Basara 21, Shattered Knife 11, Scrameustache by Gos & Walt (Level Comics 4 January 2012 manga and BDs) [UPDATED]

Update: Duck! NikBabble™, INCOMING!

Basara © Tamura Yumi/Shogakukan [First serialized in Betsucomi] · Oboreru Knife © George Asakura/Kodansha [Serialized in Betsufure]. Published in Indonesia as Basara and Shattered Knife by Elex Media/Level Comics

Tatara succeeds in forging alliances with the other regional commanders, swelling the rebel troops' ranks, even as Shuri takes command of the royal soldiers and declares war against Tatara. Meanwhile, Taro uncovers the Zakuro Plan and hastens to return to Kyoto, but is wounded along the way by Hagiwara's warriors. Can Taro make it back to the capital?

I noted after catching up on Level's Basara that you'd be forgiven for expecting that volume 21 would be the ultimate if not the penultimate volume. Especially after how the action has built up and the prospect of a divided Japan's unity all but sniffable. You already know that's not so, right? Five more Basara volumes sneak in between the 21st and The End.

Shattered Knife vol 11 of 12+
By George Asakura

Oji, the son of Ko's mother's half-sib, learns just how intractable Ko can be, after Ko underestimates him on their first meeting. Oji struggles to make Ko see him as a worthy rival, little realizing that they have more in common than differences.

Assuming Oji is a guy—not reading Shattered Knife—so if I'm mistaken, please be so good as to call me on it. Comment box's down there :)

Twelve Oboreru Knife tankou have been compiled in Japan as of May 2011.

New Level titles
Scrameustache By Gos & Walt

Le Scrameustache, Tome 1:
L'héritier de l'Inca
© Gos & Walt/Glénat
Published in Indonesia as
Scrameustache:
Pewaris Bangsa Inca
by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level double-launches the Franco-Belgian science fiction BD Scrameustache with volumes 1 and 2, Scrameustache: Pewaris Bangsa Inca (Le Scrameustache: L'héritier de l'Inca) and Scrameustache: Penyihir Ursa Mayor (Le Scrameustache: Le magicien de la Grande Ourse).

The adopted son of a European archeologist, Khena meets a extraterrestrial named Scrameustache, drawn to Khena by the medallion he wears. Before encountering Scrameustache, Khena never thought about where he came from, or life before his adoption by Uncle Georges. Khena and the cat-like alien soon become friends and Scrameustache takes Khena off to Peru, where Khena was first found.

What distinguishes Khena and Scrameustache's story, according to Wiki, is that a certain amount of mystery surrounded Khena himself. As a toddler he had been found in the remains of an earthquake in Peru. He was then adopted by Georges Caillau, a European scholar, archaeologist and ethnologist. Some ten years later, Khena met the Scrameustache and proved himself resistant to the alien's (non-lethal) weapons and other technology. This resistance made the Scrameustache curious and he stuck around hoping that time would provide an explanation.

Maybe the "mystery" has something to do with that "Heir to the Inca" title?

Khena and Scrameustache continue their exploits in Penyihir Ursa Mayor, in which Uncle Georges' friend inexplicably grows a bull's head, and Scrameustache runs into an alien friend who needs help defeating an evil wizard.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2012.01.04)

1. Basara vol 21 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 21 first published in Japan 1997.08

Awards
Winner, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shoujo category

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 16 bunko volumes (2002.03 to 2002.10)
English Basara (VIZ Media: 27 volumes), French (Kana: 27 volumes), German (EMA: Band 26 ships 2011.10; Band 27 per 2012.01), Danish (Mangismo Danmark), Swedish (Mangismo Sverige) and Vietnamese (Kim Dong: 27 volumes)

Adaptations
A 13-episode Legend of Basara anime by KSS, starring seiyuu Kimura Akiko (Sarasa) and Inoue Kazuhiko (Shuri), aired on Chiba TV from April to June 1998.

2. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) vol 7 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2005.05

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 20 shipped 2011.02) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

3. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 87 of 98+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 87 first published in Japan 2009.03

Volume 87 chapters:
Round 827: Best In The World
Round 828: Right Jabs
Round 829: Switch
Round 830: The Source of the Static
Round 831: Eyes of the Champion
Round 832: The Lightning God's Fists
Round 833: A Big Deal
Round 834: Miyata's Hang Up
Round 835: Payoff Of Courage
Round 836: Abnormality
[*NOT Level chapter titles]

Awards
Winner, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

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

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2 Tome 16 per 2011.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 97 per 2011.12.21)

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.

