Valentine 2011 manga recommendation: Blanc Marie, a one-shot by Yoshihara Yuki ♥ Help! I'm in love with...

Our Valentine 2011 picks spotlights another scanlation—Blanc Marie—a josei manga one-shot from Yoshihara Yuki, creator of Oh Butterfly, Oh Flower.

This review is written in Bahasa Indonesia.

Blanc Marie © Yoshihara Yuki
[First appeared in Petit Comic (Shogakukan)]
[Image from Aerandria.net]

Blanc Marie by Yoshihara Yuki ♥ Help! I'm in love with...
Review/Recommendation by Lina-chan (Some rights reserved)
Rating: 9.5/10

Sinopsis
Kiriko ingin mati saja. Di hari pernikahannya, calon suaminya justru meninggalkannya seorang diri di tengah altar.Untung ada Soujiro Kido, saudara ipar yang menyelamatkan Kiriko di saat paling memalukan itu. Suatu insiden kecil menyebabkan Kiriko berciuman dengan Soujiro. Sejak saat itu, pikiran Kiriko dipenuhi oleh Soujiro, mulai dari wajahnya yang tanpa ekspresi, kata-katanya yang kelewat jujur dan ketulusan hatinya. Bagaimana ya kelanjutan kisah cinta terlarang ini?

Read more »

I Need Job!! 1 by Yoshino Aki and Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao (3L josei and shoujo manga out now)

Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~ © Yoshino Aki/Shogakukan [First serialized in Petit Comic]
Published in Indonesia as I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~
by PT Tiga Lancar Semesta/Tiga Lancar Comic (3L)

What I wished for when King of Hearts was first published here finally came true: 3L licensed Yoshino Aki's job- (and love) hunting josei manga Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~. I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ 1 of 2 is now on sale.

Asaoka Yuri discovers you need more than just enthusiasm to get somewhere in the Tokyo job market. The college senior has applied to 49 companies and been unanimously rejected, much to her chagrin. It looks like even her 50th try is doomed, but what's worse, another student from the same university is there to witness (and snicker at) her epic #Fail.

Yuri should've bopped the too self-confident Manabe Ryoji on the head, but instead she lets fly a left-fielder to the Do you agree/disagree with the proposal to ban smoking in taxis question Ryoji poses. (She answers: The taxi should provide candies on board.)

With such a bad first impresh, youdathunk Yuri would've given Ryoji a wide berth, especially when they're back at the university, but nooo. Yuri actually goes and falls for Ryoji.

Manga GET!

I know, I know, the synopsis doesn't come across as a compliment to Yuri, much less a GET! recommendation for her manga starrer. In fact, Typical Shoujo Triad member dalina02-san only gave the first I Need Job!! a 6 out of 10 rating and suggests it as a Rent. But I enjoyed—muchness—Yuri's job hunt and found the required Ryoji × Yuri reading compelling. You be the judge.

I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ volume 1 contains chapters 1 through 5: Masa Sulit (Tough Times), Interview, Antusias (Enthusiasm), Saatnya Istirahat (A Well-earned Break) and Turning Point.

Aside from I Need Job!! and King of Hearts (my gateway Yoshino Aki manga), Yoshino Aki-sensei also created the oh-so-cute Petit Comic one-shot Non-chan to Watashi, the sports-themed Kimi wa Kirakira and Yuru Koi, which encloses the Heart no Ousama sequel Happy Birthday.

I synopsize the other 3L debut—Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao—that I didn't see (prolly overlooked) at Gramed Below the Cut. But before that, let me just say that this SFW pair is truly welcome after the recent spate of Dewasa/Mature 3L releases.

3L josei and shoujo manga (2010.12.20)

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

1. [Series Premiere] I Need Job!! ~Unofficial Decision For You~ (Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~) 1 of 2 by Yoshino Aki

Shu-katsu!! ~Kimi ni Naitei~ 「シューカツ！！～キミに内定～」 by Yoshino Aki
AKA Job Hunting～Tentative Job Offer
Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei
Volume 1 (chapters 1-5) first published in Japan 2008.01

2. [Premiere] Kon Kon x Honey by Maita Nao

Kon Kon x Honey 「コンコン×ハニー」 by Maita Nao
AKA Con Con x Honey
Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo
This anthology (main story chapters 1-3 and three one-shots) first published in Japan 2007.08

Read more »

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 2 ♥, The Drops of God 2, Vagabond 33 (Level Comics 13 October 2010 manga)

Chou yo Hana yo © Yoshihara Yuki/Shogakukan (First serialized in Petit Comic)
Published in Indonesia as Oh Butterfly Oh Flower by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Masayuki's sometimes Chaa-chan, sometimes “Director Domoto ♥!” Jekyll-and-Hyde-ing only leaves our demoted to prole ranks oujo Choko discombobulated. But beyond the swirly-eyes are slits that see how the boss's niece is cozying up to Masayuki. The claws come out when sed jama mono declares to all and sundry that she and Masayuki are destined for wedding bells.

