Aaargh. Having trouble choosing the manga (or manhwa) to lead this post...
.:drags in the SC: Thorny Rules cover she ‘borrowed’ from Elex editor Nia-san:.
Ibara no Okite © Yukimura Yuni/Hakusensha [First serialized in LaLa DX]
Published in Indonesia as Thorny Rules by Elex Media Komputindo
Even though I led with Thorny Rules, blurbing top DO WANT! first. And for 13 October, that honor goes (not surprisingly) to Defense Devil, one of two Shonen Stars branching out to tankou. Fortnightly serialization apparently isn't enough to sate readers' Kucabara cravings, an upshot that, if you think about, is not at all bad for something that started out a mere one-shot in Sunday GX.
A “good” demon, Kucabara is exiled from his home and finds new gainful employment as legal counsel for unjustly condemned souls. Will Grim Reaper charges win out, or can the Defense Devil avert his clients' Hell or Bust fate? More to the point, will the devil attorney's seditious choice (helping humans equals declaring war on the demon world) lead to a more just order?
What Elex excludes from its Defense Devil preview—but others highlight (»here, here and here)—is that Kucabara's defense doesn't come gratis: he gets his clients' Dark Matter in return for representing them. Collect enough Dark Matter and he can go home. But with his spendthrift ways, Kucabara might as well be working pro bono as he uses up the Dark Matter as fast as he accumulates it, saving accursed, I mean, accused, souls from the clutches of predator Shinigami.
(You have to scroll down for the other 10.13 premieres: Topeng Kaca Deluxe, My First Mr. Akuno and Thorny Rules. Thorny Rules is augmented by a two-page spread, if that encourages you to scroll down any.)
Fairy Tail 9 of 23+ by Mashima Hiro
Pretty sure I hit the mark when I speculated that Elex PTB intervened in Fairy Tail's skedding (October's Komikologi is still stuck on volume 7). That being the case, Elex has no volume 9 preview, so I'm excerpting Pika Édition's (originally French) Fairy Tail, tome 9 blurb:
Fairy Tail succeeds in thumpin' rival guild Phantom Lord, only to be later fazed by... inertia. The mages have to wait for the wizarding board's decision before any rebuilding can begin. (And you know just how ‘speedy’ them committees work.)
Meanwhile, Lucy, feeling the weight of responsibility, goes home to seek her parents' guidance, though not before leaving her comrades a message. She isn't the only Fairy Tail wizard beset by personal problems, however; Loke, too, carries a terrible burden — and only Lucy can help him!
Aside from pointing out that Lucy holds the key to saving Loke (at least that's what I assume literally, given that Lucy's a celestial mage), Del Rey's Fairy Tail, Vol. 9: Fading Wizard synop specifies the mage's quandary: his life may be about to end,
prompting the player to give up on women altogether.
Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.10.13)
Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.
- Artist Acro 2 of 9 by Sakurai Ato
- Crows 12 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi
- [Premiere] Defense Devil 1 of 6+ by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl
- Fairy Tail 9 of 23+ by Mashima Hiro
- Hidamari Sketch 4 of 5+ by Aoki Ume
- Kariage kun 34 of 48+ by Ueda Masashi
- Kurozakuro 7 of 7 by Natsume Yoshinori [Finale]
- [Premiere] My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) 1 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun
- Sentaro (Pikupiku Sentarou) 35 of 35+ by Nunoura Tsubasa
- [New Release] Thorny Rules (Ibara no Okite) by Yukimura Yuni - SC
- [Premiere] Topeng Kaca Deluxe (Glass no Kamen) 1 of 24+ by Miuchi Suzue
- Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 (Saikyou Seitokai Tsubakiyo) 2 of 2 by Hara Asumi [Finale]
 | Crows 「クローズ」 by Takahashi Hiroshi |
Related series
Worst (sequel, 24 volumes as at 2010.06) and Crows Zero (spin-off; nine volumes as at 2010.08)
Adaptations
Two live-action prequel movies: Crows ZERO (Japan theatrical release: October 2007) and Crows ZERO II (April 2009), directed by Miike Takashi and starring Oguri Shun (GPS leader Takiya Genji) and Yamada Takayuki (Serizawa Tamao)
 | Defense Devil 「ＤＥＦＥＮＳＥ ＤＥＶＩＬ」 |
Volume 1 contains chapters:
1 Judgement－1 Frog Rain
2 Judgement－2 Apple Tree
3 Judgement－2 Apple Tree 2
4 Judgement－2 Apple Tree 3
5 Judgement－2 Apple Tree 4
6 Judgement－2 Apple Tree 5
7 Judgement－3 Hero
*NOT Shonen Star chapter titles
Related
Adapted from the Sunday GX Akuma Bengoshi Kucabara
one-shot
Serialization
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
Other languages
English and simplified Chinese (both published by Chuang Yi; most recent English volume 2 released 2010.09.21 • latest simplified Chinese #4 per 2010.09.07)
 | Fairy Tail 「ＦＡＩＲＹ ＴＡＩＬ」 by Mashima Hiro |
Volume 9 contains chapters:
66 Comrades
67 My Choice
68 Farewell
69 Next Generation
70 Frederick & Yanderica
71 A Night at Hôsenka
72 The Star That Fell from Heaven
73 Year 781 - Blue Pegasus
74 The King of the Constellations
*NOT Shonen Magz serialization titles
Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2009 Kodansha Manga Awards (tied with Katou Motohiro's Q.E.D.)
