Hotaru's Light 14, Hikayat Genji 13 of 13, Psychometrist Eiji 25 of 25 (Level Comics 11 January 2012 manga)

Hotaru no Hikari © Hiura Satoru/Kodansha [First serialized in Kiss] · Asakiyumemishi © Yamato Waki/Kodansha [First serialized in Mimi]. Published in Indonesia as Hotaru's Light and Hikayat Genji by Elex Media/Level Comics

In the penultimate Hotaru's Light —

Hotaru and Seiichi-san's secret is revealed, the news spreading quickly from the office to Hotaru's family. Hotaru's brother corners Seiichi and demands that he take responsibility, and to his chagrin, Seiichi agrees, saying he will marry Hotaru.

Hotaru should be ecstatic that the man she loves has (suddenly) proposed to her, so why the doubts?

Meanwhile, in the ultimate Hikayat Genji:

Hikayat Genji vol 13 of 13
By Yamato Waki

Kaoru goes to Uji to accompany Ukifune whom he fell in love with, partly for her resemblance to Oigimi. But word reaches Nio no Miya and he forces himself on Ukifune. After this, what awaits Ukifune? And how does she view either Kaoru or Nio no Miya?

I preview the other finale—Psychometrist Eiji (volume 25)—after the release list, but lemme just ask Level Comics up here: How about teh Psychometrer sequel? :D OK, ok, I'll just focus on the new titles (ROMICs) streeting today.

New Level Comics titles
Agatha Christie series

Agatha Christie, Tome 1:
Le Secret de Chimneys
by François Rivière, Laurence Suhner
(Emmanuel Proust Editions)
Published in Indonesia as
Agatha Christie:
The Secret of Chimneys
by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level double-launches the Emmanuel Proust Editions' Agatha Christie graphic novel series with Agatha Christie: The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie, Tome 1: Le Secret de Chimneys) and Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie, Tome 2: Mort sur le Nil).

In case you haven't read the originals, The Secret of Chimneys traces the link between an English mansion, Chimneys, and the small Balkan state of Herzoslovakia that draws a handsome adventurer, a money magnet and the most beautiful woman in London into a web of intrigue and assassination.

Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile, meanwhile, brings in the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Beautiful and wealthy Linnet Ridgeway suffers torment after she appropriates her best friend's fiancé for herself. A ‘chance’ meeting brings them all together on a deadly Nile river cruise.

Level Comics manga (2012.01.11)

1. A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) vol 13 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 13 (chapters 87-93) first published in Japan 2006.11

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

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

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

2. Happy Hello Work at Age 21 (Takunabi) vol 5 of 5+ by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho

Takunabi 「たくなび」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 43-48 + Takunabi Bangai-hen Episode 00 Tokubetsu Yomikiri Touchline) first published in Japan 2006.06

3. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) vol 13 of 13 by Yamato Waki [Finale]

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 13 first published in Japan 1993.07

Related/reissues
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu
Reissued in seven volumes in 1993 under the KCDX imprint. Also re-released in bunkoban (Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Manga bunko: seven volumes, 2001.08 and Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Aoi Tori bunko: five volumes, 2006.10–2008.02) and kanzenban (Kanzenban KCDX Asakiyumemishi The Tale of Genji: 10 volumes, 2008.04–2008.07)

A Genji Monogatari Asakiyumemishi Illustrations book was published in December 1984, while the Asakiyumemishi no Sekai Genji Monogatari Navi BOOK guide was issued in April 2005.

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

4. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) vol 14 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 14 first published in Japan in 2009.06

Adaptations
The 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix award-winning Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired between July and September 2007 on NTV. The 10-episode drama starred Ayase Haruka ((Amemiya Hotaru) and Fujiki Naohito (Takano Seiichi). The pair reprised their roles in the 11-episode second season that aired between July and September 2010 on the same network.

