Soul Eater 6, XBlade 3, Magister Negi Magi 25 (Level Comics 4 May 2011) [UPDATED]

Finally!

Also, omitted the Johan & Pirlouit - Seruling Enam Smurf BD from this list. It reskeds to the 18th.

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

No big enuf XBlade 3 cover, but leading with the Japanese version because I now get Demonbasher-san's comment about the logo (and why bother with the additional processing that ups XBlade's price). Look at that there superimposed XBlade on the original tankou...oh, you wanted the preview?

Can Haru prevail against Seven Sheaths/Nanatsusaya's Sakura and her ojinto (Metamorphosing Guardian Blade) when he hasn't even recovered from the previous battle AND without harming bystanders?

As for the top DO WANT! manga (separated by one vote from XBlade 3) —

Soul Eater 6 of 19+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Maka risks insanity to connect with Crona's soul as Death the Kid and Black*Star redouble efforts to halt Free and Eruka's attempt to awaken the First Kishin.

Soul Eater 6 compiles chapter 19 through 22, A Fight to the Death at the Anniversary Celebration, Parts 4 to 7.

Level Comics manga, manhwa and manhua (2011.05.04)

1. 3x3 Eyes 39 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 39 first published in Japan 2002.11

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. ARMS 19 of 22 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi

ARMS 「 ＡＲＭＳ 」 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2001.10

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 44th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other languages
English Project ARMS (VIZ Media: 22 volumes, French (Kana: 22 volumes), Italian (Panini Comics/Planet Manga), German (Planet Manga), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan).

Adaptations
TMS's 26-episode anime adaptation aired between TV Tokyo April and September 2001, starring seiyuu Canna Nobutoshi (Takatsuki Ryo), Takayama Minami (Kuruma Kei), Ueda Yuji (Tomoe Takeshi) and Miki Shinichiro (Shingu Hayato). The Project ARMS: The 2nd Chapter sequel (episodes 27-52) broadcast from October 2001 through March 2002.

3. Basara 17 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 17 first published in Japan 1996.02

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

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

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

4. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 5 of 6 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「逃亡弁護士　成田誠」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.09

Related series
Shin Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto (sequel by Okamoto Sou; three volumes as at 2011.04.28)

Adaptations
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke aired from July to September 2010 on Fuji TV.

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 8 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 1987.12

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 25 of 33+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 25 (chapters 223-231) first published in Japan 2009.02

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey: 28 volumes and Kodansha Comics: volume 29 street date: 2011.05.17 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: volume 31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), French (Pika Édition: Tome 28 shipped 2010.12), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime; Band 30 ships 2011.05), Norway (Schibsted Forlag), Brazil (Editora JBC) and Croatia (Algoritam).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17, 2009.12.17, 2010.05.17 and 2010.07.17; and Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Ariadone-hen~ per 2010.11.17), an anime movie for the Magic World arc expected to premiere in 2011 and a live-action drama (TV Tokyo, 2007.10-2008.03)

7. Priest 16 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 16 first published in Korea 2006.01 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 Paul Bettany premieres on 13 May 2011 in the U.S.

8. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 9 of 41+ 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 火凤燎原 (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 41 released 2011.05.03) and Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 volume 9 per 2009.12; serialized in Comic Sangokushi). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

9. Soul Eater 6 of 19+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 6 (chapters 19-22) first published in Japan 2006.04

Related series
First appeared as one-shots in two Gangan Powered special editions (Summer and Fall 2003) and Gangan Wing's 26 November 2003 issue. (Regular Monthly Shonen Gangan serialization commenced May 2004.)

Other languages
English Soul Eater (Yen Press: five volumes per 2011.02 • volume 6 street date: 2011.06.28), French (Kurokawa tome 15 ships 2011.05.12), German (Carlsen Comics Band 11 street date: 2011.06.24) and traditional Chinese 噬魂者 (Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (side story; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12)

Adaptations
Manga volumes 1 to 12 adapted to anime by BONES. Fifty-one episodes starring seiyuu Omigawa Chiaki (Maka Alban) and Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater) aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009.

Square Enix bundled an audio drama, Soul Eater (Vol. 1): Special Social Studies Field Trip, with an artbook in August 2005. The drama CD featured different actors (Takeuchi Junko as Maka; Hoshi Souichirou as Soul Eater); only Kobayashi Yumiko reprised her Black☆Star role in the TV series.

