X Blade 8, Blood Alone 3, Perfect Girl Evolution 27 (Level Comics 14 December 2011 manga)

The three above lead the Level DO WANT!, but reserving lead pix for Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years, the ongoing story of Honoo-sensei that slots before Burning Pen in the Comic Bomber timeline.

Aoi Honoo © by Shimamoto Kazuhiko/Shogakukan [Serialized in Gessan and Young Sunday]. Published in Indonesia as Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years by Elex Media/Level Comics

The early 1980s. The Japanese manga and anime industry enters a new phase, and a young man burns to gain fame as a comic artist. His name: Hono Moyuru.

Yup, see our ambitious manga-ka as a poor college student (still burning but with no head for alcohol). Aoi Honoo, the Gessan and Young Sunday installment of Hono-sensei's story, was short-listed for the 3rd Manga Taisho Award in 2010. Seven volumes of the seinen manga have been compiled as of November 2011. (Scroll down if interested in other Shimamoto Kazuhiko titles other than Blue Flame, Burning Pen, Comic Bomber and New Comic Bomber.)

X Blade vol 8 of 12
By Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

Haru finally reaches Babel, only to find an Ojinto-wielding warrior blocking his way. Kushiro is Mana's former master and with one slash, destroys Babel.

What of Mana, trapped inside?

Blood Alone vol 3 of 7+
By Takano Masayuki

The beauty of cherry blossoms at night, a dress associated with a precious memory and a corner of the veil that rises over Sainome's past... Blood Alone Volume 3 continues the delicate waltz of mystery and feelings.

The above lyrical preview is adapted from Edition Ki-oon's Blood Alone, Tome 3 description; Level's more prosaic version talks about how Sainome presses Kuroe to accompany her to her family home. Sainome initially planned to pay her respects at her father's grave, but now is rethinking her plan, especially after having read her father's diary.

What did Sainome uncover that brought on misgivings?

More previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.14)

1. Angel Heart vol 12 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2004.09

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.

2. Blood Alone vol 3 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 3 first published in Japan 2006.06 (Evening KC reissue: 2010.12)

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: five volumes per 2011.12.06 • volume 6 street date: 2012.04.10), 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.

3. [Series Premiere] Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years (Aoi Honoo) vol 1 of 7+ by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Aoi Honoo 「アオイホノオ」 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko AKA Blue Blaze Shogakukan Gessan and Young Sunday, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-6 + Special Ending) first published in Japan 2008.02

Awards/recognitions
Nominee, the 3rd Manga Taisho Award in 2010

Related series
Sequel Moeyo Pen or Burning Pen and its sequels (Hoero Pen/Comic Bomber [13 volumes] and Shin Hoero Pen/New Comic Bomber [11 volumes])

4. Go-On! vol 2 of 4 by Akishige Manabu

Go-On! 「ＧＯ‐ＯＮ！」 by Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 9-19) first published in Japan 2008.07

5. Lost Man vol 6 of 14+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.11

6. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) vol 27 of 30+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 27 (Parts 108-111) first published in Japan 2010.12

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey until volumes 22/23/24; Kodansha Comics starting volume 25; 27 volumes per 2011.11.22 • volume 28 street date: 2012.05.22) and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko Tome 16 shipped 2011.12.01), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime: Perfect Girl Band 26 released 2011.10 • Band 27 street date: 2012.03)

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.

7. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) vol 11 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 11 (chapters 24-26 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1997.12

Awards
Winner, 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2000) in the Shoujo category

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in 16 bunko volumes between 2006.11 and V16 2007.05
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)

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 Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Ma ga Jidai no Reimei written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

In addition, the following novels were published under Shogakukan's Lululu Bunko Novels label: Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Tsuitachi no Tsuki (Japan release: 2008.10); Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Mayu tsuki (JP: 2010.01); and Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Jōgen (2010.06).

