), Polish (Waneko).

Adaptations
The 12-episode Madhouse anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy) and Namikawa Daisuke (Rock), aired in Japan from April to June 2006. The Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage second season (episodes 13 to 24) was telecast from October through December of the same year. An OAV sequel, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, premiered 17 July 2010, with the fifth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray Disc/DVD scheduled for 2011.06.22 release.

Related
Black Lagoon: Shaitane Badi light novel written by Urobuchi Gen and illustrated by Hiroe Rei (Black Lagoon side story; Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07.18)

5. Cruise 2 of 2 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki [Finale]

Cruise: Ishi Yamada Kouhei Koukai Shi 「クルーズ　医師山田公平航海誌」 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.10

6. Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 2 of 8+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「神様ドォルズ」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 7-12 + Extra chapter and Commentary) first published in Japan 2008.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Ching Win Publishing Taiwan: latest 神樣DOLLS 6)

Adaptations
A Kamisama Dolls anime has been confirmed for a July 2011 premiere. 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.

7. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 12 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 12 (chapters 95-103) first published in Japan 2008.09

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

8. Over Rev 18 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39

Over Rev! 「オーバーレブ！」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39 Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 18 (chapters 194-204) first published in Japan 2001.08

9. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) 23 of 28+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 23 (chapters 92-95) first published in Japan 2009.05

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey: volumes 22/23/24 per 2010.10; Kodansha Comics by volume 25 [2011.06.21 street date] and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko tome 14 ships 2011.04.20), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime from volume 21 onwards)

Adaptations
Anime by Nippon Animation featuring seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko (Nakahara Sunako), Morikubo Showtaro (Takano Kyohei), Yamauchi Yuuya (Toyama Yukinojo), Sugita Tomokazu (Oda Takenaga) and Nojima Hirofumi (Mori Ranmaru) aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya (Kyohei), Oomasa Aya (Sunako), Tegoshi Yuya (Yukinojo), Uchi Hiroki (Takenaga) and Miyao Shuntaro (Ranmaru) was telecast on TBS from January to March 2010.

10. Sky of Love (Koizora) 4 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 4 first published in Japan 2008.03

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.

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

European comics/BDs

1. Lucky Luke - Nitroglicerin (Lucky Luke, Tome 25: Nitroglycérine) by Morris, Lo Hartog Van Banda
2. Smurf - Mimpi Aneh Smurf Pemalas (5 Histoires de Schtroumpfs: L'Étrange réveil du schtroumpf paresseux, tome 15) by Peyo
3. Yakari dan Si Paus Putih (Yakari, Tome 21: Le souffleur de nuages) by Derib, Job

Read more »

Air Gear 11, Bambino! 3, Historie 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi (Level Comics 19 May 2010 manga)

Historie © Iwaaki Hitoshi/Kodansha (Serialized in Afternoon)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Contains   [SPOILERS!] and flippant (TV) Trope Identification, The Sequel

Ikki and Team Kogarasumaru challenge lower-seed Potemkin to a duel in volume 11 of Art Major Physics Air Gear, but leveling up in rank might just be thornier than they thought. Potemkin refuses to fight, forcing Ikki to up the stakes by wagering the Fang Regalia.

(In contrast, Del Rey's Air Gear 11 blurb takes a different tack, pointing out how constant fawning has made Air Treck Idol Ikki forget his awesomeness debt to Team Kogarasumaru and asks if loyal, Can Not Spit it Out friend Ringo can save Ikki from himself.)

Bambino! 3 by Sekiya Tetsuji

To reach his Michelin-starred dream, chef wannabe Ban leaves hometown (Fukuoka) and loved ones (girlfriend Eri) for Teh Center of the World: Tokyo in Sekiya Tetsuji's cooking manga Bambino!. But forget a date with Ultimate Showdown Of Ultimate Destiny; Ban currently pays his dues wait-staffing at a posh Roppongi trattoria, downgraded for the meantime to slicing (non-wondrous) bread.

Can Ban last long enough to get back on the chef fast track (and later, probably star in his own cooking show, if not in a manga *COUGH*Bambino! Secondo*COUGH* sequel)? Well, from the Bambino! 3 cover, Ban right now is giving it his I will do my best! isshokenmei all slinging the pasta at the clientele.

Name-dropping exercise: Bambino! editor Tika-san confesses that the high point of working on this volume was the food-delishus!-food.

NEW LEVEL COMICS TITLES

Historie 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

We finally get to post lead Historie, the first of Level's premieres for this sked. Iwaaki Hitoshi's historical manga, an Osamu Tezuka Culture Award finalist, continues its serial run in Kodansha's largely SF/fantasy/horror-skewed Afternoon seinen mangazine.

Historie follows the story of Eumenes of Cardia who would later become secretary to Alexander III of Macedon, more famously known as Alexander The Great, propagator of the hybrid culture Hellenism and changer of the fate (not to mention, the face) of the ancient world.

