Fairy Tail 11, Hyde & Closer 7 of 7, Vinland Saga 7 (Elex Media 19 September 2011 manga)

We get 2×release skeds in the week commencing 19 September. Thought I'd get an early start. If you want the 14 September releases, go here, here and here.

Fairy Tail © Mashima Hiro/Kodansha [Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine] · Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer © Aso Haro/Shogakukan [First serialized in Shonen Sunday] · Vinland Saga © Yukimura Makoto/Kodansha [Serialized in Afternoon]. Published in Indonesia as Fairy Tail, Hyde & Closer and Vinland Saga by Elex Media

Gerald's true objective is revealed: to revive Zelf, history's greatest and most malevolent dark wizard. Gerald orders the assassination guild "Trinity Raven" to stop Elsa and the others from interfering with his grand plan. Elsewhere, the Magic Council greenlights deploying Etherion against the Tower of Heaven and Gerald, even at the cost of the lives of the Fairy Tail mages still in the tower.

Can the magical weapon of destruction foil Gerald's scheme, or will Gerald succeed in bringing back Zelf first?

If you watched the anime, you already know what happens :P. Fairy Tail 11 comprises chapters 83 through 91: Find The Way, Natsu-Cat Fight, Heaven's Game, Rock of Succubus, Lucy vs. Juvia, Natsu Becomes a Meal, Armor Around The Heart, Ikaruga and One Woman! The Decisive Outfit. [*NOT Elex chapter titles]

If you want more recent Fairy Tail chapters, the Indonesian Shonen Magz is your go-to; Mashima Hiro's award-winning manga serializes there. (ShoMagz 9/2011 streets 14 September.)

Twenty-nine Fairy Tail volumes will have been released in Japan by 17 October 2011.

Meanwhile, the adventures of Shy Shunpei and the world's first chainsaw-wielding teddy bear ends in —

Hyde & Closer 7 of 7 by Aso Haro

The "Man at the Window" dispatches acolytes Ronove, who possesses the power to change anything into wax, and Asmodai who can leech animal powers, to prevent Shunpei from meeting Kokkuri. Fortunately, Shunpei and his friends have courage and resourcefulness enough to hurdle the obstacles. But when the time comes for Shunpei to face Kokkuri and obtain clues about Detox, he encounters something that plunges him into despair.

New titles: Arakure - The Wild Ones by Fujiwara Kiyo

Love and Heroism Under One Roof!

Arakure © Fujiwara Kiyo
Hakusensha [Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as
Arakure - The Wild Ones
by Elex Media

After her mother's death, Wakamura Sachie is taken in by her grandfather. Her worst fears are realized when her mother's former home turns out to be a yakuza clan's headquarters!

As the only grandchild of a yakuza boss, Sachie is assigned a protector from the gang ranks — Igarashi Rakuto. But also grandpa adoptee Igarashi is no normal delinquent; he's actually the beloved student council president of Sachie's new school!

No one at school knows about Rakuto's hidden life, and soon Sachie finds herself falling for her bodyguard. But she's the granddaughter of Rakuto's boss, and he can never show his feelings for her. That quote from VIZ Media's Wild Ones, Vol. 1 description just ups the romantic stakes into delish ^^

So, Poor Boy/Rich Girl—a princely yakuza ward bodyguards an orphaned Strong Female Lead—but did you know that we can also look forward to First Loves and Love Triangles in this ex-Hana to Yume shoujo manga? Well, we can ^^

Arakure - The Wild Ones, the most romantic, breathtaking story ever and I kid you not, as I sed back in 2008, debuted in HanaLaLa #22/2008 and before that Indonesian HanaYume/LaLa was discontinued, managed to reach chapter 35, compiled in volume 7. The series is collected in 10 volumes, the last released in Japan in April 2009.

CMIIW but I believe that Arakure is the first Fujiwara Kiyo manga licensed for Indonesia. [Continued after the release list.]