5. Jormungand vol 5 of 10+ by Takahashi Keitarou

Jormungand 「ヨルムンガンド」 by Takahashi Keitarou Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 25-30) first published in Japan 2008.10

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

Adaptations/Related
A Jormungand drama CD was bundled with manga volume 9 (JP release: 2011.02), the Mini art book "Ricochet" drama CD with volume 5 (JP: 2008.10).

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

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 25 first published in Japan 2000.10

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 • volume 3 street date: 2012.02.06)
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. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) vol 13 of 19+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「団地ともお」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2009.01

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

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

European comics/BDs (2012.01.11)

1. [Premiere] Agatha Christie: The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie, Tome 1: Le Secret de Chimneys) by François Rivière, Laurence Suhner (Heupe Sarl-Emmanuel Proust Editions)
2. [Premiere] Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie, Tome 2: Mort sur le Nil) by François Rivière, Solidor (Heupe Sarl-Emmanuel Proust Editions)
3. Smurf: Pensmurf Perhiasan (Le Schtroumpfeur de Bijoux, Tome 17) by Peyo (Le Lombard)
4. Smurf: Smurf Magang (L'Apprenti Schtroumpf) by Peyo (Dupuis)
5. Smurf: Smurfin (La Schtroumpfette, Tome 3) by Peyo (Dupuis)
6. Tanguy & Laverdure: Skuadron Bangau Putih (Tanguy et Laverdure L'intégrale, Tome 2: L'escadrille des cigognes; Mirage sur l'Orient; Canon bleu) by Charlier & Uderzo (Dargaud)

Read more »

GTO 5, Soul Eater 11, Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale 1 by Watase Yuu (Level Comics 26 October 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

AKA No longer the WIP Version.

Yes, after a false start waaaay back, we finally GET Ayashi no Ceres! Sankyuuu, Level Comics ^^

Ayashi no Ceres Tenkuu Otogizoushi ©Watase Yuu/Shogakukan
[First serialized in Sho-Comi]
Published in Indonesia as Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale
by Elex Media/Level Comics

I know the world and her BFF already knows Ceres' plot, but here's my version of Level's series intro:

Aya and her twin Aki are summoned before their grandfather on their sixteenth birthday. [Having trouble continuing for all the giggling as you already know what comes next. Neway...] But the birthday party turns out to be no celebration. Before the entire Mikage assemblage, Aya is handed a mysterious box. When she opens it, her real identity is revealed. She is the reincarnation of a tennyo, a celestial maiden who has every reason to desire Clan Mikage's destruction. Before that happens, the family moves to eliminate Aya and appropriate tennyo Ceres' powers within her.

OK, some outside info worked its way into the above blurb, but can you blame me? As I sed, the world and her BFF knows Ceres' story. At any rate, Aya flees and receives help (and then some) from both Mystery Man Tooya and Shounen Martial Artist Yuuhi. As for Aki, he is named the Mikage heir for he's the reincarnation of Ceres' former husband, the man who hid Ceres' hagoromo or celestial robe and prevented her return to heaven.

Ayashi no Ceres Tenkuu Otogizoushi debuted in Sho-Comi. The first volume subtitled Aya was first published in Japan in December 1996; the 14th and last tankou Hagoromo released March 2000. If I'm not mistaken, Elex had already licensed Ceres, but reportedly dropped it for the smut, I mean, graphic, content. So, isn't it great that Elex now has the Level imprint to accommodate the shoujo classic, nookie 'n all?

Ayashi no Ceres won the 43rd Shogakukan Manga Award for the shoujo category.

Studio Pierrot, the same animation studio behind the Fushigi Yuugi anime, adapted Ayashi no Ceres into a 24-episode TV series. It aired on Japan's WOWOW from April to September 2000. (I believe AXN also telecast Ceres, but don't ask me when). Seiyuu Kakazu Yumi voiced Aya, Iwao Junko, Ceres. Konishi Katsuyuki and Itou Kentarou were Tooya and Yuuhi, while Chiba Susumu portrayed Aki, his sibcestuous performance propelling the voice actor to the top of my fave seiyuu list.

