Sky of Love 8, Team Medical Dragon 21, Blade of Immortal 19 (Level Comics 7 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Add Fight!! Ippo 86 and ROMICs (BDs) Boule & Bill: Sama Saja, Jojo di Asrama and Rantanplan: Korban Sandera—with which I lead this post for want of a big enuf Sky of Love or Team Medical Dragon artwork—and the post practically wrote itself :p NOT! Still the value sets to enumerate.

Rantanplan, Tome 3: Rantanplan otage
© by Morris, Jean Léturgie, Xavier Fauche/Lucky Comics
Published in Indonesia as Rantanplan - Korban Sandera by Elex Media/Level Comics

In Rantanplan: Korban Sandera, escaped prisoner Ransom kidnaps (dognaps?) Rantanplan, and demands 10,000 dollars to release the jail guard dog. Can the prison officers rescue Rantanplan from...whatever fate awaits the pooch Lucky Luke's horse Jolly Jumper disses as one of Nature's great mistakes?

Meanwhile, in the other European comics also streeting this date, Bill's dad's boat explodes in Boule & Bill: Sama Saja and Jojo has to go stay in a dorm while grandma recuperates in the hospital in Jojo: Jojo di Asrama.

I'll try to fill in the manga blurbs sometime before the next batch of Level Comics releases on the 14th. The operative word is try. *sheepish grin* «.:big grin of accomplishment:.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.07)

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) vol 19 of 28+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2006.04

Volume 19 chapters:
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Ichi Maku Kawauso no Su (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Ni Maku Oni no Su (Sono Ichi)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū San Maku Oni no Su (Sono Ni)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Yon Maku Oni no Su (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Go Maku Oni no Su (Sono Yon)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Roku Maku Oni no Su (Sono Go)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Nana Maku Oni no Su (Sono Roku)

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 24 volumes per 2011.11.08), French (Casterman: L'habitant de l'infini Tome 26 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 27 street date: 2012.05.02), 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. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 86 of 97+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 86 first published in Japan 2008.12

Volume 86 contains:
Round 817: Strange Atmosphere
Round 818: KO Sakura
Round 819: Worse Than a Hard Time
Round 820: Their Fathers
Round 821: Wild Animals Caged
Round 822: Deathmatch in the Corner
Round 823: The Person I've Chased
Round 824: The Unstoppable Punch
Round 825: World Class
Round 826: A Cut Man
[*NOT Level chapter titles]

Awards
Winner, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Related series
Hajime no Ippo Gaiden (one-shot prequel)

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2 Tome 16 per 2011.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 96 per 2011.08)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The 26-episode second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger was telecast from January to June 2009.

3. Sky of Love (Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari) vol 8 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.02

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

4. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) vol 21 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 21 first published in Japan 2009.09

Awards
Winner, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Seinen/General category

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 18 shipped 2011.10 • Tome 19 street date: 2012.02.08)

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.]

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial*

1. Angel Heart, Vols. 1–5 (of 33) by Hojo Tsukasa [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Harlequin: On the Way to a Wedding... by Ingrid Weaver and Karino Mao [IDR 24,000/set] *
3. Subaru, Vols. 1–10 (of 11) by Soda Masahito [IDR 90,000/set]
4. To Be Beautiful, Vols. 1–6 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki (Kirei ni Naritai!) –Complete– [IDR 54,000/set]
5. Tomo'o, Vols. 1–10 (of 18+) by Oda Tobira (Danchi Tomoo) [IDR 90,000/set]
6. Until Death Do Us Part, Vols. 1–5 (of 15+) by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) [IDR 45,000/set]

Volume tallies represent volume totals in country of origin, which may or may not coincide with Level Comics's latest releases. Level's most recent volumes: Angel Heart 11 (released 2011.10.26); Tomo'o 12 (7.06); and Until Death Do Us Part 9 (11.16). Subaru concluded with the release of finale volume 11 in December 2010.
*Comprises four books or three other Harlequin titles in addition to On the Way to a Wedding

European comics/BDs (2011.12.07)

1. Boule & Bill: Sama Saja (Boule et Bill, Tome 1: Tel Boule, Tel Bill) by Jean Roba (Dupuis)
2. Jojo: Jojo di Asrama (Jojo, Tome 12: Jojo au pensionnat) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
3. Rantanplan: Korban Sandera (Rantanplan, Tome 3: Rantanplan otage) by Morris, Jean Léturgie, Xavier Fauche (Lucky Comics)

Read more »

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

No Longer Just a List Version

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

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

In the Geek out! Iliad 6 —

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

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

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

"The tenant's security deposit becomes collateral."

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

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

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

Level Comics manga (2011.09.28)

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

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

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

Related
Shin Kurosagi (sequel; 12 volumes per 2011.09.30)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Hellsing vol. 9 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

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

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

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

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

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

A Crossfire drama CD has also been released.