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.09.19)

1. Arakure - The Wild Ones (Arakure) 1 of 10 by Fujiwara Kiyo

Arakure 「アラクレ」 by Fujiwara Kiyo Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4) first published in Japan 2005.07

Other languages
English Wild Ones (VIZ Media: 10 volumes)

2. Artist Acro 8 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

Artist Acro 「アーティストアクロ」 by Sakurai Ato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2010.04

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

3. Blooming Youth (Hanasakeru Seishounen) 6 of 12 by Itsuki Natsumi

Hanasakeru Seishounen 「花咲ける青少年」 by Itsuki Natsumi Hakusensha LaLa and LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 1992.01

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in six aizōban from 2009.02 to 2009.03
Traditional Chinese 天國少女 (Tong Li, 12 volumes)

Related
One-shot sequel (Melody 27 June 2009) and Hanasakeru Seishounen: Tokubetsuhen (one volume per 2011.03). A Hanasakeru Seishounen Premium Fanbook is scheduled to release 2011.12.05.

Adaptations
A 39-episode anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot, starring seiyuu Endo Aya (Kajika Louisa Kugami Burnsworth), Morikawa Toshiyuki (Huang Li-Ren), Ono Daisuke (Eugene Alexandr De Volkan), Namikawa Daisuke (Rumaty Ivan Di Raginei) and Fukuyama Jun (Carl Rosenthal) that aired between April 2009 and February 2010 on NHK, and at least two stage adaptations, the first premiering 29 September 2010 in Tokyo

4. Fairy Tail 11 of 29+ by Mashima Hiro

Fairy Tail 「ＦＡＩＲＹ　ＴＡＩＬ」 by Mashima Hiro Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 11 (chapters 83-91) first published in Japan 2008.08

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

Other languages/Serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English Fairy Tail (Del Rey until volume 12; Kodansha Comics from volume 13 [2011.05], volume 14 [2011.07], volume 15 street date: 2011.09.27), French (Pika Édition: Tome 20 shipped 2011.09.07), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: FAIRY TAIL魔導少年 27 released 2011.08), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: FAIRY TAIL #22 per 2010.10)

Adaptations
The A-1 Pictures and Satelight anime co-production starring seiyuu Hirano Aya (Lucy Heartfilia), Kakihara Tetsuya (Natsu Dragneel), Nakamura Yuuichi (Gray Fullbuster) and Kugimiya Rie (Happy) continues to air (episode 95 aired 2011.09.03). The Animax Asia run premiered 30 September 2010. Anime OAVs have been bundled with the manga volumes: Fairy Tail: Yōkoso Fairy Hills! (with limited edition volume 26; 2011.04.15) and Yōsei Gakuen Yankee-kun to Yankee-chan (volume 27; 2011.06.17).

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 Yōsei Gakuen Yankee-kun to Yankee-chan manga side story was released in the limited edition volume 27 as a separate booklet from the DVD.

The official FAIRY TAIL+ fanbook released 2010.05 in Japan, the FAIRY TAIL A official animation book in 2011.01.

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

Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer 「呪法解禁！！ハイド＆クローサー」 by Aso Haro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.08

Other languages
English Hyde & Closer (VIZ Media: five volumes per 2011.07 • volume 6 street date: 2011.10.11; serialized in ShonenSunday.com), French (Delcourt: seven volumes)

6. Kariage kun 45 of 50+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Action Comics, seinen Volume 45 first published in Japan 2008.06

Awards
Ueda Masashi received the 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982) for Kariage-kun, Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun, along with Suzuki Yamato for Ai MY Tenrankai.

Related series
Sequels: Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen (JP release: 2004.01), Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen (2004.04) and Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen (2004.06) and Chotto ecchina Kariage kun PINK and and Chotto kagekina Kariage kun BLACK and Kariage-kun Best Selection (published 2010.12 (PINK and BLACK) and 2011.01 (Best Selection) for the 30th anniversary)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Toei Animation (1989-1990)

7. Smash! 4 of 18 by Saki Kaori

Smash! 「スマッシュ！」 by Saki Kaori Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2007.06

8. The Tyr Chronicles (Tireujeongi) 8 of 11+ by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo

Tireujeongi 「티르전기」 by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo AKA Legend of Tyr Daiwon C.I., Comic Champ, sonyun Volume 8 first published in Korea 2010.07