4. Go-On! vol 3 of 4 by Akishige Manabu

Go-On! 「ＧＯ‐ＯＮ！」 by Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 3 (chapters 20–27) first published in Japan 2008.11

5. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 15 of 44+ 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.

6. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) vol 11 of 12+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.11

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

European comics (ROMICs)/BDs (2012.01.04

1. Lanfeust of Troy: Paladin dari Eckmul (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 4: Le paladin d'eckmül) by Arleston & Tarquin (Soleil)
2. [Series Premiere] Scrameustache: Pewaris Bangsa Inca (Le Scrameustache, Tome 1: L'héritier de l'Inca) by Gos & Walt (Glénat)
3. [Premiere] Scrameustache: Penyihir Ursa Mayor (Le Scrameustache, Tome 2: Le magicien de la Grande Ourse) by Gos & Walt (Glénat) «Ex-2011.12.21

Read more »

The Drops of God 9, Love Affair 11 and The Black Swindler 15 (Level Comics 9 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

As I mentioned over on the Elex side, it's slim pickins for synops and covers, so MinimaList—and ROMICs for lead—for nau. «Edit: Sorry, Leonard and Marsupilami fans, but I went and replaced the lead pix.

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu © Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu/Kodansha [Serialized in Morning] · Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta © Miyasaka Kaho/Shogakukan [Serialized in Cheese!]. Published in Indonesia as The Drops of God and Love Affair by Elex Media/Level Comics

In The Drops of God 9, we interrupt the regularly-scheduled Apostles treasure hunt for a new mission —

Shizuku wants to make Kido, the wine division newbie, like wines and he's willing to go all the way to his father's vacation house for clues to a certain special vintage. Does Shizuku find it? More to the point, what secrets does Shizuku unearth in the memory-filled house?

(You can bet that whatever Shizuku discovers, it will still have bearing on the Third Apostle.)

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu will have compiled 31 volumes in Japan by 17 November. We have quite a way to go.

Meanwhile, memory plays some tricks in Love Affair 11:

Yukito and Kotori's relationship improves after both come clean about their feelings. Yukito even gets to stay with Kotori after her older sib leaves him alone to look after the sick Kotori. How good are Yukito's nursing skills? More importantly, can he keep up the platonic bedside manner when there's no one else in the house?

Kotori doesn't help matters any when she calls out for Kenken...

The 13th Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta tankou streets 26 December in Japan.

More previews of ongoings after the release list. Up here, the Ranko The Governor premiere.

Chiji Ranko
© Takahashi Noboru
Shogakukan [Big Comics]
Published in Indonesia as
Ranko The Governor
by Level Comics

Beautiful young widow Akatsuki Ranko is elected governor of the (fictitious) Waga prefecture. Gossip has it she won on a sympathy vote after her politician husband's death. Little wonder that many look down her, including one shady businessman colluding with an equally shady politico to embezzle public funds. But is Madam Governor as callow as people think?

Ranko The Governor volume 1 compiles chapters 1–7 and 8. Four Chiji Ranko volumes have been published in Japan as of November 2005.

Other Takahashi Noboru manga
More current than Chiji Ranko is Mogura no Uta, the ongoing Big Comic Spirits seinen action drama that will have logged 29 volumes in Japan by 27 December. Takahashi Noboru-sensei also created Ahoudori no Uta serialized in Business Jump (Young Jump Comics volume 2 per October 2010) and the psychological drama series Riman Gambler Mouse, first serialized in Morning (four of four volumes per 2001.11), and its one-volume sequel, Riman Gambler Mouse: Jotai Jigokuhen, serialized in MiChao! (KCDX MiChao KC: 2008.09).

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.11.09)

1. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) vol 15 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 15 (chapters 153-155 and 156-163) first published in Japan 2007.10

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

Related
Shin Kurosagi (sequel, volume 13 street date: 2011.12.27)

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

2. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) vol 6 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2005.03

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 20 shipped 2011.02) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

3. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) vol 9 of 31+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2006.11

Awards
Special Award of the Year - La Revue du vin de France (French wine magazine); Nominee (Glénat's Les Gouttes de Dieu, tome 1), French Angoulême Comics Awards; Nominee, 1st Keitai Comic Taishō (Mobile Phone Comic Award, along with Hiura Satoru's Hotaru no Hikari, Miyasaka Kaho's Kare First Love and 17 other manga)

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu Tome 21 shipped 2011.10.19 • Tome 22 street date: 2012.02.08), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 神之水滴 29 per 2011.09), English Drops of God (Vertical: one volume per 2011.09 • volume 2 street date: 2011.12.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV.

