Genius Family Company 6 of 6, Half an Apple 6, Daydreaming 1 by Yoshimura Akemi (Level Comics 9 February 2011 manga)

Yume no Mahiru © Yoshimura Akemi/Shogakukan
[Serialied in Flowers]
Published in Indonesia as Daydreaming by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level Comics debuts Yoshimura Akemi's Yume no Mahiru as Daydreaming this Wednesday. In the manga, Odagiri Suzuko moves out of the apartment she unwillingly shares with her inconsiderate older sib and into cheap lodgings run by a crotchety landlady. It's a destined meeting between wimpy Suzuko and a drill sergeant of a grandmother that stands to change Suzuko's life.

Genius Family Company 6 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Before Ninomiya Tomoko's Genius Family Company wraps, Nagasawa misunderstands the relationship between geniuses Katsuyuki and Yuika and resolves to leave the country (running away to Paris, for studies); Katsuyuki continues trying to make a success of the business and take revenge on Yano; and Haru resolves the thing with Yi Ling.

Half an Apple 6 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

Hikaru's out of sight, out of mind plan to forget Shindo by throwing herself into work falls into shambles after Shindo is transferred to her division because of office power struggles.

Level Comics manga (2011.02.09)

1. [Series Premiere] Daydreaming (Yume no Mahiru) 1 of 2+ by Yoshimura Akemi

Yume no Mahiru 「夢の真昼」 by Yoshimura Akemi Shogakukan Flowers, josei Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.12

2. Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) 6 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko [Finale]

Tensai Family Company 「天才ファミリー・カンパニー」 by Ninomiya Tomoko Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko, josei Volume 6 (bunko) first published in Japan 2008.12

Other languages
French Tensai Family Company - Génies en tous genres (Asuka Comics)

Adaptations
Audio drama starring seiyuu Hirakawa Daisuke, Mitsuishi Kotono, Namikawa Daisuke, Inoue Kazuhiko, Ueda Yuuji and Noto Mamiko (Tensai Family Company drama CD 1 and 2 released by Geneon Entertainment 2008.08.27 and 2008.10.22)

3. Gun Smith Cats 8 of 8 by Sonoda Kenichi [Finale]

Gun Smith Cats 「ＧＵＮ　ＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 1997.07

Related series
Sequels: Gun Smith Cats Burst (5 volumes) and Gunsmith Cats: Misty's Run

Other languages
English Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse Comics; nine volumes + four volumes revised/omnibus editions) and French (Glenat)

Adaptations
Oriental Light and Magic animated three Gunsmith Cats anime OAV episodes, released between November 1995 and September 1996: Neutral Zone, Swing High!, and High Speed Edge, starring seiyuu Neya Michiko (Rally Vincent) and Araki Kae (Minnie May Hopkins). The OAV was repackaged into the Bulletproof movie in 1997.

4. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 6 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.01

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 6 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 1985.11

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Others languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Jio 12 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2005.10

Volume 12 chapters:
45. Top Floor
46. Evil King Icarus
47. Heart
48. Kaballah's Devil

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

7. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 24 of 33+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 24 first published in Japan 2008.11

Volume 24 chapters:
214. I'm So Glad to See You ♥
215. Operation: Return to the Real World! Begin!!
216. Is Love an Illusion??
217. Now Is the Time to Face the Darkness!
218. Boobies in Peril!!
219. A Wonder to Behold! Magia Erebea!!
220. The Hearts of the Negima Club Are One!
221. Let the Festivities Begin ♥
222. Negi vs. Fate

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28; Kodansha Comics by volume 29 [2011.05.17 street date] and Chuang Yi: volume 27 scheduled 2011.02.09), 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)

8. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 5 of 11+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.01

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Level Comics European comics (2011.02.09)

1. Lucky Luke - Billy The Kid (Lucky Luke, tome 20: Billy the Kid) by Morris, René Goscinny
2. Lucky Luke - Pertikaian di Painful Gulch (Lucky Luke, tome 19: Les Rivaux de Painful Gulch) by Morris, René Goscinny