9. Vinland Saga 7 of 10+ by Yukimura Makoto

Vinland Saga 「ヴィンランド・サガ」 by Yukimura Makoto Kodansha Afternoon (initially in Weekly Shonen Magazine), shounen/seinen Volume 7 (chapters 43-49) first published in Japan 2009.02

Awards
Nominee, 2008 Manga Taisho award and Grand Prize winner, Manga division, Japan Media Arts Festival 2009

Other languages/serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing serialization)
French (Kurokawa: Tome 9 shipped 2011.03 • Tome 10 street date: 2011.10.13), Italian (Star Comics), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海盜戰記 9 released 2011.03)

10. Witch Hunter 4 of 12+ by Cho JungMan

Witch Hunter 「위치헌터」 by Cho JungMan Daiwon C.I., Super Champ, sonyun Volume 4 first published in Korea 2007.01

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Witch Hunter Tome 11 per 2011.02 • Tome 12 street date: 2011.10.13)

11. Yakitate!! Japan 23 of 26 by Hashiguchi Takashi

Yakitate!! Japan 「焼きたて！！ジャぱん」 by Hashiguchi Takashi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 23 (chapters 203-212) first published in Japan 2006.07

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Arakawa Hiromu's Fullmetal Alchemist)

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)
English Yakitate!! Japan (VIZ Media: 26 volumes per 2011.04), French (Delcourt/Akata; Yakitate Ja-Pan !! un pain c'est tout tome 26 per 2010.01), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Spain), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 新鮮出爐﹗日式麵包王 26 released 2007.06)

Adaptations
Sunrise's 69-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Kobayashi Yumiko as Azuma Kazuma aired from October 2004 to March 2006 on TV Tokyo.

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

Read more »

Nodame Cantabile 23, Nakayoshi 4/2011 (Elex Media 27 April 2011 manga) [UPDATE2: Dream Eater Merry 1 by Ushiki Yoshitaka postponed]

Update2 Elex sez in the 4 May STO that Dream Eater Merry 1 did not release on Wednesday. Keeping it here though because it's not repeated in next week's list. It's tentatively skedded for 11 May 2011. Will confirm later.

Nodame Cantabile © Ninomiya Tomoko/Kodansha
[First serialized in Kiss]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

After disappearing, Nodame finally returns to Paris. She also embraces the piano again, this time playing her own Free and Gleeful music though. Chiaki begins to accept the path Nodame is determined to take, but all that changes when Nodame performs Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31.

You can see why I didn't tack on "of 23" to Nodame 23 in the post title — to accommodate the not-so off-chance that Elex publishes the two-volume Encore Opera Hen as Nodame Cantabile 24 and 25 — just like Kodansha and (Tong Li Taiwan) did.

I reinstate Kariage kun 41, per Elex's 4.27 STO. The New Kobochan 1-4 reprints that didn't release on the 20th are skedded for 4 May. (Back story here.)

New Elex manga

Whilst the Arsène Lupin edu-manga generated favorable buzz long before volume 1 actually got a street date, Dream Eater Merry emerges as the top new manga DO WANT!, prolly owing to its recent anime adapt. Elex's summary —

Mimpi manusia adalah dunia, dan penguasa dunia-dunia yang dikunjungi saat tidur ini adalah para setan mimpi. Suatu ketika, hal sebaliknya terjadi; para setan mimpi juga ingin berkunjung ke dunia manusia. Untuk itu, mereka butuh wadah berupa tubuh manusia yang mereka kuasai kesadarannya. Mimpi buruk mengalir ke dunia nyata, dan yang menghadang mereka hanya satu, Merry Nightmare, setan mimpi yang terlempar keluar ke dunia manusia dan justru mencari jalan pulang.

—goes on about the role reversal of dream demons wanting ingress to the human world and needing to possess human vessels, which is where our heroine Merry comes in, for she needs to stop the leaking nightmares...I find the Elex blurb convoluted (but still skosh stingy on Why invest? detail), so I truncated the translate. If, like me, you prefer the Fujiwara Yumeji-centric synopsis, »here's an informative one from Wikipedia. (Of course, you won't need it if you've watched the anime.)