4. Lost Man vol 5 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 5 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) vol 11 of 13+ 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 11 first published in Japan 2011.02

Other languages
German (Egmont Manga & Anime: Lebe deine Liebe Band 11 released 2011.11.04 • Band 12 street date: 2012.01), French (Marvel Panini France: A Romantic Love Story Tome 11 per 2011.10.19 • Tome 12 street date: 2012.02.15)

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)

6. Over Rev vol 21 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39

Over Rev! 「オーバーレブ！」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39 Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 21 (chapters 229-239) first published in Japan 2002.05

Reissues
Released in 13 wide-ban from 2007.05 to 2008.05 and in bunko as OVER REV! A Legend of Ultimate Hot Rodder (15 volumes published as at 2009.04)

7. [Series Premiere] Ranko The Governor (Chiji Ranko) vol 1 of 4 by Takahashi Noboru

Chiji Ranko 「知事ラン子」 by Takahashi Noboru Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-7 and 8) first published in Japan 2004.09

8. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 14 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.

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

[ROMICs] European comics/BDs

1. Leonard - Jenius Tingkat Tinggi (Léonard, Tome 4: Hi-Fi génie) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)
2. Marsupilami - Fordlandia (Le Marsupilami, Tome 6: Fordlandia) by Franquin, Batem & Yann (Marsu Production)

Read more »

Team Medical Dragon 14, Red River 3, Rainbow 20 (Level Comics 2 February 2011 manga)

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- © Nogizaka Taro & Nagai Akira/Shogakukan
[Serialized in Big Comic Superior]
Published in Indonesia as Team Medical Dragon by Elex Media/Level Comics

In his quest to become the ideal physician, Noboru opts out of Team Batista and joins the surgical team of Kirishima Gunji as second assistant. Problems arise when Noboru finds anomalies in the decision to take a graft in the operation. Professor Takeo then capitalizes on Noboru's “findings” to discredit Gunji.

Can Gunji acquit himself of the allegations against him? More importantly, can they save the patient? Find out in Team Medical Dragon 14, out now.

Red River 3 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Yuri regains consciousness after having been poisoned and manages to evade the pursuit of Zuwa. But Talos blocks her way and demands that Yuri stand and fight against Zuwa. What is Talos' intention? And can Yuri win against Zuwa?

Rainbow 20 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Mario, trying to save Setsuko from the criminals of M Loan, suffers severe beating at the hands of the boss. Bob, too, fails to eliminate the other juvies in Building 2 Cell 6 and Mario himself refuses to yield. Mario threatens to counter with a grenade, but in their escape, Mario and Setsuko are checked by the flames enveloping the hangar, prompting Mario to tell Setsuko, Save yourself...

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2011.02.02)

1. [RESKED] Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) 4 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2004.09

Volume 4 chapters:
29. Ashikawa of the Shigdra
30. The Five Orbs
31. The Mirror of Enternal Darkness
32. Not Alone
33. The Unluckiest Assassin
34. The Act
35. The Girl Who Hungered for Love
36. Beserker
37. Answer
38. Demon

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel, post its winning the Batchelder Award (for Most Outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English).

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 19 shipped 2010.12) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
The novel was adapted into an anime feature by Gonzo, which premiered in Japan on 2006.07.08. Actress/singer Matsu Takako was cast as Mitani Wataru, Wentz Eiji as Ashikawa Mitsuru, Oizumi Yo as Ki-kima, and Imai Miki as the Goddess of Destiny. The film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

2. Go Go Hanasaki Detective Office (Go-Go Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho) 3 of 4 by Watanabe Wataru

Go-Go Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho. 「ゴーゴー♪こちら私立華咲探偵事務所」 by Watanabe Wataru Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan in 2007.04

3. Priest 14 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 14 first published in Korea 2003.11 Series on hiatus from volume 16

Other languages
English Priest (TOKYOPOP: 16 volumes), French (Tokebi; 16 volumes), German (Tokyopop Germany), Polish (Kasen Comics), Italian (J POP), Portuguese (Lumus Brazil) and Japanese (Enterbrain Beam comix)

Adaptations
A film adaptation starring Cam Gigandet, Paul Bettany and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (Indonesian screening is slated to begin 12 May 2011.)

