Slam Dunk Deluxe 2, The Knight in the Area 1, Demon King 35 (Elex Media 7 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

I'll do my Ganbaruzo! best to fill in the NikBabble™ sometime this week. For nau, settle for the MinimaList Plus. ✓ Done!

Area no Kishi © by Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya/Kodansha
[Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as The Knight in the Area by Elex Media Komputindo

Slam Dunk Deluxe volume 2 (Rukawa!!) is the top DO WANT! of this Elex release, but the debuting The Knight in the Area wasn't too far behind. Hence, leading with the licensed Area no Kishi (unfortunately, there's a pirated version running around :P).

If you're not familiar with The Knight in the Area, let me quote from ANN, which recently reported Area no Kishi's upcoming anime adapt:

The story centers around Kakeru Aizawa, the younger brother of the Kamakura School soccer team captain Suguru. While Suguru is so talented in soccer that he has been made part of Japan's national under-15 team, Kakeru is so weak at the sport that he is nicknamed “Mr. No Goal.” Kakeru's life changes however, after a tragic accident.

The soccer manga serializes in Weekly Shonen Magazine. The 28th tankou shipped in Japan last 17 November; the 29th is skedded for 17 January 2012. The Teamwork, Character Growth, Siblings, Mourning, Rivalry, Romantic Subplot, Strong Female Side Character story is written by Igano Hiroaki. What's in a name? How about Agi Tadashi (The Drops of God), Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo), Ando Yuma (Psychometrer Eiji), Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday) and Aoki Yuya (GetBackers)? Yup, same person.

Manga-ka Tsukiyama Kaya-sensei, meanwhile, is also credited with the shounen fantasy Life Life, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine (Japanese tankou street date: 2012.01.17).

More previews (and NikBabble™) after the release list.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.12.07)

1. [Series Premiere] Appearance of the Yellow Dragon (Yellow Dragon ga Arawareta!) vol 1 of 2 by Tamura Mitsuhisa

Yellow Dragon ga Arawareta! 「イエロードラゴンがあらわれた！」 by Tamura Mitsuhisa Shogakukan Club Sunday and Shonen Sunday Super, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2010.04

Serializations
Indonesian serialization in Shonen Star (concluded)

2. [Premiere] Appearance of the Yellow Dragon (Yellow Dragon ga Arawareta!) vol 2 of 2 by Tamura Mitsuhisa [Finale]

Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.09

3. Demon King (Majeh) vol 35 of 40+ by Ra InSoo & Kim JaeHwan

Majeh 「마제(魔帝)」 by Ra InSoo & Kim JaeHwan Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, sonyun Volume 35 first published in Korea 2010.05

Other languages
English King of Hell (TOKYOPOP: 25 volumes per 2009.08.04) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: 魔帝 #36 per 2011.09)

4. [Premiere] Hantu Wanita Bermulut Lebar (Senritsu! Ooguchi Onna) by Makihara Wakana

Senritsu! Ooguchi Onna 「戦慄！おおぐち女」 by Makihara Wakana Shogakukan Ciao Horror Comics, shoujo This anthology first published in Japan 2007.07

5. [Series Premiere] The Knight in the Area (Area no Kishi) vol 1 of 28+ by Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya

Area no Kishi 「エリアの騎士」 by Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2006.08

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 足球騎士 24 released 2011.11.07)

Adaptations
Shin-Ei Animation's The Knight in the Area anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere 2012.01.07 with seiyuu Fukuyama Jun as Aizawa Suguru, Itou Shizuka as Mishima Nana and Sanpei Yuko as Aizawa Kakeru.

6. Slam Dunk Deluxe (Slam Dunk Kanzenban) vol 2 of 24 by Inoue Takehiko

Slam Dunk (Kanzenban) 「ＳＬＡＭ　ＤＵＮＫ　完全版」 by Inoue Takehiko Shueisha Jump Comics Deluxe, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2001.03

Related series
Slam Dunk tankoubon (31 volumes, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
Kaede Purple (1998 one-shot Slam Dunk alternate story)

