The Bride's Stories 2, Hikayat Genji 10, Hellsing 7 (Level Comics 6 July 2011 manga)

Also, the finale to Kubonouchi Eisaku's Chocolat (volume 7)

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

Despite rejection of their request, the Hargal family envoys insist on forcing Amira to exchange her young husband for another. Fortunately, Smith manages to divert the Hargals' attention and protect Karluk and Amira's marriage. Still, with a land deal on the line, a feud between the two families is inevitable and the Ayhan family might not be able to stop Amira leaving.

Bride's Stories editor Lenny-san worries about the threat to Karluk and Amira's domestic harmony in the second volume, but distracts herself with studying the specifications and significance of embroidery for Persian women of the time. Me? I'm not reading, but if I were, I'd hang on to how Yen Press' A Bride's Story, Vol. 2 describes Karluk's love for his bride: a force to be reckoned with. ^^

Chocolat 7 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chiyoko is thrown into a tizzy by the sudden appearance of her real father, but her reluctance to let her father live alone makes up her mind. On the day of her departure, however, Inamushi's hired killer confronts Ichigo.

Chocolat's editor reveals that the climax and ending are so addictive, it makes you want to reread from volume 1 ^_^

Level Comics manga (2011.07.06)

1. The Bride's Stories (Otoyome-Gatari) 2 of 3+ by Mori Kaoru

Otoyome-Gatari 「乙嫁語り」 by Mori Kaoru Enterbrain Fellows!, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.06

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: one volume per 2011.05 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25) and traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan: 姊嫁物語 2 per 2010.10)

2. Chocolat 7 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku [Finale]

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 7 (10 episodes/chapters 64-73) first published in Japan 2003.10

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 流氓蛋糕店 (Tong Li: seven volumes per 2004.07)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya and Ishii Teruyuki aired in Japan from May to July 2003

3. Hellsing 7 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 48-57) first published in Japan 2004.12

Other languages
English Hellsing (Dark Horse Comics: 10 volumes and Chuang Yi; 10 volumes), French (Tonkam, 10 volumes), Italian (Dynit), German (Planet Manga), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica) and Denmark and Sweden (Mangismo)

Related series
Hellsing: The Dawn (prequel; serialized in Young King Ours special editions, six chapters as at 2008.09, on hiatus)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Gonzo aired on Fuji TV from October 2001 to January 2002, starring seiyuu Nakata Jouji (Alucard), Orikasa Fumiko (Seras Victoria) and Sakakibara Yoshiko (Sir Integra Hellsing). A Hellsing Ultimate OAV (starring the same voice cast) premiered in Japan in January 2006 and as of December 2009, seven episodes have been released. The first four episodes were produced by Satelight, with Madhouse taking over as of OAV V. Hellsing VIII is slated for a 27 July 2011 release.

4. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 10 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 1990.01

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

5. Iliad 4 of 15 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku

ILIAD 「イリヤッド～入矢堂見聞録～」 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 4 (8 episodes/chapters 25-32) first published in Japan in 2003.11

6. Jepang Tenggelam! (Nihon Chinbotsu) 14 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 14 (chapters 113-121: Sinking country 1-9) first published in Japan 2009.01

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

7. K2 volume 8 of 15+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2008.02

8. Lost Man 2 of 12+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), shounen Volume 2 (chapters 9-18) first published in Japan 2008.09

9. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 7 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Shin Hoero Pen 「新吼えろペン」 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko AKA New Be Growl, Pen Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 7 (chapters 24-27) first published in Japan 2007.04

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

10. Rainbow 22 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi [Finale]

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人」 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 22 first published in Japan 2010.02

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

Other languages
French (Kazé Editions: Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin tome 17 shipped 2011.04 • tome 18 street date: 2011.07.13) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 22 per 2011.05.23)

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.

11. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) 12 of 18+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「団地ともお」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.08

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

12. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 6 of 14+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 6 (eight episodes/stories 36-43) first published in Japan 2008.07

European comics/BDs (2011.07.06)

1. Boule & Bill - Geng Bill (Boule et Bill: La bande à Bill) by Verron, Roba (Dargaud)
2. Johan & Pirlouit - Negeri Terkutuk (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 12: Le pays maudit) by Peyo (Dupuis)
3. Marsupilami - Bayi dari Ujung Dunia (Le Marsupilami, tome 2: Le Bébé du bout du monde) by Batem, Greg, André Franquin (Dupuis)
4. Spirou & Sang Ahli Waris (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 4: Spirou et les héritiers) by Franquin (Dupuis) »Ex-6.22
5. Yakari - Yakari dan Burung Salju (Yakari, tome 18: L'Oiseau de neige) by Derib, Job, Dominique (Le Lombard)

Read more »

XBlade 2, Bloody Monday 3, Red River 6 (Level Comics 13 April 2011 manga)

Also, GTO 2 and the nine other manga and BD titles, including two debuts

XBlade © Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi/Kodansha
[Serialized in Shonen Sirius]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

After a few days spent learning about a changed world, Mana decides to go to Tokyo's 13th District. Haru, too, makes up his mind to face his childhood trauma and accompanies Mana. But before they can even find the 13th District ingress, the pair is intercepted by the Aoi Kikan organization. The situation deteriorates when two Nanatsusaya members emerge. Can Haru deal with this double-barreled attack?

Yes, XBlade 2 is the Level top DO WANT!, despite an IDR 20,000 price tag that apparently owes its priceyness to the color pages AND the special preparation of the cover. The XBlade logo—squint at the superimposed “X” on above cover—is processed separately so that it looks that good looking. (Thanks for the share, Demonbasher-san.)

Bloody Monday 3 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Fujimaru's suspicions about Ms. Orihara resurfaces, after he and Otoya manage to lure the so-called teacher into admitting she was in Russia on Christmas eve. Meanwhile, Ryunosuke retrieves the files Shikimura entrusted to old friend Munakata, only to be attacked later by Jack Damon.

Can Fujimaru make it in time to save Ryunosuke? And what exactly are in the two files Okita and Shikimura left behind?

☆ Previewing the next Most Wanteds (Red River 6 and GTO 2) along with the other ongoing series (waaay below). Find the featured seinen manga—a Kubonouchi Eisaku double bill of Chocolat and Cherry penultimates—down there, too.

Level premieres

Miyoshi Yuuki's Devil Devil and Watanabe Jun's RRR launch this Wednesday. But since most everyone already knows the Unrealistic fighting Devil Devil—the clash 'n gags between devil Sword and angel Ios, who fell to earth and now possess the bodies of twin brothers—I'm spotlighting underdog RRR up here. (I like Rock 'n' Roll Ricky's afro ^^).

RRR © Watanabe Jun/
Kodansha
[Young Magazine]

At the advanced age of 27, Iwamaki Rikitaro still cherishes hopes of becoming a rock star. His band mates, however, make fun of his Jimi Hendrix! Jim Morrison! dream. Adding insult to ego injury, Rikitaro's girlfriend cheats on and then ditches him.

Just as Rikitaro is at his lowest enthusiasm nashi point, he meets world boxing champ (now retired) Oishi Raita. Raita recognizes Rikitaro's potential — just not in music, but in boxing!
[Additions from mangahelpers.com's RRR description, excerpted by Baka-Updates Manga]

Aside from the Boxing, Older Main Character, Rock Band RRR, Watanabe Jun-sensei is responsible for the 62-volume seinen science fiction/action manga, Emblem Take 2. Current serial in Weekly Young Magazine is the murder mystery drama Montage (three volumes, ongoing).

Level ROMICs (bande dessinée)

Also on tap: Lucky Luke - Alibi (Lucky Luke, Tome 27: L'Alibi) by Morris and Claude Guylouïs, in which Luke babysits Gisela, who ups and gets herself kidnapped, and Michel Vaillant - Pengkhianatan Steve Warson (Michel Vaillant, Tome 6: La trahison de Steve Warson) by Jean Graton, which per its title, deals with the alleged betrayal of Vaillante team by Michel's best friend, Steve Warson.