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

Read more »

Tomo'o 11, Ghost Mum Investigator 2, Gun Smith Cats Burst 1 by Sonoda Kenichi (Level Comics 24 November 2010 manga)

Danchi Tomoo © Oda Tobira/Shogakukan [Serialized in Big Comic Spirits]
Published in Indonesia as Tomo'o by Elex Media/Level Comics

C'est déjà l'été—oops, I mean, it's summer already. At least in Tomo'o volume 11. And what is summer but the season for ghost stories and somen, those thin white Japanese wheat noodles that, served chilled, is a popular summer treat.

Hazama-san suggests somen for the children's festivities this year, despite the apartment complex kids' preference for either curry or yakisoba. Undaunted, Hazama tries to persuade Tomoo and pals to go for the thin noodles. How does he do it? And more importantly, does he succeed? (Find out in Tomo'o 11, in stores even as I write this.)

Ghost Mum Investigator 2 of 3+ by Sato Tomokazu

First-grader shamus Tonbo and his ghost mom return. This time, their spiritual cases include helping an elderly man find his dog a good home, bringing a young man and his soul mate together and solving the mystery of a painting that can talk. (Wonder if it's a scintillating conversationist? Let's find out in the second Ghost Mum Investigator.)

NEW LEVEL MANGA: Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi

Chicago firearms mavens Rally Vincent and Minnie May Hopkins set up shop—Gunsmith Cats—not only to flog guns but also as a base of operations for fugitive apprehension. The two bounty hunters are no strangers to danger, but this time, they may have taken on more than they bargained for. Rally is caught in an inter-mob war for hunting down one the Mafia members, guilty of absconding with mob money. Not only that, the syndicate lays a trap for Rally to get its money back!

Obviously, Gun Smith Cats Burst is the sequel to Gun Smith Cats, which Level also publishes. Level has yet to conclude Rally and May's original exploits; volume 7 (preview after the cut) releases concurrently with the premiering GSC Burst manga.

Level Comics manga (2010.11.24)

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

1. Ghost Mum Investigator (Ghost Mama Sousasen) 2 of 3+ by Sato Tomokazu

Ghost Mama Sousasen 「ゴーストママ捜査線 」 by Sato Tomokazu Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2004.04

Volume 2 chapters:
10 クロの住む家
11 道化の顔はいつも笑顔
12 しゃべる絵画の謎
13 縁は異なもの怪奇なもの
14 仄暗いダムの底から
15 聖夜の約束
16 人鳥現る!!
17 交差点ひき逃げ事故
18 鏡の国のアカネ

2. Gun Smith Cats 7 of 9 by Sonoda Kenichi

Gun Smith Cats 「ＧＵＮ　ＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 1996.10

Related series
Sequels: Gun Smith Cats Burst (5 volumes) and Gunsmith Cats: Misty's Run

Other languages
English Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse Comics; nine volumes + four volumes revised/omnibus editions) and French (Glenat)

Adaptations
Oriental Light and Magic animated three Gunsmith Cats anime OAV episodes, released between November 1995 and September 1996: Neutral Zone, Swing High!, and High Speed Edge, starring seiyuu Neya Michiko (Rally Vincent) and Araki Kae (Minnie May Hopkins). The OAV was repackaged into the Bulletproof movie in 1997.

3. [Series Premiere] Gun Smith Cats Burst 1 of 5 by Sonoda Kenichi

Gun Smith Cats Burst 「ＧＵＮＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ　ＢＵＲＳＴ」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2005.06

Related series
Gun Smith Cats (prequel, 9 of 9 volumes)

Other languages
English Gunsmith Cats Burst (Dark Horse Comics; 5 volumes) and French (Glenat tome 5 released 2010.03)

