Skip Beat 19, Defense Devil 3, Ciuman Dewa 4 (Elex Media 13 April 2011 manga and manhwa)

Also, Ghost's Doctor 3, actually the GET! 2nd Runner-up, after Defense Devil 3 and Ciuman Dewa 4 (Kamisama Hajimemashita) tied for 1st Runner-up

Now for the top DO WANT!

Skip Beat! © Nakamura Yoshiki/Hakusensha [Serialized in Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

His objective in Japan achieved, Hizuri Kuu decides to return earlier to the United States. Kyoko, having gotten her first taste of a mentor-slash-father, feels saddened at the thought of no more Kuu.

To the “rescue” comes Ren who encourages Kyoko to call Kuu Daddy! (again) — within earshot of everyone AND while wearing her hot-pink Love Me uniform.

If you've been sniffling because of No more Kuu/Kyoko/Ren/Shou because no more HanaLaLa, rejoice in Elex's release of Skip Beat! 19, which picks up the father and daughter bonding with Act 109, And Then Someone Stirs. (The other compiled chapters that wrap the Kuu arc are Acts 110-114: Clearing Up the Matter, Unfading Feelings, Parent and Child Memorial Day, The Depth of the 5th Year and Kuon's Oath [*NOT Elex's titles]). And much as I miss monthly Skip Beat! doses via HanaLaLa, the mangazine folding does promise faster tankou release. (Look at it this way: if we were still on a one Act per issue sked, we'd finish volume 19 in June, and will prolly have to wait an equivalent number of months, if not more, for the actual tank.)

Before I move to the next manga preview, two words: Blond. Ren. (Kyaaa~)

Ciuman Dewa 4 of 9+ by Suzuki Julietta

Nanami acts on her feelings for Tomoe, asking her aloof familiar out on a date. Around the deafening doki-doki and oblivious aquarium fish, Nanami resolves to tell Tomoe she likes him. But as fate would have it, Tomoe's reaction leaves much to be desired.

Elex promises that aside from flowers of love wilting, we also get dark secrets—Tomoe's, of course—exposed. Find out what our smexy Tomoe-sama hides somewhere in between chapters 19 and 24 of Ciuman Dewa 4.

(The third Hana to Yume shoujo manga, Hidaka Banri's I Hate You More Than Anyone 6, is previewed Behind The Cut.)

Defense Devil 3 of 8+by Youn In-wan & Yang Kyung-il

May contain   [SPOILERS!]

He's one hell of a defense attorney is Kucabara, the demon prince evicted from his kingdom for crimes of unacceptable kindness. Now he delivers human “sinners” from eternal damnation. Little does Kucabara expect to have to gate-crash his former home, to save it from his own brother, the architect of escalating entropy and the one who plotted Kucabara's exile in the first place.

Can Kucabara take on Legato who assumed Kucabara's not inconsiderable powers upon the the former's banishment? Before that, Kucabara must circumvent the barrier between worlds, and for that, he will need female exorcist Idamaria's help. But Idamaria's mission is to slay Kucabara... [Additions from Wikipedia]

Defense Devil 3 collects Judgments 4 through 6: Judgment 4: Mysterious Woman (Parts 4-5), Judgment 5: Kucabara's Wisdom (Parts 1-6) and Judgment 6: The Key to the Demon World (Parts 1-2). (In conventional numbers, that translates to chapters 18-27).

☆ If you want to know how the Youkai Doctor diagnoses and treats his patients, scroll down. But if you're looking for Vinland Saga 2's preview, it's up here; the back cover blurb simply reiterates the manga's THORZ's death leaves lasting scars on his son (and prompts Thorfinn to pursue vengeance at any cost) raison d'être.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.04.13)

1. Ciuman Dewa (Kamisama Hajimemashita) 4 of 9+ by Suzuki Julietta

Kamisama Hajimemashita 「神様はじめました」 by Suzuki Julietta Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 4 (chapters 19-24) first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
English Kamisama Kiss (VIZ Media: two volumes per 2011.03 • volume 3 street date: 2011.06.07)

2. Culdcept 3 of 6+ by Kaneko Shinya and OMIYA Soft

Culdcept 「Ｃｕｌｄｃｅｐｔ」 by Kaneko Shinya and OMIYA Soft Kodansha Magazine Z, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2002.12 (On hiatus at volume 6)

Related
Based on the Culdcept video game

Other languages
English Culdcept (TOKYOPOP: five volumes per 2006.06), Italian (Star Comics), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain: volume 6 per 2009.02)

3. Defense Devil 3 of 8+ by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl

Defense Devil 「ＤＥＦＥＮＳＥ　ＤＥＶＩＬ」 by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 (chapters 18-27) first published in Japan 2009.12

Related
Adapted from the Sunday GX Akuma Bengoshi Kucabara one-shot

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
English and simplified Chinese volumes (Chuang Yi: English volume 2 released 2010.09 • simplified Chinese #6 per 2011.03.08)

4. Demon King (Majeh) 33 of 37+ by Ra InSoo & Kim JaeHwan

Majeh 「마제(魔帝)」 by Ra InSoo & Kim JaeHwan Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, sonyun Volume 33 first published in Korea 2009.09