Best Comedy Manga, 2009 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation's Industry Awards
Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
Other languages
English Fairy Tail (Del Rey; Volume 12: The Doomsday Weapon! released 2010.09.28), French (Pika Édition tome 15 ships 2010.11.03), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan; 魔導少年 21 released 2010.07), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi; #22 per 2010.10.05)
Adaptations
Season 1 of the A-1 Pictures and Satelight anime co-production starring seiyuu Hirano Aya as Lucy Heartfilia, Kakihara Tetsuya as Natsu Dragneel, Nakamura Yuuichi as Gray Fullbuster and Kugimiya Rie as Happy concluded with episode 48 on 2010.09.27. (The Animax Asia run premiered 30 September 2010.) A second season is skedded to premiere 11 October 2010.
Related
Fairy Megane, a one-shot crossover between Fairy Tail and Yoshikawa Miki's Yankee-kun to Megane-chan (AKA Flunk Punk Rumble), appeared in Weekly Shonen Magazine in 2008.
The official ＦＡＩＲＹ ＴＡＩＬ＋ fanbook released 2010.05 in Japan.
 | Hidamari Sketch 「ひだまりスケッチ」 by Aoki Ume |
Other languages
English Sunshine Sketch (Yen Press; volume 4 released 2010.01.26)
Adaptations
A 12-episode anime adaptation by SHAFT aired in Japan from January to March 29, 2007, followed by two special episodes in October 2007, a second season (Hidamari Sketch × 365; July-September 2008), another two special episodes (October 2009) and a third season (Hidamari Sketch × Hoshimittsu; January-March 2010). Seiyuu Asumi Kana (Yuno), Mizuhashi Kaori (Miyako), Goto Yuko (Hiro), and Shintani Ryoko (Sae) reprised their roles in the sequels, with the addition of Omigawa Chiaki as Nazuna and Harada Hitomi as Nori in the third season.
Related
Two light novels by Higurashi Chabō, illustrated by Aoki Ume, under the Houbunsha KR Bunko imprint: Hidamari Sketch Novel: Yōkoso Hidamari-sō e (2007.03) and Hidamari Sketch Novel: Hidamari School Life (2007.09).
 | Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi |
Awards
Recipient, 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982), along with Ueda Masashi's other series Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun and Suzuki Yamato's Ai MY Tenrankai
Related series
Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen, Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen and Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen (sequels)
 | Kurozakuro 「クロザクロ」 by Natsume Yoshinori |
Volume 7 contains chapters:
58 表と裏
59 新種
60 儡牙（ライガ）
61 薊（あざみ）
62 自分の力
63 流れ
64 望み
65 自由
66 人間
最終話 始まり
Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)
Other languages
English Kurozakuro (VIZ Media; volume 1 street date: 2010.11.02), French (Akata/Delcourt; seven volumes)
 | Hajimete no Aku 「はじめてのあく」 by Fujiki Syun |
Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
 | Pikupiku Sentarou 「ぴくぴく仙太郎」 |
 | Ibara no Okite 「いばらの掟」 by Yukimura Yuni |
 | Glass no Kamen 「ガラスの仮面」 by Miuchi Suzue |
Related
Glass no Kamen tankoubon
Adaptations
Three anime and two seasons of a live-action drama
 | Saikyou Seitokai Tsubakiyo 「最強生徒会ツバキヨ」 |
Serializations
Indonesian Nakayoshi Gress!
