Until Death Do Us Part 1, Gokusen 15 of 15, Restore Garage 251 v.9 (Level Comics 18 August 2010)

Also, the latest Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju. In this BD/ROMIC, Lucky Luke hunts down the Dalton Brothers who just broke out of the pokey and are hotfooting it to Canada.

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

This Wednesday, Level premieres what has got to be the kewlest manga around—Until Death Do Us Part—starring the Baddest of Badass of swordsmen, Hijikata Mamoru. The blind Mamoru finds himself waging a protracted war against a shady company post rescuing precognitive moppet Toyama Haruka from kidnappers.

After she is saved, Haruka makes Mamoru An Offer He Can't Refuse: become her bodyguard Until Death Do Them Part. What exactly does Haruka mean? And why was she kidnapped in the first place?

The mother of a complicated plot, unrelenting thrill-ride action, awesome art and cool characters — what more can you wish for? is how Lenny-san, editor of Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S's seinen manga, encapsulates UDDUP, originally Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made. She sez that reading the Young Gangan serial is akin to watching a guilty pleasure action movie, adding If you like Bourne trilogy, you're gonna love this manga! (I have to add my Arigatou gozaimuchness for Lenny-san's wazawaza transcription of the back cover blurb so's I won't have to go squint mode »ON! nor borrow Mamoru's Cool Shades to read it.)

Gokusen 15 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Lenny-san who also edits Gokusen sez that chances of publishing the special ShinKumi chapter are pretty dim — unless it's a whole extra manga. Sigh. I don't think the paperback library edition with different cover art that ships 2010.08.18 in Japan is what she meant. In any case, as Gokusen wraps —

A pretty girl claiming to be Shinohara-sensei's osananajimi asks the Ooedo clan attorney to return home because his father is ill. Shinohara heeds the summons and flies to Hokkaido. A week passes and the lawyer has yet to return, forcing Yankumi to track down Shinohara-sensei (with Fujiyama-sensei accompanying). The guys of Class 3-4 hear about Yankumi's Hokkaido junket and decide they, too, want in on the action!

The rest of the summaries after the manga list.

Level Comics manga (2010.08.18)

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

1. Gokusen 15 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko [Finale]

Gokusen 「ごくせん」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 15 first published in Japan 2007.04

Other language versions
Sharp Point Press publishes the traditional Chinese Gokusen.

Related
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. Another paperback library edition, again with different cover art, begins shipping 2010.08.18 (two volumes so far). A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

Adaptations
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

2. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 13 of 31+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2007.04

Recognitions
Among the Jury Recommended Works for Story Manga at the the 12th Japan Media Arts Festival (along with Takahashi Rumiko's InuYasha, Kanno Aya's Otomen, Ninomiya Tomoko's Nodame Cantabile and 13 others).

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

Adaptations
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.

3. Restore Garage 251 volume 9 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 9 first published in Japan 2003.12

4. [Premiere] Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 1 of 12+ 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 1 (containing chapters 1-8) first published in Japan 2005.12

Other language versions
Published in France by Ki-oon (Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, Tome 11: Dungeon released 2010.07), in Taiwan by Tong Li and Hong Kong by Jade Dynasty.

Level Comics European comics (2010.08.18)

Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju (Lucky Luke, tome 22: Les Dalton dans le blizzard) by Morris, René Goscinny (Lucky Comics)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 18 August 2010 (release schedule) and Level Comics (artwork and synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Until Death Do Us Part 1 and Restore Garage 251 which retail for IDR 19,500 each. Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju priced at IDR 30,000/volume.

Volume previews continued

Restore Garage 251 vol 9 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Yumejiro helps restore his friend Genta's car. All this time, Genta has been suffering from listlessness and writer's block, but a new lease on his automobile allows Genta to find the energy to continue his novel — not just to pay for the restoration but also to fulfill a promise made to his deceased wife. Genta's grandchild Asami is equally excited and makes every effort to market the novel.

But after such a long hiatus and a lack of new fans, Genta-sensei's latest book bombs, plunging the author into despair.