Other languages
English King of Hell (TOKYOPOP: 25 volumes per 2009.08.04) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔帝 #34 released 2010.10)

5. Doraemon 5 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (right-to-left version)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 5 first published in Japan 1974.11 (Premiered in Indonesia: 1994 [left-to-right format])

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 27th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Grand Prize, the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (1997) and the Excellence Award, Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (1973)

Related series
Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 of 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 21 volumes, ongoing) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)

Adaptations
A 52-episode anime adaptation by Nippon TV (1973.04 - 1973.09), a 1,787-episode series by Shin-Ei Animation (broadcast on TV Asahi from 1979.04 - 2005.03), a 2005 adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Pierrot (premiered 2005.04.15; 300+ episodes) and numerous movies

6. Ghost's Doctor (Youkai no Oisha-san) 3 of 15 by Sato Yuki

Youkai no Oisha-san 「妖怪のお医者さん」 by Sato Yuki Kodansha Magazine Special, Shonen Sirius and Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English Yokai Doctor (Del Rey: three volumes per 2009.08), traditional Chinese 妖怪醫生 (Tong Li Taiwan: volume 13 released 2010.10)

7. I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) 6 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai 「世界でいちばん大嫌い」 by Hidaka Banri AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 1999.10

Related series
Akiyoshi Family Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same, Let Me Hear the Lyric), Oki ni Mesu Mama? (one volume prequel released 2010.09) and Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki (alternate story serialized in Hana to Yume).

A Hidaka Banri artbook, Hitsuji no Namida/Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai Hidaka Banri Gashuu, was released 2004.03.

Other languages
English I Hate You More Than Anyone (CMX: nine volumes per 2010.03; cancelled)

8. Inazuma Eleven 2 of 8+ by Yabuno Tenya

Inazuma Eleven 「イナズマイレブン」 by Yabuno Tenya Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.02

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 34th Kodansha Manga Awards (2010)

Related
Based on the Nintendo DS game of the same name, from which an OLM anime, starring seiyuu Takeuchi Junko as Mark Evans (Endou Mamoru), Nojima Hirofumi as Axel Blaze (Gouenji Shuuya), Yoshino Hiroyuki as Jude Sharp (Yuuto Kidou) and Miyano Mamoru as Shawn Frost (Shirou Fubuki), was also adapted. The TV series premiered 2008.10.05 on TV Tokyo and is still ongoing; the Inazuma Eleven: Saikyō Gundan Ogre Shūrai movie sequel premiered 2010.12.23 in Japan.

9. Masked Rider Spirits (Kamen Rider Spirits) 14 of 16 by Ishinomori Shotaro & Muraeda Kenichi

Kamen Rider Spirits 「仮面ライダーＳＰＩＲＩＴＳ」 by Muraeda Kenichi (Art), Ishinomori Shotaro (Original story) AKA The Legend of Masked Riders Kodansha Magazine Z, seinen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2008.04

Volume 14 chapters:
80. Warrior's Essence
81. Surpassing Greed
82. Return
83. Fiery Giant
84. With the Soul
85. Setup
86. Father
*NOT Elex Media titles

Related series
Kamen Riders (main story) · Shin Kamen Rider Spirits (sequel) · Kamen Rider Spirits - Uketsugareru Tamashii (adapted from)

10. Mystery Bride 2 of 5 by Huh KookHwa & Kim SuJin

Unknown New Bride 「정체불명새색시」 by Huh KookHwa & Kim SuJin AKA Pig Bride Haksan Party, soonjung Volume 2 first published in Korea 2007.09

Other languages/serializations
English Pig Bride (Yen Press: five volumes per 2010.07; serialized in Yen Plus)

11. Skip Beat! 19 of 27+ by Nakamura Yoshiki

Skip Beat! 「スキップ・ビート！」 by Nakamura Yoshiki Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 19 (Acts 109-114) first published in Japan 2008.07

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (discontinued).
English Skip Beat! (VIZ Media: 23 volumes per 2011.04.05 • volume 24 street date: 2011.07.05), French (Casterman: tome 14 released 2011.03 • tome 15 per 2011.05.04), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 18 ships 2011.04.22; serialized in Daisuki) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: SKIP. BEAT!華麗的挑戰 26 per 2010.12)

Adaptations
A 25-episode anime adaptation by Hal Film Maker aired in Japan from October 2008 through March 2009. Seiyuu Inoue Marina, Konishi Katsuyuki and Miyano Mamoru replaced the 2002 drama CD cast comprising Nagasawa Miki, Narita Ken and Kanna Nobutoshi as Mogami Kyoko, Tsuruga Ren, and Fuwa Shou respectively.

After being plagued by internal problems, the Taiwanese live-action drama adaptation, Extravagant Challenge, resumes filming in April, with a change in the acting line-up: Ivy Chen as Kyoko (instead of Ariel Lin), Choi Siwon as Ren (in place of Jerry Yan) and and Lee Donghae as Shou.

Related
Hakusensha released the Skip Beat! Fan Book ~ LOVE ME in March 2009.