Level Comics manga (2011.04.13)

1. 3x3 Eyes 38 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 38 first published in Japan 2002.03

Other languages
English 3x3 Eyes (Dark Horse Comics; till volume 8), Korean (Young Movie Comics), French (PIKA Édition; 40 volumes), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics; dropped), Italian (Editions Star Comics) and German 3x3 Augen (Carlsen Comics)

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1993 Kodansha Manga Awards

Adaptations
Two anime OAVs starring seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji (Fujii Yakumo) and Hayashibara Megumi (Ayanokouji Pai)

2. Bloody Monday 3 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Bloody Monday 「ブラッディ・マンデイ」 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 3 first published in 2007.11

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday volume 1 street date: 2011.08.23), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (PIKA Édition: four volumes per 2011.03; Tome 5 ships 2011.05.04)

Related series
Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (sequel, AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, seven volumes as at 2011.03.17)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku aired from October through December 2008 on TBS, followed by a second season, Bloody Monday Season2 ~Pandora no Hako~ (January to March 2010, nine episodes). Actor/singer Miura Haruma returned as protagonist Fujimaru Takagi/Falcon in the sequel.

3. Cherry 3 of 4 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Cherry 「Ｃｈｅｒｒｙ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 (chapters 20-30) first published in Japan 2007.06

4. Chocolat 6 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 6 (10 episodes/chapters 54-63) first published in Japan 2003.08

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 流氓蛋糕店 (Tong Li: seven volumes per 2004.07)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya and Ishii Teruyuki aired in Japan from May to July 2003

5. [Series Premiere] Devil Devil 1 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 1999.04

Volume 1 chapters*
1. Falling angels
2. A strange friend
3. The Batcat
4. A mysterious baby
5. The second henchman
6. The Breath of Batcat
7. The Exorcist
*NOT Level Comics' titles; mechanically translated from PIKA Édition's Devil Devil, Tome 1 summary and the Japanese table of contents

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

6. Giant Killing 2 of 19+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.07

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Tatsumi Takeshi), Okiayu Ryotaro (Murakoshi Shigeyuki), Mizushima Takahiro (Tsubaki Daisuke) and Ono Daisuke (Yoshida Luigi) aired between April and September 2010 on NHK.

7. GTO 2 of 25 by Fujisawa Toru

GTO 「ＧＴＯ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 1997.07

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1998 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages
Bilingual Japanese/English (Kodansha International, three volumes per 1999.12), English GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (TOKYOPOP: 25 volumes), French (PIKA Édition: 25 volumes), Italian (Dynamic Italia), German (EMA), Polish (Waneko), Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania), traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Related series
Prequels: Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 of 31 volumes) and Bad Company (1 of 1 volume) and GTO: Shonan 14 Days (sequel, six volumes as at 2011.02, ongoing)

Adaptations
A live-action GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka TV series, starring Sorimachi Takashi (Onizuka Eikichi) and Matsushima Nanako (Fuyutsuki Azusa) telecast from July to September 1998 on Fuji TV and Kansai TV (followed by GTO Drama Special; 1999.08.28 and GTO: The Movie; 1991) and Studio Pierrot's 43-episode Great Teacher Onizuka anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Takagi Wataru as Onizuka, that aired between June 1999 and September 2000.

8. Jio 14 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2006.06

Volume 14 chapters:
53. Bonds
54. Ancient People
55. Legendary O-Parts
56. New Member
*NOT Level Comics' titles

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa tome 19 released 2008.12) and Italian (JPOP)

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 6 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 6 (chapters 15-16) first published in Japan 1996.09

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

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

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

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

10. [Series Premiere] RRR 1 of 10 by Watanabe Jun

RRR 「ＲＲＲ」 by Watanabe Jun AKA Rock 'n' Roll Ricky Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.09

11. X Blade 2 of 12+ by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.09

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

Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.04.13)

1. Lucky Luke - Alibi (Lucky Luke, Tome 27: L'Alibi) by Morris, Claude Guylouïs
2. Michel Vaillant - Pengkhianatan Steve Warson (Michel Vaillant, Tome 6: La trahison de Steve Warson) by Jean Graton

Read more »

Rainbow 18, Hotaru's Light 11, To Be Beautiful 4 (Level Comics 3 November 2010 manga)

Also, the second Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy which rates the lead because: ‘fly lice.’

Kachuu Hana © Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic]
Published in Indonesia as Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Elex Media/Level Comics

A restaurant near Hana's place burns down; the disaster drains all enthusiasm from those working there. With closure a real possibility, Hana prevails upon Shanghai's owners to lend the fire victims cookware to keep the business running. But the only thing Hana can cadge is a steamer.