4. Over Rev 15 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 15 first published in Japan 2000.11

Volume 15 chapters:
160 決意の夜
161 二度目のチャンス
162 接近…そして
163 フィードフォワード
164 曲がる瞬間
165 星空の下で
166 告白の日
167 最後の一瞬
168 最後のメッセージ
169 400戦無敗
170 カーセックスの彼女は？

5. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) 11 of 16+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「団地ともお」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2007.12

Volume 11 contains chapters:
1 千年でも生きて欲しいよなともお
2 川の流れに何をまかせたのともお
3 最強コンビが何げにだなともお
4 今回もトラブルを切ったり貼ったりともお
5 世界の秘密を見つけたぞともお
6 そんなに見られてもなぁともお
7 Xは盆に返るよなともお
8 まだまだまだ夏休みなともお
9 そろそろ2学期だぜともお
10 かわいい子にはファイトだぜともお
11 ベースボールじゃなく野球だなともお
12 今、何月だと思ってんだともお
13 ツイストが大事だなともお
14 トモオとキノシタとともお
15 のろしの世界に引きずりこまれたともお
16 犯人がわかるかいともお
17 守り守られだなともお

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Level Comics ROMICs/BDs (2010.11.24)

1. Cubitus - Kucing Bagian dari Anjing (Cubitus, tome 27: Chat, ch'est du chien!) by Dupa (Le Lombard)
2. Lucky Luke - Penyerbuan ke Oklahoma (Lucky Luke, tome 14: Ruée sur l'Oklahoma) by Morris, René Goscinny (Lucky Comics)
3. Spirou dan Fantasio - Z Untuk Zorglub (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 15: Z comme Zorglub) by Franquin, Greg, Jidéhem (Dupuis)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 24 November 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Gun Smith Cats 7 (SRP: IDR 19,500). ROMICs retail for IDR 30,000 each except for Spirou dan Fantasio - Z Untuk Zorglub (IDR 38,000/volume)
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Gun Smith Cats 7 of 9 by Sonoda Kenichi

Iron Goldie comes out of “hibernation” to market a new and improved narcotic. Not about to let the control freak have her way, Rally vows to collar Goldie. But Goldie produces an ace from up her sleeve to stop Rally in her tracks. It is someone Rally knows very well.

Who is s/he? And will s/he succeed in halting Rally's pursuit?

Over Rev 15 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39

Roadstar guy Yoshinaga's maturity and driving skills prove “fatal” to Shino Ryoko who becomes even more besotted with him, if that were at all possible. Ryoko screws up her courage to confess her feelings, but...

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-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 currently available manga (24 November 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Pandora Hearts 11 · Hello Master 3 of 3 · Detektif Conan 30+ Plus Super Digest · Kindaichi Special Case - Private School Murder 1 of 2 by Seimaru Amagi & Fumiya Sato · Masked Rider Spirits 12 · Want You 3 · Animal Doctor 4 · Palette of 12 Secret Colors 1 by Kusakawa Nari · Rinne 2 · Crayon Shinchan - 20 Orang Terhebat di Dunia by Usui Yoshito · Look Up! 6 · My Fiancé is a Monster 1 of 2 by Hanamori Pink · Reborn Kumiho 19 · Pokonyan Pika-Pika 2 · Shonen Star 77/2010 · Shonen Magz 79/2010
• m&c!: Female Wolf's Boy 9 · How To Be A Man 4 · Kimi ga Suki ~ I Love You ~ 3 of 3 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 8 · Be a Naughty Girl 2 · Secret 3 · Long Hu Men 173 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 7 · KOLONI: Purnama Kesembilan by Hira Habibi · Pancanaka by Ino Septian

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)

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · seinen · Ghost Mum Investigator (Ghost Mama Sousasen) · Gun Smith Cats · Gun Smith Cats Burst · Over Rev · Tomo'o · Cubitus · Lucky Luke · Spirou et Fantasio

Aflame Inferno 3, Love Affair 6, Love & Collage 11 (Level Comics 29 September 2010 manhwa and manga)

Also, the penultimate Love & Collage (volume 11)

Aflame Inferno © Lim DallYoung & Kim KwangHyun/Haksan
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

The oh-so-bishie Kang Sichan investigates TBI all the way to its Korean base. Not long after his arrival, however, four high-level demons attack the HQ.