8. X Blade vol 8 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.10

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, two volumes per 2011.11.09)

9. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) vol 8 of 15+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 8 (eight episodes [chapters 51-58] + recipes) first published in Japan 2009.02

Reissues
Kachuu Hana My First BIG Specials volumes 1-8 released between 2010.10 and 2011.05

10. Zipang vol 10 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2003.03

Awards
Winner, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002) in the General category

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana: Pack Fidelite Zipang Tome 30+T31 per 2011.08 • Pack Fidelite T32+33 street date: 2011.10.21) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: 次元艦隊 43 per 2010.06)

Adaptations
Anime by Studio DEEN starring seiyuu Inada Tetsu (Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke), Hoshino Takanori (Gunnery Officer Kikuchi Masayuki), Ueda Yuuji (Navigation Officer Oguri Kouhei), Yara Yuusaku (Captain Umezu Saburo) and Touchi Hiroki (Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi) aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005

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

European comics/BDs (2011.12.14)

• Marsupilami: Emas Boavista (Le Marsupilami, Tome 7: L'Or de Boavista) by André Franquin, Batem, Yann (Marsu Production)

Postponed titles
Smurf Hitam, Smurf Liar and Smurf dan Telur Ajaib by Peyo (new street date: 21 December 2011)

Read more »

The Drops of God 9, Love Affair 11 and The Black Swindler 15 (Level Comics 9 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

As I mentioned over on the Elex side, it's slim pickins for synops and covers, so MinimaList—and ROMICs for lead—for nau. «Edit: Sorry, Leonard and Marsupilami fans, but I went and replaced the lead pix.

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu © Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu/Kodansha [Serialized in Morning] · Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta © Miyasaka Kaho/Shogakukan [Serialized in Cheese!]. Published in Indonesia as The Drops of God and Love Affair by Elex Media/Level Comics

In The Drops of God 9, we interrupt the regularly-scheduled Apostles treasure hunt for a new mission —

Shizuku wants to make Kido, the wine division newbie, like wines and he's willing to go all the way to his father's vacation house for clues to a certain special vintage. Does Shizuku find it? More to the point, what secrets does Shizuku unearth in the memory-filled house?

(You can bet that whatever Shizuku discovers, it will still have bearing on the Third Apostle.)

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu will have compiled 31 volumes in Japan by 17 November. We have quite a way to go.

Meanwhile, memory plays some tricks in Love Affair 11:

Yukito and Kotori's relationship improves after both come clean about their feelings. Yukito even gets to stay with Kotori after her older sib leaves him alone to look after the sick Kotori. How good are Yukito's nursing skills? More importantly, can he keep up the platonic bedside manner when there's no one else in the house?

Kotori doesn't help matters any when she calls out for Kenken...

The 13th Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta tankou streets 26 December in Japan.

More previews of ongoings after the release list. Up here, the Ranko The Governor premiere.

Chiji Ranko
© Takahashi Noboru
Shogakukan [Big Comics]
Published in Indonesia as
Ranko The Governor
by Level Comics

Beautiful young widow Akatsuki Ranko is elected governor of the (fictitious) Waga prefecture. Gossip has it she won on a sympathy vote after her politician husband's death. Little wonder that many look down her, including one shady businessman colluding with an equally shady politico to embezzle public funds. But is Madam Governor as callow as people think?

Ranko The Governor volume 1 compiles chapters 1–7 and 8. Four Chiji Ranko volumes have been published in Japan as of November 2005.

Other Takahashi Noboru manga
More current than Chiji Ranko is Mogura no Uta, the ongoing Big Comic Spirits seinen action drama that will have logged 29 volumes in Japan by 27 December. Takahashi Noboru-sensei also created Ahoudori no Uta serialized in Business Jump (Young Jump Comics volume 2 per October 2010) and the psychological drama series Riman Gambler Mouse, first serialized in Morning (four of four volumes per 2001.11), and its one-volume sequel, Riman Gambler Mouse: Jotai Jigokuhen, serialized in MiChao! (KCDX MiChao KC: 2008.09).

