Red River 2, Exit 4, Blade of Immortal 13 (Level Comics 1 December 2010 manga)

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori © Shinohara Chie/Shogakukan
[First serialized in Sho-Comi]
Published in Indonesia as Red River by Elex Media/Level Comics

Yuri's star is on the rise; after the victory at Arinna, the Hittite people hail her as the avatar of the war goddess Ishtar. But Tito's three older sisters don't share in the jubilation and in their bid to avenge their brother, fall in with Queen Nakia's machinations. They gladly accept the poison offered by Nakia's envoy to kill Yuri.

Does Yuri survive Queen Nakia's assassination plot? That Shinohara Chie's Red River spans 28 volumes implies... In any case, find out how Yuri eludes the Queen's clutches—and what part Sparkling Prince Kail Mursili plays in Yuri's Great Escape—in Red River 2. Which, after a slight hiccup, finally streets this Wednesday.

And.... VANCA's back!

Exit 4 of 11+ by Fujita Takami

Disgruntled with their agent and recording company, Takuya & Co. decide to pursue musical fame on their own by setting up their own company. But having neither seed money nor a base of operations to their name, can their fledgling venture succeed?

Moar comebacks —

Blade of Immortal 13 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

After the clash against the Shingyoto-ryū school, Rin, Manji and Anotsu return to their normal routine—if you can consider this trio's routine “normal”—in Blade of Immortal 13.

Despite realizing she's no match for Anotsu during their travels, Rin stands firm in her vow to one day kill the swordsman and avenge her family's death. Meanwhile, the interim peace frays when Giichi invites Manji to join the Mugai clan. What motivation propels Giichi? And what response does Manji give?

Level Comics manga (2010.12.01)

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

1. 3x3 Eyes 34 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 34 first published in Japan 2000.06

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. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 13 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2002.11

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages/serializations
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics; Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03 • volume 23 street date: 2011.01.18), French (Casterman; L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 per 2010.10); Italian (Planet Manga), German and Polish (Egmont), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil) and Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Manji) and Satou Rina (Rin) aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

3. Exit 4 of 11+ by Fujita Takami

Exit 「ＥＸＩＴ」 by Fujita Takami Gentosha Birz Comics Girls Collection, josei Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.01

4. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 16 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 16 first published in Japan 2007.10

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

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

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

5. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 2 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 2 (chapters 4-7) first published in Japan 1995.08

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 Taiwan)

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)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 1 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except 3x3 Eyes 34, Blade of Immortal 13 and Exit 4 (SRP: IDR 19,500).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

3x3 Eyes 34 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

Benares defeats Amara who earlier made a deal with Yakumo to use his abilities. But despite returning to his own body, Yakumo remains powerless. Fortunately, Yakumo is saved from Kaiyanwan's minions by Mei Xing who, together with Long, has been aiding the defense forces.

Respite proves elusive, however, as four of god Lokapala's monsters attack the palace to recover Kali.

So how come Pai joins the assault?

Nurse Aoi 16 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

An 80-year old grandmother is admitted to the emergency room for injuries supposedly sustained from a fall. But the ER staff-members suspect another reason when they find the elderly woman's body covered in bruises.

The woman's in-law insists on bringing her home and without incontrovertible proof of abuse, the staff can't prevent her discharge.

What will Aoi and the Shuto University affiliate hospital do to help the old lady?

UP NEXT: m&c! 1 December 2010 manga and manhwa

m&c!: Idol Shopping 5 · Song of Love 7 · 1/6 Jump by Satsuki Mikiko · Dawn Aria 7 · Goodbye but I Love You by Yagami Rina · Love Blooms by Kayoru · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 13 · Cherry 49/2010

other upcoming manga (1 December 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Ruler of the Land 50 · Here Is Greenwood 1 Deluxe by Nasu Yukie · Hayate the Combat Butler 24 · Lys Lily 2 of 2 · Kariage Kun 36 · My Fiancé is A Monster 2 of 2 · BECK 25 · Crows 14 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 7 · Global Garden 3