Awards
Winner, 40th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages (Tankoubon release)
Indonesian (Elex Media, 31 volumes), English Slam Dunk (Gutsoon! Entertainment [2003-2004; Dropped]; VIZ Media: from 2008 - 19 volumes per 2011.12.06 • volume 20 street date: 2012.02.07; Chuang Yi Singapore: 31 volumes; and Summit Media Publishing Philippines), French (Kana: 31 volumes), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa and Grupo Editorial Vid México), German (Planet Manga), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil), traditional Chinese (Da Ran Culture Enterprise Co., Ltd. (forfeited); Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Adaptations
Toei Animation's 101-episode anime TV series adapting manga volumes 1-22 aired from October 1993 to March 1996 in Japan, starring seiyuu Kusao Takeshi (Sakuragi Hanamichi), Hiramatsu Akiko (Akagi Haruko), Midorikawa Hikaru (Rukawa Kaede), Yanada Kiyoyuki (Akagi Takenori), Okiayu Ryotaro (Mitsui Hisashi) and Shioya Yoku (Miyagi Ryouta). At least five anime film sequels were also produced: Slam Dunk (Japan premiere: 1994.03.12), Slam Dunk: Zenkoku Seiha da! Sakuragi Hanamichi (1994.07.09), Slam Dunk: Shōhoku Saidai no Kiki! Moero Sakuragi Hanamichi (1995.03.04) and Slam Dunk: Hoero Basketman Tamashii! Hanamichi to Rukawa no Atsuki Natsu (1995.07.15)

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

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial*

1. Libero Revolution!!, Vols. 1–7 of 13 by Tanaka Motoyuki (Libero Kakumei!!) [IDR 56,000/set]
2. Libero Revolution!!, Vols. 8–13 of 13 by Tanaka Motoyuki –Complete– [IDR 48,000/set]
3. Look Up!, Vols. 1–8 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru (Miagete Goran) –Complete– [IDR 64,000/set]
4. Ogawa and Team Saito, Vols. 1–5 (of 8+) by Sakyo (Ogawa to Yukai na Saitoutachi) [IDR 40,000/set]
5. Railroad, Vols. 1–3 of 3 by Yun MiKyung –Complete– [IDR 24,000/set]
6. With My Brothers, Vols. 1–10 (of 11) by Tokeino Hari (Oniichan to Issho) [IDR 80,000/set]

*Volume tallies represent volume totals in country of origin, which may not coincide with Elex Media's latest releases. Elex's most recent volume for Ogawa and Team Saito is volume 6, released 2011.05.11. (Latest Japanese tankou 8 streeted November 2010.) With My Brothers concluded with the release of finale volume 11 last April.

Postponed
Fujiko F. Fujio's New Little Ghost Q-Taro, Vols. 1—4 special price package (pending new street date) and Shonen Magz Issue 12/2011 (new street date: 14 December 2011).

Read more »

Slam Dunk Deluxe 1 by Inoue Takehiko, Ouran High School Host Club 9, Library War Love & War 5 (Elex Media 2 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

That there new Slam Dunk be the Jump Comics Deluxe kanzenban, yo.
(MinimaList again—not to mention delayed—because my 'pooter Izzy-sama's on strike, wants more holidays :P Update: Not anymore but Izzy-sama's not budging on the holiday thing. The prospect of bargaining talks stalling looms.)

Slam Dunk © Inoue Takehiko/Shueisha [First serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

I'm pretty sure everyone knows Hanamichi's story, but let's refresh:

Introduction to one Akagi Haruko fires Sakuragi Hanamichi's desire to join the school basketball club. (Because, you know, she's crazy-mad about the game, and he wants to impress her.) But another Akagi—the captain of Shohoku's basketball team and Haruko's big bro—slams the gym door in Sakuragi's face. OK, so it's figuratively, but Akagi still detests Sakuragi, so much so that he (not-so fondly) nicknames the latter ‘Gorilla’.

To nab the admiration of his dream girl, Sakuragi does absolutely everything to get accepted into the Shohoku team. Does he succeed?

Is it over the top to say that Inoue Takehiko's shounen classic wrote the book on Basketball, Hot-Headed Male Lead, Friendship, Character Growth, Romantic Subplot, Teamwork, Tournament, Unrequited Love? I don't think so. Elex's Deluxe version—‘Deluxe’ like the bunko Topeng Kaca, Here is Greenwood and all the Hikawa Kyoko Fluff and not ‘Premiere’ like Kungfu Boy—is the Indonesian counterpart to the Jump Comics Deluxe kanzenban. So now you know. And if you didn't amass the 31 Slam Dunk tanks Elex published way back when, here's your collection chance.

Other Inoue Takehiko—you don't really need me to review Inoue Take-sensei's backlist, do you? (But just in case someone does, he produced two more basketball manga—Buzzer Beater and Real, the latter still an ongoing—after Slam Dunk, plus his own (award-winning) take on Yoshikawa Eiji's epic Musashi, Vagabond. Wiki sez his manga debut was Kaede Purple, the one-shot Slam Dunk alternate story that first appeared in 1988 in Weekly Shonen Jump. [Before that he reportedly worked as Hojo Tsukasa's assistant on City Hunter.] Inoue Takehiko's tankou debut was the shounen gender bender mystery Chameleon Jail, written by Watanabe Kazuhiko.)