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.11.09)

1. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) vol 15 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 15 (chapters 153-155 and 156-163) first published in Japan 2007.10

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

Related
Shin Kurosagi (sequel, volume 13 street date: 2011.12.27)

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. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) vol 6 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro

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 6 first published in Japan 2005.03

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 20 shipped 2011.02) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

3. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) vol 9 of 31+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2006.11

Awards
Special Award of the Year - La Revue du vin de France (French wine magazine); Nominee (Glénat's Les Gouttes de Dieu, tome 1), French Angoulême Comics Awards; Nominee, 1st Keitai Comic Taishō (Mobile Phone Comic Award, along with Hiura Satoru's Hotaru no Hikari, Miyasaka Kaho's Kare First Love and 17 other manga)

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu Tome 21 shipped 2011.10.19 • Tome 22 street date: 2012.02.08), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 神之水滴 29 per 2011.09), English Drops of God (Vertical: one volume per 2011.09 • volume 2 street date: 2011.12.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV.

4. Lost Man vol 5 of 14+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) vol 11 of 13+ by Miyasaka Kaho

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 「僕達は知ってしまった」 by Miyasaka Kaho AKA We Experienced the Affair Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 11 first published in Japan 2011.02

Other languages
German (Egmont Manga & Anime: Lebe deine Liebe Band 11 released 2011.11.04 • Band 12 street date: 2012.01), French (Marvel Panini France: A Romantic Love Story Tome 11 per 2011.10.19 • Tome 12 street date: 2012.02.15)

Adaptations
The Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta ~ Kare to Kanojo to Aitsu no Himitsu light novel written by Takase Yunoka was released under the Flower Comics Lululu novels label on 2011.07.26.

Related
The official Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta Kōshiki Fanbook (JP release: 2011.07)

6. Over Rev vol 21 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 21 (chapters 229-239) first published in Japan 2002.05

Reissues
Released in 13 wide-ban from 2007.05 to 2008.05 and in bunko as OVER REV! A Legend of Ultimate Hot Rodder (15 volumes published as at 2009.04)

7. [Series Premiere] Ranko The Governor (Chiji Ranko) vol 1 of 4 by Takahashi Noboru

Chiji Ranko 「知事ラン子」 by Takahashi Noboru Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-7 and 8) first published in Japan 2004.09

8. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 14 of 43+ by Chan Mou

Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan 「火鳳燎原」 by Chan Mou AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes Tong Li New Youth, seinen

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 #42 released 2011.09.05), Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 9 per 2009.12), Vietnamese Hỏa Phụng Liêu Nguyên. The manhua is also published in Mainland China, Korea and Thailand.

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

[ROMICs] European comics/BDs

1. Leonard - Jenius Tingkat Tinggi (Léonard, Tome 4: Hi-Fi génie) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)
2. Marsupilami - Fordlandia (Le Marsupilami, Tome 6: Fordlandia) by Franquin, Batem & Yann (Marsu Production)

Read more »

The Drops of God 7, Soul Eater 10, Team Medical Dragon 19 (Level Comics 14 September 2011 manga)

And...Magister Negi Magi 27!

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu © Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu/Kodansha [Serialized in Morning] · Soul Eater © Ohkubo Atsushi/Square Enix [Serialized in Shonen Gangan] · Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- © by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira [First serialized in Big Comic Superior]. Published in Indonesia as The Drops of God, Soul Eater and Team Medical Dragon by Elex Media/Level Comics

In The Drops of God volume 7, Shizuku's work is far, far from over. Sure, it's one Apostle down, but there's still 11 to go. Instead of diving straight into looking for the 2nd Apostle, however, Shizuku is roped into finding a wine that can beat those of the top five chateaux. If he fails, Miyabi has to transfer to her friend Takasugi's company. Can Shizuku produce a wine that can delight Takasugi?

Soul Eater 10 of 20+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Maka & Co. return to Death City after the Brew mission, only to learn that Shinigami fears a spy hides in the SPSS (DWMA) midst. Lord Death thus summons Internal Affairs to investigate. As all this is going down, Doctor Stein's madness engulfs him, and even Black Star stands no chance!

Soul Eater 10 collects chapters 36 through 39: ‘Brew’ Tempest (Part 3), ‘Brew’ Tempest (Part 4), Internal Investigation (Part 1) andInternal Investigation (Part 2). [*NOT Level's chapter titles] DON'T click the link if you don't want to know who's the DWMA traitor.