10. X Blade 3 of 12+ by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.02

11. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 5 of 13+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 5 (stories 29-35) first published in Japan 2008.03

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

European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.04)

1. Cubitus - Kena Kau! by Dupa
2. Michel Vaillant - Operation Mirage by Philippe & Jean Graton

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xxxHOLiC 12, The Drops of God 3, Strange Tales of Tokyo 4 of 4 (Level Comics 16 March 2011 manga)

Update Blog regular KiRai-san reports (see comment below) that she got xxxHOLiC 12 last week. Keeping it here per the Elex STO 16 March 2011

Also, Smart is sexy Atty. Makoto Narita returns—still running, I presume—in The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita volume 4. (Sankyuu~ freakenari-san for the delish snap profiling. Another tweep—wenzara-san—is actually my first Makoto Narita evangelist ^^)

But before we go rejoicing about teh Level manga for tomorrow, let's #prayforJapan and/or do something more today to help the people hardest hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami.

The Drops of God's Agi Tadashi-sensei—actually the brother and sister team Kibayashi Shin and Yuko—have checked in safe, according to ANN. Means Ando Yuma (Psychometrer Eiji); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday series); Arimori Jōji (Asobotto Senki Gokū); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi) are also safe (Kibayashi Shin-sensei also writes under these pseudonyms). ANN has no word on Okimoto Shu-sensei yet.

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu © Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu/
Kodansha [Serialized in Morning]
Published in Indonesia as The Drops of God by Elex Media/Level Comics

Shizuku decides to help Mr. Watanuki whose restaurant teeters on bankruptcy, following a scathing critique from Tomine. He looks into why Tomine found fault with Watanuki's place, but evidently, Tomine just made a reservation. Can Shizuku manage to pleasantly surprise Tomine on his revisit with his ‘marriage’? Check out The Drops of God 3 for answers.

Shining the spotlight on a different Watanuki —

xxxHOLiC 12 of 19+ by CLAMP

Since meeting Sakura, Watanuki has been dreaming more often; the frequency escalates to the extent he can no longer distinguish between dream and reality. What is actually happening?

(The second Syaoran :D)

CLAMP have also reported in safe post the quake and tsunami.

New Level titles: XBlade by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade © Ida Tatsuhiko
& Shiki Satoshi/
Kodansha [Shonen Sirius]

Level rolls outs X Blade, a post-apocalyptic action drama serialized in Shonen Sirius. Given current events, you can understand that it was a little hard translating the summary. (I apologize to those who are feeling sensitive and give you leave to skip the blurb below.)

Four years ago, Haru survived the mysterious disaster that hit Tokyo and took away his family. These days, Haru lives a relatively normal life with friends Sanae and Kazunari.

But Haru's new normalcy is replaced by violence when he finds himself pursued by a pack of MIBs. At the height of the chase, Haru lucks into a venerable sword — one that takes the form of a young girl, Mana.

But was it really luck that led Haru to the sentient weapon?

[Additions from Baka-Updates Manga's XBlade description]

Wondering why X Blade 1 retails for IDR 20,000? Prolly because of the color pages. (Seeing Shiki Satoshi-sensei's name attached to this shounen manga reminds me that I've yet to finish the also swords Kamikaze >.<)

More previews below the list.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.03.16)

1. Angel Heart 5 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2002.11

Related series
City Hunter (Adapted from; 35 of 35 volumes), Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; one volume per 2011.03.19)

Other languages
French (Génération Comics and Panini Comics)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by TMS, starring seiyuu Kamiya Akira as Saeba Ryo and Kawasaki Mao as Shan-In Glass Heart Lee. Fifty episodes adapting manga volumes 1 to 18 aired in Japan from October 2005 to September 2006.

2. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 3 of 28+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu AKA Les Gouttes de Dieu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.08

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); 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

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu tome 17 shipped 2011.02.16 • tome 18 street date: 2011.04.20), traditional Chinese 神之水滴 (Sharp Point Press Taiwan), English Drops of God (Vertical: volume 1 street date: 2011.09.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV. Another adaptation, Korean, starring Bae Yong Joon (Winter Sonata) has been greenlit but delayed.

3. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 4 of 6 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「逃亡弁護士　成田誠」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 4 (chapters 33-43) first published in Japan 2008.06

Related series
Shin Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto (sequel by Okamoto Sou; three volumes as at 2011.04.28)

Adaptations
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke (Tsutsumoto Shoji, Crows ZERO live-action movies) aired from July to September 2010 on Fuji TV.

4. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 7 of 10 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 7 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 19 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 19 first published in Japan 1999.10

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

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

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

6. Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) 4 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi [Finale]

Toukei Ibun 「東亰異聞」 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi Gentousha Comic Birz, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.09

Reissues
Re-released in two volumes under the Birz Comics Special imprint (2008.03)

7. X Blade 1 of 12+ by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.03

8. xxxHOLiC 12 of 19+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 12: Atashi no Negai....ne. (chapters 73-79) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2010.10 • volume 17 street date: 2011.09.13), French (Pika Édition; tome 17 shipped 2011.01.19), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, is scheduled for March 2011 release with manga volume 19.

A theatrical film adaptation xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in Japan before the first anime season (2005.08.20). The movie was a Feature Films finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Seiyuu Fukuyama Jun and Ohara Sayaka play the roles of Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko in all adaptations.

Related
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (crossover) · xxxHoLic: ANOTHERHOLiC Landolt-Ring Aerosol by NisiOisiN (Novel; side story) · Soel to Larg: Mokona=Modoki no Bouken (Novel; side story)

At least three official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17)

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Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.03.16)

• Boule & Bill - Bwoufallo, Bill? by Roba

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Perfect Girl Evolution 20, Hotaru's Light 9, The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita 2 (Level Comics manga out now)

As promised, I'm back with the extended babble.

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge © Hayakawa Tomoko/Kodansha (Serialized in Betsufure)
Published in Indonesia as Perfect Girl Evolution by Elex Media/Level Comics

Contains (TV) Tropes and other   [SPOILERS!]

Can you believe it's been over a year since Level last released Perfect Girl Evolution? Boy, was that ever a long wait for volume 20. Good thing investment in Sunako-chan and the four dazzling creatures she lives with supply the necessary (and necessarily antsy) C'mon, c'mon! patience.

(I couldn't stand the 15 month-hold up, however, and already gots The Wallflower 20—Del Rey's edition subtitled Princess Sunako?—way back, so I'm borrowing that blurb for here.)

Sunako is a great cook, but her croissant recipe needs help. Luckily, the landlady happens to know a royal family famous for its master bakers. Sunako and the gang are whisked off to the small kingdom of Grimmel, but the landlady has ulterior motives: The young prince of Grimmel is looking for a bride, and his tastes are almost as morbid as Sunako's. It looks like Sunako might accept the prince's proposal—unless Kyohei is willing to speak now or forever hold his peace.

TV Tropes notes that the manga also known variously as YamaNade and My Fair Lady is completely food-obsessed—the You will probably get hungry reading it observation more than confirmed by the synopsis above. That it's also Always Saving Your Love Interest makes it equally delish. Wanna see how He's Usually the One Distressed Kyohei rescues FMOHC (Future Mother of His Children) Sunako from Grimmel's ouji? Then GET! volume 20. I'm also still getting the Indonesian version this weekend to make Level friends (waves to editor Lenny-san) happy. See, Perfect Girl Evolution, despite being uncompromisingly Aww... Look They Really Do Love Each Other shoujo, is THE Level bestseller. (And I'm SO sure Hayakawa Tomoko-sensei's sustained concert resume freetalks have nothing to do with the achievement. Unless of course the Indonesian PGE market is as crazy about Kiyoharu as the manga-ka, which I doubt.)

The other two manga in the post title both undergo dorama treatment in prep for July premieres. (For Hotaru's Light, it's actually the second live-action outing.)

The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita 3 by Go Hideki & Takada Yu

Betrayed by the legal system, disbarred lawyer Narita Makoto struggles to acquit himself of trumped up charges of murder, arson, and embezzlement by tracking down the true felon.

The manga's titular hero grapples with dura lex sed lex and life on the lam by losing himself in crowds, assuming false names, and constantly exchanging job for other menial jobs. Despite being wronged by the judicial sytem, Narita Makoto still believes in justice and goes out of his way to aid other people in trouble.

DORAMA UPDATE, I: Kamiji Yusuke (Shoji Tsutsumoto, Crows ZERO and Crows ZERO II) stars as the nationally-wanted Narita Makoto in the upcoming Fuji TV live-action series. Toubou Bengoshi represents Kamiji's first TV drama starring role. Ishihara Satomi (Sayama Hitomi, Hidarime Tantei EYE) and Yada Akiko (Asuka Nozomi, Top Caster) are cast as a murdered lawyer's daughter and a prosecutor respectively.

Author Go Hideki also wrote the award-winning Kurosagi manga (published by Level as The Black Swindler) under the pseudonym Natsuhara Takeshi.

Hotaru's Light 9 by Hiura Satoru

Before she can move in with Makoto, Hotaru reveals her dried fish side worst, and Shonan living arrangements, not to mention their relationship, are off! This obviously throws Hotaru into despondency, but she can't really afford debilitating depression because she has just been assigned to handle Makoto's first showing!

