Bambino! 15 of 15, Jio 19 of 19, Iliad 7 (Level Comics 2 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Also, Dawn of the Arcana 3 and Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 8 that Imma lead with later when this MinimaList gets the NikBabble™ reboot. «Update: What did I say? :)

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo © Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke/Gentosha
[Serialized in Comic BIRZ]
Published in Indonesia as Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files by Elex Media/Level Comics

Leading with Kyoko who looks too totally bad-ass...

After defeating Kano and saving the world, Kyoko searches for the truth about her origins. Her quest takes her to Kyoto, site of the special Oni jail, the Demons' Circle, which serves as the prison for the remaining members of her clan, the Kurogane brothers. Does Kyoko manage to meet Kurogane? For sure she finds unexpected help in Raiko, an Oni hunter toting a huge sword.

[Additions from Taifu Comics' Kyoko Karasuma, Tome 8 synopsis]

Level recommends Kyoko Karasuma as a fun and exciting take on ancient Japanese myths, presented in a series of suspenseful cases — a story of a future Japanese police force trying to eradicate the evil that hides in plain sight. If you haven't tried out Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke's seinen supernatural manga starring a 16y.o. detective, take a look at the value sets on offer. KKCF volumes 1–5 for only IDR 45,000. You can build from that. ^^

Volume 8 compiles chapters 55-63: Goburi, Penjaga Bulan Malam, Home Town, Lingkaran Iblis, Patung Pahlawan, Kurogane, Monster yang Dilepas, Pelarian, Pasukan Pembunuh Iblis and Satu Orang Karasuma Lagi. I don't know what's the latest chapter out in Comic BIRZ nor the most recent chappie collected in latest tankou 9, published in Japan December 2010.

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.11.02)

1. Bambino! vol 15 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji [Finale]

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2009.04

Awards
Winner, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Seinen/General category (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; volume 9 street date: 2011.11.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

2. Dawn of The Arcana (Reimei no Arcana) vol 3 of 8+ by Toma Rei «Ex-10.19

Reimei no Arcana 「黎明のアルカナ」 by Toma Rei Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.02

Other languages
English Dawn of the Arcana (VIZ Media: Volume 1 street date: 2011.12.06), French (Kazé Editions: L'Arcane de l'aube: Tome 3 shipped 2011.09 • Tome 4 street date: 2011.11.24)

Related
The Reimei no Arcana -Hajimari no Koku- 「黎明のアルカナ－始まりの刻－」 light novel was published in Japan in 2011.02 under Shogakukan's Flower Comics Lululu Novels label

3. Devil Devil vol 6 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 6 (nine episodes/chapters 48-56) first published in Japan 1999.07

Other languages
French (PIKA Édition: 15 volumes)

4. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 85 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 85 first published in Japan 2008.09

Volume 85 contains:
Round 807: Beatdown Tour
Round 808: Better Off Not Seeing
Round 809: Two Strong Willed Men
Round 810: Dad's Style
Round 811: Full of Weaknesses
Round 812: Inherited Dream
Round 813: Always Watching
Round 814: When The Cherry Blossoms Bloom
Round 815: Cherry Blossom Memories
Round 816: The Two Champions
[*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: Destins de Boxeurs 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.

5. Iliad vol 7 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 7 (eight episodes/chapters 49-56) first published in Japan in 2005.01

6. Jio vol 19 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi [Finale]

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 19 (chapters 73-76) first published in Japan 2008.02

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)

7. Karakuri Circus vol 6 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro

Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 by Fujita Kazuhiro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 6 (nine episodes/chapters 47-55) first published in Japan 1999.02

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in shinsō-ban beginning July 2011 (Shonen Sunday Comics Special volume 6 street date: 2011.11.18) and in 16 wide-ban volumes (from 2008.11 to 2010.02)
French (Delcourt: Karakuri Circus Tome 21 per 2007.12)

8. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) vol 8 of 9+ by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo 「烏丸響子の事件簿」 by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke AKA Kyoko Karasuma - Detective of the Asakusa Police Department Gentosha Comic BIRZ, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 55-63) first published in Japan 2009.12