Will Kang Sichan save the TBI members from total annihilation? Find out in Aflame Inferno, Volume 3 [impact], streeting this Wednesday.

Love Affair 6 of 10 by Miyasaka Kaho

Kotori's Hikaru fangirl mode »ON! is really going to be the death of her and Yukito's love affair. Fresh from talking out one problem (the rumor that Yukito is only going steady with Kotori for kicks), our pair faces the greatest danger ever, and from a most unexpected source: Yukito's own brother — who could well be Dokimemo Hikaru's incarnation!

NEW TITLES: The Duke & I by Hara Chieko

This Wednesday, Level also launches a So old school, it's practically cobwebby regency romance, The Duke & I.

Alice works as a governess in the home of Duke Elgar, the hikikomori aristocrat who sports a scar on his face from the accident that killed his wife. Having unearthed the distant Duke's marshmallow side, Alice promises to bring back smiles to the Duke's (we assume handsome) face. Will she succeed?

Of course, and they will live Happily Even After, The End.

Level Comics manhwa and manga (2010.09.29)

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

1. Aflame Inferno 3 of 5+ by Lim DallYoung & Kim KwangHyun

Aflame Inferno 「불꽃의 인페르노」 by Lim DallYoung & Kim KwangHyun Haksan, seinen Volume 3 [impact] first published in Korea 2007.04

Other languages
English A Flame Inferno licensed for North American distribution by TOKYOPOP (status: unknown; volume 1 initially scheduled for 2008.11.11).

2. [New Release] The Duke & I (Koushaku to Watashi) by Hara Chieko

Koushaku to Watashi 「公爵と私」 by Hara Chieko Ohzora Shuppan Emerald Comics Romance Comics, josei This volume first published in Japan 2009.03

3. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 78 of 93+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 78 first published in Japan 2006.11

Volume 78 contains
Round 735: Rock vs. Rock
Round 736: Chance for Victory
Round 737: The Pursuit of Evolution
Round 738: Gaze Upon God!
Round 739: What He Saw...
Round 740: The God Above the Ring
Round 741: To Miyata-kun
Round 742: Zoo
Round 743: Fist of the King
Round 744: Secret Blow: Beetle's Uppercut
Round 745: The Weight of Those Fists

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages
French (Kurokawa; Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs tome 33 released 2010.08) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

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 second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (26 episodes) was telecast from January to June 2009.

4. Gun Smith Cats 6 of 9 by Sonoda Kenichi

Gun Smith Cats 「ＧＵＮ　ＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 1995.11

Other languages
English Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse Comics; nine volumes + four volumes revised/omnibus editions)

Related series
Gun Smith Cats Burst (sequel, 5 of 5 volumes)

Adaptations
Oriental Light and Magic animated three Gunsmith Cats anime OAV episodes, released between November 1995 and September 1996: Neutral Zone, Swing High!, and High Speed Edge, starring seiyuu Neya Michiko (Rally Vincent) and Araki Kae (Minnie May Hopkins). The OAV was repackaged into the Bulletproof movie in 1997.

5. Haruka 17 v9 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2005.10

Adaptations
A 10-episode live-action drama starring Hirayama Aya (Miyamae Haruka) aired on TV Asahi from July to September 2005.

6. Love & Collage (Ai Kora) 11 of 12 by Inoue Kazurou

Ai Kora 「あいこら」 by Inoue Kazurou Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2008.03

Volume 11 contains chapters:
101 先生、ちょっと待って！
102 ボク達の幸せ
103 あやめとハイジ
104 愛のブルマー
105 ブルマー攻撃
106 チョコ女
107 相思相愛
108 スカウト
109 デビューライヴ
110 夢に向かって

Other languages
French (Kurokawa; tome 12 released 2009.11)

7. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 6 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 6 first published in Japan 2009.04

8. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 4 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 4 first published in Japan 2006.04

Volume 4 contains chapters:
12 プロフェッショナル？
13 大都会からの追跡
14 子供だから！大人のマネ!!
15 ヒーローを転がしたやつ
描き下ろし
あとがきまんが

Related
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

9. Priest 9 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 9 first published in Korea 2001.03 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) and Portuguese (Lumus Brazil)

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.)