Other Watase Yuu manga
I'm pretty sure nobody needs an introduction to Watase Yuu-sensei, but if you're blanking out, I already mentioned one other above — MIAKA! TAMAHOME! MIAKA!! TAMAHOME!!!! (Fushigi Yuugi). I've listed the W is for Watase Yuu manga I wub here, but lemme just touch on more recent releases, here and abroad: Arata Kangatari (ongoing serialization in Shonen Sunday; still unlicensed for Indonesia AFAIK; volume 13 street date: 2011.11.18), Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden (also still unlicensed; latest JP tankou 10 released June 2011), Manga Yuugi (really a how to draw manga) and Watase Yuu the Best Selection anthologies, the latter two titles published here by m&c!

The rest of the previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.10.26)

1. Air Gear vol 24 of 33+ by Oh!great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 24 first published in Japan 2009.03

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 29 shipped 2011.09 • Tome 30 street date: 2011.11.02), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

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

2. Angel Heart vol 11 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2004.06

Related series
Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; two volumes per 2011.09.20)

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued by Coamix under the ZENON Collection label from 2010.09 (18 volumes per 2011.05)
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.

3. Attack!! vol 8 of 11+ by Oshima Tsukasa

Attack!! 「アタック！！」 by Oshima Tsukasa Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2008.10

4. [Series Premiere] Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale (Ayashi no Ceres) vol 1 of 14 by Watase Yuu

Ayashi no Ceres Tenkuu Otogizoushi 「妖しのセレス　天空お伽草子」 by Watase Yuu Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 1996.12

Awards
Winner, 43rd Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shoujo category

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in seven Shogakukan Bunko from 2005.11 to 2006.02
English Ceres: Celestial Legend (VIZ Media: (14 volumes per 2006.02), French (Editions Tonkam: Ayashi no Ceres: Un conte de fée céleste: 14 volumes per 2002.01), German (EMA), Spanish (Glènat España: Ceres: La Leyenda Celestial), Italian (Play Press: La fiaba del cielo), Vietnamese Truyền Thuyết Thiên Nữ

Adaptations
The 24-episode anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot aired in Japan on WOWOW from April to September 2000, with seiyuu Kakazu Yumi as Aya Mikage, Iwao Junko as Ceres, Konishi Katsuyuki as Tooya, Itou Kentarou as Yuuhi, Chiba Susumu as Aki, Miki Shinichiro as Mikagi and Sugita Tomokazu as Mikage Kagami.

Light novels written by Nishizaki Megumi and illustrated by Watase Yuu: Ayashi no Ceres Episode of Tooya (one volume Palette bunko: 2000.06); Episode of Shuro (one volume Palette bunko: 2000.09); Episode of Aki (one volume Palette bunko: 2001.01); and Episode of Miku (Palette bunko, three volumes from 2001.06 to 2001.08)

Related
Sequel: Ayashi no Ceres Gaiden (side story included as furoku for Sho-Comi #18; also compiled in Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden vol 6)
Watase Yuu Postcard Book Fushigi Yuugi Ayashi no Ceres Imadoki! (Japan release: 2001.01)

5. GTO vol 5 of 25 by Fujisawa Toru

GTO 「ＧＴＯ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 1998.01

Awards
Winner, 1998 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages
Bilingual Japanese/English (Kodansha International, three volumes per 1999.12), English GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (TOKYOPOP: 25 volumes), French (PIKA Édition: 25 volumes), Italian (Dynamic Italia), German (EMA), Polish (Waneko), Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania), traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Related series
Prequels Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 of 31 volumes) and Bad Company (1 of 1 volume) and sequel GTO Shonan 14 Days (nine volumes as at 2011.11.17, ongoing)

Adaptations
A live-action GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka TV series, starring Sorimachi Takashi (Onizuka Eikichi) and Matsushima Nanako (Fuyutsuki Azusa) telecast from July to September 1998 on Fuji TV and Kansai TV, followed by GTO Drama Special (1999.08.28) and GTO: The Movie (1999) and Studio Pierrot's 43-episode Great Teacher Onizuka anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Takagi Wataru as Onizuka that aired between June 1999 and September 2000.