Other languages
French (Taifu Comics: Kyoko Karasuma, Inspecteur à Asakusa Tome 9 shipped 2011.10.13), German (Carlsen Comics: Kyoko Karasuma: Detective of the Asakusa Police Department latest - Band 9), Russian (Comix-ART)

9. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) vol 28 of 36+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 28 first published in Japan 2009.11

Volume 28 chapters:
250. Again, to Mahora Academy!!
251. Reunion with Destiny
252. My Partner ♥
253. The Hesitant Maidens' Pactio Dreams ♥
254. The Other Mastermind!
255. Which Path Will Negi Choose?!
256. Invitation from the Darkness
257. The Plan to Return to the Real World Begins!
258. To the Core of the World's Secrets!
[*NOT Level's titles]

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28 and Kodansha Comics: starting from volume 29 [2011.05] • volume 32 street date: 2011.11.22 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore: MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, Volume 27 per 2011.02), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔法老师 #31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 魔法老師! 35 per 2011.10.19), French (Pika Édition: Negima! Tome 33 per 2011.10.05 • Tome 34 street date: 2012.01.04), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime: Negima! Magister Negi Magi Band 32 released 2011.10.07 •; Band 33 street date: 2012.01), Norwegian (Schibsted Forlag), Portuguese (Editora JBC Brazil) and Croatian (Algoritam Croatia).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17-2010.11.17; and the anime movie that concludes the Magic World arc, Mahou Sensei Negima: Anime Final (premiered 27 August 2011 in Japan as a double-bill with Hayate the Combat Butler! Heaven Is a Place on Earth). A live-action drama aired on TV Tokyo from 2007.10 to 2008.03.

10. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) vol 12 of 13+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 12 first published in Japan 2011.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 12 per 2011.10.13)

11. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) vol 20 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 20 (chapters 158-165) first published in Japan 2009.02

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

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 17 shipped 2011.07 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.10.19)

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* (2011.11.02)

1. Ice Forest, Vols. 1-5 (of 9+) by Saito Chiho [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Jepang Tenggelam, Vols. 1-10 (of 15) by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko (Nihon Chinbotsu) [IDR 90,000/set]
3. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files, Vols. 1-5 (of 9+) by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke (Karasuma Kyoko no Jikenbo) [IDR 45,000/set]
4. Last Inning, Vols. 1-9 (of 31+) by Nakahara Yu & Kamio Ryu [IDR 81,000/set]
5. The Ravages of Time, Vols. 1-5 (of 43+) by Chan Mou (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) [IDR 45,000/set]
6. Shattered Knife, Vols. 1-5 (of 12+) by George Asakura (Oboreru Knife) [IDR 45,000/set]
7. Sora!, Vols. 1-5 of 5 by Yajima Masao & Hikino Shinji (SORA! ~Flight Attendant Monogatari~)  –Complete–  [IDR 45,000/set]

Note: Volume tallies represent original volume totals, not (necessarily) Level Comics' latest release. Most recent Level releases of ongoings: Ice Forest vol 7 (6.15), Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files vol 8 (11.02), Last Inning vol 9 (3.23), The Ravages of Time vol 13 (10.12), Shattered Knife vol 10 (10.12). Level has already concluded Jepang Tenggelam (vol 15 of 15 per 9.22).

European comics/ROMICs [BDs] (2011.11.02)

1. Jojo - Pilihan Buat Charlotte (Jojo - Les choix de Charlotte) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
2. Lucky Luke - Tortila Untuk Dalton (Lucky Luke, Tome 31: Tortillas pour Les Dalton) by Morris & Goscinny (Dupuis)
3. Spirou dan Fantasio - Virus (Spirou et Fantasio, Tome 33: Virus) by Tome & Janry (Dupuis)

Read more »

Bambino 14, Black Lagoon 8, Jepang Tenggelam 15 of 15 (Level Comics 22 September 2011 manga) [UPDATE3]

The Gave In to Anality Version — Final

Update 3: Reinstated Red River 10 and Shattered Knife 9—with details—as both ARE already available in stores, even if they still appear in the 28 September STO. (But for sure, Sky of Love 7 has been reskedded to the above street date.)