Can Genta still fulfill his promise?

Nurse Aoi 13 of of 31+ by Koshino Ryo

Takarai-san suffers from a cardial infarction and only in the nick of time is he saved. But as he also bleeds from the stomach, he has to undergo endoscopy. All the doctors capable of treating Takarai, however, are busy with other patients; only Dr. Eto, who doubts his capability, is available. The situation worsens with Mikio, Takarai's son who works for a TV network, posing a new threat.

Other upcoming manga (18 August 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Spiral: The Bonds Of Reason 5 · Here We Are 13 · With My Brothers 7 · Crows 11 · Hell Girl 6 · Kariage kun 32 · Libero Revolution!! 12 · Look Up! 3 · Shinagawa Cat Story 2 · Shugo Chara 10 · Throbbing Midnight 9 of 9 · Nakayoshi 83/2010

m&c!: Bleach 33 · Idol Shopping 2 · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 2 · A Badboy Drinks Tea 7 · Female Wolf's Boy 2 · Sandwich Girl 2 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 11 · Long Hu Men 170 · Star Wars 8 · The Great Ants: Sirkus Keliling · Humor Pegawai Negeri: Pengurangan Jam Kerja · Humor Guru: Undian dan Jebakan

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Lenny-san for the artwork and synopses

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (11 August 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: The Ruler of Nabari 12 · Vampire Knight 3 · Beauty Honey 1 by Matsumoto Tomo · Piano Hutan 17 · Dorabase 18 · Kaiser Z 15 · Magic Peddler Roma 1 by Kurazono Norihiko · Otoboke Section Chief 5 | Shonen Star 70/2010
• Level Comics: Blade of Immortal 9 · Half An Apple 3 · Hotaru's Light 10 · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 3 · A Spirit of the Sun 5 · Subaru 8 | Lucky Luke - Hukuman Gantung · Spirou - Sarang Marsupilami · Yakari - Para Tawanan Pulau
• m&c!: Sparkling Gingachou 10 of 10 · Bleach 32 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 9 · Go! Hiromi Go! 2 · Ijime: The Invisible Malice by Igarashi Kaoru · Miracle Ball 10 · Sugar Family 2 · Yabuuchi Yuu Fan Book | Confucius 2

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering The Running Bus by Sahara Mizu and Until Death Do Us Part by Takashige Hiroshi

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

manga · josei · seinen · Gokusen · Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) · Restore Garage 251 · Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) | ROMIC (BD): Lucky Luke

xxxHOLiC 9, Gokusen 14, Genius Family Company 3 (Level Comics 21 July 2010 manga)

Tensai Family Company © Ninomiya Tomoko/Gentosha (Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko)
Published in Indonesia as Genius Family Company by Elex Media/Level Comics

May contain [SPOILERS!]

Domeki shares Watanuki's powers and gains the Time Witch's part-timer's ability to see youkai and ayakashi. Watanuki Vision™ further allows Domeki to witness Watanuki's encounter with a girl under a sakura tree — despite his absence from the scene. Is the girl introduced in xxxHOLiC 9 a preternatural creature or a flesh and blood human?

Del Rey hints as to her real identity in its xxxHOLiC 9 blurb: Like Watanuki, she can detect spirits, and together they try to avert an exorcism. (Del Rey adds that before this, Watanuki unknowingly buys a deadly dream — although going by the later escapade with Sakura Girl, Watanuki obviously survives the man-eating nightmare.)

As for the next two most popular Level manga GET! (both josei) —

Genius Family Company 3 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Do you intend to go bankrupt??

The third bunko of Ninomiya Tomoko's Genius Family Company has Katsuyuki overnighting at Nagasawa Kyoko's gallery and ending up clobbered by Nagasawa's father who mistakes him for some pervert salaryman. Forced to look for other work to fund his studies abroad, Katsuyuki part-times at a bookstore, little knowing that the store is owned by Nagasawa's dad. Eventually, though, Katsuyuki learns of the true financial state of the business: it's struggling in Danger Red territory!