6. Haruka 17 vol 14 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2007.01

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

7. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) vol 12 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 12 first published in Japan 1992.07

Related/reissues
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu
Reissued in seven volumes in 1993 under the KCDX imprint. Also re-released in bunkoban (Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Manga bunko: seven volumes, 2001.08 and Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Aoi Tori bunko: five volumes, 2006.10–2008.02) and kanzenban (Kanzenban KCDX Asakiyumemishi The Tale of Genji: 10 volumes, 2008.04–2008.07)

A Genji Monogatari Asakiyumemishi Illustrations book was published in December 1984, while the Asakiyumemishi no Sekai Genji Monogatari Navi BOOK guide was issued in April 2005.

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

8. MOON - Subaru Solitude Standing vol 2 of 9 by Soda Masahito & Tomiyama Kuro

MOON—Subaru Solitude Standing— 「ＭＯＯＮ　―昴ソリチュードスタンディング」 by Soda Masahito & Tomiyama Kuro Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 11-21) first published in Japan 2008.08

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: MOON~昴‧續篇~ 7 released 2011.08)

Related series
Subaru (prequel; 11 volumes)

9. Soul Eater vol 11 of 20+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 11 (chapters 40-44) first published in Japan 2008.03

Related series
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 languages
English Soul Eater (Yen Press: seven volumes as of 2011.10.25 • volume 8 street date: 2012.02.28), French (Kurokawa: Tome 17 per 2011.10.13 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.12.08), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 13 shipped 2011.10.28 • Band 14 street date: 2011.12.16) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: SOUL EATER噬魂者 18 released 2011.08)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (spin-off; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12; volume 1 released in Japan 2011.09.22)

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

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

Level Comics value sets [Paket] (2011.10.26)

1. Diamond Life, Vols. 1–3 of 3 by Fujiwara Akira  –Complete–  [IDR 27,000/set]
2. Ergo Proxy: Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker, Vols. 1–2 of 2 by manglobe and Harao Yumiko  –Complete–  [IDR 18,000/set]
3. Fly, Daddy, Fly!, Vols. 1–2 of 2 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu  –Complete–  [IDR 18,000/set]
4. Genius Family Company, Vols. 1–6 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko (Tensai Family Company)  –Complete–  [IDR 84,000/set]
5. My Lovely Honey, Vols. 1–3 of 3 by Ohmi Tomu (Barairo My Honey)  –Complete–  [IDR 27,000/set]
6. New Comic Bomber, Vols. 1–5 (of 11) by Shimamoto Kazuhiko (Shin Hoero Pen) [IDR 45,000/set]
7. Ole!, Vols. 1–5 of 5 by Nohda Tatsuki  –Complete–  [IDR 45,000/set]
8. Onsen Paradise, Vols. 1–3 (of 9) by Kikuchi Shota (Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei) [IDR 27,000/set]

Note: Volume tallies represent original volume totals, not (necessarily) Level Comics' latest release. Most recent Level releases: New Comic Bomber vol 8 (9.14), Onsen Paradise vol 4 (7.20)

European comics/BDs (2011.10.26)

1. Cubitus - Si Anjing Setia (Cubitus, Tome 13: Chien fidèle) by Dupa (Le Lombard)
2. Rantanplan - Sang Buronan (Rantanplan, Tome 7: Le Fugitif) by Morris, Jean Léturgie & Xavier Fauche (Lucky Comics)
3. Smurf - Para Smurf & Buku Serba Tahu (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 26: Les Schtroumpfs et le livre qui dit tout) by Peyo (Le Lombard)
4. Yakari - Kemarahan Langit (Yakari, Tome 22: La Fureur du Ciel) by Derib & Job (Le Lombard) «EX 10.12

Read more »

Iliad 6, The Black Swindler 14, Dark Edge 2 (Level Comics 28 September 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

No Longer Just a List Version

Reiterating that Red River 10 and Shattered Knife 9 appear in my Level 9.22 list—not here—regardless that they were re-advised for 9.28, because they were already available on the earlier street date.