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

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (24 November 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Pandora Hearts 11 · Hello Master 3 of 3 · Detektif Conan 30+ Plus Super Digest · Kindaichi Special Case - Private School Murder 1 of 2 by Seimaru Amagi & Fumiya Sato · Masked Rider Spirits 12 · Want You 3 · Animal Doctor 4 · Palette of 12 Secret Colors 1 by Kusakawa Nari · Rinne 2 · Crayon Shinchan - 20 Orang Terhebat di Dunia by Usui Yoshito · Look Up! 6 · My Fiancé is a Monster 1 of 2 by Hanamori Pink · Reborn Kumiho 19 · Pokonyan Pika-Pika 2 · Shonen Star 77/2010 · Shonen Magz 79/2010
• Level Comics: Gun Smith Cats Burst 1 by Sonoda Kenichi · Gun Smith Cats 7 · Ghost Mum Investigator 2 · Over Rev 15 · Tomo'o 11 · Lucky Luke - Penyerbuan ke Oklahoma · Spirou - Z Untuk Zorglub · Cubitus - Kucing Bagian dari Anjing
• m&c!: Female Wolf's Boy 9 · How To Be A Man 4 · Kimi ga Suki ~ I Love You ~ 3 of 3 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 8 · Be a Naughty Girl 2 · Secret 3 · Long Hu Men 173 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 7 · KOLONI: Purnama Kesembilan by Hira Habibi · Pancanaka by Ino Septian

related monthly schedules

December 2010
Premiering Bloody Monday by Megumi Kouji & Ryumon Ryou

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · shoujo · 3X3 Eyes · Blade of the Immortal · Exit · Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) · Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori AKA Anatolia Story)

Ice Forest 5, Bambino! 4, Historie 2 (Level Comics 23 June 2010 manga)

Also: The Ravages of Time manhua (volume 2) and Michel Vaillant and Yakari BDs: Michel Vaillant - Di Balik Angka 13 and Yakari dan si Anjing Hutan

Ice Forest © Saito Chiho/Shogakukan (Serialized in Flowers)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Contains [SPOILERS!]

Despite a runner-up finish in the All-Japan Ice Dancing contest, Yukino and Romain fail to stop Ikki's uncle from closing down FSC Arc. Ikki himself has to step down as FSC Arc's head. Amid all the bad tidings, some good news comes. What is about to happen? And can Ikki overturn his ouster and defeat his uncle? Find out in Ice Forest volume 5, streeting 23 June.

Summary for the second Saito Chiho manga this Level release—the penultimate A Hint of Purple (Honoka ni Purple volume 2), which should've released last year—is after the manga list. (If it can afford to wait seven months for a street date, it can afford to wait the few more seconds required for you to scroll down.)

Bambino! 4 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

A customer's sharp critique fires up aspiring chef Shogo Ban's resolve to become better, and off he goes to reconnoiter several restaurants with co-worker Asuka. While on recce, the pair bumps into Hayama Yasuhide, Baccanale's former head chef and Asuka's ex. Ban and Hayama get into a fight when the latter hits Asuka. Chef Shishido who happens on the fracas proposes to settle things with a cookout between Ban and Hayama.

Can Ban beat Hayama?

Hey, Ban, this is your Chance! to leave the floor and return to where you belong: the kitchen.

Historie 2 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

After freeing himself from his fetters and manacles, Scythian slave Thrax embarks on a killing spree, slaughtering even Eumenes' father Hieronymus in revenge. Hieronymus' untimely death triggers the revelation of Eumenes' true identity.

What secret lies within Eumenes?

Whatever that secret is, it will effect a 180-degree turn in the life of the boy destined to become secretary to Alexander the Great.

NEW TITLES: 1 or W by Takahashi Rumiko

1 or W © Takahashi Rumiko
Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia
by Level Comics

Level releases the next Rumic World collection of Takahashi Rumiko classic short stories: the 1 or W (“1 or double”) anthology.