Level Comics European comics (2010.09.29)

1. Cubitus - Semua Tinggal Sejarah (Cubitus, tome 24: Tout ça c'est des histoires) by Dupa
2. Cubitus - Si Tong Terbaik (Cubitus, tome 1: Du Meilleur Tonneau) by Dupa
3. Lucky Luke - Dalton Selalu Kabur (Lucky Luke, tome 23: Les Dalton courent toujours) by Morris, René Goscinny
4. Lucky Luke - Peternakan Terkutuk (Lucky Luke, tome 26: Le Ranch maudit) by Morris, Claude Guylouïs, Xavier Fauche, Jean Léturgie, Michel Janvier
5. Smurf - Kumpulan Kisah Smurf (Histoires de Schtroumpfs, tome 8) by Peyo
6. Spirou - Pencuri Marsupilami (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 5: Les Voleurs du Marsupilami) by Franquin
7. Yakari - Para Penguasa Lembah (Yakari, tome 13: Le seigneurs des plaines) by Derib, Job
8. Yakari - Sungai Pelupa (Yakari, tome 15: La rivière de l'oubli) by Derib, Job, Dominique

¹ Sources: Elex STO 29 September 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except The Duke and I (SRP: IDR 17,000). The Aflame Inferno 3 manhwa, Gun Smith Cats 6 and Haruka 17 volume 9 retail for IDR 19,500 each. All the BDs/ROMICs carry price tags of IDR 30,000 each save for Smurf - Kumpulan Kisah Smurf and Spirou - Pencuri Marsupilami (IDR 38,000/volume).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

UP NEXT: 29 September 2010 manga from —

m&c!: Sugar Family 4 · Shanimuni GO 31 · Jun x Ai Sensation 3 · Anemone Flower Shop by Minami Maki · Sky Blue Beach 1 by Yamada Nanpei · Shimokita Sundays by Katsuma Ayahito/Ishida Ira · Yowamushi Pedal, Go! 9 · You Are My Wing by Kitagawa Yuka · Rasetsu's Flower 7 · A Badboy Drinks Tea! 9 · Lady and the Sea 1 by Abiko Miwa · Female Wolf's Boy 5 · Confucius 4 · Cherry 47/2010

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 upcoming manga (29 September 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Angin Musim Gugur (Deluxe) by Hikawa Kyoko · Detektif Conan Special 33 · Yakitate!! Japan 18 · Dear Boys Act.3 vol. 4 · Vampire Knight 4 · Rakka Ryuusui 2 · Wild Life 9 · Hell Girl 8 · Kurozakuro 6 · Legend of The Cursed Sword 32 · Shonen Star 73/2010 · Shonen Magz 77/2010

related monthly schedules

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

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

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · manhwa · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · Aflame Inferno · The Duke and I · Hajime no Ippo · Haruka 17 · Gun Smith Cats · Love & Collage (Ai Kora) · Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) · New Comic Bomber · Priest

Air Gear 11, Bambino! 3, Historie 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi (Level Comics 19 May 2010 manga)

Historie © Iwaaki Hitoshi/Kodansha (Serialized in Afternoon)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Contains   [SPOILERS!] and flippant (TV) Trope Identification, The Sequel

Ikki and Team Kogarasumaru challenge lower-seed Potemkin to a duel in volume 11 of Art Major Physics Air Gear, but leveling up in rank might just be thornier than they thought. Potemkin refuses to fight, forcing Ikki to up the stakes by wagering the Fang Regalia.