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

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

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

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

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

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

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

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

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

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.28)

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

Read more »

X Blade 5, Sky of Love 6, Half an Apple 12 (Level Comics 13 July 2011 manga)

Yes, yes, X Blade should've gotten the headline pix. I just didn't luck into a big enough, height at least 400px, pix :P

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari © Haneda Ibuki, Mika
Futabasha [First serialized in Comic Mahou no iland]
Published in Indonesia as Sky of Love by Elex Media/Level Comics

Blurbing X Blade first —

Mighty Casey doesn't advance to the bat, but everyone's still excited over the baseball game. Haru, Kazunari, Sanae, their classmates are all fired up and eyeing victory. Mana, too, shows her Go, Haru! support by bringing him a bento...awww.

But just as there was no joy in Mudville then, happiness and peace elude Haru and Mana this day. One of the Nanatsusaya (Seven Sheaths) attacks Chris — Sakura, whom Chris had once beaten. Of course, Haru and Mana aren't about to let the assault on the Hollyhock Crusader go unchallenged.

Sky of Love 6 of 10 by Ibuki Haneda, Mika

Enfolded in Yuu's warmth, Mika thaws and her frozen heart melts. She begins to think that she can finally let go of Hiro, her soul mate. She puts all of her Hiro memories and feelings into the "Are you happy?" she writes on the blackboard.

But just as Mika regains confidence in leaving everything behind, a problem arises...

Sky of Love editor Sina-san sez we get a flashback of Mika's feelings for Hiro, the Level editor highlighting what she describes as a a poignant separation >O<

Half an Apple 12 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

When was the last time we were at the beach? A kiss brings back fond memories, but even the smallest smile remains an impossibility.

Shindo's transfer to the medical products division unsettles Hikaru. Similar to Amano, Hikaru suspects Takeuchi's new drug of disturbing side effects. If she acts on her suspicions, however, she threatens Shindo's position.

Meanwhile, despite resistance from Natsuko who refuses to let Shindo go, Shindo confesses that he still loves Hikaru.

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.07.13)

1. Air Gear 23 of 32+ by Oh!great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 23 (Tricks 208-217) first published in Japan 2008.12

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15/16/17 per 2010.08; Kodansha Comics: volume 18 released 2011.06.14 • volume 19 street date: 2011.08.16), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 飛輪少年 #31 per 2011.05), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition: Tome 28 ships 2011.06.29 • Tome 29 street date: 2011.09.07), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

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

2. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 6 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.11

3. Devil Devil 3 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 1999.04

Other languages
French (PIKA Édition: 15 volumes per 2005.10), German (Planet Manga)

4. Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 4 of 9+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「神様ドォルズ」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 4 (chapters 19-24 + Extra chapter and Commentary) first published in Japan 2009.01

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Ching Win Publishing Taiwan: 神樣DOLLS 8 per 2011.06)

Adaptations
The Kamisama Dolls anime premiered 6 July 2011 in Japan. The TV series animated by Brains Base casts seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Kuga Kyōhei, Fukuen Misato as Kuga Utao and Kayano Ai as Shiba Hibino.

5. Fist of The Blue Sky (Souten no Ken) 5 of 22 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson

Souten no Ken 「蒼天の拳」 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.01

Related
Hokuto no Ken (sequel; 27 volumes)

Other languages
English (Gutsoon! Entertainment; dropped), French (Marvel Panini France; KEN - Fist of the Blue Sky tome 21 shipped 2011.03) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan; 蒼天之拳 22 per 2010.11)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime by Souten Studio, starring seiyuu Yamadera Kouichi (Kasumi Kenshiro), aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on TV Asahi.

6. Giant Killing 5 of 20+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.04

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Tatsumi Takeshi), Okiayu Ryotaro (Murakoshi Shigeyuki), Mizushima Takahiro (Tsubaki Daisuke) and Ono Daisuke (Yoshida Luigi) aired between April and September 2010 on NHK.

7. Glass Chair (Garasu no Isu) 7 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

Garasu no Isu 「ガラスの椅子」 by Nakamura Mariko Kodansha Be Love, josei Volume 7 first published in Japan 2006.10

8. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 12 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.11

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 8 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 8 (chapters 20-21) first published in Japan 1997.03

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2000)

Other languages
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)

10. Shadow Skill 4 of 7+ by Okada Megumu

Shadow Skill 「ＳＨＡＤＯＷ　ＳＫＩＬＬ」 by Okada Megumu Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2004.11

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Matsuoka Akio (Gau Ban) and Hayashibara Megumi (Elle Lagu), aired in Japan from July to December 1998. Four OAVs preceded the series (four episodes released between 1995 and 1996).