Edit (per 2011.05.01) As advised at the top of the post, Dream Eater Merry will likely street on the 11th.

Kaitou Lupin ©
Maurice Leblanc and
Kazumine Daiji/
The Kumon Manga Library
Published in Indonesia
Arsène Lupin
by Elex Media

Elex also apparently wants to introduce a new generation to the eponymous Arsène Lupin, gentleman burglar who can disguise himself as anyone. In volume 1 of Kazumine Daiji's Kumon Manga Library classic, the mysterious thief is rumored to have boarded the cruise ship Provence, his alleged presence unleashing terror on passengers Close Circled by an ocean.

Will Lupin get caught? And who will do the catching?

The third premiere is the boxing troped Stand Up!, the volume 1 cover of which just makes me go Pfft! and then Guffaw! (But then again, I'm not the target demographic. Not really burning to become strong(er) through boxing, you know.) Rounding out the newbies is another Doraemon Movie manga duo, Petualangan Nobita di Kota Mainan —First and Last— based on the 1997 Doraemon: Nobita's Adventure in Clockwork City film.

Nakayoshi 4/2011: Animal Official debuts

Watashi ni xx Shinasai!
© Toyama Ema/
Kodansha

That XX Me!'s Yukina is Nakayoshi Gress! 4's cover girl promises breath-stealing Shigure × Yukina doki-doki, but the conventional newsworthy is the debut of Fukushima Haruka's Animal Official. Circumstantial evidence makes a case for this a half-human creature slinks into the animal club; he evinces Dracula manga equaling 1-nen 5-kumi Ikimo Gakari, the ex-Nakayoshi Lovely Vampires and Werewolves, oh my! serial. Further assuming that Animal Official replaces CHOCOLATE by the same manga-ka.

The other Nakayoshi pals per the cover line-up are: Arisa by Ando Natsumi, Hell Girl Return by Eto Miyuki and Jigoku Shojo Project, Little Marchen and Ogawa and Team Saito by Sakyo (the latter's volume 5 released last February), Little Shugo Chara! by PEACH-PIT & Naphthalene Mizushima, Navi Runa by Kikuta Michiyo & Ikeda Miyoko and Shugo Chara! Encore! by PEACH-PIT.

Elex Media manga (2011.04.27)

1. [Series Premiere] Arsène Lupin 1 of 5 by Maurice Leblanc and Kazumine Daiji

Kaitou Lupin 「怪盗ルパン」 Original story by Maurice Leblanc; Illustrations by Kazumine Daiji The Kumon Manga Library, educational manga Volume 1 first published in Japan 1997.12

2. Blooming Youth (Hanasakeru Seishounen) 2 of 12 by Itsuki Natsumi

Hanasakeru Seishounen 「花咲ける青少年」 by Itsuki Natsumi Hakusensha LaLa and LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 1990.05

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 天國少女 (Tong Li Taiwan, 12 volumes)

Related series
One-shot sequel (Melody 27 June 2009) and Hanasakeru Seishounen: Tokubetsuhen (one volume per 2011.03)

Adaptations
A 39-episode anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot, starring seiyuu Endo Aya (Kajika Louisa Kugami Burnsworth), Morikawa Toshiyuki (Huang Li-Ren), Ono Daisuke (Eugene Alexandr De Volkan), Namikawa Daisuke (Rumaty Ivan Di Raginei) and Fukuyama Jun (Carl Rosenthal) that aired between April 2009 and February 2010 on NHK, and at least two theatrical runs of a stage adaptation, the first premiering 29 September 2010 in Tokyo

3. Doraemon 6 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (right-to-left edition)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 6 first published in Japan 1974.12 (Premiered in Indonesia: 1994 [left-to-right format])

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

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

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

4. [Premiere] Doraemon Movie: Petualangan Nobita di Kota Mainan —First— (Eiga Doraemon: Nobita to Neji maki Toshi Boukenki) by Fujiko F. Fujio

Eiga Doraemon: Nobita to Neji maki Toshi Boukenki 「映画ドラえもん　のび太のねじ卷き都市冒険記　上」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentouchuu Anime Comics, kodomo Volume 1 (Prologue-chapter 4) first published in Japan 1997.07