12. Vinland Saga 2 of 10+ by Yukimura Makoto

Vinland Saga 「ヴィンランド・サガ」 by Yukimura Makoto Kodansha Afternoon (initially in Weekly Shonen Magazine), shounen/seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.09

Volume 2 chapters:
5. Troll
6. Messenger from the Battlefield
7. Sword
8. Beginning of the Journey
9. A Trap in Distant Seas
10. Night Wake
11. Cage
12. Greater Than Any Monster
13. Smell
14. The Sword of Thors
15. A True Warrior
16. The Death of Thors
Extra. Special Report: I Went to the Land of Aurora Borealis
*NOT the Indonesian Shonen Magz chapter titles; Thors rendered as THORZ in the Indonesian version

Awards
Nominee, 2008 Manga Taisho award and Grand Prize winner, Manga division, Japan Media Arts awards

Other languages/serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing serialization)
French (Kurokawa: Tome 9 shipped 2011.03.10), Italian (Star Comics), traditional Chinese 海盜戰記 (Tong Li)

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C.M.B. 14, One Piece 56, With My Brothers 10 (Elex 26 January 2011 manga)

C.M.B. Shinra Hakubutsukan no Jiken Mokuroku © Katou Motohiro
Kodansha [Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as C.M.B. by Elex Media Komputindo

A—may—zing. Despite One Piece 56's appearance in this Elex manga release, DO WANT! votes for Katou Motohiro's C.M.B. 14 came in just that slight bit faster and ultimately, edged out the highest-selling manga in the history of Weekly Shonen Jump from the premier Must-Have spot. The jockeying for position was made even more compelling by the fact that One Piece was assaulted on another front by a relatively low-key shoujo manga—With My Brothers—no less.

What this GET! one-upmanship indicates, I leave up to you to infer. My job is to blurb.

And in C.M.B. 14, Mou demands a photograph of a butterfly as her payment for the recent organ case. Not just any old butterfly, mind you; Mou wants an immortalization of the Colias imperialis — of which only eight specimens have been found since discovery 150 years ago. The search for the ninth super rare butterfly takes Shinra to Argentina, a country once steeped in the violence of military terror. (This summary apparently refers to Op.36: World's End that first appeared in the 2009.12 Monthly Shonen Magazine, if I read the Ｃ．Ｍ．Ｂ． Japanese Wiki article right.)

One Piece 56 of 61+ by Oda Eiichiro

Meanwhile, in the besieged One Piece 56, subtitled Thank You, time is fast running out for Luffy, tracking down the heavily-guarded Ace with Ivankov. As Luffy forges ahead, out of Impel Down, war threatens to shake the world, and Ace's execution draws nigh. Will Shirohige come to the rescue?

With My Brothers 10 of 11 by Tokeino Hari

As for With My Brothers 10, Tsuyoshi's dream of owning his own café comes true; unfortunately, customers are staying away because of rumors of a ghost haunting the premises. Elsewhere, Sakura becomes the bone of contention between Nana and Masashi, with Nana challenging the older man for the prize of 10 dates with Sakura.

Only one more tankou to go. Good, given that With My Brothers didn't get to conclude in HanaLaLa, may it requiescat in pace.

Reissues

After Conan, Elex reissues box sets for Eyeshield 21 (volumes 1-10 and 11-20) and One Piece (volumes 21-30 and 31-40). This is the third such rerelease. For those who come to collecting late, each value bundle now carries a price tag of IDR 160,000.

MANGAZINES: Shonen Star 2/2011 ☆ D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji and ARAGO by Arai Takahiro

D-LIVE!!
© Minagawa Ryouji
Shogakukan
[Shonen Sunday]

Barely a week passes before Elex lobs the next Shonen Star issue at us. The second Indonesian Shonen Sunday of the year trains the spotlight on Minagawa Ryouji's action/adventure D-LIVE!! and the exploits of its MacGyver of vehicles star.

A gang of smugglers kidnap Satoru and his school friends and whisk them away to the uninhabited island of Gunkanjima, where death awaits. Not about to yield without a fight, Satoru eyes a battered Super Cub motorbike as the perfect vehicle to free his pals. The only problem: how to hide his identity as an ASE driver from his friends.

Shonen Star 2/2011 also premieres Arai Takahiro's ARAGO (ＡＲＡＧＯ / AR∀GO - London Shikei Tokushu Hanzai Sousakan), a supernatural action mystery that stars twins Arago and Ewan—whose parents were killed by monsters—at cross purposes, with Arago driven to pursue revenge, and Ewan on the side of the law and the streets of London as the battlefield. [Adapted from Baka-Updates Manga's AR∀GO - London Shikei Tokushu Hanzai Sousakan description]

The rest of the the ShoStars: Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho, D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji, Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi, Inuyasha by Takahashi Rumiko, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, Magical Iroha by Inoue Kazurou, My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun (volume 3 also streets on 1.19), Takkoku!!! by Fukuchi Tsubasa, Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato and Yakitate!! Japan by Hashiguchi Takashi

Did Adachi Mitsuru's Katsu!—the featured serial in Shonen Star 1/2011—already end? Is that why it's no longer on the cover line-up?