ILIAD © Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku/Shogakukan [Big Comics] · Kurosagi © Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi/Shogakukan [First serialized in Young Sunday] · Dark Edge © Aikawa Yu/MediaWorks [First serialized in Dengeki Comic Gao!]. Published in Indonesia as Iliad, The Black Swindler and Dark Edge by Elex Media/Level Comics

In the Geek out! Iliad 6 —

Thanks to a forgetful Viennese professor, Iriya succeeds in extracting a name for he who accompanied the Nazis' Atlantis quest during WWII: "Rot Hase" or The Red Rabbit. Rot Hase hails from Izumo, prompting Iriya to fly to the so-called Land of the Gods, whence grew myths of Japan's deities. Little does Iriya expect that cornering The Red Rabbit in his den would pit him against a demon that devours humans.

(For another "human devourer"—of the female kind—check out Blue Seal vol. 3, also streeting on the 28th.)

The Black Swindler vol. 14 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

"The tenant's security deposit becomes collateral."

Kurosaki and Shiraishi cooperate to bust a tenant contract fraud. What trick will the pair use to counterswindle the fraudsters?

Above The Black Swindler synop refers to the eight-part Tenant contract fraud story that spans chapters 145 through 152. Volume 14 also wraps Debut swindle (chapters 142–144). [*NOT Level's chapter titles]

I preview the lone Level manga premiere—Akishige Manabu's Go-On!—below the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.09.28)

1. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) vol. 14 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 14 (chapters 142-152) first published in Japan 2007.07

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (2007), along with Sekiya Tetsuji's Bambino!

Related
Shin Kurosagi (sequel; 12 volumes per 2011.09.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku starring Yamashita Tomohisa (Kurosaki) and Horikita Maki (Yoshikawa Tsurara) aired on TBS from April to June 2006. A movie starring the same leads premiered in Japan on 8 March 2008.

2. Blue Seal (Ao no Fuuin [Bunko]) vol. 3 of 7 of 7 by Shinohara Chie

Ao no Fuuin 「蒼の封印　(小学館文庫)」 by Shinohara Chie Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Bunko volume 3 first published in Japan 1999.05 (originally published in 11 tankoubon from 1992.04 to 1994.12)

Adaptations
An audio drama CD released by Shogakukan in May 1993 and light novels written by Yamamoto Natsumi and illustrated by Shinohara Chie were published under the KSS Comic Novels imprint (three volumes from September to December 1998)

3. Dark Edge vol. 2 of 15 by Aikawa Yu «Ex-9.19

Dark Edge 「ＤＡＲＫ　ＥＤＧＥ」 by Aikawa Yu Media Works Dengeki Comic Gao!, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 1999.07

Other languages
English Dark Edge (ComicsOne then DrMaster: 10 volumes per 2009.03.03)

4. [Series Premiere] Go-On! vol. 1 of 4+ by Akishige Manabu

Go-On 「ＧＯ‐ＯＮ！」 by Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-8) first published in Japan 2008.04

5. Hellsing vol. 9 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2007.11

Volume 9 chapters:
71. Castle Vania 2
72. Heart of Dream
73. Heart of Dream 2
74. Relics
75. Heart of Iron
76–80. Finest Hour 1–5
81. Lunatic Dawn"
82. Operation Wolf
83–85. Warcraft 1–3 [*NOT Level's titles]

Other languages
English Hellsing (Dark Horse Comics: 10 volumes and Chuang Yi; 10 volumes), French (Tonkam, 10 volumes), Italian (Dynit), German (Planet Manga), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica) and Denmark and Sweden (Mangismo)