As for the other newb this 11.02 release —

Detektif Conan Movie 1: The Time Bombed Skyscraper - First
By Aoyama Gosho

Elex has this blurb—Di penjuru kota Beika, terjadi kasus pembakaran dan pengeboman. Tujuannya masih misterius, tapi si pelaku ingin menantang Shinichi Kudo. Untuk mencegah jatuhnya korban, Conan harus bergegas!—but I like IMDb's succinct summary better:

The detective genius Conan must solve a series of bombings or his true love will die!

[From IMDb's Detective Conan: Skyscraper on a Timer entry]

Don't call me out on my use of the movie summary. The manga is based on the feature film after all ^^v

More previews (my adapts ^^) after the release list.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.11.02)

1. Chunchu vol 2 of 15 (Hiatus) by Kim SungJae & Kim ByungJin

Chunchu 「천추」 by Kim SungJae & Kim ByungJin Haksan Booking, seinen

Other languages
English Chunchu: The Genocide Fiend (Dark Horse Comics: four volumes as at 2009.01), French (Tokebi: 15 volumes per 2005.10), German (Tokyopop Germany: Chonchu - Der Erbe des Teufelssteins 15: Abschlussband shipped 2010.05), Polish Chonchu: Syn Demona (Mandragora)

2. Dalam Atap di Bawah Langit (Sora no Shita Yane no Naka) vol 2 of 2 by Futami Sui [Finale]

Sora no Shita Yane no Naka 「空の下屋根の中」 by Futami Sui Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara and Manga Time Kirara Carat , seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.05

3. [Series Premiere] Detektif Conan Movie: The Time Bombed Skyscraper - First (Gekijōban Meitantei Conan: Tokei-jikake no matenrou [Jō]) by Aoyama Gosho

Gekijōban Meitantei Conan: Tokei-jikake no matenrou [Jō] 「劇場版　名探偵コナン　時計じかけの摩天楼 (上)」 by Aoyama Gosho Shogakukan Shonen Sunday Comics Visual Selection, shounen Volume 1 of 2 first published in Japan 1997.09

Related
Based on the first Meitantei Conan movie, Gekijōban Meitantei Conan: Tokei-jikake no matenrou that premiered 19 April 1997 in Japan

4. Dr. Koto (Dr. Koto Shinryoujo) vol 8 of 25+ by Yamada Takatoshi

Dr. Koto Shinryoujo 「Ｄｒ．コトー診療所」 by Yamada Takatoshi Shogakukan Weekly Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Original in 2008), seinen Volume 8 (chapters 79-89) first published in Japan 2003.01

Awards
Winner, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the General category

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

Other languages
French (Kana: Dr Kotô Tome 21-22 shipped 2011.10.21 • Tome 23 street date: 2012.01.20), traditional Chinese (Ching Win Taiwan: 離島大夫日誌 25 released 2010.11)

Adaptations
The award-winning Dr. Coto's Clinic, an 11-episode live-action TV drama starring Yoshioka Hidetaka as Dr. Coto/Goto Kensuke aired from July to September 2003 on Fuji TV, followed by two specials (the first aired between 9 and 10 January 2004 and the second from 12 to 13 December of the same year). A second also award-winning 11-episode season followed between October and December 2006.

Related
Dr. Koto My First BIG Specials: The Advent!, Miracle in the hand (2006.10) and My First BIG editions: Suspected, Despair (2006.11) and Consider (2006.12)

5. Her Idol Boy (Mishounen Produce) vol 2 of 4 by Ichinose Kaoru

Mishounen Produce 「未少年プロデュース」 by Ichinose Kaoru Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 2 (Step 5-8 + Extra) first published in Japan 2010.04

6. Katsu! vol 15 of 16 by Adachi Mitsuru

Katsu! 「ＫＡＴＳＵ！」 by Adachi Mitsuru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 15 (chapters 138-147) first published in Japan 2005.01

Reissues
Re-released in 8 volumes in Japan from 2009.07 to 2010.02.

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in Indonesian in Shonen Star (concluded)
French (Pika Édition: 16 volumes)

7. La Corda D'Oro (Kiniro no Corda) vol 8 of 17 by Kure Yuki «Ex-10.12, 10.19

Kiniro no Corda 「金色のコルダ」 by Kure Yuki Hakusensha LaLa, LaLa DX and LaLa Special, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 2007.03

Related
Adapted from Koei's Kin'iro no Corda role-playing game (part of the Neoromance series also including the Angelique, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de, and Neo Angelique ~Abyss~ games).

Also contains the Kiniro no Corda 2 (La Corda d'Oro 2) and Kiniro no Corda 3 (La Corda d'Oro 3) stories.