Also replaced the lead cover (formerly Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth) because that Arleston & Tarquin ROMIC was also postponed (word is it streets on 12 October). Needless to say, I chose to omit its synopsis from this release list. So if it's a Then you saw it, now you don't, you know what happened.

Bambino! © Sekiya Tetsuji/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic Spirits] · Black Lagoon © Hiroe Rei/Shogakukan [Serialized in Sunday GX] · Nihon Chinbotsu © Komatsu Sakyou and Ishiki Tokihiko/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic Spirits]. Published in Indonesia as Bambino!, Black Lagoon and Jepang Tenggelam by Elex Media/Level Comics

In the penultimate Bambino!

Ban's still trying to win over mafiosi palates, but Coyote's cowardly brother Lorenzo interferes!

Above Bambino! preview extracted from a mechanical translation of バンビ～ノ！　１４ episode 143 sneak peek. Level's late-breaking version —

Ban returns to Japan, only to be told by Chef Tekkan to swing by Fukuoka. There Ban finds that his parents are getting a divorce, the apartment he calls home is up for sale, his ex-girlfriend is getting married and his best friend has become little more than a thug. Talk about problems! Can Ban overcome these non-food challenges?

Bambino! concluded in Japan with volume 15's April 2009 release. Bambino! Secondo's first tankou premiered in August that same year. Eight volumes of the sequel have been compiled as at August 2011.

More previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.09.22)

1. Bambino! 14 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 14 (chapters 143-153) first published in Japan 2008.12

Awards
Winner, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Seinen/General category, tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler (Kurosagi).

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; eight volumes as at 2011.08.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

2. Black Lagoon 8 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 56-64) first published in Japan 2008.07

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. The OAV sequel, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, premiered 17 July 2010, with the fifth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray/DVD released 2011.06.22.

Related
The Sunday GX Comics 10YEAR'S CHRONICLE: Black Lagoon 1: Born to Rock (JP release: 2011.01), which contains the Black Lagoon Gaiden, and Black Lagoon 2: Rock to the Core (2011.02)

The Black Lagoon: Shaitane Badi light novel written by Urobuchi Gen and illustrated by Hiroe Rei (Black Lagoon side story; Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07)

3. Eternal Sabbath (ES) 6 of 8 by Souryo Fuyumi

ES 「ＥＳ」 ＥＳ　６ by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2004.05

Other languages/Reissues
English ES (Del Rey: eight volumes), French (Glénat: eight volumes), Italian (Editions Star Comics)
Re-released in five bunko volumes (2006.10 - 2007.02)

4. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 84 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 84 first published in Japan 2008.06

Volume 84 chapters:
Round 799: The Remaining Round
Round 800: That is Ippo Makunouchi
Round 801: Right and Left
Round 802: An Enviable Pit
Round 803: The Main Event and the Main Event
Round 804: A Higher Level
Round 805: Because of Their Meeting
Round 806: The Unexpected Possibility
Hajime No Ippo Gaiden: Naniwa Tiger
*NOT Level chapter titles

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

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

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs Tome 16 shipped 2011.09.08) 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.

5. Giant Killing 7 of 21+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2008.10

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.

6. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 15 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko [Finale]

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 15 (chapters 122-130: Nihon Chinbotsu, Parts 1-9) first published in Japan 2009.02

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

7. Jio 18 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 18 (chapters 69-72) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)

8. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 11 of 13+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.10

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 11 per 2011.02)

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 10 of 28 by Shinohara Chie »Not postponed

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 10 (chapter 23 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1997.08

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

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).

10. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 9 of 12+ by George Asakura »Not postponed

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2010.01

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.22)

1. [Series Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 1: L'ivoire du Magohamoth) by Christophe Arleston, Didier Tarquin (Soleil) »Postponed to 10.12
2. Marsupilami - Serbuk Sari Urticando (Le Marsupilami, Tome 4: Le Pollen du Monte Urticando) by Franquin, Batem, Yann (Marsu Production)

Read more »

GTO Shonan 14 Days 2, Team Medical Dragon 18, Bambino 13 (Level Comics 10 August 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Skipped GTO 4 this sked, per Elex's more recent (15 August) advisory.