Gokusen 14 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

The Gokusen penult surprises us with Shinohara-sensei's kidnapping as he prepares to resign his commission as the Kuroda attorney. The abductor's identity unknown, the entire Ooedo Clan panics. Shin suggests that Yankumi pose as an Obfuscating Stupidity Normal to investigate the lawyer's abduction; she's all over the idea and with Shin and the Kuroda canine Fuji, tries to pick up Shinohara-sensei's trail.

As luck would have it, Shin runs afoul of the perp when the Hot for Teach bishounen tries to rescue the Future Mother of His Children Yankumi from a trap.

Can Bad Bad Acting, Badass Teacher Yankumi save both Shin and Shinohara? And what's the deal with taking the lawyer hostage, anyway?

(As mentioned last month, I'm amped for the Shinkumi OTP payoff that the Gokusen 2K8 special chapter reportedly brings and as such, having trouble waiting for after Morimoto Kozueko's XX-chromosomed GTO runs its course before I start reading it. *prays for volume 15's speedy release*)

FINALES: Revolution No.3 Vol. 3 of 3 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu

Fight!! Ippo 77 and Priest 7 previews are after the fake cut.

With the third Revolution No.3, it's a wrap for Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu's Zombies trilogy (sequels Fly, Daddy, Fly and Speed finished earlier). Level, however, didn't supply a synopsis, so I'm just going to list the Beatles' songs-inspired chapters: (22) Don't pass me by; (23) Come together; (24) Shout; (25) She loves you; (26) Do you want to know a secret; (27) Flying; (28) If I needed someone; (29) I call your name; (30) With a little help from my friends; and (31) Let it be.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.07.21)

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

1. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 77 of 92+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「 はじめの一歩 」 by Morikawa Joji (or George) AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 77 (containing chapters 724-734) first published in Japan 2006.08

AWARDS
Recipient of the 1991 Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shounen Manga

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Hajime no Ippo is translated into French as Ippo, la rage de vaincre by Kurokawa.

ADAPTATIONS
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei as Makunouchi Ippo, aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road (special), 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.

2. Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) 3 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Tensai Family Company by Ninomiya Tomoko 「 天才ファミリー・カンパニー 」 Gentosha Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko, josei Volume 3 (bunko) first published in Japan 2008.09

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Tensai Family Company is translated into French as Tensai Family Company - Génies en tous genres by Asuka Comics.

3. Gokusen 14 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Gokusen 「 ごくせん 」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 14 first published in Japan 2006.10

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
The traditional Chinese Gokusen (極道鮮師) is published in Taiwan by Sharp Point Press.

RELATED
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

ADAPTATIONS
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

4. Priest 7 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「 프리스트 」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 7 first published in Korea 2000.07 Series on hiatus from volume 16

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Priest is published in North America by TOKYOPOP (16 volumes). Other global releases: France (by Tokebi) · Germany (Tokyopop Germany) · Poland (Kasen Comics) · Italy (J POP) · Brazil (Lumus).

ADAPTATIONS
A film adaptation starring Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (The Indonesian screening schedule is slated to begin 20 April 2011.)

RELATED
Priest: Purgatory, an original TOKYOPOP series, is scheduled to debut in August 2010 (GN volume 1 street date: 2010.08.10).

5. Revolution No.3 Vol. 3 of 3 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu [Finale]

Revolution No.3 「 ＲＥＶＯＬＵＴＩＯＮ　Ｎｏ．３ 」 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 3 (containing chapters 22-31) first published in Japan 2004.08

RELATED
Part of the Zombies series, which includes sequels Fly, Daddy, Fly and Speed

6. xxxHOLiC 9 of 17+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「 ×××ＨＯＬｉＣ 」 by CLAMP Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 9: 信じましょう、未来を。あの子達を (Shinjimashō, Mirai o. Ano ko-tachi o or Let's believe in the future. In those children. containing chapters 52-58) first published in Japan 2006.07

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
xxxHOLiC is published in North America by Del Rey (volume 15 released 2010.03.23 • volume 16 street date: 2010.10.26). Other global releases: UK (Tanoshimi; licensed by Del Rey) · France (Pika Édition) · Norma Editorial (Spain) · Italy (Star Comics) · Germany (Egmont) · Sweden (Bonnier Carlsen) · Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico) · Brazil (JBC)

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). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17.