(In contrast, Del Rey's Air Gear 11 blurb takes a different tack, pointing out how constant fawning has made Air Treck Idol Ikki forget his awesomeness debt to Team Kogarasumaru and asks if loyal, Can Not Spit it Out friend Ringo can save Ikki from himself.)

Bambino! 3 by Sekiya Tetsuji

To reach his Michelin-starred dream, chef wannabe Ban leaves hometown (Fukuoka) and loved ones (girlfriend Eri) for Teh Center of the World: Tokyo in Sekiya Tetsuji's cooking manga Bambino!. But forget a date with Ultimate Showdown Of Ultimate Destiny; Ban currently pays his dues wait-staffing at a posh Roppongi trattoria, downgraded for the meantime to slicing (non-wondrous) bread.

Can Ban last long enough to get back on the chef fast track (and later, probably star in his own cooking show, if not in a manga *COUGH*Bambino! Secondo*COUGH* sequel)? Well, from the Bambino! 3 cover, Ban right now is giving it his I will do my best! isshokenmei all slinging the pasta at the clientele.

Name-dropping exercise: Bambino! editor Tika-san confesses that the high point of working on this volume was the food-delishus!-food.

NEW LEVEL COMICS TITLES

Historie 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

We finally get to post lead Historie, the first of Level's premieres for this sked. Iwaaki Hitoshi's historical manga, an Osamu Tezuka Culture Award finalist, continues its serial run in Kodansha's largely SF/fantasy/horror-skewed Afternoon seinen mangazine.

Historie follows the story of Eumenes of Cardia who would later become secretary to Alexander III of Macedon, more famously known as Alexander The Great, propagator of the hybrid culture Hellenism and changer of the fate (not to mention, the face) of the ancient world.

Level introduces Manga!Eumenes as an intelligent boy, disturbed by a recurring dream about a mysterious woman. The back cover blurb thus asks: Who is she?, a guarenteed curiosity piquer. (Wiki's Historie manga article only hints at the subject of Eumenes' dream.) Tika-san who also edits Historie recommends the series for its unique, Eumenes-perspectived take on Greek politics.

Nik's near-useless addendum: Biography? Alternate history? Historie appears to be not-so subtly underpinned by belief in the Great Man theory, or the Thomas Carlyle view that the history of the world is but the biography of great men. I say this because of its ancient Greek and Persian personages ensemble; aside from Eumenes and Alexander The Great, there's Alexander's tutor Aristotle, father Philip II of Macedon, and Aristotle's father-in-law, Hermias of Atarneus. What's the point of this digression? No point, except I come from the people's history or history from below school of thought, which Wiki describes as:

...the story of mass movements and of the outsiders. Individuals not included in the past in other type of writing about history are part of this theory's primary focus, which includes the disenfranchised, the oppressed, the poor, the nonconformists, and the otherwise forgotten people. This theory also usually focuses on events occurring in the fullness of time, or when an overwhelming wave of smaller events cause certain developments to occur.

I call this rambling useless or near to because I don't have the first volume yet, thus reducing all this to mere speculation.

Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 1 by Yamamura Hajime

Kuga Kyohei is a normal college student whose transplanted, I like it meh life in Weirdness Magnet Tokyo drastically changes when childhood friend Aki and younger sister Utao come to visit. The pair brings in their wake memories of a past best forgotten.

Scanlator Fate (via Baka-Updates Manga) adds that protagonist Kyohei finds himself standing on the corner of Bizarro and Eerie after discovering a corpse propped in an elevator — which has to be Bummer MAX!, especially at the heels of a goukon-responsible alcohol buzz.

It's originally titled Kamisama Dolls, so in addition to dead bodies, Kyohei contends with the eponyms, which like others of their unblinking, glassy-eyed doll ilk prolly promises Creepy Extraordinaire.