GTO Shonan 14 Days © Fujisawa Toru/Kodansha
[Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Updated with Level artwork and editor resources (not the only one babbling here :D)

Thorn-up-Onizuka's-side Katsuragi apparently just craves attention, not getting any from her father. Even when she's actually kidnapped, Pops doesn't lift a finger, thinking it's all a bluff. What else is Onizuka to do, but save Katsuragi in his own inimitable way...

Level editor Adisti-san observes that Katsuragi's problems are outed in the second GTO Shonan 14 Days. Whether that's what leads to the heart-pounding chase on the streets of Shonan, you'll have to GET! volume 2 to confirm ^_^

Team Medical Dragon 18 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira

Professor Takeo's daughter-in-law is rushed to the operating room after an accident. Professor Takeo orders surgical team head Izaka to prioritize his in-law's life, even as the mother insists that the doctor save her baby. At a crucial moment, Akira appears to assist in the operation. Will she choose to uphold the mother's wishes, or that of the Professor?

Team Medical Dragon editor Lenny-san promises that we also understand why Akira affects callous all this time.

Lenny-san also likens the medical drama supervised by Yoshinuma Mie-sensei to the House TV series that stars an unconventional and misanthropic medical genius who heads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital (PPTH) in New Jersey. (Thanks, Wiki.) I get unconventional medical genius, but misanthropic? Really? (I don't read TMD because Ryu-chan scares me ٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶).

Bambino! 13 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

To pay for the bottle of wine he broke, Ban decides to accept Coyote's offer to "cook for the Mafia." But can Ban satisfy the palates of the Italian mafiosi? Or will he end up rueing his decision?

Talk about living dangerously. Ganbare, Ban-chan! p(^^)q

European comics/ROMICs: Dangerous Skies!

Tanguy et Laverdure,
tome 3: Danger dans le Ciel
© Charlier & Uderzo/
Dargaud
Published in Indonesia as
Tanguy & Laverdure -
Bahaya Di Angkasa

Topping the bande dessinée Do Want! list is Jean-Michel Charlier & Albert Uderzo's Tanguy & Laverdure - Bahaya Di Angkasa (Tanguy et Laverdure, tome 3: Danger dans le Ciel). Tanguy and Laverdure are assigned to Creil's squadron 1/10, also known as the Cigognes or Storks squadron, and pilot the SMB2 (Super Mystère B2) fighter-bomber. Their first mission: patrolling the airspace of Melun-Villaroche military base, declared a No-Fly zone to test a highly-classified French aircraft. One night, a secret transmission is intercepted around Melun-Villaroche; Tanguy scrambles and is forced to chase an enemy reconnaissance jet in the skies above the Seine.

Boule & Bill - Sirkus Keren! (Boule et Bill, tome 29: Quel cirque!) by Verron Laurent also streets this week. Here we see that Bill is not only a cute cocker spaniel, but also a...gardener!? (He buries bones in the hope that they will grow into more bones.)

Rounding out the BD trio is Yakari - Yakari dan Si Tanduk Bercabang (Yakari, tome 23: Yakari et les cornes fourchues) by Derib + Job, in which Yakari and Little Thunder race to save a baby antelope trapped in a wildfire.

Back to manga previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.08.10)

1. Bambino! 13 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 13 (chapters 132-142) first published in Japan 2008.08

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards, tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler (Kurosagi).