Team Medical Dragon 19 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira

Akira continues to win more support, forcing the other professor candidates to scramble if they want to secure their own positions. Meanwhile, Professor Takeo's popularity among the medical staff plunges. Only one person attends Takeo's year-end celebration. Who is s/he?

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.09.14)

1. Angel Heart 10 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2004.03

Related series
Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; two volumes per 2011.09.20)
Reissued by Coamix under the ZENON Collection label from 2010.09 (18 volumes per 2011.05)

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.

2. Basara 19 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 19 first published in Japan 1996.10

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 16 bunko volumes (2002.03 to 2002.10)
English Basara (VIZ Media: 27 volumes), French (Kana: 27 volumes), German (EMA: Band 26 ships 2011.10; Band 27 per 2012.01), Danish (Mangismo Danmark), Swedish (Mangismo Sverige) and Vietnamese (Kim Dong: 27 volumes)

Adaptations
A 13-episode Legend of Basara anime by KSS, starring seiyuu Kimura Akiko (Sarasa) and Inoue Kazuhiko (Shuri), aired on Chiba TV from April to June 1998.

3. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 18 of 28+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 18 first published in Japan 2005.06

Volume 18 chapters:
Dai Hyaku Jū Yon Maku Kassatsu
Dai Hyaku Jū Go Maku Mami no Su (Sono Ichi)
Dai Hyaku Jū Roku Maku Mami no Su (Sono Ni)
Dai Hyaku Jū Nana Maku Mami no Su (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Jū Hachi Maku Mami no Su (Sono Yon)
Dai Hyaku Jū Kyū Maku Kawauso no Su (Sono Ichi)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Maku Kawauso no Su (Sono Ni)

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 23 volumes per 2011.02 • Volume 24: Massacre street date: 2011.11.08), French (Casterman: L'habitant de l'infini Tome 26 shipped 2011.06), 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.

Related
The 小説無限の住人　刃獣異聞/Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon novel written by Ohsako Junichi and illustrated by Samura Hiroaki was published under the KC Novels imprint in 2008.07 and by Dark Horse Comics in 2009.11.

The 艶（あだ）浪　「無限の住人」画集/The Art of Blade of the Immortal illustration book was released 2008.06 in Japan, 2010.06 in North America by Dark Horse.

4. Blue Seal (Ao no Fuuin) 2 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 2 first published in Japan 1999.03 (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)

5. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 7 of 30+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu AKA Les Gouttes de Dieu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2006.07

Awards
Special Award of the Year - La Revue du vin de France (French wine magazine); Nominee (Glénat's Les Gouttes de Dieu, tome 1), French Angoulême Comics Awards; Nominee, 1st Keitai Comic Taishō (Mobile Phone Comic Award, along with Hiura Satoru's Hotaru no Hikari, Miyasaka Kaho's Kare First Love and 17 other manga)

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu Tome 20 shipped 2011.08.17 • Tome 21 street date: 2011.10.19), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 神之水滴 23 per 2010.06), English Drops of God (Vertical: volume 1 street date: 2011.09.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV.

6. Jormungand 4 of 9+ by Takahashi Keitarou

Jormungand 「ヨルムンガンド」 by Takahashi Keitarou Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 4 (chapters 18-24) first published in Japan 2008.04

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).

7. Lost Man 4 of 13+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.05

8. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 27 of 35+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 27 (chapters 241-249) first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28 and Kodansha Comics: starting from volume 29 [2011.05] • volume 31 street date: 2011.09.20 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore: MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, Volume 27 per 2011.02), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔法老师 #31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 魔法老師! 33 per 2011.04), French (Pika Édition: Negima! Tome 32 shipped 2011.08.17 • Tome 33 street date: 2011.10.05), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime: Negima! Magister Negi Magi Band 31 released 2011.08.04 • Band 32 street date: 2011.10), Norway (Schibsted Forlag), Brazil (Editora JBC) and Croatia (Algoritam).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17-2010.11.17; and the anime movie that concludes the Magic World arc, Mahou Sensei Negima: Anime Final (premiered 27 August 2011 in Japan as a double-bill with Hayate the Combat Butler! Heaven Is a Place on Earth). A live-action drama aired on TV Tokyo from 2007.10 to 2008.03.

9. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 8 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 8 (chapters 28-31) first published in Japan 2007.08

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

10. Officer Monju (Seigi Keikan Monju) 10 of 12 by Miyashita Hiroki

Seigi Keikan Monju 「正義警官モンジュ」 by Miyashita Hiroki Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan in 2010.07

Other languages
French (Kana: Monju, au service de la justice Tome 8 per 2011.02 • Tome 9 street date: 2011.09.23), traditional Chinese (Taiwan Tohan: 正義警官毛九 volume 7 per 2011.06)

11. Over Rev 20 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 20 (chapters 217-228) first published in Japan 2002.02

Reissues
Released in 13 wide-ban from 2007.05 to 2008.05 and in bunko as OVER REV! A Legend of Ultimate Hot Rodder (15 volumes published as at 2009.04)

12. Soul Eater 10 of 20+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 (chapters 36-39) first published in Japan 2007.10

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: six volumes per 2011.06 • volume 7 street date: 2011.10.25), French (Kurokawa Tome 16 per 2011.07 • Tome 17 street date: 2011.10.13), German (Carlsen Comics Band 12 shipped 2011.08.26 • Band 13 street date: 2011.10.28) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: 噬魂者 17 per 2011.03)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (side story; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12)

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.

13. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) 19 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie (Medical Supervision) Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 19 (chapters 150-157) first published in Japan 2008.12

Awards
Winner, Best Seinen/General Manga, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards.

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 17 shipped 2011.07 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.10.19)

Related
My First BIG Special limited edition releases: Iryū Oyasumi (Japan release: 2011.01); Iryū Yōchi (2010.12); Iryū Tokken (2010.11); Iryū sennō (2010.10); Iryū Himitsu Heiki (2010.09); Iryū Sōtei-gai (2007.12); Iryū Hakui (2007.11); Iryū Kyōju no Shishitsu (2007.11); Iryū Kiken na masui (2007.10); Iryū Kango-shi to Isha (2006.06); and Iryū Kanja no Ishi (2006.04)

Adaptations
Three seasons of the live-action adaptation, starring Sakaguchi Kenji (Asada Ryutaro), aired on Fuji TV (Season 1: April to June 2006; Season 2: October to December 2007; Season 3: October to December 2010). The first season won the Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.14)

1. Jojo - Tuan Serba Tahu (Jojo, Tome 8: Monsieur Je-sais-tout) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
2. Lucky Luke - Kavaleri ke 20 (Lucky Luke, Tome 27: Le 20ème de cavalerie) by Morris & Goscinny (Dupuis)
3. Petualangan Spirou & Fantasio -Tora Torapa (Spirou et Fantasio, Tome 23: Tora-Torapa) by Fournier (Dupuis)

Read more »

Bronze Angel 4, Magister Negi Magi 26, Hotaru's Light 12 (Level Comics 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Update: Cleared the WIP dust to reveal the rest of Level Comics' manga covers and NikBabble™.)

Bronze no Tenshi © Saito Chiho/Shogakukan [Serialized in Flowers]
Published in Indonesia as Bronze Angel by Elex Media/Level Comics

While attending the royal ball with Pushkin, Natalya is asked to pair up with d'Anthes and dance with the emperor and empress. Although initially wary of d'Anthes, Natalya begins to open up her heart to the French officer. This marks the start of a genius poet's wife's forbidden love for the lonely soldier.

Bronze Angel editor Sina-san squees over the beginning of Natalya's thrilling affair ...>0< Kyaaa~

Magister Negi Magi 26 of 35+ by Akamatsu Ken

Negi and Kotaro advance to the tournament finals, only to face Kagetaro and his new partner, Rakan of the Thousand Blades. Cornered into desperation by his inability to defeat the invincible Rakan, Negi turns to Eva and his father's friends for training help. Meanwhile, Fate and his accomplice successfully trap Asuna and Anya.