How will Choko sideline this nuisance? Can we expect some (wannabe Gundam pilot) Masayuki assistance here? Find out in volume 2 of Oh Butterfly Oh Flower, this Wednesday's Most Wanted Level manga.

For moar comedy — that deserves at least one glass of that now elusive 2001 Château Mont-Pérat Bordeaux —

The Drops of God 2 by of 26+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Shizuku and Miyabi, now hip-deep in the wine division, meet an eccentric Italian epicure, Honma-san. Such is Honma-san's lurve for Italian vino that he refuses to drink any other country's wine (including, I suppose, that Château MP). Seeing all those other bottles sniveling in a corner, Shizuku pops a few veins and challenges Honma-san.

Which gauntlet does I see Queen! Shizuku throw down for Honma-san to pick up? Check out The Drops of God 2 and be sure to have a red/white/rose to keep you company. (NOTE: The latter suggestion only applies to those already alcohol-legal!)

Teh rest of the manga (and one manhwa) previews be behind the fake cut.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.10.13)

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

1. Basara 13 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Flowers, shoujo Volume 13 first published in Japan 1994.11

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 15 bunko volumes
English Basara (VIZ Media; 27 volumes), French (Kana; 27 volumes), German (EMA; Band 24 ships 2010.11), Danish (Mangismo Danmark) and Swedish (Mangismo Sverige)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime by KSS, starring seiyuu Kimura Akiko (Sarasa), aired in Japan from April to June 1998.

2. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 11 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2001.01

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages/serializations
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics; Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03 • volume 23 street date: 2011.01.18), French (Casterman; L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 ships 2010.10.06); 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.

3. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 2 of 26+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi* & Okimoto Shu AKA Les Gouttes de Dieu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.05

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)
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

Other languages
French Glénat (Les Gouttes de Dieu tome 15 shipped 2010.09.22 • tome 16 per 2010.11.17) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan; 神之水滴 vol. 24 per 2010.06). An English version is expected by year's end.

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV. Another adaptation, Korean, starring Bae Yong Joon (Winter Sonata) has been greenlit but delayed.

Notes
Agi Tadashi is a pen name of brother and sister team Kibayashi Shin and Yuko; Kibayashi Shin also writes under the pseudonyms Ando Yuma (Psychometrer Eiji, Kunimitsu no Matsuri); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files, Remote; Tantei Gakuen Q); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers; Psycho Busters); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday series); Arimori Jōji (Asobotto Senki Gokū); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi).

4. Hellsing 5 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.02

Volume 5 contains chapters:
28 Flash Point
29 D 4
30 D 5
31 D 6
32 D 7
33 D 8
34 D 9
35 Xanado
36 Final Fantasy 1
37 Final Fantasy 2

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 produced 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.

5. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 8 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 8 first published in Japan 2007.10

Volume 8 contains chapters:
62～68 Hades, the Land of Fire*
69～70 Long way home（1～2）
*NOT Level titles; translated from the Japanese

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

6. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 2 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 2 contains chapters:
6 Hide and Seek
7 Within the heart
8 2nd Stage
9 MVP
10 Masayuki, Blue Lemon
*NOT Level's chapter titles (Serenus-Dreamers' scanlation titles)

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media; volume 4 released 2010.09.07 • volume 5 street date: 2010.12.07), French (Soleil Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

7. Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei) 3 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei by Kikuchi Shota 「きりきり亭のぶら雲先生」 Gentosha Birz Comics, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2002.06

Related
Kirikiri Teishujin (sequel; one volume per 2009.11, ongoing)

Reissues
Re-released in four bunko volumes (2009.03 and 2009.07)

8. Priest 10 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 10 first published in Korea 2001.09 Series on hiatus from volume 16

Other languages
English Priest (TOKYOPOP; 16 volumes), French (Tokebi; 16 volumes), German (Tokyopop Germany), Polish (Kasen Comics), Italian (J POP), Portuguese (Lumus Brazil) and Japanese (Enterbrain Beam comix)

Adaptations
A film adaptation starring Cam Gigandet, Paul Bettany and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (Indonesian screening is slated to begin 12 May 2011.)

9. Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) 3 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi

Toukei Ibun 「東亰異聞」 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi Gentousha Comic Birz, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2003.09

Reissues
Re-released in two volumes under the Birz Comics Special imprint (2008.03)

10. Vagabond 33 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

Vagabond 「バガボンド」 by Inoue Takehiko Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 33 first published in Japan 2010.05

Volume 33 contains chapters:
288 Kokura
289 The Music Inside
290 The World of People
291 7 Years
292 Profile
293 Haze
294 Give It Up
295 Paper Balloon
296 Kojirou's City

Related
Based on the novel Musashi by Yoshikawa Eiji

Awards
Grand Prize for manga, 2000 Japan Media Arts Festival
Best Seinen/General Manga, 24th Kodansha Manga Awards
2002 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Other languages
English Vagabond (VIZ Media [volume 32 released 2010.08 • volume 33 street date: 2010.10.19] and Chuang Yi [latest volume 22 per 2010.08]), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi; 流浪汉 #32 per 2010.04), French (Tonkam; tome 33 ships 2010.12), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Argentina), German (EMA; Band 30 releases 2011.01), Polish (Mandragora) and Portuguese (Conrad Brazil)

11. Zipang 4 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2001.07

Awards
Best General Manga, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002)

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana; tome 28 shipped 2010.08) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press)

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

¹ Sources: Elex STO 13 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² GN are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Vagabond 33 and Zipang 4 (SRP: IDR 20,000 each). Blade of Immortal 11 retails for IDR 19,500/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Basara 13 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Sarasa and her friends manage to escape from Abashiri prison with the help of Kakujii, but en route to Sakura island, they hear of disturbing news: Kita no Momonoi is planning an assault on Sakura to subdue Tatara.

Sarasa resolves to depose Momonoi and heads for Suo, the same place Shuri is headed. Will the pair chance upon each other? And can Sarasa ward off the attack on Sakura island?

Blade of Immortal 11 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

A long string of obstacles has left Rin more dead than alive, but she still manages to reach Kaga. Having gone meal-less for several days, however, she faints from hunger. Fortunately, someone saves her, but his identity only shocks Rin witless: her biseinen good Samaritan is none other than Anotsu Kagehisa.

Before Rin can settle up with Anotsu, they are surrounded by a group of masked warriors. Who are they?

Hellsing 5 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Badass (Red) Longcoat Alucard goes after Bizarre And Improbable Ballistics Rip van Winkle, now in control of the English aircraft carrier Eagle, leaving behind Bifauxnen Sir Integra and Fair Cop Seras.

The Major capitalizes on the Alucard vacuum to send his vampires to overrun London and hunt down Integra. Can Integra and her Battle Butler Walter escape the Major's net?

[Trope identification c/o TV Tropes]

Jepang Tenggelam 8 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

The majority of the public chooses not to heed the prime minister's warning of an imminent, within five hours Mount Aso eruption, backed up by a handful of pundits who also discount the alarm bells.

As the entire nation pendulums between believing and disbelieving, the clock ticks on. Will the prediction come to pass? Will the residents eventually heed the warning and evacuate?

Onsen Paradise 3 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Brown-sensei's dream spirit, a manifestation of childishness, returns with a vengeance. Not only does the spirit throw Brown's editor's schedule out of whack, it also “persuades” Lolimomo and pals to comb the city in search of kinako mochi from Mt. Tanuki.

Can they find the rice cake (traditionally made on New Year's Day for luck) before the dream spirit has the entire town up in arms?

Priest 10 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Ivan struggles against the second fallen angel Achmode, almost to no avail, an opening Beliel exploits, offering Ivan power in return for Ivan's soul. Refusing Beliel drains Ivan further, seemingly making the conclusion to the skirmish a given.

Coburn, meanwhile, has tracked Ivan down till Bosack, but he and his group are attacked by living corpses. Can the federal marshal and his men survive the zombie attack?