Level Comics manga (2010.05.19)

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

1. Air Gear 11 of 28+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「 エア・ギア 」 by Oh! great Kodansha Shuukan Shounen Magazine, shounen Volume 11 (Tricks 87-95) first published in Japan 2005.08

AWARDS: Best shounen manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

AirGear is published in English by Del Rey (volume 14 released 2009.10.27 • volumes 15-17 street date: 2010.08.31)

A 25-episode anime adaptation produced by Toei Animation and starring Kamakari Kenta as Ikki aired in Japan from April to September 2006. Kamakari Kenta also reprised his role in the musical adaptation of Air Gear (2007.01), but due to illness was absent from the rerun Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Super Range Remix (2007.05). A new musical was expected to premiere April 2010.

2. Bambino! 3 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「 バンビ～ノ！ 」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.01

AWARDS: Best seinen/general manga in the 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- and Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series: Bambino! Secondo (sequel; four volumes as at 2010.06.30)

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

3. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 7 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「 無限の住人 」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 1997.10

AWARDS: 1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize recipient

Blade of the Immortal is published in English by Dark Horse Comics (Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03)

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.

4. [Premiere] Dolls of God (Kamisama Dolls) 1 of 6+ by Yamamura Hajime

Kamisama Dolls 「 神様ドォルズ 」 by Yamamura Hajime Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.07

5. Gun Smith Cats 5 of 9 by Sonoda Kenichi

Gun Smith Cats 「 ＧＵＮ　ＳＭＩＴＨ　ＣＡＴＳ 」 by Sonoda Kenichi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 1995.02

Gunsmith Cats was published in English by Dark Horse Comics (nine volumes and four volumes revised/omnibus editions)

Related: Gun Smith Cats Burst (sequel, 5 of 5 volumes)

Oriental Light and Magic animated three Gunsmith Cats anime OAV episodes, released between November 1995 and September 1996: Neutral Zone, Swing High!, and High Speed Edge. Seiyuu Neya Michiko and Araki Kae starred as Rally Vincent and Minnie May Hopkins. The OAV was repackaged into one movie—Bulletproof—in 1997.

6. [Premiere] Historie 1 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Historie 「 ヒストリエ 」 by Iwaaki Hitoshi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2004.10

Volume 1 contains chapters:

• 001. The Globe
• 002. Hometown Cardia (Part 1)
• 003. Hometown Cardia (Part 2)
• 004. Hometown Cardia (Part 3)
• 005. Library (Part 1)
• 006. Library (Part 2)
• 007. The Same Deam
• 008. The Scythian Way
• 009. Physical Training

AWARDS: Finalist, 10th Osamu Tezuka Culture Award

7. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 12 of 30+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「 Ｎｓ’あおい 」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Karte No.12 first published in Japan 2007.02

Adapted into an 11-episode live-action renzoku that aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006 (a special aired in September of the same year). Ishihara Satomi starred as Misora Aoi.

8. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 3 of 10+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「 溺れるナイフ 」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.04

Level Comics reissues (2010.05.19)

1. [RE-STO] Stray Chat by Yoshimura Akemi
2. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Knight to the Rescue by Miranda Lee
3. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Dark Heritage by Emma Darcy, Ohsawa Maki

NOTE
(1) Sources: Elex Media STO 19 May 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
(2) Listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000 each, except Blade of Immortal 7 and Gun Smith Cats 5 (SRP: IDR 18,000) and the reissued Stray Chat (IDR 13,500), Harlequin: Knight to the Rescue (IDR 15,000), and Harlequin: Dark Heritage (IDR 13,800)
(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...

Blade of Immortal 7 by Samura Hiroaki

Driven by the desire to avenge her parents' deaths, the sole survivor of an Itto-Ryu massacre, Asano Rin, attempts to track down the murderous Anotsu Kagehisa, accompanied by immortal samurai Manji. But the leader of the renegade Itto-Ryu swordschool continues to elude them.

Fortunately, a shred of hope remains; the not-quite cold trail leads the pair to female assassin Hyakurin who just might know of Anotsu's whereabouts. Hyakurin, however, refuses to share information with Mugai-ryu outsiders Rin and Manji.