4. Rainbow 20 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人」 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.05

Volume 20 chapters:
205. You are the one
206. Zoom
207. A new religion
208. Breakdown
209. Children of the dawn
210. Drifting
211. End of all hope
212. Firestorm
213. Gate of heaven
214. Home sweet home
215. I can

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards (2005), tied with Kawaguchi Kaiji's A Spirit of the Sun

Other languages
French (Kazé: Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin tome 16 shipped 2011.01.13) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 21 per 2010.12)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse, starring Oguri Shun (Minakami Mario), Kanjiya Shihori (Setsuko), Koyama Rikiya (Sakuragi Rokurouta/An-chan), Park Romi (Maeda Noboru AKA Suppon/Turtle), Fujiwara Keiji (Nomoto Ryuuji/Baremoto or Scam), Waki Tomohiro (Matsuura Mansaku/Cabbage), Kuroda Takaya (Tooyama Tadayoshi/Heitai or Soldier) and Hasome Tatsuya (Yokosuka Jou/Joe), aired in Japan between April and September 2010.

5. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 3 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 3 (chapters 8-10) first published in Japan 1995.11

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 Taiwan)

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 天は赤い河のほとり　外伝　魔が時代の黎明 written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

6. Team Medical Dragon 14 of 25+ by Nogizaka Taro & Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie (Medical Supervisor) Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2007.07

Volume 14 chapters:
107. 最強の鎧
108. お返し
109. 意見
110. 口止め
111. ミルク
112. 欲しいもの
113. 弔い
114. 特権

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

Other languages
French (Glénat: tome 14 per 2010.11 • tome 15 street date: 2011.02.16)

Adaptations
Two 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). The series won the Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

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

Read more »

Basara 15, Air Gear 18, Brave Story 4 (Level Comics 12 January 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Basara © Tamura Yumi/Shogakukan [First serialized in Betsucomi]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

A night of sandstorms spent together provides little respite for Sarasa and Shuri who must return to the battlefield come the dawn. In the midst of battle, Sarasa as Tatara uncovers the true identity of the Red King. Will the shock prove too much for Sarasa? Find out in Basara 15, out now.

Level Comics manga (2011.01.12)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. Air Gear 18 of 31+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 18 (Tricks 156-165) first published in Japan 2007.08

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey: Volume 15-17 released 2010.08.31), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 28 per 2010.08), French (Pika Édition tome 25 shipped 2011.01.05), 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 (Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD streeted with volume 29 in July 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki; the second OAD is expected to street with volume 31 on 2011.03.17), and a series of musicals

2. Basara 15 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi
Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo
Volume 15 first published in Japan 1995.06

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 15 bunko volumes
English Basara (VIZ Media; 27 volumes), French (Kana; 27 volumes), German (EMA; Band 24 shipped 2010.11 • Band 25 street date: 2011.03), Danish (Mangismo Danmark) and Swedish (Mangismo Sverige)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime by KSS, starring seiyuu Kimura Akiko (Sarasa) and Inoue Kazuhiko (Shuri), aired in Japan from April to June 1998.

3. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) 4 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2004.09

Volume 4 chapters:
29. Ashikawa of the Shigdra
30. The Five Orbs
31. The Mirror of Enternal Darkness
32. Not Alone
33. The Unluckiest Assassin
34. The Act
35. The Girl Who Hungered for Love
36. Beserker
37. Answer
38. Demon

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel, post its winning the Batchelder Award (for Most Outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English).

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 19 shipped 2010.12) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
The novel was adapted into an anime feature by Gonzo, which premiered in Japan on 2006.07.08. Actress/singer Matsu Takako was cast as Mitani Wataru, Wentz Eiji as Ashikawa Mitsuru, Oizumi Yo as Ki-kima, and Imai Miki as the Goddess of Destiny. The film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.01.12)

1. [ID Series Premiere] Boule dan Bill - Bubble Bill (Boule et Bill, tome 5: Bulles et Bill) by Roba
2. Spirou dan Si Pria Gelembung (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 17 : Spirou et les hommes-bulles) by Franquin, Roba
3. Yakari - Yakari dan Nanabozo (Yakari, tome 4 : Yakari et Nanabozo) by Derib, Job

Read more »

Team Medical Dragon 12, Brave Story 3, Jio 3 (Level Comics 1 September 2010 manga)

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- © Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira
Shogakukan (Serialized in Big Comic Superior)
Published in Indonesia as Team Medical Dragon by Level Comics

A third Mei Shin candidate appears: UCLA professor Kunitachi Shoichiro admits he came home to help overhaul the problematic health care system. What kind of change will yet another “idealist” promise? And what will be Akira's reaction?