Related
Based on the 1997 movie Doraemon: Nobita's Adventure in Clockwork City

5. [New] Doraemon Movie: Petualangan Nobita di Kota Mainan —Last— (Eiga Doraemon: Nobita to Neji maki Toshi Boukenki) by Fujiko F. Fujio [Finale]

Eiga Doraemon: Nobita to Neji maki Toshi Boukenki 「映画ドラえもん　のび太のねじ卷き都市冒険記　下」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentouchuu Anime Comics, kodomo Volume 2 (chapter 5-8 and epilogue) first published in Japan 1997.07

Related
Based on the 1997 movie Doraemon: Nobita's Adventure in Clockwork City

6. [Series Premiere] Dream Eater Merry (Yumekui Merry) 1 of 6+ by Ushiki Yoshitaka - POSTPONED

Yumekui Merry 「夢喰いメリー」 by Ushiki Yoshitaka Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara Forward, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.10

Adaptations
J.C. Staff's 13-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko (Fujiwara Yumeji) and Sakura Ayane (Merry Nightmare) aired in Japan between January and April 2011.

7. Here is Greenwood (Deluxe) 3 of 6 (Koko wa Greenwood) by Nasu Yukie

Koko wa Greenwood 「ここはグリーン・ウッド」 by Nasu Yukie Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume and Hana to Yume, shoujo Bunko volume 3 first published in Japan 2001.03

Other languages
English Here is Greenwood (VIZ Media, nine volumes)

Adaptations
A six-episode anime OAV starring seiyuu Sasaki Nozomu (Hasukawa Kazuya), Sakamoto Chika (Kisaragi Shun), Iwata Mitsuo (Ikeda Mitsuru) and Seki Toshihiko (Tezuka Shinobu) released in Japan between November 1991 and March 1993 and a 13-episode live-action renzoku that aired on Tokyo MX from July to September 2008 (Cast: Izawa Yuki, Suzuki Hiroki, Miura Riki and Sato Yuuichi)

8. Kariage kun 41 of 49+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Action Comics, seinen Volume 41 first published in Japan 2006.06

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)

9. Nodame Cantabile 23 of 25 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Nodame Cantabile 「のだめカンタービレ」 by Ninomiya Tomoko Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 23 (chapters 131-136) first published in Japan 2009.11

Related series
Nodame Cantabile - Encore Opera Hen (two volume sequel released in Japan as Nodame Cantabile 24 and 25)

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 2004 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages
English Nodame Cantabile (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2009.07.28), French (Pika Édition: Tome 12 per 2011.02.16), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 交響情人夢 25 released 2011.01.29)

Adaptations
Adapted into an award-winning live-action TV series starring Ueno Juri (Nodame) and Tamaki Hiroshi (Chiaki Shinichi) that aired from October to December 2006 on Fuji TV, followed by a four-hour sequel TV special, Nodame Cantabile New Year's Special in Europe (4-5 January 2008), and two live-action movies: Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Zen-Pen (Japan premiere: 2009.12.19) and Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Kou-Hen (2010.04.17).

The first season of the Nodame Cantabile anime aired in Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block from January to June 2007. The 11-episode second season Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter ran from October to December 2008. An OAV was bundled with the limited edition manga volume 22 released 10 August 2009. The third season Nodame Cantabile: Finale aired from January to March 2010. Seiyuu Kawasumi Ayako and Seki Tomokazu played protagonists Nodame and Chiaki in all three seasons.

10. Otoboke Section Chief (Otoboke Kachou) 10 of 23+ by Ueda Masashi

Otoboke Kachou 「おとぼけ課長」 by Ueda Masashi Houbunsha Manga Time, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2001.12

11. [Series Premiere] Stand Up! 1 of 3 by Itagaki Masaya

Stand Up! 「ＳＴＡＮＤ　ＵＰ！」 by Itagaki Masaya Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.07

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

Mangazines (2011.04.27)

• Nakayoshi Gress! 4/2011 (Indonesian Nakayoshi)

Read more »

Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya 1 by Miuchi Suzue, Here we are 14, Red Haired Anne 4 (Elex Media 30 March 2011 manga) [UPDATE 2]

Binding mistake on Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya 1 (deets below)

Glass no Kamen © Miuchi Suzue/Hakusensha
[Serialized in Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as Serial Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya by Elex Media

Did Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya pique your interest? Yup, it's the Topeng Kaca continuation—specifically, Glass no Kamen volume 45—picking up from where Crimson Angel/Bidadari Merah 11/Glass no Kamen 44 left off.