What kind of fried rice can Hana concoct with a steamer??

Level promises seven mouth-watering recipes in Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy volume 2, which ought to make the IDR 19,500 price tag seem like a bargain. (Or at least, make it *cough* palatable.)

Rainbow 18 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Learning of the whereabouts of Baremoto, Penyu, Kubis and Joe, Mario and Serdadu scramble to save their friends from further torture. Meanwhile, Barandage not only succeeds in pressuring Yasuro to sign the contract, but also persuades Yasuro into forcing a meeting with Setsuko.

So that's Rainbow 18, one of two much-awaiteds topping Level's Most Wanted chart this week. This tankou encloses chapters 183 to 193: Countdown to the revolution, Die, Eat you alive, Fight to the end, Good to be bad, Hell fire, I'm not afraid, Just a miracle, Killing time, Lost and Mrs.G.

Hotaru's Light 11 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Should friends become lovers?

The other top DO WANT! manga asks this thorny question, and our heroine Hotaru weighs in on the YES! side, opening her heart once more to Kaname. Was Hotaru's decision influenced by people around them thinking she and Kaname are already an item?

Whatever decided Hotaru, she's now romantically involved with Kaname. Can these friends stand the promotion to lovers? Unearth the answer in Hotaru's Light 11.

NEW LEVEL MANGA: Hunt for The Thumb by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito

Oyayubi Sagashi © Yamada Yusuke
& Ayamura Kirihito
Gentosha [Comic Birz]
Published in Indonesia as
Hunt for The Thumb
by Level Comics

Level premieres the seinen horror standalone Hunt for The Thumb, originally Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito's Oyayubi Sagashi, first serialized in Comic Birz. As the title denotes, there's a hunt on for The Thumb, specifically, the digit missing from a corpse hewn to pieces by her murderers. A whole urban legend has sprung up over how the dead woman searches for her thumb, the most tantalizing of which concerns the supposed reward she will confer to whomever finds it.

Despite deeming the story so much gossip, a group of kids decides to join The Hunt. It was supposed to be just a lark, but things turn decidedly unfunny when one of the group, Yumi, disappears during the ‘game.’

Seven years on, Takeshi and the others decide to look for their missing friend, little knowing that The Thumb's owner hasn't stopped searching.

Other volume previews—including that of the penultimate Subaru (volume 10)—follow the lists below.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.11.03)

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

1. Chocolat 5 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.09

Volume 5 contains chapters:
1 そんな時もあらぁ...
2 でも、もう大丈夫...
3 いつも通りに戻った？
4 戻るには戻ったけど...
5 なんか足りねぇ気がするな...
6 足りないモノはなんですか？
7 まずは素直になることでしょ。
8 それが難しいんだな...
9 そのままじゃ後悔するよ。
10 思いきってみなよ
11 思いきってみるよ!!

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan 流氓蛋糕店 7 released 2004.07)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya and Ishii Teruyuki aired in Japan from May to July 2003

2. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 11 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru no Hikari 「ホタルノヒカリ」 by Hiura Satoru AKA IT'S★ONLY★LITTLE★LIGHT★IN★MY★LIFE Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 11 first published in Japan in 2008.04

Adaptations
The 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix award-winning Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired between July and September 2007 on NTV. The 10-episode drama starred Ayase Haruka ((Amemiya Hotaru) and Fujiki Naohito (Takano Seiichi). The pair reprised their roles in the 11-episode second season that aired between July and September 2010 on the same network.

3. [Premiere] Hunt for The Thumb (Oyayubi Sagashi) by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito

Oyayubi Sagashi 「親指さがし」 by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito Gentosha Comic Birz, seinen This volume first published in Japan 2005.01

4. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 5 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Shin Hoero Pen 「新吼えろペン」 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko AKA New Be Growl, Pen Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 5 contains chapters:
16 よみがえった楽曲自信
17 おれの中の定義
18 一番人道から外れてるんじゃ?
19 成功への決意
描き下ろし
あとがきまんが

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

5. Priest 11 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 11 first published in Korea 2002.03 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.)