(Needless to say, GET! Team Medical Dragon 12, streeting this Wednesday, for teh answer.)

Brave Story 3 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki, Ono Yoichiro

A misunderstanding with Branch lands Wataru, Kaori and Ki-Kiima in jail where they are suddenly attacked by one of Branch's members, apparently a spy for the Elder God. The trio thus learns of Vision's two opposing doctrines, one following the Elder God, the other advocating Goddess worship. Why are these two camps squabbling? And will their fighting prevent Wataru and allies from reaching the Tower of Fate?

TOKYOPOP's Brave Story 3 blurb has this to contribute to the summary cause:

After proving their innocence, Wataru, Kaori, and Ki-Kiima are released from the Gasara town jail, prepared to help the Branch defeat the fanatical “Church of the Elder God.” Enter “Left Snake-tail” Gruse, a member of the northern empire's elite guard, who is determined to keep our heroes from accomplishing their mission. When "Left Snake-tail" soundly defeats Wataru and Ki-Kiima and brings Kaori as his captive to the Church of the Elder God camp, will Kaori be able to infiltrate the their stronghold from within?

Jio 9 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

That Naruto 49 also releases this Wednesday probably has nothing to do with Jio 9 also shipping the same day. Tabun ne.

Anna's slyness nearly sidelines Jio Freed from the Olympia tourney, but a lack of finalists allows Jio to compete. His opponent: Anna. Their battleground: a spherical arena under zero-gravity conditions.

Is this gonna be a case of who dares, wins?

Also, Blade of Immortal 10 in which the focus switches to Hyakurin and Manji (leaving aside for the moment Anotsu and Rin) and Last Inning 6, in which Keisuke... (Scroll down for what Keisuke has planned for Saitama High's Koshien dreaming baseball team.)

Level Comics manga (2010.09.01)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 10 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2000.04

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize recipient

Other language versions/serializations
Blade of the Immortal is published in English by Dark Horse Comics (Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03 • volume 23 street date: 2011.01.18). Published in French by Casterman (L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 released 2010.06); in Italian by Planet Manga/Panini Comics; in German and Polish by Egmont; in Portuguese by Conrad (Brazil); and in Swedish by Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB (serialized in Manga Mania).

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Bee Train starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu as Manji and Satou Rina as Asano Rin aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

2. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) 3 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2004.06

Volume 2 contains chapters:
19. Intruder
20. Dispute
21. Execution
22. Kaori's Decision
23. Spell of Breaking
24. Soul of the Fire Dragon
25. Secret Plans
26. The Strong of Spirit
27. The Sad Traveler
28. The Shigdra

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel, post its winning the Batchelder Award (for Most Outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English).

Other language versions
TOKYOPOP published five volumes of the Brave Story manga (the sixth compilation is advertised but remains unreleased; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11). The manga is also translated into French by Kurokawa (Tome 17 shipped 2010.08.19) and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan).

Adaptations
The novel was adapted into an anime feature by Gonzo, which premiered in Japan on 2006.07.08. Actress/singer Matsu Takako was cast as Mitani Wataru, Wentz Eiji as Ashikawa Mitsuru, Oizumi Yo as Ki-kima, and Imai Miki as the Goddess of Destiny. The film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

3. Jio 9 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2004.10

Volume 9 contains chapters:
33. Rock Bird
34. The Main Round Begins
35. The Promise
36. Maximum Volume

Alternative language versions
Published in English as O-Parts Hunter by VIZ Media (19 volumes per 2009.12); in French by Kurokawa (tome 19 released 2008.12); and in Italian by JPOP.