---

[This Just In]
Elex Media advises and apologizes for the binding mistake in Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya. Contents follow Western orientation (reads from left-to-right), but were published in Japanese binding (right-to-left).

To avoid confusion, Elex recommends reading BOTH the right-hand side pages (recto) and the left-hand side pages (verso) from left to right.

Source: Elex Media per 2011.04.01 [Via Lina-chan]

---

Actually, Dua Akoya isn't the only 3.30 Elex shoujo manga that numbers/titles differently from the Japanese original. Red Haired Anne 4, for instance, is actually the one-volume mangafication of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Avonlea classic — Anne no Seishun, in which Anne begins teaching at Avonlea school. The story brings back characters from Akage no Anne/Anne of Green Gables (Red Haired Anne 1-3 here), but also introduces Green Gables' newest residents, adopted twins Davy and Dora. Anne no Seishun is succeeded by Anne no Aijou/Anne of the Island (also one volume).

☆ Previewing Reverse Harem Blooming Youth 1 by Itsuki Natsumi and the first Goddess of a Department Store by Morino Aki Below The Cut, but noting up here how I missed reporting the Indonesian debut of Project X, the non-fiction manga series following the ordeals of successful entrepreneurs, among them, the founders of the Japanese 7-Eleven chain, the original Datsun 240 Z designer and the Cup Noodle inventor, among others. Elex released Project X: CUP NOODLE last February, Project X: Digital Camera in December 2010 and Project X: HONDA: Conquer The World's Top Race in June 2010.

For this release sked, Elex launches Project X: SHINKANSEN. I spotlight this particular manga-format economics/business reference because the speed record breaking bullet train symbolized Japan's postwar revival, and the same kind of tenacity that gave birth to the Shinkansen will be needed to pull the country out of the its present crisis. (So let's all continue to pray for Japan and do what we can to help.)

Here we are 14 14+ by Obata Yuuki

The second most popular DO WANT!—Obata Yuuki's Here we are 14—makes me feel old, cuz, you know, Nanami has gone from 17 to 24, and I can't even remember when I first started this series. In any case, the summary helps to remind just Where We Are:

After refusing Takeuchi's marriage proposal, Nanami realizes her true feelings and resolves to see Yano. Six years of no contact, however, means more than Six Degrees Separate the two, the distance evidently not contracting any time soon. Yano, on the other hand, decides to visit Takeuchi, angering his friend because Yano still cares for Nanami.

Mangazines: Shonen Star 6/2011

Demon counsel Kucabara from Youn InWan- & Yang KyungIl's Defense Devil undertakes a rescue from hell in Shonen Star 6/2011. Moar on Atty. Kucabara's underworld exploits (waaay) below.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.03.30)

1. [Series Premiere] Blooming Youth (Hanasakeru Seishounen) 1 of 12 by Itsuki Natsumi

Hanasakeru Seishounen 「花咲ける青少年」 by Itsuki Natsumi Hakusensha LaLa and LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 1990.01

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 天國少女 (Tong Li Taiwan)

Related series
One-shot sequel (Melody 27 June 2009) and Hanasakeru Seishounen: Tokubetsuhen (one volume per 2011.03)

Adaptations
A 39-episode anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot, starring seiyuu Endo Aya (Kajika Louisa Kugami Burnsworth), Morikawa Toshiyuki (Lee-Leng Huang), Ono Daisuke (Eugene Alexandr De Volkan), Namikawa Daisuke (Rumaty Ivan Di Raginei) and Fukuyama Jun (Carl Rosenthal) that aired between April 2009 and February 2010 on NHK, and at least two theatrical runs of a stage adaptation, the first premiering 29 September 2010 in Tokyo