A theatrical 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 Feature Films finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, but lost out to the France/UK/Luxembourg production Renaissance.

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 three 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)

¹ Sources: STO 21 July 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² All GN cost IDR 18,500 each except Genius Family Company 3 (SRP: IDR 29,500).
³ Links like this are Amazon commercial search and/or product links, in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews continued...

Fight!! Ippo 77 of 92+ by Morikawa Joji

Just as Ippo's doubts over boxing reach critical mass, Mari tells him an anecdote about a certain pugilist. Mari's story reminds Ippo of why he took up boxing in the first place. Resolve rekindled, Ippo returns to the Kamogawa ring and goes up against Scarred Jimmy, the notorious boxer who sidelines his opponents — permanently.

Hajime no Ippo volume 77 contains:

• Round 724: Deep Hole
• Round 725: The Weight of Fists
• Round 726: A Different Route
• Round 727: Scarred Jimmy
• Round 728: The Fist of God
• Round 729: Disrupt the Startup
• Round 730: Gamble or Threat
• Round 731: Tornado
• Round 732: Only One Thing
• Round 733: Half-Hearted Punches
• Round 734: Unfamiliar Fight

Priest 7 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

With the Domas Poradas unsealed, the fallen angel Temozarela escapes, leaving Ivan Isaacs in his place. The moribund Ivan is compelled into entering into a sacrilegious contract with the demon Beliel to break free from his prison. Thus, a young priest's quest for proof of God ends (as TOKYOPOP's Priest Book 7 blurb puts it) in eternal damnation.

Iamque opus exegi,
~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 next available manga (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
• 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 Aragones · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 7

currently available manga (14 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Fairy-Tale Motif Brocade 5 of 5 · Hell Girl 4 · Kaiser Z 14 · Kumpulan Cerita Berwarna Doraemon 4 · Libero Revolution! 11 · New Sexy Simpleton 4 · Paket Doraemon Movie (Jakarta) by Fujiko F. Fujio · Penguin Revolution 5 · Red-Haired Snow White 3 · Rockwell the Scarlet Knight 1 by Nadatani Wataru · Summer Storm 2 · Tena on S String 1 by Mikabe Sesuna · Toradora 1 by Zekkou · V.B. Rose 5 · Nakayoshi 82/2010 · Shonen Star 68/2010 · [RE-STO] Eyeshield 21 volumes 1-10 | Kitchen Princess volumes 1-10 of 10 | One Piece volumes 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 ad 31-40 box sets
• Level Comics: 3x3 Eyes 31 · Akihabara@Deep 5 · Fight!! Ippo 76 · Miso-Com 3 · Nanase Fire Investigator 4 · Restore Garage 251 volume 7
• m&c!: Bakugan Battle Brawlers 8 · Go! Hiromi Go! 1 by Asou Mikoto· How to Be a Man 1 by Yamada Nanpei · The Princess Bouquet 3 of 3 · Sakura Wars 9 of 9

related monthly schedules

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

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · manaworld.com · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) · Gokusen · Hajime no Ippo · Priest · Revolution No.3 · xxxHOLiC

Perfect Girl Evolution 20, Hotaru's Light 9, The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita 2 (Level Comics manga out now)

As promised, I'm back with the extended babble.

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge © Hayakawa Tomoko/Kodansha (Serialized in Betsufure)
Published in Indonesia as Perfect Girl Evolution by Elex Media/Level Comics

Contains (TV) Tropes and other   [SPOILERS!]

Can you believe it's been over a year since Level last released Perfect Girl Evolution? Boy, was that ever a long wait for volume 20. Good thing investment in Sunako-chan and the four dazzling creatures she lives with supply the necessary (and necessarily antsy) C'mon, c'mon! patience.