6. Rainbow 18 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 18 (chapters 183-193) first published in Japan 2007.09

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 15 shipped 2010.10.14) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 20 per 2009.10)

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.

7. Subaru 10 of 11 by Soda Masahito

Subaru 「昴」 by Soda Masahito Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2002.08

Volume 10 contains chapters:
100 ニアミス！
101 Ticket To Ride
102 開演
103 主役と観客
104 才能の行使
105 任意の技
106 アンプラグド
107 絶望と歓喜
108 集団幻想（１）
109 集団幻想（２）
110 祝祭

Other languages
French (Akata/Delcourt; 11 volumes), Spanish (Glènat España), German (Egmont) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Related series
Moon—Subaru Solitude Standing— (sequel; six volumes as at 2010.05)

8. To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) 4 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki

Kirei ni Naritai! 「キレイになりたい！」 by Yorita Miyuki Kodansha KC Dessert, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.02

9. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 2 of 12+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.09

Volume 2 contains chapters:
1 幽霊と火事場の馬鹿力
2 お嬢様!?と幽霊
3 幽霊と娘の欲望
4 幽霊と秋の王様
5 幽霊と黄金
6 幽霊と大叔父さん
7 幽霊と白猫
コラム
楊貴妃直伝!!星の数ほどチャーハンレシピ物語

Level Comics European comics (2010.11.03)

1. Spirou - Kepanikan di Champignac (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 19: Panade à Champignac) by Franquin (Dupuis)

[RE-STO] Reissues (2010.11.03)

1. Fly, Daddy, Fly 1 of 2 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu
2. Fly, Daddy, Fly 2 of 2 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu [Finale]
3. Triple Kiss 1 of 2 by Shimaki Ako
4. Triple Kiss 2 of 2 by Shimaki Ako [Finale]
5. Boy Girl Romance 1 of 3 by George Asakura
6. Boy Girl Romance 2 of 3 by George Asakura
7. Boy Girl Romance 3 of 3 by George Asakura [Finale]

¹ Sources: Elex STO 3 November 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² GN are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Hunt for The Thumb (SRP: 19,500). Subaru 10 and Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 2 are priced the same. The Spirou - Kepanikan di Champignac ROMIC retails for IDR 38,000. The reissued Fly, Daddy, Fly! and Triple Kiss go for IDR 17,000 each, while the reissued Boy Girl Romance series carries price tags of IDR 16,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Chocolat 5 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

The name's Shuzo? Omugi's Phantom Hitman and expert chef, thanks to my mentor Maya. There's no doubt that I'm great, but no way am I butting into my seniors Ichigo and Shiina's fight!

They used to be partners! But what's worse, I get the feeling this battle will end in a tragedy...

New Comic Bomber 5 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

After GJ9's premiere, Hono Moyuru-sensei returns to everyday life as a manga-ka. His daily routine, however, is ruffled when he meets former Sunset magazine editors, Nagarehoshi and Denaoshi. The pair is involved in the launch of a new magazine, and with Nagarehoshi's egging, Hono-sensei presents himself as a candidate for editor-in-chief!

Does this mean Hono-sensei is ‘resigning’ as a manga-ka?

Priest 11 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Ivan's icy distance firms up Esther's resolve to search for the truth by herself. Meanwhile, the order of St. Vertinez—which forced Ivan to rouse Temozarela in the first place—reappears and, sparing no one, commences mop-up operations.

Subaru 10 of 11 by Soda Masahito

A showdown looms between Subaru, debuting as a professional ballet dancer, and the ‘Queen of Ballet’ Priscilla. Both ballerinas are slated to perform Bolero on the same day.

The day before the performance, Subaru meets rival Mana, who has flown in to watch Priscilla. Mana surprises Subaru by helping Subaru and Sisteron, stating curiosity over Subaru's ballet as reason.

Can Subaru elevate ballet to a higher level with her performance? And what of Priscilla?

To Be Beautiful 4 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki

Middle schooler Yuri transforms into a beauty under Kichijoji Misako's hands. So beautiful is she that she is immediately scouted by model agencies. Having fallen for her manager Kanzaki, Yuri resolves to lose weight on her own.