¹ Sources: Elex STO 13 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Kariage kun 34 and Hidamari Sketch 4 (SRP: IDR 15,000). The Topeng Kaca 1 Deluxe bunko retails for IDR 24,000/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).
New titles continued...
My First Mr. Akuno 1 of 7+ by Fujiki Syun
Cute Mad Scientist Akuno Jiro, along with onee-chan Eiko, ends up living with cousin Kyoko. Jiro has absolute zero experience dealing with society at large, though the defect's not about to stop him from trying to act like your average Joe. What headaches will this freeloader cause Kyoko?
A check of Baka-Updates Manga's Hajimete no Aku page nets these goodies: Jiro wants to operate on Kyoko (Mad Scientist
dakara) and that he and Eiko are card-carrying evil organization members on the lam from “The Good Guys.” The same source tags the Shonen Sunday comedy: School, Evil Organisation, Mad Science, Tsundere.
(And having mentioned SS, might as well hammer that nail point that My First Mr. Akuno is a rising Shonen Star, just like Defense Devil.)
Thorny Rules by Yukimura Yuni ♡
Rules threaten to strangle the life out of Earl Craven's manor: servants must avoid eye-contact with their liege at all costs—facing the wall, if need be—and yield whenever their paths cross. The exacting protocol has earned the master of the house the name “Lucifer.”
Only one servant realizes that goodness abides in the so-called devil's heart: the maid Priscilla. But an unbridgeable gap yawns between the maid and her earl, who is apparently affianced.
Priscilla vows to renounce her love for the young aristocrat, but...
As you can see from this spread below, she's having a difficult time of it. (Click for a bigger image.)
I was never enamored of Mori Kaoru's Emma, but the gothic overtones of this Master-Servant, Star-crossed Lovers historical romance resonate, accounting for the ♡
means GET! designation.
Yukimura Yuni-sensei doesn't have that many manga credits to her name (my search only turned up Ibara no Okite, which is Thorny Rules). Baka-Updates Manga, however, unearthed the faerie-talesque Oujisama no Yume Utsutsu
one-shot. Her 2006 debut, Wakka to Tsubasa,
is apparently compiled in Thorny Rules.
Topeng Kaca 1 Deluxe by Miuchi Suzue
Regardless that Elex's reissued Glass no Kamen doesn't reprise the Japanese bunko cover (as promo'ed in the August Komikologi; instead, it relauches the very first—some say Jadul
—cover), that Topeng Kaca 1 Deluxe finally streets next Wednesday is undoubtedly a coup for Elex. Because, really, who else is up to speed on Glass no Kamen outside Japan? (Other than, perhaps, Tong Li Taiwan and Editions Star Comics Italy, that is.)
Now, everyone knows just how much of a classic is Glass no Kamen. But for nostalgia's—and a new generation of fans'—sake, blurb:
Neither beautiful nor all-capable, Kitajima Maya nevertheless possesses one abiding passion: drama. Unbeknownst to her, Maya actually has the gift for acting. Only a veteran thespian, Mayuko, realizes Maya's potential. Mayuko undertakes to mentor Maya, and Maya's quest to perfect her craft and perform the Crimson Angel role of a lifetime begins.
Finales
Kurozakuro 7 of 7 by Natsume Yoshinori
Defenders and exterminators of humanity clash one last time to decide humankind's future. Which road will Zakuro choose, once the final seal is broken?
And so Mikito and Zakuro's journey concludes, the end promising (so sez Elex) love, friendship and a coming of age.
Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4vol. 2 of 2 by Hara Asumi
What happens when idiots go against the rich? An inevitable massacre. This is exactly the plight the student council faces as it scraps with the Student Council God. The latter looks down on the former for not having the resources (money) to settle problems. But little does anyone realize that Tsuba Kiyo has another power, one capable of restoring peace...
Ongoing series
Artist Acro 2 of 9 by Sakurai Ato
Acro finally breaks into Bleu's house, only to find a stranger there. What's worse, Acro is designated a fugitive and fair game for the hunter artists acting on orders of the Art Organization.
Crows 12 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi
Everyone rejoices at Bull's discharge from the hospital, but merry-making and peace don't last long. What Ryushin talked about comes to pass: Housen students start stalking Bull and Harumichi. Their target: Suzuran High, primarily Rindaman. Bando also reappears, prompting fears of another showdown between Suzuran and Housen.