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; eight volumes as at 2011.08.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

2. Devil Devil 4 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 4 (chapters 28-37) first published in Japan 1999.06

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

3. GTO Shonan 14 Days 2 of 7+ by Fujisawa Toru

GTO Shonan 14 Days 「ＧＴＯ　ＳＨＯＮＡＮ　１４ＤＡＹＳ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.12

Related series
Prequels: Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 of 31 volumes); Bad Company (1 of 1 volume); and GTO (25 of 25 volumes)

Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: volume 4 per 2010.10), English GTO 14 Days in Shonan (Vertical: Volume 1 street date: 2012.01.31)

4. Jio 17 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 17 first published in Japan 2007.06

Volume 17 chapters:
65. The Ruins' Traps!
66. Heart
67. Brothers Face Off! Memories of the Scars!
68. Father's Thoughts
[*NOT Level's chapter titles]

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)

5. Karakuri Circus 4 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro

Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 by Fujita Kazuhiro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 4 (chapters 27-36) first published in Japan 1998.09

Other languages
French (Delcourt: Karakuri Circus Tome 21 per 2007.12)

6. Kowloon's Seekers (Shin Kijou no Kowloon) 3 of 3 by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi [Finale]

Shin Kijou no Kowloon 「真　机上の九龍　下」 by Aoki Tomo & Nagasaki Takashi AKA Shin Kijou no Kuryuu Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.09

Related series
Prequel: Kijou no Kowloon (one volume published under Shogakukan's Big Comics Special imprint; 2002.12)

7. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 10 of 12+ by Miyasaka Kaho

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 「僕達は知ってしまった」 by Miyasaka Kaho AKA We Experienced the Affair Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2010.08

Other languages
German (Egmont Manga & Anime: Lebe deine Liebe Band 10 released 2011.07 • Band 11 street date: 2011.10), French (Marvel Panini France: A Romantic Love Story Tome 10 per 2011.06)

Adaptations
The Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta ~ Kare to Kanojo to Aitsu no Himitsu light novel written by Takase Yunoka was released under the Flower Comics Lululu novels label on 2011.07.26.

Related
The official Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta Kōshiki Fanbook (JP release: 2011.07)

8. Officer Monju (Seigi Keikan Monju) 9 of 11+ by Miyashita Hiroki

Seigi Keikan Monju 「正義警官モンジュ」 by Miyashita Hiroki Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan in 2010.03

Other languages
French (Kana: Monju, au service de la justice Tome 8 per 2011.02 • Tome 9 street date: 2011.09.23), traditional Chinese (Taiwan Tohan: 正義警官毛九 volume 7 per 2011.06)

9. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 8 of 12+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.08

10. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) 18 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 18 (chapters 141-149) first published in Japan 2008.07

Awards
Winner, Best Seinen/General Manga, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards.

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 17 shipped 2011.07 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.10.19)

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.]

European comics/BDs (2011.08.10)

1. Boule & Bill - Sirkus Keren! (Boule et Bill, tome 29: Quel cirque!) by Verron, Roba (Dargaud)
2. Tanguy & Laverdure - Bahaya Di Angkasa (Tanguy et Laverdure, tome 3: Danger dans le Ciel) by Charlier & Uderzo (Dargaud)
3. Yakari - Yakari dan Si Tanduk Bercabang (Yakari, tome 23: Yakari et les cornes fourchues) by Derib + Job (Le Lombard)

Read more »

Bambino 11, The Bride's Stories 1 by Mori Kaoru, Ice Forest 6 (Level Comics 11 May 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Level babbled a lot, too; I'm just following the standard. *straight face*

Otoyome-Gatari © Mori Kaoru/Enterbrain
[Serialized in Fellows!]
Published in Indonesia as The Bride's Stories by Elex Media

Bambino!, you already won an award, so give way to The Bride's Stories, nominated for the fourth Manga Taisho awards. The series (which lost to Umino Chika's March comes in like a lion by 20 points) premieres 11 May.

Married couple Karluk Ayhan and Amira Hargal are separated in age by eight years: Amira is 20 years old and Karluk, 12. They live together with Karluk's family. Their harmonious relationship is disturbed by Amira's brother and cousin who descend upon the couple, intending to take Amira home.

What's behind their decision?

Not that Mori Kaoru-sensei needs any more hyping (*cough*Emma*cough*), but if name-dropping alone doesn't convince, editor Lenny-san rapturizes over this tribal historical romance, her favorite comic right now >.< for the Amira × Karluk thweetness she claims induces melting, gripping inter-clan conflict and Awesome! super-detailed art. (See the preview on the right. Don't you agree that that such ornateness, also evident on the cover, is delish? There's more 19th century Silk Road/Central Eurasian/Persian pretties, but you will have to visit Level's fesbuk for further droolage.)