Things seem to be going well, that is, until Yuri's childhood friend Reiko, also a model, finds out Yuri's secret.

Can Yuri succeed in slimming down before everyone finds out she's not who she pretends to be?

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography

disclaimer

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

other manga available this week (3 November 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Black Butler 9 · Crayon Shinchan 1 by Usui Yoshito · Kome si Belang 1 by Hoshino Natsumi · The Pitcher 73 · Crows 13 · BECK 23 · English School Wars 2 of 2 · Katsu! 9 · Our Dear Tamura-kun 2 · Rockwell The Scarlet Knight 2 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 5 · Tena on S String 4 · Legend of Nereid 11 · Shonen Magz 78/2010
• m&c!: Alive 20 · Cyboy 2 of 2 · Love So Life 2 · Falling into You Like A Magic by Chiba Kozue · Rifle Girl by Taamo · Sky Blue Beach 2 · My Sweet Home 2

related monthly schedules

November 2010
Premiering The Strange Florist by Yohna and Desert Love by Sachimi Riho (standalones) and Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi, Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki (series)

October 2010
Premiering Red River by Shinohara Chie, Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi and Hunt for the Thumb by Yamada Yuusuke (standalone)

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · manhwa · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shoujo · Chocolat · Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) · Hunt for The Thumb (Oyayubi Sagashi) · New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) · Priest · Rainbow · Subaru · To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) · Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) · Spirou et Fantasio: Panade à Champignac

Air Gear 15, Hikayat Genji 4, Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 (Level Comics 20 October 2010 manga)

Also, ROMIC (BDs): Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf, Spirou dan Fantasio - Petualangan di Australia and 2 × Yakari: Yakari - Lompatan Pertama and Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa

Akihabara@DEEP © Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto/Shinchosha
[First serialized in Comic Bunch]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Before I get to “Protecting The Geek Domination Dream” —

Benkei and Ohmu clash. Seeing Benkei overwhelmed by Sleeping Forest's Water Queen, Kazu recalls Emiri and Bucca's words and dives into the brawl. What can the ad interim leader do? Can they defeat Ohmu?

Consult the latest Air Gear volume 15 (Tricks 123-132), streeting tomorrow, for answers.

Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto

Under cover of an IT symposium, Page, Akira and Box infiltrate Digicapi. Zannen desu ga, their bid to make off with Crook appears destined to #Fail. A formidable security system, not to mention equally formidable security dudes, obstruct their efforts.

Does this mean the only victory our Akiba otaku can win is a Pyrrhic one? One obtained only at the cost of great sacrifice?

Level Comics manga (2010.10.20)

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

1. Air Gear 15 of 29+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2006.09

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; latest volume 28), French (Pika Édition), 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 Satelight-animated Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD shipped with volume 29 in July 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki and a series of musicals

2. Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto [Finale]

Akihabara@DEEP 「アキハバラ＠ＤＥＥＰ」 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto Shinchosha (Coamix) Bunch Comics, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.06

Other languages
English Akihabara@Deep (Media Blasters; six volumes) and French (12 Bis)

Related
Based on Ishida Ira's Akihabara@DEEP novel

Adaptations
A live-action drama starring Kazama Shunsuke (Page), Ikuta Toma ((Box), Himura Yuki (Daruma), Hoshino Gen (Taiko), Kosaka Yuka (Akira), Matsushima Hatsune (Ism) and Honjo Manami (Yui) and a theatrical release (September 2006.09.02)

3. Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2001.04

Volume 4 contains chapters:
1 自分の気持ちが確かならいいの
2 そういうおまえがいちばん変わったよ。
3 もう簡単には変わらないわ
4 俺が本気で変えてやる
5 本気なところ見て見たい
6 早く本気になってみせてよ
7 そんなに焦るなよ
8 ぼちぼちイッてみっか。
9 そんなに余裕で大丈夫？
10 大丈夫じゃねえかも...
11 珍しく弱気じゃない？

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya, and Ishii Teruyuki

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

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 4 first published in Japan 2006.06

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 1983.05

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Others languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2005.02

Volume 10 contains chapters:
37. A Real Monster, Part 1
38. A Real Monster, Part 2
39. The Bird Inside a Cage
40. The Shape of One's Heart
NOT Level's titles