Sentaro 35 of 35+ by Nunoura Tsubasa
Sentaro sleeps over at Meong's house and next thing you know, The Great Rabbit and Cat Expedition begins! The pair sneaks into rooms, having fun, until Sentaro stops, looking pained. What happened?
UP NEXT: Level Comics and m&c! 13 October 2010 manga
Level Comics: Vagabond 33 · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 2 · The Drops of God 2 · Zipang 4 · Blade of Immortal 11 · Hellsing 5 · Priest 10 · Basara 13 · Jepang Tenggelam 8 · Onsen Paradise 3 · Strange Tales of Tokyo 3
m&c!: Song of Love 6 · Bleach 35 · When Love is Growing by Shiumi Saki · Female Wolf's Boy 6 · Miracle Ball 12 of 12 · Kimi Ga Suki - I Love You - 2 of 3 · How to Make a Princess 1 by Izumi Asuka · Because I Love You 2 of 2 · Love Remedy by Kohara Yuko · My Sweet Home 1 by Maru & Kim Jin-hee · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 12
Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Elex editors Nia-san and Fitri-san for the artwork contributions
disclaimer
Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.
manga currently available (6 October 2010 street date)
- Elex Media: Detektif Conan 20 +Plus Super Digest Book · Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle 16 · Fairy Tail 8 · New Legenda Naga 6 · Crayon Shinchan - Mari Mengenal Serangga by Usui Yoshito · Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 volume 1 by Hara Asumi · BECK 22 · Dr. Koto 2 · Ogawa & Team Saito 2 · Ruler of the Land 49 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 4 · Sora, The Wingless Duck 18 · Tena on S String 3 · Spiral: The Bonds Of Reason 7 · Penguin Revolution 7 of 7 · Tokkyu! 15 · A Story of Heroes 32 · Kaiser Z 16 of 16
- Level Comics: Eternal Sabbath 1 by Souryo Fuyumi · Cruise 1 by Yajima Masao · xxxHOLiC 10 · Miso-com 4 · Psychometrist Eiji 15 · A Spirit of the Sun 6 · K2 v3
- m&c!: White Paper Ark 7 of 7 · Lovers In Paris by Akimoto Nami · Welcome to Rakuan-Inn by Minami Sachi · Dawn Aria 6 · School Baby by Shibano Yuka · Cyboy 1 by Nishikata Mai · Sandwich Girl 3
related monthly schedules
October 2010
Premiering Angin Musim Gugur (Deluxe) by Hikawa Kyoko, English School Wars by Matsumoto Tomo, The Flower Princess by Hibiki Wataru, Traumeister by Nakayama Atsushi, Nice to Meet You God by Suzuki Julietta, MIXIM 11 by Anzai Nobuyuki, My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun, Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, Chotto Edo Made by Tsuda Masami, Kome Si Belang by Hoshino Natsumi, Here is Greenwood (Deluxe) by Nasu Yukie, Our Dear Tamura-kun by Kurafuji Sachi, Crayon Shinchan by Usui Yoshito and SC: Goddess of a Department Store by Morino Aki (standalone)
September 2010
Premiering Global Garden by Hiwatari Saki, Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 by Hara Asumi, You Are So Cool by Lee YoungHee and Thorny Rules by Yukimura Yuni (standalone)
other invaluable resources
Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · 7net Shopping · ANN
Technorati tags
Elex Media · manga · manhwa · josei · shoujo · shounen · seinen · Artist Acro · Crows · Defense Devil · Fairy Tail · Hidamari Sketch · Kariage-kun · Kurozakuro · My First Mr. Akuno (Hajimete no Aku) · Sentaro · Thorny Rules (Ibara no Okite) · Topeng Kaca Deluxe (Glass no Kamen) · Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 (Saikyou Seitokai Tsubakiyo)
Artist Acro 「アーティストアクロ」 by Sakurai Ato
Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen
Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.03
Volume 2 contains chapters:
7 アクロ、対峙する。
8 アクロ、戸惑う。
9 アクロ、気がつく。
10 アクロ、スバルと話す。
11 アクロ、屋敷を発つ。
12 アクロ、おたずね者にされる。
13 ピクルス、アクロのもとへ。
14 ピクルス、アクロにお願いする。
15 デコ、走る。
16 アクロ、誘われる。
Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; 魔法亚克罗 #3 per 2010.07)