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.01.26)

1. A Story of Heroes (Heroes) 34 of 37 by Choi Mir (Daiwon C.I.)
2. C.M.B. (C.M.B. Shinra Hakubutsukan no Jiken Mokuroku) 14 of 16+ by Katou Motohiro

C.M.B. Shinra Hakubutsukan no Jiken Mokuroku 「Ｃ．Ｍ．Ｂ．森羅博物館の事件目録」 by Katou Motohiro Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2010.06

Volume 14 chapters:
Op.36 World's End
Op.37 Sugoroku
Op.38 Hanaya's Mother
*NOT Elex Media's titles

Related series
Q.E.D. (main story, 38 volumes, ongoing)

Other languages
Traditional Chinese C.M.B.森羅博物館之事件目錄 (Tong Li Taiwan: 13 volumes per 2010.06)

3. Crayon Shinchan 50 of 50 by Usui Yoshito

Crayon Shin-chan 「クレヨンしんちゃん」 by Usui Yoshito (deceased) Futabasha Weekly Manga Action, seinen Volume 50 first published in Japan 2010.07

4. I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) 5 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai 「世界でいちばん大嫌い」 by Hidaka Banri AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2000.08

Related series
Akiyoshi Family Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same, Let Me Hear the Lyric), Oki ni Mesu Mama? (one volume prequel released 2010.09) and Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki (alternate story serialized in Hana to Yume; latest installment in Hana to Yume 2/2011.01.10)

Other languages
English I Hate You More Than Anyone (CMX: nine volumes per 2010.03; cancelled)

5. Kome si Belang (Kijitora Neko no Koume-san) 2 of 4+ by Hoshino Natsumi

Kijitora Neko no Koume-san 「キジトラ猫の小梅さん」 by Hoshino Natsumi Shonen Gahosha Neko Panchi, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.04

6. Legend of Nereid 14 of 15 by Hwang MiRee

Legend of Nereid 「네레이드의 전설」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 14 first published in Korea 2003.05

7. Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou) 6 of 7 by Oda Aya

Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou 「天然はちみつ寮。」 by Oda Aya Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2003.07

Other languages
Vietnamese Bạn trai thông minh (Thanh Hoa Publishing)

8. One Piece 56 of 61+ by Oda Eiichiro

One Piece 「ＯＮＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ」 by Oda Eiichiro Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen Volume 56 first published in Japan 2010.01

Volume 56: Thank You contains chapters:
542. Yet Another Epic Incident
543. Straw Hat and Blackbeard
544. The Lid to the Cauldron of Hell Opens
545. To Sunshine and Freedom
546. Fish-Man Pirate Captain Jimbei, Warlord of the Sea
547. Island Ripper
548. Thank You
549. Battleship
550. Navy Headquarters
551. Whitebeard of The Four Emperors

Awards
Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize finalist (2000-2002)

Other languages
English One Piece (VIZ Media: volume 55 released 2010.10 • volume 56 street date: 2011.02.01), French and Dutch (Glenat: Tome 56 per 2011.01.05), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain, Editorial Toukan Mexico, LARP Editores S.A. Argentina), Italian (Editions Star Comics), German, Danish and Swedish (Carlsen: German Band 57 ships 2011.02.01), Portuguese (Conrad), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海賊王 One Piece volume 60 per 2010.12) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 60 released 2010.12)

Adaptations
Adapted into a couple of OAVs before a full anime TV series that has aired more than 480 episodes and is still ongoing (seiyuu Tanaka Mayumi plays Monkey D. Luffy). At least 10 animated movies have also been released.

Related
A series of light novels based on the anime, at least five art books and five guidebooks.

9. Ruler of The Land (Yul Hyul Gang Ho) 51 of 53+ by Jeon KeukJin & Yang JaeHyun

Yul Hyul Gang Ho 「열혈강호」 by Jeon KeukJin & Yang JaeHyun AKA Yul Hyul Kang Ho or Yulgang Daiwon C.I. Young Champ, seinen Volume 51 first published in Korea 2010.01

Other languages
English (ADV Manga; till volume 8), French Sabre et Dragon (Tokebi) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 热血江湖 volume 40 per 2008.03.04)

Adaptations
MMORPG Yulgang or Scions of Fate (US)

10. With My Brothers (Oniichan to Issho) 10 of 11 by Tokeino Hari

Oniichan to Issho 「お兄ちゃんと一緒」 by Tokeino Hari Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2008.12

Other languages
English Me & My Brothers (TOKYOPOP)

Adaptations
Adapted into two audio dramas. The first LaLa Tokimeki Drama CD was released as a LaLa April 2007 freebie. (Other dramas bundled in the same CD: La Corda D'Oro, Ryuu no Hanawazurai, and Kaichou wa Maid-sama!.) Seiyuu Fukuen Misato, Kondō Takashi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Suzumura Kenichi, and Konishi Katsuyuki voiced Miyashita sibs Sakura, Masashi, Takashi, Tsuyoshi, and Takeshi. A second commercially-released CD went on sale in July 2007.