Related series
Hellsing: The Dawn (prequel; serialized in Young King Ours special editions, six chapters as at 2008.09, on hiatus) and Crossfire (three-chapter side story)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Gonzo aired on Fuji TV from October 2001 to January 2002, starring seiyuu Nakata Jouji (Alucard), Orikasa Fumiko (Seras Victoria) and Sakakibara Yoshiko (Sir Integra Hellsing). A Hellsing Ultimate OAV (starring the same voice cast) premiered in Japan in January 2006. The first four episodes were produced by Satelight, with Madhouse taking over as of OAV V. Hellsing VIII premiered 27 July 2011, while Hellsing IX is slated for an early 2012 release, along with the first episode of The Dawn.

A Crossfire drama CD has also been released.

6. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) vol. 11 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 1991.07

Related/reissues
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu
Reissued in seven volumes in 1993 under the KCDX imprint. Also re-released in bunkoban (Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Manga bunko: seven volumes, 2001.08 and Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Aoi Tori bunko: five volumes, 2006.10–2008.02) and kanzenban (Kanzenban KCDX Asakiyumemishi The Tale of Genji: 10 volumes, 2008.04–2008.07)

A Genji Monogatari Asakiyumemishi Illustrations book was published in December 1984, while the Asakiyumemishi no Sekai Genji Monogatari Navi BOOK guide was issued in April 2005.

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

7. Iliad vol. 6 of 15 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku

ILIAD ~Nyuu ya dou kenbun roku~ 「イリヤッド～入矢堂見聞録～」 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 6 (eight episodes/chapters 41-48) first published in Japan in 2004.10

8. Sky of Love (Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari) vol. 7 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika «Ex-9.22

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 7 first published in Japan 2008.12

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 (2011.09.28)

1. Boule & Bill - Sahabat Setia (Boule et Bill, Tome 3: Les copains dabord) by Roba (Dupuis)
2. Rantanplan - Badut Sirkus (Rantanplan, Tome 4: Le Clown) by Morris, Jean Léturgie, Xavier Fauche (Lucky Comics)
3. Smurf - Pengacau di Desa Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 25: Un enfant chez les Schtroumpfs) by Peyo (Le Lombard)

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The Bride's Stories 2, Hikayat Genji 10, Hellsing 7 (Level Comics 6 July 2011 manga)

Also, the finale to Kubonouchi Eisaku's Chocolat (volume 7)

Otoyome-Gatari © Mori Kaoru/Enterbrain
[Serialized in Fellows!]
Published in Indonesia as The Bride's Stories by Elex Media

Despite rejection of their request, the Hargal family envoys insist on forcing Amira to exchange her young husband for another. Fortunately, Smith manages to divert the Hargals' attention and protect Karluk and Amira's marriage. Still, with a land deal on the line, a feud between the two families is inevitable and the Ayhan family might not be able to stop Amira leaving.

Bride's Stories editor Lenny-san worries about the threat to Karluk and Amira's domestic harmony in the second volume, but distracts herself with studying the specifications and significance of embroidery for Persian women of the time. Me? I'm not reading, but if I were, I'd hang on to how Yen Press' A Bride's Story, Vol. 2 describes Karluk's love for his bride: a force to be reckoned with. ^^

Chocolat 7 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chiyoko is thrown into a tizzy by the sudden appearance of her real father, but her reluctance to let her father live alone makes up her mind. On the day of her departure, however, Inamushi's hired killer confronts Ichigo.

Chocolat's editor reveals that the climax and ending are so addictive, it makes you want to reread from volume 1 ^_^

Level Comics manga (2011.07.06)

1. The Bride's Stories (Otoyome-Gatari) 2 of 3+ by Mori Kaoru

Otoyome-Gatari 「乙嫁語り」 by Mori Kaoru Enterbrain Fellows!, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.06

Awards
Nominee, 4th Manga Taisho awards (2011), along with I am a Hero by Hanazawa Kengo; March comes in like a lion by Umino Chika (award winner); Hana no Zubora-Meshi by Kusumi Masayuki, Mizusawa Etsuko; Un chocolatier de l'amour perdu by Mizushiro Setona and eight other manga