Strange Tales of Tokyo 3 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi

On their way home from the Takatsukasa main residence, Shintaro and Manzo again run into the trader samurai. Fortunately for the investigator pair, a mysterious youth comes to their aid. But their deliverer vanishes as quickly as he appeared.

Tragedy, meanwhile, revisits the Takatsukasa family. Naoshi dies after plunging from a five-storey pagoda. At Naoshi's wake, Shintaro and Manzo see their enigmatic young rescuer among the mourners. Who is he, really? And what connection does he have with the Takatsukasa clan?

Vagabond 33 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

When sword-saint Musashi closes himself off from all outside interference, he rediscovers a powerful yearning to meet rival Kojiro. Musashi returns to his sojourning, all the while beset by burning life questions.

Kojiro's sea travels, meanwhile, end in Kokura. His honesty and agility endear him to the residents, and in just one day, Kojiro is welcomed as one of the town's own. But can these peaceful days last?

Zipang 4 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Lieutenant Colonel Kadomatsu and his men, now in Guadalcanal, manage to locate the American camp. The Imperial Japanese maritime forces look upon the discovery as a golden opportunity to launch an attack, prompting the Mirai crew to try to prevent hostilities from breaking out to ensure the success of Lt. Col. Kadomatsu's mission.

UP NEXT: m&c! 13 October 2010 manga

m&c!: Song of Love 6 · Bleach 35 · When Love is Growing by Shiumi Saki · Female Wolf's Boy 6 · Miracle Ball 12 of 12 · Kimi Ga Suki - I Love You - 2 of 3 · How to Make a Princess 1 by Izumi Asuka · Because I Love You 2 of 2 · Love Remedy by Kohara Yuko · My Sweet Home 1 by Maru & Kim Jin-hee · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 12

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Lenny-san for the artwork and blurb help

disclaimer

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

other upcoming manga (13 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Topeng Kaca 1 Deluxe by Miuchi Suzue · Fairy Tail 9 · Defense Devil 1 by Youn In-Wan & Yang Kyung-Il · Kariage-kun 34 · My First Mr. Akuno 1 by Fujiki Syun · SC: Thorny Rules by Yukimura Yuni · Sentaro 35 · Crows 12 · Artist Acro 2 · Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 volume 2 of 2 · Kurozakuro 7 of 7 · Hidamari Sketch 4

related monthly schedules

October 2010
Premiering Red River by Shinohara Chie,Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi andHunt for the Thumb by Yamada Yuusuke (standalone)

September 2010
Premiering Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki and The Duke and I by Hara Chieko

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · manaworld · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · manhwa · josei · seinen · shoujo · Basara · Blade of the Immortal · The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) · Hellsing · Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) · Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei) · Priest · Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) · Vagabond · Zipang

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 1 ♥, Black Lagoon 6, Rainbow 17 (Level Comics 26 May 2010 manga)

Contains   [SPOILERS!], sometimes in the form of (TV) Trope identification. Also, hearts ♥.

Chou yo Hana yo © Yoshihara Yuki/Shogakukan (First serialized in Petit Comic)
Published in Indonesia as Oh Butterfly Oh Flower by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Bankruptcy boots the Kuze family out of a manor complete with That Thing That Goes Doink, landing them in a plebeian soba-ya and downgrading ojou-sama Choko to Office Ladyship.

Choko's hopes for a peaceful life from here on out go down the drain (rotation otherwise unaffected by the Bad Coriolis urban myth) when she interviews for a job with a top real estate firm: her Inquisitor interviewer asks questions that transcend nosy.

What is he thinking?? Who IS this guy??

As TV Tropes reveals, he's “Say it with ♥! ‘Director Domoto ♥,’” the absolutely droolicious (need baskom/basin here) and LOLarious former baby-sitter, now turned slave-driver romantic lead of Yoshihara Yuki's Chou yo Hana yo, released in Indonesia as Oh Butterfly Oh Flower.

LMAO! attends Administrative Department Director Domoto ♥ Masayuki's shenanigans (look forward to Gundam. Snort.), but its dem “♥”s that yank out emotional investment. The pull ♥ is such that not only readers/fangirls rejoice in Level's release of this josei manga. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower editor Lenny-san admits to ^__^ grinning non-stop over her luck in being assigned this title. She recommends it as a must-have for romance comedy lovers, pointing out that Yoshihara-sensei is the best ♥ in combining these two aspects in her comics, before punctuating with: The art is beautiful!