Guess where Hotaru ends up bunking? *wink* *wink*

DORAMA UPDATE, II: Hotaru no Hikari Season 2 is also scheduled to premiere this July on Nippon Television. Ayase Haruka (Haruka, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror movie) and Fujiki Naohito (Higuchi Juntaro, Ikemen Sobaya Tantei seasons 1 and 2) reprise their roles as OL Amemiya Hotaru and boss Takano Seiichi. The first Glow of Fireflies season aired in the latter half of 2007.

Level Comics manga (2010.06.09)

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

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 8 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「 無限の住人 」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 1998.07

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). The manga is published in French by Casterman; in Italian by Planet Manga/Panini Comics; in German and Polish by Egmont; in Portuguese by Conrad (Brazil); and in Swedish 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) 2 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 2 first published in Japan 2004.04

Volume 2 contains chapters:

• 9. To Vision (ビジョンへ Bijon He)
• 10. Traveler (トラベラー Toraberā)
• 11. The Third Traveler (3番目の旅行者 San Banme no Ryokō Sha)
• 12. The Clown's True Power (の男の真のパワー No Otoko no Shin no Pawā)
• 13. Awakening (目覚め Mezame)
• 14. Forfeiture (没収 Bosshū)
• 15. Promise (約束 Yakusoku)
• 16. Journey Begun (旅行開始 Ryokō Kaishi)
• 17. Water People (水と人 Mizu to Hito)
• 18. The Branch (の支店 No Shiten)

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/SERIALIZATIONS
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 in November 2009). The manga is also translated into French by Kurokawa 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. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 3 of 6+ by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「 逃亡弁護士　成田誠 」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.03

Volume 3 contains chapters:

• 22-24 後継人（前・中・後編）
• 25-29 呪いの声（I～V）
• 30-32 癒えぬ傷（前・中・後編）
• ザ・冤罪ファイル

ADAPTATIONS
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke (Tsutsumoto Shoji, Crows ZERO live-action movies) is slated to premiere July 2010 on Fuji TV.

4. Gokusen 13 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Gokusen 「 ごくせん 」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 13 first published in Japan 2006.03

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Published in traditional Chinese by Sharp Point Press (Taiwan)

RELATED
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

ADAPTATIONS
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

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

1/2 no Ringo 「 １／２の林檎 」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.10

6. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 9 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 9 first published in Japan in 2007.08

ADAPTATIONS
A 10-episode Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired on NTV between July and September 2007, starring Ayase Haruka (Hirose Aki, Crying out Love in the Centre of the World) as Amemiya Hotaru and Fujiki Naohito (Ikemen Sobaya Tantei) as Takano Seiichi. The pair reprise their roles in the upcoming second season, set to premiere July 2010 on the same network.

7. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 2 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 2 first published in Japan 2005.07

Volume 2 contains chapters:

• 5 限りなくでかい魂
• 6 ラヴ・ウィズ・ミー
• 7 そのコを返すな!!
• 8 挑発
• 特別掲載
• 吼えろペン～コリアより愛をこめて～

RELATED SERIES
Prequels: Burning Pen (Moeyo Pen, one volume) and Comic Bomber (Hoero Pen, 13 volumes)

8. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) 20 of 26+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「 ヤマトナデシコ七変化 」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.01

Volume 20 contains chapters:

• 79 Capture the Princess!
• 80 House Arrest! Beautiful Sacrifice!
• 81 Who is 'Mister' Morikou?
• 82 The Japanese New Year

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Published in English as My Fair Lady by Chuang Yi (latest volume 24) and Del Rey as The Wallflower (volume 21 released 2009.09.29 • volumes 22-24 street date: 2010.10.26). Translated into French by Pika Édition and into German by Tokyopop Germany and Egmont Manga and Anime (from volume 21 onwards).

ADAPTATIONS
A 25-episode anime adaptation by Nippon Animation aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. Seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko, Morikubo Showtaro, Yamauchi Yuuya, Sugita Tomokazu, and Nojima Hirofumi were cast as leads Nakahara Sunako, Takano Kyohei, Toyama Yukinojo, Takenaga Oda, and Morii Ranmaru. Series director Nabeshin (Watanabe Shinichi) voiced Sunako's former crush in the first episode, The Light that Shines through the Darkness.