4. Last Inning 6 of 26+ by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

Last Inning 「ラストイニング」 by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu, Katou Kiyoshi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2005.07

Volume 6 contains chapters:
48 敗北...沈黙。
49 意外な関係
50 上達の近道
51 謎の5％
52 明石の「恋から」!?
53 沖縄新事情
54 沖縄ダイエット
55 鍛えよ！彩学！
56 いちゃりばちょーでー
57 鳩ヶ谷イラ立つ!?

5. Team Medical Dragon 12 of 23+ by Nogizaka Taro and Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2006.09

Volume 12 contains chapters:
91 オンライン
92 秘密兵器
93 全摘出
94 人選ミス
95 権力の渦
96 最先端
97 マイナス材料
98 いかないで

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

Other language versions
Translated into French by Glénat (tome 13 ships 2010.09.08).

Adaptations
Two seasons of the live-action adaptation aired on Fuji TV (Season 1: April to June 2006; Season 2: October to December 2007). Sakaguchi Kenji played the role of Asada Ryutaro. The series wonthe Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

Level Comics ROMICs/BDs (2010.09.01)

• Lucky Luke - Si Cantik Province (Les Nouvelles Aventures de Lucky Luke, tome 1: La Belle Province) by Achdé & Gerra (Lucky Comics, 2004.09.16)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 1 September 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Blade of Immortal 10 (SRP: IDR 19,500). ROMIC Lucky Luke - Si Cantik Province retails for IDR 30,000/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued...

Last Inning 6 of 26+ by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

Despite defeat at Seibo High's hands, the Saitama baseball team still secures funding for a training camp in Okinawa. Keisuke prepares a Spartan training menu, even going as far as breaching the No competition ban and arranging for practice matches with a local high school club.

Will Keisuke's decision bring Saitama High closer to Koshien, or did he just thrust the team into more trouble?

Lucky Luke - Si Cantik Province by Achdé & Gerra

This is the first of the Achdé & Gerra Lucky Luke BDs, Les Nouvelles Aventures de Lucky Luke, tome 1: La Belle Province, first released by Lucky Comics in 2004.

Jolly Jumper falls in love with Province, a mare owned by Quebecois cattle baron Bombardier. But Jolly Jumper's affections appear headed for unrequitedness, as the the apple in this stallion's eye is not only returned to her hometown, but also... kidnapped? Horse-napped? Rustled?

Other 1 September 2010 manga

• Elex Media: C.M.B. 12 · Animal Doctor 2 · Kunai Legend 4 of 4 · Naruto 49 · Otoboke Section Chief 6 · Sanzoku Ou 3 · Summer Storm! 4 · Tokkyu! 13 · Wild Life 8 · Shonen Magz 76/2010
• m&c!: Alive 19 · Shinobi Life 8 · .hack//G.U.+ 4 · A Badboy Drinks Tea! 8 · Aoizaka Baseball Club 15 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 10 · Confucius 3 · Dawn Aria 4 · Female Wolf's Boy 4 · How to be a Man 3 · Long Hu Men 171 · The Minami Family 6 · Miracle Ball 11 · Tell Me One Million Times 2 of 2 · To the Top 1 by Tsukimiya An · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 3 · You Can't Disappear from Me 3

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

manga currently available (25 August 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Skip Beat! 17 · Q.E.D. 35 · Animal Doctor 1 by Sasaki Noriko · Detektif Conan Animasi TV 22 · Hell Girl 7 · InuYasha 48 · Katsu! 7 · LUM, The Invader Girl 25 · Natural Honey Dormitory 2 · Ogawa & Team Saito 1 by Sakyo · Nakayoshi Lovely: Apple · Shonen Star 71/2010
• Level Comics: Air Gear 14 · Bambino! 6 · Magister Negi Magi 22 · The Ravages of Time 4
• m&c!: Oresama Teacher 1 by Tsubaki Izumi · You Can't Disappear from Me 2 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 5 · Devil Boyfriend by Shigano Iori · Female Wolf's Boy 3 · The Ghost Conqueror 3 · Golden Age 11 · How to Be A Man 2 · Moon Light Dream by Mitsuki Kaco · Panta Pan 2 of 2 · The Story of Wang Feng Lei 5 · Sugar Family 3 · With You at Blue Rose by Washio Mie · Cherry 46/2010 · Bleach 1-6 and 7-12 box sets

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering The Running Bus by Sahara Mizu and Until Death Do Us Part by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

other invaluable resources

Wikipedia · Baka-Updates Manga · 7net Shopping · ANN

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