(I agree on all points, but I still would've dearly wubbed ♥ to have been a (butter)fly on the wall during the Level To License or Not to License discussions. They must've been hilarious, given that Oh Butterfly Oh Flower's not exactly stingy on smut.)

To keep teh ‘Director Domoto ♥.’s undiluted, summaries for Black Lagoon 6, Rainbow 17, Eagle 11 of 11, and the rest of the Level manga streeting this Wednesday have been relocated to after the manga and reissues lists.

Level Comics manga (2010.05.26)

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

1. Black Lagoon 6 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「 ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ 」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 6 (containing chapters 38-46) first published in Japan 2006.11

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Black Lagoon is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 8 released 2009.10.13 • volume 9 street date: 2010.07.13) and Chuang Yi (latest: volume 4). The manga is translated into French by Kabuto; in Spanish by Norma Editorial; in German by Carlsen Comics; and in Polish by Waneko.

ADAPTATIONS
A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Toyoguchi Megumi as Revy and Namikawa Daisuke as Rock, aired in Japan from April tp June 2006. The Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage second season (episodes 13 to 24) was telecast from October through December of the same year. An OAV sequel, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, is expected to premiere this July 2010, with the fourth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray Disc scheduled for release in December 2010.

RELATED
Black Lagoon light novel by Urobuchi Gen (Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07.18)

2. Chocolat 3 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「 ショコラ 」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 (containing 11 chapters/stories) first published in Japan 2000.12

ADAPTATIONS
A live-action adaptation aired in Japan from May to July 2003, starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya, and Ishii Teruyuki.

3. Eagle 11 of 11 by Kawaguchi Kaiji [Finale]

Eagle 「 イーグル 」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 11 (containing chapters 82-89)first published in Japan 2001.04

AWARDS
Eagle: The Making of an Asian-American President was nominated for five Eisner Awards (The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards), including Best New Series, Best Continuing Series, Best Writer/Artist, Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material (2001 and 2002)

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Eagle: The Making of an Asian-American President was published in English by VIZ Media (five volumes, complete); in French by J'ai Lu (discontinued after 8 volumes) and Casterman; and in German by EMA.

4. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) 2 of 8+ by Hiroi Ouji and Kozaki Yusuke

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo 「 烏丸響子の事件簿 」 by Hiroi Ouji and Kozaki Yusuke AKA Kyoko Karasuma - Detective of the Asakusa Police Department Gentosha Comic BIRZ, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2004.08

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo is published in German by Carlsen Comics and in Russian by Comix-ART.

5. Master Of Sea (Waga Na wa Umishi Master Of Sea) 14 of 15 by Takemura Yuji and Komori Yoichi

Waga Na wa Umishi Master Of Sea 「 我が名は海師−ＭａｓｔｅｒＯｆＳｅａ 」 by Takemura Yuji and Komori Yoichi Shogakukan Big Comics Spirits, seinen Volume 14 (containing chapters 129-138) first published in Japan 2008.02

6. [Premiere] Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 1 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「 蝶よ花よ 」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 1 first published in Japan 2006.02

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Butterflies, Flowers is published in English VIZ Media (volume 2 released 2010.04.06 • volume 3 street date: 2010.06.01). The manga is translated into French by Soleil and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan).

Volume 1 contains chapters:

1. Even If It Breaks, It'll End
2. Candy and Whip and Caramel
3. Secret Secretary
4. Love Sickness
5. 108

*Chapter titles from Serenus-Dreamers' scanlation

7. Rainbow 17 of 22 by Abe George and Kakizaki Masasumi

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「 ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人 」 by Abe George and Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits (originally in Young Sunday before the magazine folded), seinen Volume 17 first published in Japan 2007.06

AWARDS
Won the 51st Shogakukan Manga Award for the Seinen/General category (tied with A Spirit of the Sun by Kawaguchi Kaiji)

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin is published in French by Editions Kabuto and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan).

ADAPTATIONS
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse premiered in Japan on NTV in April 2010 (latest episode 8 Freedom aired 2010.05.25). Oguri Shun stars as Minakami Mario (his first broadcast anime lead role), with actor Koyama Rikiya as Sakuragi Rokurouta (An-chan), seiyuu Park Romi as Maeda Noboru (Suppon/Turtle), Fujiwara Keiji as Nomoto Ryuuji (Baremoto), Waki Tomohiro as Matsuura Mansaku (Cabbage), Kuroda Takaya as Tooyama Tadayoshi (Heitai/Army Corps or Soldier), Hasome Tatsuya as Yokosuka Jou (Joe), Kanjiya Shihori as Setsuko, and Hayashibara Megumi as the Narrator.