(I couldn't stand the 15 month-hold up, however, and already gots The Wallflower 20—Del Rey's edition subtitled Princess Sunako?—way back, so I'm borrowing that blurb for here.)

Sunako is a great cook, but her croissant recipe needs help. Luckily, the landlady happens to know a royal family famous for its master bakers. Sunako and the gang are whisked off to the small kingdom of Grimmel, but the landlady has ulterior motives: The young prince of Grimmel is looking for a bride, and his tastes are almost as morbid as Sunako's. It looks like Sunako might accept the prince's proposal—unless Kyohei is willing to speak now or forever hold his peace.

TV Tropes notes that the manga also known variously as YamaNade and My Fair Lady is completely food-obsessed—the You will probably get hungry reading it observation more than confirmed by the synopsis above. That it's also Always Saving Your Love Interest makes it equally delish. Wanna see how He's Usually the One Distressed Kyohei rescues FMOHC (Future Mother of His Children) Sunako from Grimmel's ouji? Then GET! volume 20. I'm also still getting the Indonesian version this weekend to make Level friends (waves to editor Lenny-san) happy. See, Perfect Girl Evolution, despite being uncompromisingly Aww... Look They Really Do Love Each Other shoujo, is THE Level bestseller. (And I'm SO sure Hayakawa Tomoko-sensei's sustained concert resume freetalks have nothing to do with the achievement. Unless of course the Indonesian PGE market is as crazy about Kiyoharu as the manga-ka, which I doubt.)

The other two manga in the post title both undergo dorama treatment in prep for July premieres. (For Hotaru's Light, it's actually the second live-action outing.)

The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita 3 by Go Hideki & Takada Yu

Betrayed by the legal system, disbarred lawyer Narita Makoto struggles to acquit himself of trumped up charges of murder, arson, and embezzlement by tracking down the true felon.

The manga's titular hero grapples with dura lex sed lex and life on the lam by losing himself in crowds, assuming false names, and constantly exchanging job for other menial jobs. Despite being wronged by the judicial sytem, Narita Makoto still believes in justice and goes out of his way to aid other people in trouble.

DORAMA UPDATE, I: Kamiji Yusuke (Shoji Tsutsumoto, Crows ZERO and Crows ZERO II) stars as the nationally-wanted Narita Makoto in the upcoming Fuji TV live-action series. Toubou Bengoshi represents Kamiji's first TV drama starring role. Ishihara Satomi (Sayama Hitomi, Hidarime Tantei EYE) and Yada Akiko (Asuka Nozomi, Top Caster) are cast as a murdered lawyer's daughter and a prosecutor respectively.

Author Go Hideki also wrote the award-winning Kurosagi manga (published by Level as The Black Swindler) under the pseudonym Natsuhara Takeshi.

Hotaru's Light 9 by Hiura Satoru

Before she can move in with Makoto, Hotaru reveals her dried fish side worst, and Shonan living arrangements, not to mention their relationship, are off! This obviously throws Hotaru into despondency, but she can't really afford debilitating depression because she has just been assigned to handle Makoto's first showing!

Guess where Hotaru ends up bunking? *wink* *wink*

DORAMA UPDATE, II: Hotaru no Hikari Season 2 is also scheduled to premiere this July on Nippon Television. Ayase Haruka (Haruka, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror movie) and Fujiki Naohito (Higuchi Juntaro, Ikemen Sobaya Tantei seasons 1 and 2) reprise their roles as OL Amemiya Hotaru and boss Takano Seiichi. The first Glow of Fireflies season aired in the latter half of 2007.

Level Comics manga (2010.06.09)

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

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 8 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「 無限の住人 」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 1998.07

AWARDS
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize recipient

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Blade of the Immortal is published in English by Dark Horse Comics (Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03). The manga is published in French by Casterman; in Italian by Planet Manga/Panini Comics; in German and Polish by Egmont; in Portuguese by Conrad (Brazil); and in Swedish Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB (serialized in Manga Mania).

ADAPTATIONS
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.

2. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) 2 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「 ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～ 」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2004.04

Volume 2 contains chapters:

• 9. To Vision (ビジョンへ Bijon He)
• 10. Traveler (トラベラー Toraberā)
• 11. The Third Traveler (3番目の旅行者 San Banme no Ryokō Sha)
• 12. The Clown's True Power (の男の真のパワー No Otoko no Shin no Pawā)
• 13. Awakening (目覚め Mezame)
• 14. Forfeiture (没収 Bosshū)
• 15. Promise (約束 Yakusoku)
• 16. Journey Begun (旅行開始 Ryokō Kaishi)
• 17. Water People (水と人 Mizu to Hito)
• 18. The Branch (の支店 No Shiten)

RELATED
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel, post its winning the Batchelder Award (for Most Outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English).

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
TOKYOPOP published five volumes of the Brave Story manga (the sixth compilation is advertised but remains unreleased; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media in November 2009). The manga is also translated into French by Kurokawa and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan).

ADAPTATIONS
The novel was adapted into an anime feature by Gonzo, which premiered in Japan on 2006.07.08. Actress/singer Matsu Takako was cast as Mitani Wataru, Wentz Eiji as Ashikawa Mitsuru, Oizumi Yo as Ki-kima, and Imai Miki as the Goddess of Destiny. The film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

3. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 3 of 6+ by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「 逃亡弁護士　成田誠 」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.03

Volume 3 contains chapters:

• 22-24 後継人（前・中・後編）
• 25-29 呪いの声（I～V）
• 30-32 癒えぬ傷（前・中・後編）
• ザ・冤罪ファイル

ADAPTATIONS
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke (Tsutsumoto Shoji, Crows ZERO live-action movies) is slated to premiere July 2010 on Fuji TV.

4. Gokusen 13 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Gokusen 「 ごくせん 」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 13 first published in Japan 2006.03

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Published in traditional Chinese by Sharp Point Press (Taiwan)

RELATED
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

ADAPTATIONS
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

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

1/2 no Ringo 「 １／２の林檎 」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.10

6. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 9 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru no Hikari 「 ホタルノヒカリ 」 by Hiura Satoru AKA It's Only Little Light in My Life Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 9 first published in Japan in 2007.08

ADAPTATIONS
A 10-episode Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired on NTV between July and September 2007, starring Ayase Haruka (Hirose Aki, Crying out Love in the Centre of the World) as Amemiya Hotaru and Fujiki Naohito (Ikemen Sobaya Tantei) as Takano Seiichi. The pair reprise their roles in the upcoming second season, set to premiere July 2010 on the same network.

7. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 2 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 2 first published in Japan 2005.07

Volume 2 contains chapters:

• 5 限りなくでかい魂
• 6 ラヴ・ウィズ・ミー
• 7 そのコを返すな!!
• 8 挑発
• 特別掲載
• 吼えろペン～コリアより愛をこめて～

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

8. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) 20 of 26+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「 ヤマトナデシコ七変化 」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.01

Volume 20 contains chapters:

• 79 Capture the Princess!
• 80 House Arrest! Beautiful Sacrifice!
• 81 Who is 'Mister' Morikou?
• 82 The Japanese New Year

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Published in English as My Fair Lady by Chuang Yi (latest volume 24) and Del Rey as The Wallflower (volume 21 released 2009.09.29 • volumes 22-24 street date: 2010.10.26). Translated into French by Pika Édition and into German by Tokyopop Germany and Egmont Manga and Anime (from volume 21 onwards).

ADAPTATIONS
A 25-episode anime adaptation by Nippon Animation aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. Seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko, Morikubo Showtaro, Yamauchi Yuuya, Sugita Tomokazu, and Nojima Hirofumi were cast as leads Nakahara Sunako, Takano Kyohei, Toyama Yukinojo, Takenaga Oda, and Morii Ranmaru. Series director Nabeshin (Watanabe Shinichi) voiced Sunako's former crush in the first episode, The Light that Shines through the Darkness.