And moar more: the hero(ine) or the eponymous Bride is a consummate archer and rider. Aside from Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, Older Female Younger Male, Baka-Updates Manga associates the seinen manga with Mono no Aware—what Wiki describes as the awareness of the transience of things, and wistfulness at their passing—the term first applied to the literary classic Genji Monogatari. I personally think The Bride's Stories radiates the same vibes as Red River, and I'm not the only one to think so.

☆ I preview the other debut—Karakuri Circus by Fujita Kazuhiro—an equally intriguing new series (how would you like it if death awaits should you fail to make people laugh?) After The Cut. Why? Because Bene! tied with The Bride's Stories as #1 GET!

Bambino! 11 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Ban is promoted pasta chief of a Trattoria Baccanale branch. Before he can take up his new post, however, he and Asuka first have to train at a restaurant owned by Chef Tekkan's buddy in New York. They get to the Big Apple safely, but minutes from landing are cheated out of hundreds of dollars. Furthermore, largely monolingual Ban becomes the butt of jokes and pranks by the other staff.

Editor Sina-san highlights the b(^o^)d charm point of this here Bambino! tank: non-English fluent, first-timer Ban's “interesting times” in New York and how he deals.

Level Comics manga (2011.05.11)

1. Bambino! 11 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 11 (chapters 110-120) first published in Japan 2008.02

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; six volumes per 2011.02.26)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

2. [Series Premiere] The Bride's Stories (Otoyome-Gatari) 1 of 2+ by Mori Kaoru

Otoyome-Gatari 「乙嫁語り」 by Mori Kaoru Enterbrain Fellows!, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.10

Awards
Nominee, 4th Manga Taisho awards (2011), along with I am a Hero by Hanazawa Kengo; March comes in like a lion by Umino Chika (award winner); Hana no Zubora-Meshi by Kusumi Masayuki, Mizusawa Etsuko; Un chocolatier de l'amour perdu by Mizushiro Setona and eight other manga

Other languages
English A Bride's Story (Yen Press: volume 1 per 2011.05.31 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25) and traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan: 姊嫁物語 2 per 2010.10)

3. Giant Killing 3 of 19+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.10

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.

4. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 10 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 10 first published in Japan 2008.04

5. Homunculus 10 of 15 by Yamamoto Hideo

Homunculus 「 ホムンクルス 」 by Yamamoto Hideo Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2009.08

6. Ice Forest 6 of 9+ by Saito Chiho

Ice Forest 「 アイスフォレスト 」 by Saito Chiho Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.12

7. Jio 15 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2006.10

Volume 15 chapters:
57. Break In!
58. Everyone's Fight
59. Magic Trick
60. Miko's Truth
*NOT Level Comics' titles

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)

8. [Series Premiere] Karakuri Circus 1 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro

Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 by Fujita Kazuhiro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 1 (chapters 1-8) first published in Japan 1997.12

9. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 20 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 20 first published in Japan 1999.12

Other languages
French Psychometrer Eiji (Kana/Dargaud: 25 volumes), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore 感应少年 Eiji: 25 volumes), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Reissues
Re-released in 12 bunko volumes (2003.06 to 2003.11)

Adaptations
The live-action renzoku alternatively known as Simply Psychic ran for two seasons on NTV (January to March 1997 and October to December 1999). A one-episode, 45-minute anime OAV Eiji was released in August 1990.

10. Shadow Skill 3 of 7+ by Okada Megumu

Shadow Skill 「ＳＨＡＤＯＷ　ＳＫＩＬＬ」 by Okada Megumu Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2003.12

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).

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

European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.11)

1. Boule & Bill - Kau Ingat, Bill? by Roba
2. Jojo - Louis Gendut Operasi by André Geerts
3. [New] Tanguy & Laverdure - Demi Kehormatan by Charlier, Uderzo
4. [Series Premiere] Tanguy & Laverdure - Pendidikan Para Elang by Charlier, Uderzo
5. Yakari - Yakari dan Pagar Api by Derib & Job

Read more »