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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What of Mana, trapped inside?

Blood Alone vol 3 of 7+
By Takano Masayuki

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

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

What did Sainome uncover that brought on misgivings?

More previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.14)

1. Angel Heart vol 12 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

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

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

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued by Coamix under the ZENON Collection label from 2010.09 (18 volumes per 2011.05)
French (Génération Comics and Panini Comics)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by TMS, starring seiyuu Kamiya Akira as Saeba Ryo and Kawasaki Mao as Shan-In Glass Heart Lee. Fifty episodes adapting manga volumes 1 to 18 aired in Japan from October 2005 to September 2006.

2. Blood Alone vol 3 of 7+ by Takano Masayuki

Blood Alone 「ＢＬＯＯＤ　ＡＬＯＮＥ」 by Takano Masayuki MediaWorks Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh (after 2010.11 serialized in Kodansha's Evening), seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.06 (Evening KC reissue: 2010.12)

Related series
Originally published as series of doujinshi (the manga is based wholly or partly on Blood Alone dj: Wild Arts 1.2.3., Holy Night, Stroll, Vanishing Point - Kiss In the Moonlight)

Other languages
English Blood Alone (Infinity Studios: four volumes [discontinued], picked up by Seven Seas: five volumes per 2011.12.06 • volume 6 street date: 2012.04.10), French (Editions Ki-oon: Tome 6 shipped 2010.06), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 6 released 2011.02), Italian (Edizioni BD s.r.l. [JPOP Division]), Russian (Istari Comics), traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan), Vietnamese (as Dòng máu lạ kì)

Adaptations
Three Blood Alone drama CDs—BLOOD ALONE, BLOOD ALONE II and BLOOD ALONE III— were released between July 2006 and May 2008. Seiyuu Nakahara Mai and Morikawa Toshiyuki voiced Misaki and Kuroe. Supporting cast included Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie and Miki Shinichiro as Higure, Sainome and Slye respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adaptations
Anime by Nippon Animation featuring seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko (Nakahara Sunako), Morikubo Showtaro (Takano Kyohei), Yamauchi Yuuya (Toyama Yukinojo), Sugita Tomokazu (Oda Takenaga) and Nojima Hirofumi (Mori Ranmaru) aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya (Kyohei), Oomasa Aya (Sunako), Tegoshi Yuya (Yukinojo), Uchi Hiroki (Takenaga) and Miyao Shuntaro (Ranmaru) was telecast on TBS from January to March 2010.

7. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) vol 11 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 11 (chapters 24-26 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1997.12

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

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in 16 bunko volumes between 2006.11 and V16 2007.05
English Red River (VIZ Media: 28 volumes), Italian Anatolia Story (Editions Star Comics: 28 volumes), German (EMA/Egmont Manga and Anime), Vietnamese Dòng Sông Huyền Bí (Tre Publishing House) and traditional Chinese 赤河戀影 (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

Related
An artbook (Japan release: 1999.02.24), fanbook (2002.07.26) and a two-volume novel adaptation Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Ma ga Jidai no Reimei written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Zipang vol 10 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

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

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

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

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

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

European comics/BDs (2011.12.14)

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

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

Read more »

xxxHOLiC 14, X Blade 7, Perfect Girl Evolution 26 (Level Comics 12 October 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

belatedly magicks previous MinimaList into present NikBabble™

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge © Hayakawa Tomoko/Kodansha
[Serialized in Betsufure]
Published in Indonesia as Perfect Girl Evolution by Elex Media/Level Comics

Sunako and Kyouhei should be all over each other, especially after Sunako presents Kyouhei with a haramaki (belly band), but what's this? Sunako's chasing after the science teacher!? She haunts the science room and our three other bishounen look askance at the white lab-coated, bespectacled teach and suspect...dire things. As for Kyouhei...