The 1 or W omnibus actually contains nine shorts, including the titular １orW（ワン・オア・ダブル）, but I still don't know to which story the blurb below alludes:

Miyamoto ditches kendo practice and with Ichiyanagi, flees from Wakatabe, the kendo coach in hot pursuit. But when the brakes on Wakatabe's bike fail, the trio plunges from a cliff and drowns in the river below. Miyamoto and Ichiyanagi are rescued, but Wakatabe can't be found. What's more, since the accident, Ichiyanagi's personality seems to have undergone a sea change. What really happened? And can they still find and save Wakatabe?

Level Comics manga and manhua (2010.06.23)

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

1. [New] 1 or W by Takahashi Rumiko

1 or W 「 １　ｏｒ　Ｗ　高橋留美子短編集 」 by Takahashi Rumiko
Shogakukan, seinen
This volume first published in Japan 1995.09

Contains:

1. スリム観音
2. 犬で悪いか!!
3. お婆さんといっしょ
4. がんばり末世
5. グランド・ファザー
6. 宝塚への招待～INVITATION TO TAKARAZUKA～
7. １orW（ワン・オア・ダブル）
8. ハッピー・トーク
9. うちが女神じゃ!!

RELATED
Part of the Rumic World series of classic Takahashi Rumiko short stories

2. Bambino! 4 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「 バンビ～ノ！ 」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2006.04

Volume 4 contains chapters:

• 32 カメリエーレ（ウェイター）2
• 33 エッシッカーレ（干す）
• 34 アンモラール（水に浸けてもどす）
• 35 アンティパスト（前菜）
• 36 プリモ・ピアット（第一の皿）
• 37 セコンド・ピアット（第二の皿）
• 38 ブラーチェ（残り火）
• 39 ブラーチェ 2
• 40 ブラーチェ 3
• 41 ジラーレ（回す）
• 42 ペスターレ（つぶす

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)

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. Exit 3 of 11+ by Fujita Takami

Exit 「 ＥＸＩＴ 」 by Fujita Takami Gentosha Birz Comics Girls Collection, josei Volume 3 first published in Japan 2002.12

4. A Hint of Purple (Honoka ni Purple) 2 of 3 by Saito Chiho

Honoka ni Purple 「 ほのかにパープル 」 by Saito Chiho Shogakukan Flower Comics, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 1986.05

RELATED SERIES
Saratte Watashi no Knight (side story; Indonesian My Knight published by Elex Media ca. 1998-1999)

5. Historie 2 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Historie 「 ヒストリエ 」 by Iwaaki Hitoshi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2004.10

Volume 2 contains chapters:

• 010. Image of Victory
• 011. Footsteps
• 012. Thrax's War (Part 1)
• 013. Thrax's War (Part 2)
• 014. Thrax's War (Part 3)
• 015. Two Corpses
• 016. Testimony
• 017. A Different World
• 018. Library (Part 3)
• 019. Pendant

AWARDS
Finalist, 10th Osamu Tezuka Culture Award

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Historie is published in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan)

6. Ice Forest 5 of 7+ by Saito Chiho

Ice Forest 「 アイスフォレスト 」 by Saito Chiho Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 5 first published in Japan 2009.07

7. Jio 7 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「 ６６６～サタン～ 」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 7 (containing chapters 25-28) first published in Japan 2004.02

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Published in English as O-Parts Hunter by VIZ Media (19 volumes); in French by Kurokawa; and in Italian by JPOP

8. Officer Monju (Seigi Keikan Monju) 6 of 10+ by Miyashita Hiroki

Seigi Keikan Monju 「 正義警官モンジュ 」 by Miyashita Hiroki Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan in 2008.10

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Seigi Keikan Monju is published in French as Monju, au service de la justice by Kana and as 正義警官毛九 in traditional Chinese by Taiwan Tohan.

9. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 3 of 38+ 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 Volume 3 first published in Taiwan and Hong Kong 2001.10

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
The traditional Chinese 火鳳燎原 is published in simplified Chinese by Chuang Yi (latest volume 37). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan (by Media Factory as 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原; ongoing serialization in Comic Sangokushi magazine).