[RE-STO] Reissues (2011.01.19)

1. [Box Set] Eyeshield 21 volumes 1 to 10 (of 37) by Inagaki Riichiro and Murata Yusuke
2. [Box Set] Eyeshield 21 volumes 11 to 20 (of 37) by Inagaki Riichiro and Murata Yusuke
3. [Box set] One Piece 21 to 30 (of 61+) by Oda Eiichiro
4. [Box set] One Piece 31 to 40 (of 61+) by Oda Eiichiro

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Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe, Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9, HanaLaLa 55/2010 - The Farewell Edition (Elex 8 December 2010 manga) [UPDATED]

If you want the lowdown on HanaLaLa's Sayonara & Arigatou end, go here.

Glass no Kamen © Miuchi Suzue/Hakusensha [Serialized in Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Bunko edition published in Indonesia as Topeng Kaca Deluxe by Elex Media

Albeit small, Kitajima Maya lands a part in Tabuchi Emi's new film. She gives her all to her role as a paraplegic — despite everyone disparaging the rehearsal time she devotes to what would amount to seconds of screen time.

But Maya wouldn't be Maya without the “vicious” training; see where her hard work takes her in Miuchi Suzue's classic Topeng Kaca, the fourth Deluxe edition.

Also, Detektif Conan Animasi TV 23—in which Conan proves Kogoro's former boss innocent (or guilty) of a murder—and Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek, in which Nobita remembers his beloved grandma

Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

The Blade Children pressure a now free Ayumu to take on Kanon; Ayumu refuses, saying he doesn't possess the power to challenge the assassin. Meanwhile, bereft of hope, Kanon yearns for death at Ayumu's hands, claiming that only such an end will give his life meaning.

Will Ayumu grant Kanon's desire?

Volume 9 of Shirodaira Kyo- & Mizuno Eita's shounen detective mystery delves into more dangerous truths in chapters 41 through 45: Ritual of Surrender, The Mote in God's Eye, Time for Love, Is Shroedinger's Cat Alright? and The Eagle Has Swooped Down (NOT the Indonesian titles). I still gotta check whether Elex's Spiral 9 similarly encloses the bonus The Great Detective, Narumi Kiyokata: Kohinata Kurumi's Challenge. (It better.)

I Hate You More Than Anyone 4 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

✿ Elsewhere, Elex backs down on its insisting that I Hate You More Than Anyone 3 was the Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai finale, and issues volume 4 (of 13) this week. Vindication! (Well, we knew that from teh internets, not to mention how the English I Hate You More Than Anyone manga logged some nine volumes before CMX folded.) The shoujo romance AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 even has another prequel—Oki ni Mesu Mama?, a one volumer published last September—aside from Akiyoshi-ke Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same and Let Me Hear the Lyric). What's more, Hidaka Banri-sensei is working on an alternate Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai story, Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki, the latest chapter of which appeared in Hana to Yume Issue 24 of 2010.12.05 (released November). So the multi-relationshipped meta series is not about to end anytime soon.

In any case, the fourth I Hate You More Than Anyone follows the Akiyoshi sibs who find that the older one gets, the more one's problems.

Another Hakusensha shoujo manga does conclude at volume 3 — Matsumoto Tomo's Beauty Honey (after the manga list).

NEW ELEX SERIES: Devil & Sweet by Suzuki Julietta

Akuma to Dolce © Suzuki Julietta
Hakusensha [Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as
Devil & Sweet by Elex Media

Not only does Ogura Mayuri's mama teach her how to bake; she also instructs her introvert daughter in the art of summoning demons. Mayuri does well enough in her lessons that she can rely on a little demon familiar's help with the baking and other kitchen chores.

But obviously, Mayuri's instruction in the magical arts still has gaps because one day, she accidentally summons Belzebeaut, a high-level demon.

Beaut blows his top upon learning that he's been called forth on menial task. What else is Mayuri to do but to let him eat cake?

[Additions from Aerandria Scans's Akuma to Dolce summary]

I wonder if Elex got the Demons, Magic, Food, Demon Love, World Travel, Character That Loves Sweets, Loneliness-troped Devil & Sweet as a package deal with that other more popular Suzuki Julietta manga Kamisama Hajimemashita? (Elex has only been penciling in Nice to Meet You God as an upcoming since October, and the manga is slated to debut this 22nd as Ciuman Dewa.) I wonder because Akuma to Dolce's fate beyond volume 2 (in its home country) remains nebulous, what with Suzuki Julietta-sensei reportedly more focused on the kitsunemimi'ed Kamisama Hajimemashita. If that were indeed the case, I'm wary of getting and starting yet another new series, especially one on hiatus, no matter how appealing a bishie demon with a sweet tooth may be, and more importantly, regardless that Elex's volume 2 is expected to street on the 22nd.

I might've been tempted had Elex instead optioned Karakuri Odette by the same manga-ka. (CMIIW, but I don't think this complete Suzuki Julietta series has been released in Indonesia.)

MANGAZINES: HanaLaLa 55/2010 and Nakayoshi 87/2010

As noted above, the HanaLaLa Farewell Edition streets this week. Issue 55/2010 ramps up Nakajo Hisaya's Sugar Princess to the final three chapters so as to conclude in this edition. If you're a HanaLaLa fangirl (like me), I suggest getting at least two Issue 55's, one for enshrining.

Meanwhile, Issue 87 of the not-axed Indonesian Nakayoshi brings a New Hell Girl special and a one-shot, Love at Infirmary School. (I don't know whose creation this is.)

Moar babble after the manga list.