Level Comics reissues (2010.05.26)

1. [RE-STO] Harlequin: The Case of Mesmerizing Boss by Diana Palmer
2. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Free Spirit by Penny Jordan
3. [RE-STO] Harlequin: On The Way Wedding by Inggrid Weaver

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media 26 May 2010 release schedule and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) All listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except the reissued Harlequin manga: The Case of Mesmerizing Boss and On The Way Wedding (SRP: IDR 11,000) and Free Spirit (IDR 12,000)
(3) Links like this are Amazon.com (or other online merchants) search and/or product links (commercial), in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews continued

Black Lagoon 6 of 9+

Rock and Revy! UST (if not DAL), please!*

The Black Lagoon crew members return to home base Roanapur for some needed R&R, but rest, never mind recreation**, proves elusive as they are contracted to protect counterfeiter Greenback Jane from the mafia she has rubbed the wrong way. With minimal weaponry at their disposal, can the Lagoon Company clear this latest mission?

(And get paid. That's the important thing. Especially if you follow Revy's guns + money = the world's a great place formula for happiness.)

Volume 6 contains chapters 38-43, Greenback Jane Parts 1-6 of 6, and 44-46, El Baile de la muerte Parts 1-3 (to be continued).

NIK SEZ...
*Yes, I know the lock 'n load action's supposed to be the draw in Black Lagoon and the Greenback Jane arc has this in (The Siege) spades. (If you want more of what TV Tropes calls bullet spam, check out the Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail OAV premiering in July.) But albeit coming to this OTP late, I still want my Rock x Revy! Or should that be Revy x Rock? Either way, as TV Tropes (again) sez, the girlfriend part isn't confirmed yet, but the [UST] hints are there on both sides.

**Yes, I know, The Sequel: R&R is really Rest and Rehabilitation, but give me some artistic license here. In any case, more people think it stands for rest and relaxation (if not recreation).

Chocolat 3 of 7

After her debtor father is thrown into jail, Tatsumi Chiyoko lodges with past mobster/present legit pâtisserie owner Omugi Matsukichi and meets parolees like Katou Ichigo (now a baker) on a regular basis.

Level's blurb for Chocolat 3 is from the viewpoint of —

The name's Kurio. I'm a fighter and a lady-killer. My battle with the Inamushi group landed me in hospital, but I'm good now. When I returned home after a long absence, I found Ichigo and Chiyoko acting weird. What's up with them?

Volume 3 contains 11 chapters/stories (translate the titles on your own, please):

1. それって寂しくない？
2. 寂しいわけないでしょ!!
3. 強がり言っちゃダメ！
4. 強がってないわよ!!
5. じゃあ、なんで泣いてるの？
6. アタシにもよくわかんない...
7. わかんない事だらけだよな...
8. でもひとつわかったことがあるの。
9. 何がわかったんだよ？
10. 人は簡単に変われないって...
11. 人ほど不確かなものはねぇ。

EAGLE 11 OF 11 [Finale]

Kenneth and Grant's bid for the U.S. presidency reaches its peak with the televised presidential debate. Despite Grant using up his trump cards to sway the war of words-watching electorate, Kenneth emerges the victor. Does this mean that the U.S. will have its first Asian-American president?

Meanwhile, journalist Takashi uncovers conclusive evidence of his mother's murder and sets out to entrap the killer who also threatens Takashi's life.

Whodunit? Who is the murderer? Find out in the Eagle series finale.

Volume 11 contains chapters:

• 82 首都の闇
• 83 最終遊説地
• 84 賭け
• 85 ３の動機
• 86 虚栄の果て
• 87 富子
• 88 富子（２）
• 89 話（最終話）
• 父と子

Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 2 of 8+

The truth about monsters, a secret the police have concealed all this time, is blown wide open: the demons begin appearing and preying upon humans, apparently in retaliation against those who have failed to honor a century-old contract.

At the same time, Kyoko's memory of her true self starts to return.

What does the contract between the monsters and humans entail? Does this signal the start of a war? Who is Karasuma Kyoko? Lenny-san sez if you like the Blood+ anime, you'll definitely love the similarly dark Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files. Though the Asakusa PD paranormal detective's story reportedly doesn't spurt as much blood as, say, Hellsing, there's still enough Oni, Tengu and assorted monster fiends from Asian myths and legends to please Eastern supernatural buffs.