Level Comics European comics (2010.06.23)

1. Michel Vaillant - Di Balik Angka 13 (Michel Vaillant, Tome 5: Le 13 est au départ) by Jean Graton (Le Lombard, 1963)
2. Yakari dan si Anjing Hutan (Yakari, Tome 12: Yakari et le coyote) by Derib, Job, Dominique (Casterman, 1986)

NOTE
¹ Sources: Elex Media STO 23 June 2010 and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
² All listed GN are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except 1 or W (SRP: IDR 22,000), Exit 3 and Officer Monju 6 (IDR 18,000/volume) and the ROMIC BDs: Michel Vaillant - Di Balik Angka 13 (IDR 35,000) and Yakari dan si Anjing Hutan (IDR 27,000)
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

A Hint of Purple 2 of 3 by Saito Chiho

Methinks we need a refresher. Here's the blurb I wrote for the premiere:

Shino and Akio accidentally meet in the legendary Manyo library in Doumeikan University, where first time encounters between couples lead to love. Auspicious encounter aside, the two later discover they are actually step-siblings and have to live under one roof. Despite initial awkwardness, their love does deepen, but can this romance amount to anything? Or will their newly-wed parents have something to say about it?

K, now that we have the backstory —

Shino's father suspects Shino and Akio's relationship is the farthest from platonic and sends Akio to study in the U.S. for a year. Shino and Akio acquiesce to dad's demand, to give their newly-wed parents' marriage a chance. The year passes and Akio returns. But what is he doing, bringing with him a girl named Akiko and her father?

Jio 7 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

We enter the next Jio story arc:

Jio and companions finally reach the ruins of Dustom, where they lodge at the home of husband and wife Wick and Basil. There they also stumble upon the Kabbalah purportedly associated with Alucard Spirits, the man who brought the world to its knees with the legendary O-Parts.

Does this mean Jio is close to finding the fabled O-Parts?

Volume 6 contains chapters:

• 25. The Legend of Spirit (スピリッツの伝説 Supirittsu no Densetsu)
• 26. Kabbalah (カバラ)
• 27. Mom and Dad (父さん 母さん Tōsan Kaasan)
• 28. Black Market Caravan (闇のキャラバン Yami no Kyaraban)

Officer Monju 6 of 10+ by Miyashita Hiroki

Mitsuhori schemes with Hazuki to get hands on Fugen, the Red Monju prototype, and succeeds. Mitsuhori then sneaks Fugen into a Tokyo slums to eliminate a gang of arms dealers, but inscrutably decides to leave Fugen there alone.

What are Mitsuhori's actual plans for Fugen?

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

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

other currently available manga (23 June 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Crayon Shinchan: Keajaiban Ilmu Pengetahuan by Usui Yoshito · Crows 9 · Detektif Conan 57 · Godhand Teru 24 · The Great Detective KIYOSHIRO YUMEMIZU 9 · Hell Girl 2 · Kindaichi Special Case: The Phantom Of The Opera 3rd Murder 1 of 2 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya · Let's Play! 3 · New Sexy Simpleton 3 · The Pitcher 72 · Weapon Master 2 · Yotsuba&! 9 · Shonen Star 67/2010
• m&c!: Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei War 3 · My Prince by Aikawa Saki · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 9 · Cherry 44 · 10 AMERO comics too many to list

related monthly schedules

Level Comics June 2010 manga
Premiering Dark Edge by Aikawa Yu, Ghost Mum Investigator by Sato Tomokazu · Standalones: 1 or W by Takahashi Rumiko and Bus Hashiru by Sahara Mizu

APR-10 | NOV-09

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · manhua · ROMIC · josei · seinen · shoujo · shounen · 1 or W · Bambino! · Exit · A Hint of Purple · Historie · Ice Forest · Jio · Officer Monju · The Ravages of Time · Michel Vaillant · Yakari · Saito Chiho