Editor Adisti-san can only proffer: Magister Negi Magi 26 is finally here; sorry for the long wait. ^^;;

Negima 26 compiles chapters 232 through 240: Episode 1: ‘Rakan's Journey ♥’ - Continued Furthur, Episode 1: ‘Rakan's Journey! Forever ♥’, Captured Imperial Princess, Advent of the Goddess of Breasts ♥, Nagi/Kojiro Team, Head Out!, The Legend's Urgent Entry!!, Declaration of Utter Defeat!?, Massing of Troops ♥ Courageous Allies and All Ready! Crush Rakan. [*NOT Level's chapter titles]

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.07.27)

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 17 of 27+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 17 first published in Japan 2004.11

Volume 17 chapters:
Dai Hyaku Roku Maku Jakura (Sono Ni)
Dai Hyaku Nana Maku Jakura (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Hachi Maku Jakura (Sono Yon)
Dai Hyaku Kyū Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Ichi)
Dai Hyaku Jū Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Ni)
Dai Hyaku Jū Ichi Maku Kachihadashi (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Jū Ni Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Yon)
Dai Hyaku Jū San Maku Kachihadashi (Sono Go)

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 23 volumes per 2011.02 • Volume 24: Massacre street date: 2011.11.08), French (Casterman: L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 per 2010.10 • Tome 26 shipped 2011.06), 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.

Related
The 小説無限の住人　刃獣異聞/Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon novel written by Ohsako Junichi and illustrated by Samura Hiroaki was published under the KC Novels imprint in 2008.07 and by Dark Horse Comics in 2009.11.

The 艶（あだ）浪　「無限の住人」画集/The Art of Blade of the Immortal illustration book was released 2008.06 in Japan, 2010.06 in North America by Dark Horse.

2. Bronze Angel (Bronze no Tenshi) 4 of 7 by Saito Chiho

Bronze no Tenshi 「ブロンズの天使」 by Saito Chiho Shogakukan Flowers, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2005.10

Other versions
Rereleased in five bunko volumes (per 2011.03)

Related series
Bronze no Tenshi Gaiden (one volume spin-off; 2009.01)

3. Haruka 17 volume 12 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2006.07

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

4. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 12 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 12 first published in Japan in 2008.09

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. Karakuri Circus 3 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro

Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 by Fujita Kazuhiro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 (chapters 18-26) first published in Japan 2001.10

Other languages
French (Delcourt: Karakuri Circus Tome 21 per 2007.12)

6. Kowloon's Seekers (Shin Kijou no Kowloon) 2 of 3 by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi

Shin Kijou no Kowloon 「真　机上の九龍　中」 by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi AKA Shin Kijou no Kuryuu Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

Related series
Prequel: Kijou no Kowloon (one volume published under Shogakukan's Big Comics Special imprint; 2002.12)

7. Lost Man 3 of 13+ 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 3 (chapters 19-27) first published in Japan 2009.01

8. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 26 of 35+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 26 (chapters 232-240) first published in Japan 2009.05

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28 and Kodansha Comics: volume 29 per 2011.05 and volume 30 by 2011.07.19 • volume 31 street date: 2011.09.20 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore: MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, Volume 27 per 2011.02), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔法老师 #31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 魔法老師! 33 per 2011.04), French (Pika Édition: Tome 31 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 32 street date: 2011.08.17), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime; Band 30 shipped 2011.05 • Band 31 street date: 2011.08), Norway (Schibsted Forlag), Brazil (Editora JBC) and Croatia (Algoritam).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17, 2009.12.17, 2010.05.17 and 2010.07.17; and Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Ariadone-hen~ per 2010.11.17), an anime movie for the Magic World arc expected to premiere in 2011 and a live-action drama (TV Tokyo, 2007.10-2008.03)

9. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 11 of 42+ by Chan Mou

Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan 「火鳳燎原」 by Chan Mou AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes Tong Li New Youth, seinen

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 41 released 2011.05) and Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 volume 9 per 2009.12; serialized in Comic Sangokushi). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

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

Read more »