2. Cynical Kanoko (Warau Kanoko-sama) 3 of 3 by Tsujita Ririko [Finale]

Warau Kanoko-sama 「笑うかのこ様」 by Tsujita Ririko Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.10

Related series
Koi dano Ai dano (sequel; two volumes per 2011.02, ongoing)

Other languages
English The Secret Notes of Lady Kanoko (TOKYOPOP: one volume; volume 2 ships 2011.04.05)

3. [Series Premiere] Goddess of a Department Store (Depato no Megami) by Morino Aki - Serial Cantik

Depato no Megami 「デパートの女神」 by Morino Aki Hakusensha Silky, josei This volume first published in Japan 2009.09

Related series
Missing Cindella/Yukue Fumei no Cinderella (Depato no Megami volume 2 per 2010.04) and Kissing the Princess/Princess ni Kuchizuke wo (Depato no Megami volume 3 per 2010.11)

4. Here we are (Bokura ga Ita) 14 of 14+ by Obata Yuuki

Bokura ga Ita 「僕等がいた」 by Obata Yuuki Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 14 first published in Japan 2010.08

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Ashihara Hinako's Sand's Chronicle)

Other languages
English We Were There (11 volumes per 2010.07 • volume 12 street date: 2011.05.03), French C'était Nous (Soleil: tome 14 per 2011.02.16), German (EMA: Band 13 ships 2011.04.08), Spanish (Editorial Ivrea Spain and Argentina), traditional Chinese 我們的存在 (Tong Li: volume 13 per 2010.04).

Adaptations
ArtLand's 26-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Sasaki Nozomi (Takahashi Nanami), Yazaki Hiroshi (Yano Motoharu), Kawakubo Takuji (Takeuchi Masafumi) and Nakayama Erina (Yamamoto Yuri) aired between July and December 2006 in Japan.

A live-action film adaptation was announced in the Betsucomi April 2011 issue.

At least one light novel has been released: Bokura ga Ita - Kimi ga Ita Kisetsu - by Takase Yunoka & Obata Yuuki (Flower Comics Novels, 2010.08)

Related
Bokuga ga Ita Koushiki Fan Book (2005.11), Obata Yuuki Bokura ga Ita Postcard Book (2007.12), Bokura ga Ita Obata Yuuki Sakuhinshu (Flower Comics Special) (2010.08)

5. Hitohira 3 of 7 by Kirihara Idumi

Hitohira 「ひとひら」 by Kirihara Idumi Futabasha Comic High!, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.12

Other languages
English Hitohira (Aurora Publishing: three volumes [hiatus]) and traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Publishing Taiwan: 女優大試煉 4 per 2008.02)

Related series
Sequels: Hitohira Encore (one volume, complete) and Sakaki Mirei no Tame nara Boku wa...!! (one volume per 2011.02.12, ongoing serialization in Comic High!)

Adaptations
A 12-episode anime adaptation by XEBEC M2, starring seiyuu Kimoto Orie (Asai Mugi), Kawasumi Ayako (Ichinose Nono), Narita Ken (Katsuragi Takashi), Hikami Kyoko (Nishida Risaki) and Kishio Daisuke (Nishida Kai), aired from March to June 2007 in Japan.

6. New Legenda Naga (Ryuurouden: Chuugen Ryouranhen) 8 of 8+ by Yamahara Yoshito

Ryuurouden: Chuugen Ryouranhen 「龍狼伝　中原繚乱編」 by Yamahara Yoshito AKA New Legend of the Dragon's Son Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2010.12

Related series
Legenda Naga (prequel)

Other languages
Korean (Final), traditional Chinese (Tong Li), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 龙狼传 中原缭乱篇 #8 per 2011.02.09)

7. Piano Hutan (Piano no Mori: The Perfect World of Kai) 19 of 19+ by Isshiki Makoto

Piano no Mori: The Perfect World of Kai 「ピアノの森」 by Isshiki Makoto Kodansha Morning (formerly in Uppers), seinen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2010.11