Level introduces Manga!Eumenes as an intelligent boy, disturbed by a recurring dream about a mysterious woman. The back cover blurb thus asks: Who is she?, a guarenteed curiosity piquer. (Wiki's Historie manga article only hints at the subject of Eumenes' dream.) Tika-san who also edits Historie recommends the series for its unique, Eumenes-perspectived take on Greek politics.

Nik's near-useless addendum: Biography? Alternate history? Historie appears to be not-so subtly underpinned by belief in the Great Man theory, or the Thomas Carlyle view that the history of the world is but the biography of great men. I say this because of its ancient Greek and Persian personages ensemble; aside from Eumenes and Alexander The Great, there's Alexander's tutor Aristotle, father Philip II of Macedon, and Aristotle's father-in-law, Hermias of Atarneus. What's the point of this digression? No point, except I come from the people's history or history from below school of thought, which Wiki describes as:

...the story of mass movements and of the outsiders. Individuals not included in the past in other type of writing about history are part of this theory's primary focus, which includes the disenfranchised, the oppressed, the poor, the nonconformists, and the otherwise forgotten people. This theory also usually focuses on events occurring in the fullness of time, or when an overwhelming wave of smaller events cause certain developments to occur.

I call this rambling useless or near to because I don't have the first volume yet, thus reducing all this to mere speculation.

Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 1 by Yamamura Hajime

Kuga Kyohei is a normal college student whose transplanted, I like it meh life in Weirdness Magnet Tokyo drastically changes when childhood friend Aki and younger sister Utao come to visit. The pair brings in their wake memories of a past best forgotten.

Scanlator Fate (via Baka-Updates Manga) adds that protagonist Kyohei finds himself standing on the corner of Bizarro and Eerie after discovering a corpse propped in an elevator — which has to be Bummer MAX!, especially at the heels of a goukon-responsible alcohol buzz.

It's originally titled Kamisama Dolls, so in addition to dead bodies, Kyohei contends with the eponyms, which like others of their unblinking, glassy-eyed doll ilk prolly promises Creepy Extraordinaire.

Level Comics manga (2010.05.19)

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

1. Air Gear 11 of 28+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「 エア・ギア 」 by Oh! great Kodansha Shuukan Shounen Magazine, shounen Volume 11 (Tricks 87-95) first published in Japan 2005.08

AWARDS: Best shounen manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

AirGear is published in English by Del Rey (volume 14 released 2009.10.27 • volumes 15-17 street date: 2010.08.31)

A 25-episode anime adaptation produced by Toei Animation and starring Kamakari Kenta as Ikki aired in Japan from April to September 2006. Kamakari Kenta also reprised his role in the musical adaptation of Air Gear (2007.01), but due to illness was absent from the rerun Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Super Range Remix (2007.05). A new musical was expected to premiere April 2010.

2. Bambino! 3 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「 バンビ～ノ！ 」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.01

AWARDS: Best seinen/general manga in the 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)

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. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 7 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「 無限の住人 」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 1997.10

AWARDS: 1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize recipient

Blade of the Immortal is published in English by Dark Horse Comics (Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03)

A 13-episode anime adaptation by Bee Train starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu as Manji and Satou Rina as Asano Rin aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

4. [Premiere] Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 1 of 6+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「 神様ドォルズ 」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.07

5. Gun Smith Cats 5 of 9 by Sonoda Kenichi

Gun Smith Cats 「 ＧＵＮ　ＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ 」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 1995.02

Gunsmith Cats was published in English by Dark Horse Comics (nine volumes and four volumes revised/omnibus editions)

Related: Gun Smith Cats Burst (sequel, 5 of 5 volumes)

Oriental Light and Magic animated three Gunsmith Cats anime OAV episodes, released between November 1995 and September 1996: Neutral Zone, Swing High!, and High Speed Edge. Seiyuu Neya Michiko and Araki Kae starred as Rally Vincent and Minnie May Hopkins. The OAV was repackaged into one movie—Bulletproof—in 1997.

6. [Premiere] Historie 1 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Historie 「 ヒストリエ 」 by Iwaaki Hitoshi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2004.10

Volume 1 contains chapters:

• 001. The Globe
• 002. Hometown Cardia (Part 1)
• 003. Hometown Cardia (Part 2)
• 004. Hometown Cardia (Part 3)
• 005. Library (Part 1)
• 006. Library (Part 2)
• 007. The Same Deam
• 008. The Scythian Way
• 009. Physical Training

AWARDS: Finalist, 10th Osamu Tezuka Culture Award

7. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 12 of 30+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「 Ｎｓ’あおい 」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Karte No.12 first published in Japan 2007.02

Adapted into an 11-episode live-action renzoku that aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006 (a special aired in September of the same year). Ishihara Satomi starred as Misora Aoi.

8. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 3 of 10+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「 溺れるナイフ 」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.04

Level Comics reissues (2010.05.19)

1. [RE-STO] Stray Chat by Yoshimura Akemi
2. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Knight to the Rescue by Miranda Lee
3. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Dark Heritage by Emma Darcy, Ohsawa Maki

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media STO 19 May 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) Listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except Blade of Immortal 7 and Gun Smith Cats 5 (SRP: IDR 18,000) and the reissued Stray Chat (IDR 13,500), Harlequin: Knight to the Rescue (IDR 15,000), and Harlequin: Dark Heritage (IDR 13,800)
(3) Links like this are Amazon.com (or other online merchants) search and/or product links (commercial), in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume Previews continued...

Blade of Immortal 7 by Samura Hiroaki

Driven by the desire to avenge her parents' deaths, the sole survivor of an Itto-Ryu massacre, Asano Rin, attempts to track down the murderous Anotsu Kagehisa, accompanied by immortal samurai Manji. But the leader of the renegade Itto-Ryu swordschool continues to elude them.

Fortunately, a shred of hope remains; the not-quite cold trail leads the pair to female assassin Hyakurin who just might know of Anotsu's whereabouts. Hyakurin, however, refuses to share information with Mugai-ryu outsiders Rin and Manji.

Faced with another seeming dead end, what will Rin and Manji do next?

Level's and Dark Horse Comics's Blade of the Immortal: Heart of Darkness Volume 7 descriptions both took the Very Serious road in blurbing this tankou, making me leery of cheek in my summary adaptation. But not so leery that I wouldn't include a handful of tropes TV Tropes identified with this supernatural chanbara series: Who Wants to Live Forever with an a*rse-kicking Anti-Hero Infested with Awesome (kessen-chu; Manji) and an Affably Evil bishounen Anti-Villain (Anotsu).

Gun Smith Cats 5 by Sonoda Kenichi

Action Girl gunsmith/bounty hunter Rally tries to stop Bad Ass pro wheelman Bean from transporting the designer drug Kerasine to New York. En route, they meet double-dipped in [the] '80s courier driver Riff-Raff. We subvert Rally's original mission momentarily, to give way to the trio's playing tag in fast cars detour.

Shattered Knife 3 by George Asakura

Natsume gives in to Ko's resolve and becomes his girlfriend, but not long after, one of Natsume's fans kidnap her while Ko is attending a festival.

Whichever way you look at the blurb: Ko is #Fail in the boyfriend department.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork, blurbs, and interview of fellow editor Tika-san

UP NEXT: More 19 May 2010 manga

m&c!: Bleach 25 · C-blossom 2 of 2 · Fu & Dragon 1-2 of 2 by Li Zhi Qing/Zhuang Han Bo · Happy Café 13 · Innocent Dragon 5 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 8 · Long Hu Men 167 · School Hotel 2 of 2 · White Paper Ark 6 · · Monika 134 · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 5 · Komik Malaysia: Dari Alam Angker Histeria by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Call from The Grave by Kash · Komik Malaysia: Illusive by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Eli by Zint · Komik Malaysia: Punch by Aliow

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (12 May 2010 street date)

• 3L: Hori High School 2 · Love Trauma 2 of 2
• Elex Media: Burning Pen by Shimamoto Kazuhiko · Cross Game 16 · Eyeshield 21 V37 of 37 · Fantastic Tales 2 · The Fifth Columnist 2 of 2 · K-ON! 1 by Kakifly · Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati 1 by Kiyuduki Satoko · Pangeran Kacamata 3 · School Rumble 10 · Shugo Chara! 9 Tokkyu! 11 · V.B. Rose 1 by Hidaka Banri · Vitamin Cat 1 by Sugiyama Ryoko · Wazabo 3 · Nakayoshi 80/2010
• Level Comics: Diamond Life 2 · Go Go Hanasaki Detective Office 2 · Nanase Fire Investigator 3 · Ole! 4 · Officer Monju 5 · Priest 5 · The Ravages of Time 2 · Tomo'o 8 · Under The Rose 4 · Spirou: Air Keabadian · Spirou: Penyihir di Champignac
• m&c!: Beauty Pop 6 · Bleach 24 · Blizzard Axel 9 · Goong [Palace Story] 20 · Innocent Revenge by Hazuki Rei · Nekomachi Shop Guide 1 by Sakamoto Miku · Princess Bouquet 1 by Aomata Pink · Shanimuni GO 29 · Shanaou Yoshitsune volumes 18-22 box set

next available manga (19 May 2010 street date)

Elex Media: BECK 17 · Godhand Teru 23 · Katsu! 4 · The Moon & Lake by Ashihara Hinako · Pangeran Kacamata 4 · The Puppet Master Lin 7 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 3 · Summer Storm! 1 by Kobayashi Jin · V.B. Rose 2 · HanaLaLa 50/2010

related monthly schedules

Level Comics May 2010 manga
Premiering Dolls of God by Yamamura Hajime, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower by Yoshihara Yuki · Second Engage by Aikawa Momoko (standalone)

Level Comics April 2010 manga
Premiering Historie by Iwaaki Hitoshi and Pandemic by Kakizaki Masasumi (standalone)

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · TV Tropes (special mentions: Air Gear, Blade of the Immortal, Gunsmith Cats)

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