If you want to know whether Kyouhei will just stand back or clobber the teach in the latest Perfect Girl Evolution, GET! :D

Perfect Girl Evolution 26 compiles Parts 104 through 107: Crying Out Love in the Science Room or Shouting Love In The Middle Of The Cooking Room Biarkan Aku Berendam di Onsen (Once Again, The Great Hot Bath) Tiap Hari di Restoran (Everyday Restaurant) and My Lovely N-110 (My Beloved N-110). [English title equivalents excerpted from Wiki]

Twenty-nine Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge tankou have been released in Japan as of 13 September 2011.

I preview DO WANT! xxxHOLiC 14 and X Blade 7 after the release list.

New Level titles
Level launches the seinen manga Misaki No.1!! by Fujisaki Masato (Wild Life manga-ka) and the European comic (ROMIC)/bande dessinée Lanfeust of Troy by Arleston & Tarquin. Scroll down for previews.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.10.12)

1. Blue Seal (Ao no Fuuin [Bunko]) vol 4 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 4 first published in Japan 1999.05 (originally published in 11 tankoubon from 1992.04 to 1994.12)

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

2. Giant Killing vol 8 of 21+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2008.11

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.

3. Hellsing vol 10 of 10 by Hirano Kohta [Finale]

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 86-95) first published in Japan 2009.03

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, fifth onwards by Madhouse. 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.

4. [Series Premiere] Misaki No.1!! vol 1 of 2+ by Fujisaki Masato

Misaki Number One!! 「美咲ナンバーワン！！」 by Fujisaki Masato Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits and Monthly Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-9) first published in Japan 2008.09

Adaptations
Ten episodes of the live-action Misaki Number One!! renzoku aired on NTV between 12 January to 16 March 2011 with Karina as Tennoji Misaki.

5. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) vol 26 of 29+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 26 (Parts 104-107) first published in Japan 2010.06

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey until volumes 22/23/24 [per 2010.10]; Kodansha Comics [starting volume 25]: 26 volumes per 2011.09.27 • volume 27 street date: 2011.11.22) and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko Tome 15 shipped 2011.08.24 • Tome 16 street date: 2011.12.01), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime: Perfect Girl Band 26 released 2011.10 • Band 27 street date: 2012.03)

Adaptations
Anime by Nippon Animation featuring seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko (Nakahara Sunako), Morikubo Showtaro (Takano Kyohei), Yamauchi Yuuya (Toyama Yukinojo), Sugita Tomokazu (Oda Takenaga) and Nojima Hirofumi (Mori Ranmaru) aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya (Kyohei), Oomasa Aya (Sunako), Tegoshi Yuya (Yukinojo), Uchi Hiroki (Takenaga) and Miyao Shuntaro (Ranmaru) was telecast on TBS from January to March 2010.

6. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 13 of 43+ by Chan Mou

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

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

7. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) vol 10 of 12+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2010.06

8. X Blade vol 7 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.07

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, volume 2 street date: 2011.11.09)

9. xxxHOLiC vol 14 of 19 by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 14: Sono Negai ga Tsuyokereba Tsuyoi Hodo, ano Ko to Tomo ni Mirai mo Kawaru. (chapters 85-91) first published in Japan 2009.02

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 17 volumes 17 per 2011.09.13 • volume 18 street date: 2011.12.13), French (PIKA Édition: Tome 18 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 19 street date: 2011.10.19), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06, bundled with volumes 14 and 15). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, released 9 March 2011 with the limited edition manga volume 19.

A feature film adaptation xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in Japan before the first anime season (2005.08.20). The movie was a finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Seiyuu Fukuyama Jun and Ohara Sayaka play the roles of Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko in all adaptations.