Other languages
English A Bride's Story (Yen Press: one volume per 2011.05 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25) and traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan: 姊嫁物語 2 per 2010.10)

2. Chocolat 7 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku [Finale]

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 7 (10 episodes/chapters 64-73) first published in Japan 2003.10

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 流氓蛋糕店 (Tong Li: seven volumes per 2004.07)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya and Ishii Teruyuki aired in Japan from May to July 2003

3. Hellsing 7 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 48-57) first published in Japan 2004.12

Other languages
English Hellsing (Dark Horse Comics: 10 volumes and Chuang Yi; 10 volumes), French (Tonkam, 10 volumes), Italian (Dynit), German (Planet Manga), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica) and Denmark and Sweden (Mangismo)

Related series
Hellsing: The Dawn (prequel; serialized in Young King Ours special editions, six chapters as at 2008.09, on hiatus)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Gonzo aired on Fuji TV from October 2001 to January 2002, starring seiyuu Nakata Jouji (Alucard), Orikasa Fumiko (Seras Victoria) and Sakakibara Yoshiko (Sir Integra Hellsing). A Hellsing Ultimate OAV (starring the same voice cast) premiered in Japan in January 2006 and as of December 2009, seven episodes have been released. The first four episodes were produced by Satelight, with Madhouse taking over as of OAV V. Hellsing VIII is slated for a 27 July 2011 release.

4. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 10 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 1990.01

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

5. Iliad 4 of 15 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku

ILIAD 「イリヤッド～入矢堂見聞録～」 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 4 (8 episodes/chapters 25-32) first published in Japan in 2003.11

6. Jepang Tenggelam! (Nihon Chinbotsu) 14 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 14 (chapters 113-121: Sinking country 1-9) first published in Japan 2009.01

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

7. K2 volume 8 of 15+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2008.02

8. Lost Man 2 of 12+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), shounen Volume 2 (chapters 9-18) first published in Japan 2008.09

9. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 7 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 7 (chapters 24-27) first published in Japan 2007.04

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

10. Rainbow 22 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi [Finale]

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人」 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 22 first published in Japan 2010.02

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards (2005), tied with Kawaguchi Kaiji's A Spirit of the Sun

Other languages
French (Kazé Editions: Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin tome 17 shipped 2011.04 • tome 18 street date: 2011.07.13) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 22 per 2011.05.23)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse, starring Oguri Shun (Minakami Mario), Kanjiya Shihori (Setsuko), Koyama Rikiya (Sakuragi Rokurouta/An-chan), Park Romi (Maeda Noboru AKA Suppon/Turtle), Fujiwara Keiji (Nomoto Ryuuji/Baremoto or Scam), Waki Tomohiro (Matsuura Mansaku/Cabbage), Kuroda Takaya (Tooyama Tadayoshi/Heitai or Soldier) and Hasome Tatsuya (Yokosuka Jou/Joe), aired in Japan between April and September 2010.

11. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) 12 of 18+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「団地ともお」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.08

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

12. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 6 of 14+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 6 (eight episodes/stories 36-43) first published in Japan 2008.07

European comics/BDs (2011.07.06)

1. Boule & Bill - Geng Bill (Boule et Bill: La bande à Bill) by Verron, Roba (Dargaud)
2. Johan & Pirlouit - Negeri Terkutuk (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 12: Le pays maudit) by Peyo (Dupuis)
3. Marsupilami - Bayi dari Ujung Dunia (Le Marsupilami, tome 2: Le Bébé du bout du monde) by Batem, Greg, André Franquin (Dupuis)
4. Spirou & Sang Ahli Waris (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 4: Spirou et les héritiers) by Franquin (Dupuis) »Ex-6.22
5. Yakari - Yakari dan Burung Salju (Yakari, tome 18: L'Oiseau de neige) by Derib, Job, Dominique (Le Lombard)

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