Three years later, the manga was (loosely) adapted into a 10-episode live-action renzoku, which aired on TBS from January to March 2010. Kamenashi Kazuya, Oomasa Aya, Tegoshi Yuya, Uchi Hiroki, and Miyao Shuntaro were cast as Kyohei, Sunako, Yukinojo, Takenaga, and Ranmaru. The series also included the drama-only character Nakahara Takeru (the landlady's son, played by Kato Seishiro). Japanese boy band KAT-TUN (obviously) performed the theme Love yourself ~Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki~.

9. Wilderness 3 of 7+ by Ito Akihiro

Wilderness 「 ＷＩＬＤＥＲＮＥＳＳ 」 by Ito Akihiro Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 3 (containing chapters 10-12) first published in Japan in 2004.04

Level Comics European comics (2010.06.09)

1. Smurf - Kekacauan di Desa Smurf by Peyo
2. Yakari - Di Negeri Para Serigala by Derib

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media 9 June 2010 schedule and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) All listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except Blade of Immortal 8 and Wilderness 3 (SRP: IDR 18,000). ROMICs retail for IDR 27,000 apiece
(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

Gokusen 13 by Morimoto Kozueko

The wheels of Operation: Boot Yankumi out of Shirokin Gakuen continue turning, but fortunately, the PTA and then Sawada Shin's formidable dad, Go, refuse to play ball. Undeterred, the school foundation head turns to the last resort: the mother of first-year trouble-maker Shibata.

I don't know aboutchu, but I'm on edge for the Shinkumi OTP payoff; already have the Gokusen 2K8 special chapter and am having trouble keeping it on the TBR queue until the Indonesian series runs its course (only one more tankou before the finale).

Half An Apple 2 by Koyama Yukari

Hikaru's belief in fate and soul mates appears vindicated when she is reunited a decade hence with high school crush Shindo. They become a couple and it's only a matter of time before wedding bells start to peal.

But what's this? Hikaru's co-worker Natsuko is scheming to keep the two halves of the apple apart?

How will Hikaru cope with the loss of trust, the end of friendship, and a relationship going from Committed to Complicated now?

New Comic Bomber 2 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Manga-ka Hono-sensei attends a Kogakukan Manga Awards* ceremony with his assistants and there meets award recipient Mariyabashi-sensei. But just because she won doesn't mean Mariyabashi-sensei gets any breaks when it comes to deadlines. Too busy to attend the second party, she requests for Hono-sensei's help — using Look into my eyes hypnotism to do so.

Can Hono-sensei break the “spell” or will he end up Mariyabashi-sensei's puppet?

*Tongue-in-cheek Bland Name Product-ing the Shogakukan Manga Awards? Or wishful thinking, given that New Comic Bomber manga-ka Shimamoto Kazuhiko-sensei has yet to win the prestigious award?

Wilderness 3 by Ito Akihiro

The chase across the Mexican desert continues. Without permission from higher-ups, Enora drags Jim and Rosenman into an illegal investigation across borders. Meanwhile, Horita and Seruma are in the same town.

What's the connection? I don't know. I just translate these blurbs; I don't actually follow Wilderness. If you do, you can probably make sense of the above blurb. Tell me about it, please?

Wilderness volume 3 contains chapters:

• 10 THE EVIL MEN DO
• 11 Trabajo duro (1-3)
• 12 Glass Tightrope (1-3)

~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 manga currently available (9 June 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: BECK 18 · Dear Boys Act III vol. 2 · Ghost Sweeper Mikami 39 of 39 · Hayate the Combat Butler 20 · Hidamari Sketch 1 · Kaiser Z 13 · A Kiss for My Prince 1 by Kim Hee-Eun · Kungfu Boy Legends 8 · Legend of Nereid 7 · LUM, The Invader Girl 23 · New Sexy Simpleton 1 by Hwang Mi-Ree · Sora, The Wingless Duck 17 · Tokkyu! 12 · Wild Life 5 by Fujisaki Masato
• m&c!: Another Kingdom 2 of 2 · Bleach 28 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 6 · Find a New Love! by Sugiyama Miwako · Nekomachi Shop Guide 2 · The Princess Bouquet 2 · Shanimuni GO 30

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

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)

other invaluable resources

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

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