11. Sky of Love (Koizora) 6 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.08

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

12. X Blade 5 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.11

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, one volume per 2011.07)

13. Zipang 7 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2002.05

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

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana: tome 29 shipped 2011.02 • Pack Fidelite Zipang T30+T31 street date: 2011.08.26) 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 (2011.07.13)

1. Jojo - Nenek Jagoan by André Geerts (Dupuis)
2. Smurf - Pensmurf Kartu by Peyo (Le Lombard)

Read more »

Perfect Girl Evolution 23, Air Gear 21, Angel Heart 6 (Level Comics 6 April 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

NikBabble©: If you ask me why Perfect Girl Evolution's Takenaga doesn't lead this post, it's because I couldn't find a big enuf Level cover. In any case, Cruise 2 IS the finale —

Cruise © Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki/Shogakukan [Serialized in Big Comic]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

—though you wouldn't know it from the back cover blurb:

The luxury liner Phoenix continues its voyage around Japan, and medical fast lane “dropouts” Dr. Yamada Kohei and nurse Shinbashi Megumi get to know all manner of passengers, each with his or her poignant story: a band consisting of four sexagenarian musicians; a woman who met her soul mate before marriage [And presumably didn't marry him —Nik]; and a model who feigns cheerfulness on the outside but hides pain within.

Now for the top GET!

Perfect Girl Evolution 23 of 28+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

The “uncle” who approached Sunako at the Halloween party is apparently a Real Deal Vampire, which thrills our Dark Princess to no end. Vampire-sama, mistaking Sunako for his Elizabeth, insists on spiriting her away, an abduction Kyouhei and the other fair bishounen (and Auntie) are not about to let happen. But as Kyouhei attempts to stop the vampire, he loses his strength and ends up in the undead's clutches.

What will happen to Kyouhei and The Future Mother of His Children Sunako now?

The above alludes to chapter 92, The Path to Becoming a Dark Lady (Part II), which closes the Vampire×Sunako mini-arc. New Perfect Girl Evolution stories begin with chapter 93, Welcome F*ckin' Xmas Night (censorship mine), A Seasoned Pro's Paradise (94) and Sleepless Tonight (95). [*NOT Level's chapter titles]

☆ Moar previews after the manga and ROMICs/BDs lists, the latter including the rude awakening of Sleeping Beauty, I mean, Lazy Smurf — Smurf - Mimpi Aneh Smurf Pemalas (AKA The Strange Awakening of Lazy Smurf) and the former, the second tankou of Dolls of God, which gets the anime treatment this July with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko (Usui!) as Kuga Kyōhei.

Level Comics manga (2011.04.06)

1. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 9 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 9 (chapters 59-65) first published in Japan 2005.08

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

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

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

2. Air Gear 21 of 31+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 21 (Tricks 186-196) first published in Japan 2008.06

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: until Volume 15/16/17 released 2010.08 • Kodansha Comics' volume 18 street date: 2011.06.14), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition tome 26 shipped 2011.03 • tome 27 street date: 2011.05.04), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

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

3. Angel Heart 6 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2003.03

Related series
City Hunter (Adapted from; 35 of 35 volumes), Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; one volume per 2011.03.19)

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.

4. Black Lagoon 7 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「 ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ 」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 47-55: El Baile de la muerte, Parts 4-12) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English Black Lagoon (VIZ Media: nine volumes per 2010.07) and Chuang Yi: nine volumes as at 2010.10), French (Kazé Manga: tome 9 shipped 2010.10), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 9 per 2010.07), Polish (Waneko).

Adaptations
The 12-episode Madhouse anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy) and Namikawa Daisuke (Rock), aired in Japan from April to 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, premiered 17 July 2010, with the fifth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray Disc/DVD scheduled for 2011.06.22 release.

Related
Black Lagoon: Shaitane Badi light novel written by Urobuchi Gen and illustrated by Hiroe Rei (Black Lagoon side story; Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07.18)

5. Cruise 2 of 2 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki [Finale]

Cruise: Ishi Yamada Kouhei Koukai Shi 「クルーズ　医師山田公平航海誌」 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.10

6. Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 2 of 8+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「神様ドォルズ」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 7-12 + Extra chapter and Commentary) first published in Japan 2008.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Ching Win Publishing Taiwan: latest 神樣DOLLS 6)

Adaptations
A Kamisama Dolls anime has been confirmed for a July 2011 premiere. The TV series animated by Brains Base casts seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Kuga Kyōhei, Fukuen Misato as Kuga Utao and Kayano Ai as Shiba Hibino.

7. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 12 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 12 (chapters 95-103) first published in Japan 2008.09

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

8. Over Rev 18 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 18 (chapters 194-204) first published in Japan 2001.08

9. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) 23 of 28+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 23 (chapters 92-95) first published in Japan 2009.05

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey: volumes 22/23/24 per 2010.10; Kodansha Comics by volume 25 [2011.06.21 street date] and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko tome 14 ships 2011.04.20), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime from volume 21 onwards)

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.

10. Sky of Love (Koizora) 4 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2008.03

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

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European comics/BDs

1. Lucky Luke - Nitroglicerin (Lucky Luke, Tome 25: Nitroglycérine) by Morris, Lo Hartog Van Banda
2. Smurf - Mimpi Aneh Smurf Pemalas (5 Histoires de Schtroumpfs: L'Étrange réveil du schtroumpf paresseux, tome 15) by Peyo
3. Yakari dan Si Paus Putih (Yakari, Tome 21: Le souffleur de nuages) by Derib, Job

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