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media; 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa tome 19 released 2008.12) and Italian (JPOP)

7. Restore Garage 251 v10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2004.03

8. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2007.02

Level Comics ROMICs (2010.10.20)

1. Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf (Schtroumpf vert et vert Schtroumpf, tome 9) by Peyo & Yvan Delporte
2. Spirou - Petualangan di Australia (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 34: Aventure en Australie) by Tome & Janry
3. Yakari - Lompatan Pertama (Yakari, tome 16: Le premier galop) by Derib & Job
4. Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa (Yakari, tome 10: Le grand terrier) by Derib & Job

¹ Sources: Elex STO 20 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except for Restore Garage 251 vol. 10 (SRP: IDR 19,500). All ROMICs listed retail for IDR 30,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Volume previews (continued)

Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

My—my name is Amon!! My body may be big, but I'm actually a coward who can only annoy the people around me. But I understand the feelings of Omugi's family.

Chiyoko finally finds the courage to invite Ichigo to the school's cultural festival, but Nana-san is kidnapped on the very day the festival opens! Saying that it's gonna be a problem is severely understating it!

Half an Apple 4 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

I don't want to be separated; I don't want to lose. But...

Despite vowing to marry each other, despite Hikaru's love for Shindo eclipsing all others', Hikaru continues to contend with Natsuko who hasn't given up on getting Shindo. What fiendish plot is Natsuko hatching now? Can Hikaru and Shindo protect their relationship from Natsuko's predations?

Hikayat Genji 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Consorting with a hime with the wrong political affiliations exiles Genji to Suma. There, fate leads him to Akashi and a love affair with the beautiful Akashi princess. Meanwhile, unrest in the capital worsens; the Okami falls ill and summons Genji back.

What will happen to Genji's relationship with the Akashi princess? And will Genji's return bring peace to the capital?

Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

As Yulia and Paison go at it in the O.P.T. Olympics, Jio senses the presence of a Kabbalah demon. Which one is it?

Restore Garage 251 v.10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

To finance his daughter Saori's schooling abroad, Satoshi dips into his laboriously squirreled away savings. Unfortunately, Saori's stepfather uses up the education fund, prompting Saori's mom to plead with Satoshi for more money.

Learning that her mother is pressuring her father for money, Saori sees red and refuses to continue further studies. An oblivious Satoshi, meanwhile, searches for a gift for Saori when work lets him.

How will this situation resolve itself?

Shattered Knife 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

After Natsume's kidnapping by a stalker, Natsume and Ko's relationship starts to fray. Natsume also grows distant from friends, especially Kana.

Kana likes Ko and the only thing preventing her from getting in between Natsume and Ko is her belief that the two are the perfect couple. But what will happen once Natsume and Ko break up and Ko starts going out with another girl?

UP NEXT: m&c! 20 October 2010 manga and manhwa

m&c!: Oresama Teacher 3 · Kingdom of the Beast by Takagi Shigeyoshi · A Badboy Drinks Tea! 10 · To The Top! 2 of 2 · Idol Shopping 4 · Canon by Usami Maki · Beauty Pop 8 · Cold Heart by Hoshimori Yukimo · Go! Hiromi Go! 4 · Secret 2

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Hyasinta-san for the artwork and blurbs

disclaimer

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

other upcoming manga (20 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Vampire Knight 5 · Fullmetal Alchemist 24 · Hello Master 2 · Topeng Kaca 2 Deluxe · Rinne 1 by Takahashi Rumiko · Artist Acro 3 · Natural Honey Dormitory 3 · New Sexy Simpleton 7 · Want You 1 by Hwang MiRee · Our Dear Tamura-kun 1 by Kurafuji Sachi · Legend of Nereid 10 · Nakayoshi 85/2010 · Shonen Star 74/2010

related monthly schedules

October 2010
Premiering Red River by Shinohara Chie,Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi andHunt for the Thumb by Yamada Yuusuke (standalone)

September 2010
Premiering Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki and The Duke and I by Hara Chieko

other invaluable resources

Wikipedia · 7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shounen · AirGear · Akihabara@Deep · Chocolat · Half an Apple · Hikayat Genji · Jio · Restore Garage 251 · Shattered Knife · Smurfs · Spirou et Fantasio · Yakari