Awards
Recipient, Grand Prize for Best Manga, 2008 Japan Media Arts Festival

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Adaptations
The Piano Forest, an animated movie adaptation by Madhouse, starring Ueto Aya (Ichinose Kai) and Kamiki Ryunosuke (Amamiya Shuuhei), premiered 2007.07.21 in Japan. The film was nominated for the 2008 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year and in the Theatrical Film category at the 2008 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

8. [Premiere] Project X: Shinkansen: The Tenacity of Shinkansen's Invention (Project X Chousensha-tachi Comic-ban 2) by Project X Team

Project X Chousensha-tachi Comic-ban 2 「プロジェクトＸ挑戦者たち　コミック版　〔２〕　 執念が生んだ新幹線」 by Project X Team (Rokuda Noboru, Shinohara Tohru) Ohzora Shuppan, non-fiction/business This volume (chapters 1-6) first published in Japan 2002.12

9. The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) 3 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 3 (chapters 9-13 + Side story) first published in Japan 2002.11

Other languages
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX: five volumes)

10. [Premiere] Red Haired Anne (Anne no Seishun) 4 of 5* by Igarashi Yumiko

Anne no Seishun 「アンの青春」 by Igarashi Yumiko, L. M. Montgomery The Kumon Manga Library, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 1998.04

Related series
Akage no Anne (prequel), also released in Indonesia as Red Haired Anne* and Anne no Aijou (Anne of the Island, sequel)
Based on Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery

11. Shade 2 of 3 by Ahn NohEun & CATTY

Shade: The Other Side of Light 「쉐이드」 by Ahn NohEun (also Ahn No-Uhn) & CATTY AKA Shade: The Other Side of Light Seoul Cultural IQ Jump, sonyun Volume 2 first published in Korea 2007.05

12. [Premiere] Topeng Kaca - Dua Akoya (Glass no Kamen) 1/2+ by Miuchi Suzue

Glass no Kamen 「ガラスの仮面」 by Miuchi Suzue Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 45 first published in Japan 2010.10

Related
Rereleased in bunko (24 volumes as at 2010.01, ongoing; Indonesian release as Topeng Kaca Deluxe)

Other languages/serializations
Italian (Editions Star Comics; serialized in Orion) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan and Hong Kong)

Adaptations
At least three Glass no Kamen anime adaptations have been produced: The first by Eiken, spanning 23 episodes, aired between April and September 1984 on Japan's NTV. Seiyuu Katsuki Masako voiced Kitajima Maya, Matsushima Minori as Maya's rival Himekawa Ayumi, Nakanishi Taeko as Maya's mentor Tsukikage Chigusa and Nozawa Nachi as businessman Hayami Masumi.

TMS Entertainment produced the next anime, a three-episode OAV Garasu no Kamen: Sen no Kamen wo Motsu Shōjo (Glass Mask: The Girl Who Wears A Thousand Masks), released December 1998. The OAV retelling of the first three manga arcs featured a different voice cast: Ogata Megumi (Maya), Matsui Naoko (Ayumi), Toda Keiko (Tsukikage) and Kosugi Juurouta (Hayami).

TMS remade the series in 2005, this time casting Kobayashi Sanae, Yajima Akiko, Fujita Toshiko and Morikawa Toshiyuki as Maya, Ayumi, Tsukikage and Hayami, with the 1984 anime Maya returning as Ayumi's mother, Himekawa Utako. Fifty-one episodes aired between April 2005 and March 2006 on TV Tokyo.

The live-action version adapting the first 38 manga volumes ran for two seasons on TV Asahi (Season 1: July to September 1997, 11 episodes; Season 2: April to June 1998, 12 episodes), with the Season 1 episode 12 airing on 30 September 1999 (the Special Ending). The TV drama Seasons 1-2 cast comprised Adachi Yumi as Maya, Matsumoto Megumi as Ayumi, Nogiwa Yoko as Tsukikage and Tanabe Seiichi as Hayami. All reprised their roles for the Special Ending except Ayumi's actor (replaced by Nakamura Aimi).

13. Want You 8 of 10 by Hwang MiRee

Want you 「원츄(Want you)」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 8 first published in Korea 2004.08

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

Mangazines (2011.03.30)

• Shonen Star 6/2011

Read more »