Three years later, the manga was (loosely) adapted into a 10-episode live-action renzoku, which aired on TBS from January to March 2010. Kamenashi Kazuya, Oomasa Aya, Tegoshi Yuya, Uchi Hiroki, and Miyao Shuntaro were cast as Kyohei, Sunako, Yukinojo, Takenaga, and Ranmaru. The series also included the drama-only character Nakahara Takeru (the landlady's son, played by Kato Seishiro). Japanese boy band KAT-TUN (obviously) performed the theme Love yourself ~Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki~.

9. Wilderness 3 of 7+ by Ito Akihiro

Wilderness 「 ＷＩＬＤＥＲＮＥＳＳ 」 by Ito Akihiro Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 3 (containing chapters 10-12) first published in Japan in 2004.04

Level Comics European comics (2010.06.09)

1. Smurf - Kekacauan di Desa Smurf by Peyo
2. Yakari - Di Negeri Para Serigala by Derib

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media 9 June 2010 schedule and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) All listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except Blade of Immortal 8 and Wilderness 3 (SRP: IDR 18,000). ROMICs retail for IDR 27,000 apiece
(3) Links like this are Amazon.com (or other online merchants) search and/or product links (commercial), in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews continued

Gokusen 13 by Morimoto Kozueko

The wheels of Operation: Boot Yankumi out of Shirokin Gakuen continue turning, but fortunately, the PTA and then Sawada Shin's formidable dad, Go, refuse to play ball. Undeterred, the school foundation head turns to the last resort: the mother of first-year trouble-maker Shibata.

I don't know aboutchu, but I'm on edge for the Shinkumi OTP payoff; already have the Gokusen 2K8 special chapter and am having trouble keeping it on the TBR queue until the Indonesian series runs its course (only one more tankou before the finale).

Half An Apple 2 by Koyama Yukari

Hikaru's belief in fate and soul mates appears vindicated when she is reunited a decade hence with high school crush Shindo. They become a couple and it's only a matter of time before wedding bells start to peal.

But what's this? Hikaru's co-worker Natsuko is scheming to keep the two halves of the apple apart?

How will Hikaru cope with the loss of trust, the end of friendship, and a relationship going from Committed to Complicated now?

New Comic Bomber 2 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Manga-ka Hono-sensei attends a Kogakukan Manga Awards* ceremony with his assistants and there meets award recipient Mariyabashi-sensei. But just because she won doesn't mean Mariyabashi-sensei gets any breaks when it comes to deadlines. Too busy to attend the second party, she requests for Hono-sensei's help — using Look into my eyes hypnotism to do so.

Can Hono-sensei break the “spell” or will he end up Mariyabashi-sensei's puppet?

*Tongue-in-cheek Bland Name Product-ing the Shogakukan Manga Awards? Or wishful thinking, given that New Comic Bomber manga-ka Shimamoto Kazuhiko-sensei has yet to win the prestigious award?

Wilderness 3 by Ito Akihiro

The chase across the Mexican desert continues. Without permission from higher-ups, Enora drags Jim and Rosenman into an illegal investigation across borders. Meanwhile, Horita and Seruma are in the same town.

What's the connection? I don't know. I just translate these blurbs; I don't actually follow Wilderness. If you do, you can probably make sense of the above blurb. Tell me about it, please?

Wilderness volume 3 contains chapters:

• 10 THE EVIL MEN DO
• 11 Trabajo duro (1-3)
• 12 Glass Tightrope (1-3)

~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.

other manga currently available (9 June 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: BECK 18 · Dear Boys Act III vol. 2 · Ghost Sweeper Mikami 39 of 39 · Hayate the Combat Butler 20 · Hidamari Sketch 1 · Kaiser Z 13 · A Kiss for My Prince 1 by Kim Hee-Eun · Kungfu Boy Legends 8 · Legend of Nereid 7 · LUM, The Invader Girl 23 · New Sexy Simpleton 1 by Hwang Mi-Ree · Sora, The Wingless Duck 17 · Tokkyu! 12 · Wild Life 5 by Fujisaki Masato
• m&c!: Another Kingdom 2 of 2 · Bleach 28 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 6 · Find a New Love! by Sugiyama Miwako · Nekomachi Shop Guide 2 · The Princess Bouquet 2 · Shanimuni GO 30

related monthly schedules

Level Comics June 2010 manga
Premiering Dark Edge by Aikawa Yu, Ghost Mum Investigator by Sato Tomokazu · Standalones: 1 or W by Takahashi Rumiko and Bus Hashiru by Sahara Mizu

Level Comics May 2010 manga
Premiering Dolls of God by Yamamura Hajime, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower by Yoshihara Yuki · Second Engage by Aikawa Momoko (standalone)

other invaluable resources

7net · Amazon JP · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes · DramaWiki

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