Master Of Sea 14 of 15

Rintaro's joint salvage with Eguchi successfully refloats the grounded construction ship and brings good fortune to Nanba Salvage. Eguchi recommends Nanba Salvage to oil and gas company Ocean Oil, currently locked in competition with Ginga Oil and its marine salvage partner. Can Rintaro's company take on SMATT, unarguably the world's most formidable salvors and their unblemished rescue record?

The penultimate Master Of Sea contains chapters:

• 129 総力戦の結末
• 130 最強の敵、日本上陸
• 131 やりたい仕事（ヤマ）
• 132 過去の因縁と新たな因縁
• 133 鬼教官の恩人
• 134 弱小の強み
• 135 小さな勇者
• 136 女も度胸
• 137 改めて知った醍醐味
• 138 百獣の王の本気

Rainbow 17 of 22

Ruriko lucks into information about the group manipulating Setsuko's husband Yasuro, enabling Baremoto to draft a plan to halt Yasuro's further dealings with the criminals by stopping the contract signing. But the scheme excluding Mario and Serdadu (Heitai) fails and Baremoto, Penyu (Suppon), Kubis (Cabbage), and Joe are captured. Harry and his boss are thus free to pressure Yasuro to push through with the contract.

Volume 17 contains chapters:

• 172 Rock bottom
• 173 Super heroes
• 174 Trigger
• 175 Under the ice
• 176 Valley of the Kings
• 177 White evil
• 178 Xerces
• 179 You are the fire
• 180 Zero signal
• 181 Atomic
• 182 Bringing back the balls to rock

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who huggles Lenny-san and thanks her for the artwork and summaries

P.S. And since she brought up Darling wa Namamono ni Tsuki in conjunction with Oh Butterfly Oh Flower, now expecting to see that other Yoshihara Yuki manga among Level's new licenses list.

UP NEXT: More 26 May 2010 manga

m&c!: Bakugan Battle Brawlers 5 · Bleach 26 · Hand 7 Vol. 3 of 3 · Hellboy 3 · Jinco From Room 203 Vol. 3 of 3 · Panta Pan 1 by Aomata Pink · Pendragon 3 · Red Devil of Onigawara Yokocho 2 of 2 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 2 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 2 · KOLONI: I Want To Live by Kababonken · KOLONI: Shangrila by Mage · KOLONI: Xenopet by Rizky Arrydesta · Cherry 43

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (19 May 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: BECK 17 · Godhand Teru 23 · Katsu! 4 · The Moon & Lake by Ashihara Hinako · Pangeran Kacamata 4 · The Puppet Master Lin 7 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 3 · Summer Storm! 1 by Kobayashi Jin · V.B. Rose 2 · HanaLaLa 50/2010
• Level Comics: AirGear 11 · Bambino 3 · Blade of Immortal 7 · Dolls of God 1 by Yamamura Hajime · Gun Smith Cats 5 · Historie 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi · Nurse Aoi 12 · Shattered Knife 3
• m&c!: Bleach 25 · C-blossom 2 of 2 · Fu & Dragon 1-2 of 2 by Li Zhi Qing/Zhuang Han Bo · Happy Café 13 · Innocent Dragon 5 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 8 · Long Hu Men 167 · School Hotel 2 of 2 · White Paper Ark 6 · · Monika 134 · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 5 · Komik Malaysia: Dari Alam Angker Histeria by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Call from The Grave by Kash · Komik Malaysia: Illusive by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Eli by Zint · Komik Malaysia: Punch by Aliow

other next available manga (26 May 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Alice Academy 13 · The Best Skilled Surgeon 3 · Crows 8 · Detektif Conan Animasi TV 21 · Fruits Basket 23 of 23 · Hell Girl 1 by Eeto Miyuki & Jigoku Shojo Project · K-ON! 2 · Kunai Legend 2 · Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati 2 · Libero Revolution 10 · Otoboke Section Chief 2 · Princess 31 · The Ruler of Nabari 10 · Tale of The Sea King 37 · With My Brothers 5 · Shonen Star 65/2010

related monthly schedules

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

APR-10

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · Black Lagoon · Chocolat · Eagle · Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files · Master Of Sea · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower · Rainbow