Elex Media manga and (one) manhua (2010.12.08)

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

1. Artist Acro 4 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

Artist Acro 「アーティストアクロ」 by Sakurai Ato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.08

Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; 魔法亚克罗 #3 per 2010.07)

2. Beauty Honey 3 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo [Finale]

Beauty Honey 「ビューティーハニー」 by Matsumoto Tomo Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.03

3. Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV 23 by Aoyama Gosho
4. [Series Premiere] Devil & Sweet (Akuma to Dolce) 1 of 2+ by Suzuki Julietta

Akuma to Dolce 「悪魔とドルチェ」 by Suzuki Julietta Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.06

5. [Premiere] Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide) by Fujiko F. Fujio

Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide 「映画ドラえもん　おばあちゃんの思い出」 by Fujiko F. Fujio AKA Doraemon: A Grandmother's Recollections Shogakukan Tentoumushi Anime Comics, kodomo This volume first published in Japan 2000.07

Related
Based on the 27 minute-Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide movie that premiered in Japan 2000.03.04

6. Flash of Wind (Kaze Hikaru) 28 of 29+ by Watanabe Taeko

Kaze Hikaru 「風光る」 by Watanabe Taeko Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 28 first published in Japan 2010.06

Other languages/serializations
English Kaze Hikaru (volume 18 per 2010.08 • volume 19 street date: 2011.08.02; formerly serialized in Shojo Beat)

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 48th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Yazawa Ai's Nana)

7. Hyde & Closer (Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer) 5 of 7 by Aso Haro

Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer 「呪法解禁！！ハイド＆クローサー」 by Aso Haro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 5 (Acts 38-45) first published in Japan 2009.02

Other languages/serializations
English Hyde & Closer (VIZ Media; volume 2 released 2010.10 • volume 3 street date: 2011.01.11; serialized in ShonenSunday.com.)

8. I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) 4 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai 「世界でいちばん大嫌い」 by Hidaka Banri AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 1999.04

Related series
Akiyoshi Family Series 1-4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same, Let Me Hear the Lyric), Oki ni Mesu Mama? (one volume prequel released 2010.09) and Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki (alternate story; serialized in Hana to Yume; ongoing - latest installment in Hana to Yume 24/2010.12.05)

Other languages
English I Hate You More Than Anyone (CMX; nine volumes per 2010.03; cancelled)

9. My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) 2 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun

Hajimete no Aku 「はじめてのあく」 by Fujiki Syun Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

10. Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou) 5 of 7 by Oda Aya

Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou 「天然はちみつ寮。」 by Oda Aya Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.05

Other languages
Vietnamese Bạn trai thông minh (Thanh Hoa Publishing)

11. The Real Fake Princess 4 of 5 by Ihuan

The Real Fake Princess 「真假公主」 by Ihuan (also Yi Huan) Tong Li, shoujo

Other languages
English Real Fake Princess (DrMaster; five volumes), Thai องค์หญิงกำมะลอ (Burapat Comics), Vietnamese Công Chúa Lac Loài (Nhà Xuất Bản Trẻ) and Hungarian Makrancos hercegnő (Delta Vision)

12. Shugo Chara! 11 of 12 by PEACH-PIT

Shugo Chara! 「しゅごキャラ！」 by PEACH-PIT AKA My Guardian Characters Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.03

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 2008 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in Nakayoshi Gress!
English Shugo Chara! (Del Rey; volume 9 shipped 2010.07), French (Pika Edition tome 10 per 2010.10), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan 守護甜心 11 released 2010.03)

Related
Shugo Chara! Encore! (sequel, four chapters only) and Shugo Chara-chan! (spin-off, four volumes as at 2010.12; serialized in Nakayoshi Gress!)

Adaptations
Satelight's 51-episode anime adaptation aired on TV Tokyo from October 2007 to September 2008, followed by sequel Shugo Chara!! Doki— (2008.10-2009.09) and Shugo Chara Party! (2009.10-2010.03). Seiyuu Itō Kanae, Takagi Reiko, Nakamura Yuuichi and Mizuki Nana (Hinamori Amu, Tadase Hotori, Ikuto Tsukiyomi and Utau Hoshina respectively) star in all.

A Shugo Chara! musical, starring Shugo Chara Egg! (Shugo Chara!! Doki— OP performer) and S/mileage member Maeda Yuuka as Amu, enjoyed a theater run in early 2009.

13. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 9 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「スパイラル　推理の絆」 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 9 (chapters 41-45) first published in Japan 2003.07

Other languages
English Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (Yen Press; volume 13 released 2010.10.26 • volume 14 street date: 2011.01.25) and German (Carlsen Comics; Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 9 per 2010.12.24)

Related
Spiral Alive (prequel; five volumes); a series of light novels; Mizuno Eita artbooks: ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　水野英多画集; (2003.03) and ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　ＡＬＬ　ＡＬＯＮＧ (2006.02; released with volume 15); and the Life is Spiral 「スパイラル完全解説本　ライフ・イズ・スパ」 guide, which includes the first draft of the Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「それさえも貴き日々で」 drama (2003.03)

Adaptations
A series of audio dramas and a 25-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff, based on the first six volumes of the manga, with an alternate ending (aired on TV Tokyo from October 2002 to March 2003, starring seiyuu Suzumura Kenichi as Narumi Ayumu, Asano Masumi as Yuizaki Hiyono and Ishida Akira as Eyes Rutherford).

14. Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) 5 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin

Natsu no Arashi! 「夏のあらし！」 by Kobayashi Jin Square Enix Monthly Gangan Wing and Monthly Gangan Joker, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2009.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 夏日風暴 (Tong Li Taiwan).

Adaptations
SHAFT's 13-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through June 2009, starring seiyuu Sanpei Yuko (Yasaka Hajime) and Shiraishi Ryoko (Arashiyama Sayoko AKA “Arashi”). A 13-episode sequel Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chū ran from October to December 2009.

15. Topeng Kaca Deluxe (Glass no Kamen) 4 of 24+ by Miuchi Suzue

Glass no Kamen 「ガラスの仮面」 by Miuchi Suzue Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Bunko volume 4 first published in Japan 1994.03

Related
Glass no Kamen tankoubon

Adaptations
Three anime and two seasons of a live-action drama

¹ Sources: Elex STO 8 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV 1 (SRP: IDR 32,800), Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek (IDR 24,000) and Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe (IDR 24,000). Both mangazines—HanaLaLa 55 and Nakayoshi Gress! 87—retail for IDR 30,000/issue.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

New titles

Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek by Fujiko F. Fujio

Upon unearthing a much-beloved teddy bear, Nobita remembers his warm-hearted grandmother. He and Doraemon then use the time machine to go back eight years into the past.

There the pair bumps into three-year-old Nobita, Giant, Suneo and Shizuka. But most of all, Nobita meets Grandma, still in the pink of health.

The Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek manga is based on the short Doraemon film, おばあちゃんの思い出, Doraemon: Obaachan no Omoide or A Grandmother's Recollections. Nobita's nostalgia comes at IDR 24,000 a pop, but that's because his reminiscences are in full color.

Other Doraemon movie manga earlier issued, or rather, reissued by Elex include The Records of Nobita Spaceblazer, Nobita's Legendary King of the Sun and Nobita Drifts in the Universe — bundled as the Paket Doraemon Movie (Jakarta).

Finales

Beauty Honey 3 of 3 by Matsumoto Tomo

Kohinata Momoyo, twice divorced. A wife who pastes smiles on her face as she waits for her husband to come home.

Kohinata Chiyo, the matriarch of the Kohinata family, thrice divorced. What hides behind her vaunted strength?

Nananan, a famous stylist and the ex-wife of Kaoru, caught up in the business of business.

The final Beauty Honey traverses the unfamiliar territory of these women's loves and lives. Niko, too, faces a turning point in her relationship with Kaoru.

What awaits them all?

Ongoing series

Artist Acro 4 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

“Artists” in this world possess special powers and skills to captivate normal people. Sculptor Acro himself has the ability to soften whatever his hand touches, just as if it were clay. But other artists work with more ominous media like people's souls.

Acro and Subaru infiltrate the Art Organization to save their friend Deko and stop the deviant artists, which makes them enemies of the “Aokishi Force.” Can they withstand the onslaught? And what will happen once Acro meets Renji, one of the 7 Most Skilled Artists?

Flash of Wind 28 of 29+ by Watanabe Taeko

The Bakufu declares war on Choshu even as Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi lies dying from beri-beri. His death leaves turmoil in its wake as the only acceptable successor is General Hitotsubashi, whom Sei and Okita once met as Ukinosuke.

Hyde & Closer 5 of 7 by Aso Haro

Hyde's Core is destroyed, and Pakwa sez reviving Hyde is now an impossibility. The devastating news drops Shunpei into the Slough of Despond (actually he locks himself in his room). As Shunpei gives in to his depression, a conglomerate shows up to assemble 100 wizards. The organization's objective is just one: to obtain the power of Closer. Just as the situation approaches critical, Shunpei discovers that the letters on his grandfather's missive can transform into other writing.

It turns out to be a message from the magician king to his grandson who has already mastered magic.

Hyde & Closer volume 5 contains Acts 38-45: President 1-8.

My First Mr. Akuno 2 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun

A brother and sister pair mooches off a friend, and that's just the beginning. Not only do Jirou's inventions bring reluctant ‘landlady’ Kyoko grief, his attempts to modify Kyoko's body makes Kyoko wish for anyone's life but hers.

THIS is the beauty of youth?!

Natural Honey Dormitory 5 of 7 by Oda Aya

Hachimitsu dorm receives a guest — Hikaru's mother. After a decade's absence, she shows up, wanting to meet Hikaru's girlfriend. Obviously, Hikaru & Co. are at a loss over how she even found out.

To protect Nene, Hikaru again pretends to be lovey dovey with Non-chan. And despite being against it initially, Hikaru's mom gives Hikaru and Non-chan her blessing and now plans to take the ‘couple’ back with her!

The Real Fake Princess 4 by Ihuan

Dr. Master's Real Fake Princess Volume 4 soul of brevity description puts it so well: Secrets are revealed as love is shattered and rekindled anew. But in case you need a refresher —

A misunderstanding brought on by Dai Xuan drives Zili and Zhonglu apart. Zili doesn't help matters by running to Hui, who in turn plans to leave Lin'an with Zili.