Related
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (crossover) · xxxHoLic: ANOTHERHOLiC Landolt-Ring Aerosol by NisiOisiN (Novel; side story) · Soel to Larg: Mokona=Modoki no Bouken (Novel; side story)

At least four official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17) · xxxHolic Complete Book (2011.03.17)

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

Box sets AKA Paket Komik *Harga Spesial* (2011.10.12)

1. Exit, Vols. 1-5 (of 12+) by Fujita Takami [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Glass Chair, Vols. 1-6 (of 8) by Nakamura Mariko (Garasu no Isu) [IDR 54,000/set]
3. Gun Smith Cats, Vols. 1-8 of 8 by Sonoda Kenichi –Complete– [IDR 72,000/set]
4. Nanase Fire Investigator, Vols. 1-5 (of 7) by Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige (Kasai Chousakan Nanase) [IDR 45,000]

Note: Volume tallies represent Japanese volume totals, not (necessarily) Level Comics' latest release. Most recent Level volumes: Exit vol 6 (per 8.18), Glass Chair vol 8 [Finale] (8.18) and Nanase Fire Investigator vol 5 (2010.09.22)

European comics/BDs (2011.10.12)

1. [Series Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 1: L'ivoire du Magohamoth) by Christophe Arleston, Didier Tarquin (Soleil) «Ex-9.22
2. [Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Thanos Si Pengacau (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 2: Thanos l'incongru) by Arleston & Tarquin (Soleil)

Postponed title(s) and new tentative street date(s)
Yakari - Kemarahan Langit by Derib & Job (postponed to 10.26)

Read more »

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 5, X Blade 6, Red River 9 (Level Comics 18 August 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

NikBabble™ Version

Second pre-Idul Fitri recess Level release.

Chou yo Hana yo © Yoshihara Yuki/Shogakukan [First serialized in Petit Comic] · XBlade © Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi/Kodansha [First serialized in Shonen Sirius] · Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori © Shinohara Chie/Shogakukan [First serialized in Sho-Comi]. Published in Indonesia as Oh Butterfly Oh Flower, X Blade and Red River by Elex Media/Level Comics

Still commending the Level Team—specifically, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower's editor Lenny-san—for volume 5, the top manga DO WANT♡. I'm sooo sure it takes a lot of finessing to sanitize Chou yo Hana yo smut as the volume number rises. ^^ [Previewed after the release list]

Also, we still need Prince Kail on the cover of Red River 9, not some bird.

Level Comics manga (2011.08.18)

1. A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 12 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 12 (chapters 80-86) first published in Japan 2006.07

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's Spirit of The Sun, tome 17: Le troisième pays per 2009.12)

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

2. Exit 6 of 12+ by Fujita Takami

Exit 「ＥＸＩＴ」 by Fujita Takami Gentosha Birz Comics Girls Collection, shoujo Volume 6 published in Japan 2003.03

Earlier editions
Volumes 1-5 published between 1998.08 and 1999.06 under Sony Magazines Comics Kimi to Boku (KB) Collection imprint

3. Glass Chair (Garasu no Isu) 8 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko [Finale]

Garasu no Isu 「ガラスの椅子」 by Nakamura Mariko Kodansha Be Love, josei Volume 8 first published in Japan 2006.12

4. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 5 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 5 (chapters 21-25) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media: seven volumes per 2011.06 • volume 8 street date: 2011.09.06), French (Soleil: Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

5. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 9 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 9 first published in Japan 1997.06

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)

6. RRR 3 of 10 by Watanabe Jun

RRR 「ＲＲＲ」 by Watanabe Jun AKA Rock 'n' Roll Ricky Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.12

7. X Blade 6 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.04

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

European comics/BDs (2011.08.18)

1. Cubitus - Wisata Kuliner Dunia (Cubitus, tome 37: Si tous les gags du monde) by Dupa (Le Lombard)
2. [Series Premiere] Leonard - Si Jenius (Léonard, tome 1: Léonard est un génie) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)
3. Smurf - Salad Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 24 : Salade de Schtroumpfs) by Peyo, Luc Parthoens, Thierry Culliford, Ludowick Borecki (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 »