Faced with another seeming dead end, what will Rin and Manji do next?

Level's and Dark Horse Comics's Blade of the Immortal: Heart of Darkness Volume 7 descriptions both took the Very Serious road in blurbing this tankou, making me leery of cheek in my summary adaptation. But not so leery that I wouldn't include a handful of tropes TV Tropes identified with this supernatural chanbara series: Who Wants to Live Forever with an a*rse-kicking Anti-Hero Infested with Awesome (kessen-chu; Manji) and an Affably Evil bishounen Anti-Villain (Anotsu).

Gun Smith Cats 5 by Sonoda Kenichi

Action Girl gunsmith/bounty hunter Rally tries to stop Bad Ass pro wheelman Bean from transporting the designer drug Kerasine to New York. En route, they meet double-dipped in [the] '80s courier driver Riff-Raff. We subvert Rally's original mission momentarily, to give way to the trio's playing tag in fast cars detour.

Shattered Knife 3 by George Asakura

Natsume gives in to Ko's resolve and becomes his girlfriend, but not long after, one of Natsume's fans kidnap her while Ko is attending a festival.

Whichever way you look at the blurb: Ko is #Fail in the boyfriend department.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork, blurbs, and interview of fellow editor Tika-san

UP NEXT: More 19 May 2010 manga

m&c!: Bleach 25 · C-blossom 2 of 2 · Fu & Dragon 1-2 of 2 by Li Zhi Qing/Zhuang Han Bo · Happy Café 13 · Innocent Dragon 5 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 8 · Long Hu Men 167 · School Hotel 2 of 2 · White Paper Ark 6 · · Monika 134 · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 5 · Komik Malaysia: Dari Alam Angker Histeria by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Call from The Grave by Kash · Komik Malaysia: Illusive by Oga · Komik Malaysia: Eli by Zint · Komik Malaysia: Punch by Aliow

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (12 May 2010 street date)

• 3L: Hori High School 2 · Love Trauma 2 of 2
• Elex Media: Burning Pen by Shimamoto Kazuhiko · Cross Game 16 · Eyeshield 21 V37 of 37 · Fantastic Tales 2 · The Fifth Columnist 2 of 2 · K-ON! 1 by Kakifly · Kuro Memanggul Peti Mati 1 by Kiyuduki Satoko · Pangeran Kacamata 3 · School Rumble 10 · Shugo Chara! 9 Tokkyu! 11 · V.B. Rose 1 by Hidaka Banri · Vitamin Cat 1 by Sugiyama Ryoko · Wazabo 3 · Nakayoshi 80/2010
• Level Comics: Diamond Life 2 · Go Go Hanasaki Detective Office 2 · Nanase Fire Investigator 3 · Ole! 4 · Officer Monju 5 · Priest 5 · The Ravages of Time 2 · Tomo'o 8 · Under The Rose 4 · Spirou: Air Keabadian · Spirou: Penyihir di Champignac
• m&c!: Beauty Pop 6 · Bleach 24 · Blizzard Axel 9 · Goong [Palace Story] 20 · Innocent Revenge by Hazuki Rei · Nekomachi Shop Guide 1 by Sakamoto Miku · Princess Bouquet 1 by Aomata Pink · Shanimuni GO 29 · Shanaou Yoshitsune volumes 18-22 box set

next available manga (19 May 2010 street date)

Elex Media: BECK 17 · Godhand Teru 23 · Katsu! 4 · The Moon & Lake by Ashihara Hinako · Pangeran Kacamata 4 · The Puppet Master Lin 7 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 3 · Summer Storm! 1 by Kobayashi Jin · V.B. Rose 2 · HanaLaLa 50/2010

related monthly schedules

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)

Level Comics April 2010 manga
Premiering Historie by Iwaaki Hitoshi and Pandemic by Kakizaki Masasumi (standalone)

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · TV Tropes (special mentions: Air Gear, Blade of the Immortal, Gunsmith Cats)

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