Meanwhile, the secret of Princess Yifu guarded by Madam Jia Hua is revealed, prompting the emperor to pass a death sentence over the princess for her pretense.

The Real Fake Princess finale is scheduled for a 22 December.

Shugo Chara! 11 of 12 by PEACH-PIT

First, my apologies for reporting Shugo Chara! 11 as the finale. This tankou is still the penultimate.

Just as Amu is in the middle of searching for ‘What is it that she wants?’ and makes a pledge to Ikuto, Ran, Miki and Suu vanish. To find them, Amu needs the help of navigator Daiya.

Summer Storm! 5 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin

Arashi and the gang holiday at the beach, but Yasaka and Jun squabble over the onsen at the place where they're staying. Still, the atmosphere is conducive to lurve blooming. When oh when will Yasaka declare his feelings for Arashi?

Mangazines

Sugar Princess
© Nakajo Hisaya
Hakusensha

HanaLaLa 55/2010 ~ Farewell Edition ~

The Farewell Edition concludes Nakajo Hisaya's Sugar Princess.

Maaya and Shun perform brilliantly and now only await the judges' decision. If they win, they will be able to save the skating rink. But was Maaya's performance good enough to secure the pair the top prize?

Aside from Sugar Princess chapters 20 to 22, these Hana to Yume/LaLa shoujo serials bid bye-bye this issue with these installments:

• Alice Academy by Higuchi Tachibana (Story 85)
• Arakure: The Wild Ones by Fujiwara Kiyo (Chapter 35)
• Dragon's Fiancé by Kusakawa Nari (Chapter 26)
• La Corda D'Oro by Kure Yuki (Symphony 55)
• Natsume Yujincho by Midorikawa Yuki (Chapter 9)
• Ouran High School Host Club by Hatori Bisco (Chapter 61)
• Skip Beat! by Nakamura Yoshiki (Act 108: Dream Cast)
• Twinkle Stars by Takaya Natsuki (Chapter 7)
• Vampire Knight by Hino Matsuri (33rd Night: The Pure Blood Vampire's Lover)
• V.B. Rose by Hidaka Banri (Chapters 55-56)
• With My Brothers by Tokeino Hari (Chapter 54)

Your guess is as good as mine as to when Elex will release the tankou continuation.

Nakayoshi Gress! 87/2010

I assume that's Ando Natsumi's Arisa on the cover because the serial hyped this issue is that.

Tsubasa sneaks into Manabe's house in disguise and meets a girl in a wheelchair. Who is she?

And as I said before the cut, there's a New Hell Girl special by Etoo Miyuki and the Love at Infirmary School one-shot in this issue.

The rest of the Nakayoshi pals:

• CHOCOLATE by Fukushima Haruka
• Little Marchen by Sakyo
• Little Shugo Chara! by PEACH-PIT
• Million Girl by Momoyuki Kotori
• Navi Runa by Kikuta Michiyo & Ikeda Miyoko
• Sweet Tamatan by Koge-Donbo
• XX Me! by Toyama Ema

What happened to Counting Sheep by Moro Orie? Don't ask me; I don't know.

other currently available manga (8 December 2010 street date)

• Level Comics: Magister Negi Magi 23 · Rainbow 19 · Desert Love by Sachimi Riho · To Be Beautiful 5 · Subaru 11 of 11 · Basara 14 · K2 vol.4 · Spirou dan Fantasio - Bayangan Z
• m&c!: Aoizaka Baseball Club 16 · Golden Age 12 · Magical X Miracle 1 of 6 by Mizutani Yuzu · News Parade by Kumeta Natsuo

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography

disclaimer

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

upcoming manga (15 December 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Golden Book (Deluxe) · Inuyasha 50 · Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 · Kariage kun 37 · Godhand Teru 28 · Mixim 11 vol.2 · Bakeru kun Pika-pika 2 · Artist Acro 5 · New Sexy Simpleton 8
• Level Comics: Genius Family Company 5 · xxxHOLiC 11 · Restore Garage 251 vol.11 · Haruka 17 vol.10 · Half an Apple 5 · Last Inning 7 · Nurse Aoi 17 · Yakari dan Monster Danau
• m&c!: Electric Daisy 6 · Goong [Palace Story] 21 · Sugar Family 5 · Be a Naughty Girl 3 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 13 · Monika 137

related monthly schedule(s)

December 2010
Premiering Cynical Kanoko by Tsuda Ririko, Hallelujah Overdrive by Takata Kentaro, Hitohira by Kirihara Idumi, The Recipe for Gertrude by Kusakawa Nari

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Elex Media · manga · manhua · shoujo · shounen · Artist Acro · Beauty Honey · Detektif Conan · Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV · Devil & Sweet (Akuma to Dolce) · Flash of Wind (Kaze Hikaru) · Hyde & Closer · I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) · My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) · Natural Honey Dormitory (Tennen Hachimitsu Ryou) · The Real Fake Princess · Shugo Chara! · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) · Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) · Topeng Kaca Deluxe (Glass no Kamen) · Nakayoshi: Arisa · HanaLaLa: Sugar Princess