Awards
Outstanding Debut Award, Hakusensha Athena Newcomers' Awards (2006)

Other languages/serializations
Formerly serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (discontinued upon the magazine's closure)
English La Corda d'Oro (VIZ Media: 14 volumes per 2011.09 • volume 15 street date: 2012.03.06) and Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 16 per 2011.10.04), simplified Chinese (also by Chuang Yi: 金色琴弦 #10 released 2008.10.29), French (Editions 12 bis: La corde d'or tome 6 shipped 2010.10

Adaptations
Yumeta's 25+1-episode La Corda d'Oro ~primo passo~ anime adaptation aired in Japan from October 2006 through March 2007, followed by the La Corda d'Oro ~secondo passo~ special (two episodes released 2009.03.26 and 2009.06.05). The cast included seiyuu Takagi Reiko (Hino Kahoko), Taniyama Kishô (Tsukimori Len), Itou Kentarou (Tsuchiura Ryotaro), Morita Masakazu (Hihara Kazuki), Kishio Daisuke (Yunoki Azuma), Fukuyama Jun (Shimizu Keiichi), Satou Akemi (Fuyuumi Shoko), Ishikawa Hideo (Kanazawa Hiroto), Konishi Katsuyuki (Ousaki Shinobu) and Miyano Mamoru (Kaji Aoi, La Corda d'Oro ~secondo passo~).

A La Corda d'Oro drama was bundled with three other LaLa series (Oniichan to Issho, Ryuu no Hanawazurai, and Kaichou wa Maid-sama!) in the LaLa Tokimeki Drama CD given away with the April 2007 issue.

8. Library War Love & War (Toshokan Sensou: Love & War) vol 5 of 8+ by Yumi Kiiro & Arikawa Hiro «Ex-9.28

Toshokan Sensou: Love & War 「図書館戦争　ＬＯＶＥ＆ＷＡＲ」 by Yumi Kiiro & Arikawa Hiro Hakusensha LaLa and LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2010.03

Other languages
English Library Wars: Love & War (VIZ Media: six volumes per 2011.09 • volume 7 street date: 2012.02.07)

Related series
Adapted from the Toshokan Sensou light novel

An alternate shounen version, Toshokan Sensou: Spitfire!, illustrated by Furudori Yayoi, began serialization in Dengeki Daioh in November 2007 (one volume compiled as at 2008.06).

Adaptations
Production I.G's 12-episode anime adaptation of Arikawa Hiro's Toshokan Sensou novel aired from April to June 2008 on Fuji TV starring seiyuu Inoue Marina (Kasahara Iku), Maeno Tomoaki (Dojo Atsushi) and Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka Hikaru). The 13th DVD-only episode released with the third DVD volume on 2008.12.03.

9. Ouran High School Host Club (Ouran Koukou Host Club) vol 9 of 18 by Hatori Bisco «Ex-10.12, 10.19

Ouran Koukou Host Club 「桜蘭高校ホスト部」 by Hatori Bisco Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2006.09

Other languages/serializations
Formerly serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (discontinued)
English Ouran High School Host Club (VIZ Media: 16 volumes per 2011.06 • volume 17 street date: 2011.12.06 and Chuang Yi Singapore: 18 volumes per 2011.09), simplified Chinese (also by Chuang Yi: 樱兰高校男公关部 #17 per 2011.01), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 櫻蘭高校男公關部 18 released 2011.08), French and Spanish (Panini Comics; Marvel Panini France Host Club: Le lycée de la séduction Tome 17 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 18 street date: 2012.02.08), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 17 per 2011.09 • Band 18 street date: 2012.01.30), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica/JPF)

Adaptations
BONES' 26-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through September 2006, preceded by a mail-order only Host Club anime DVD from LaLa. The anime starred seiyuu Sakamoto Maaya (Fujioka Haruhi), Miyano Mamoru (Suou Tamaki), Matsukaze Masaya (Ootori Kyouya), Suzumura Kenichi and Fujita Yoshinori (twins Hitachiin Hikaru and Kaoru), Saito Ayaka (Haninozuka Mitsukuni) and Kirii Daisuke (Morinozuka Takashi). The cast reprised their roles in two anime drama CDs and a CD compile of fan favorite manga quotes to celebrate the manga finale in 2010.

Three pre-anime audio dramas (2003 vintage) featured different actors: Hisakawa Aya (Haruhi), Midorikawa Hikaru (Tamaki), Suwabe Junichi (Kyouya), Hoshi Souichirou (Hikaru), Ohtani Ikue (Hani-senpai) and Tsuda Kenjirou (Mori-senpai). Suzumura Kenichi (Hikaru in the anime) portrayed Hitachiin Kaoru. The audio-only ensemble also recorded dramas for the LaLa 28th Anniversary LaLa Memorial Drama CD and LaLa 29th Anniversary LaLa Kirameki Drama CD.

Later LaLa furoku audio dramas featured the anime cast: LaLa Gorgeous Drama CD (November 2006 issue), LaLa Treasure Drama CD (October 2007), LaLa Premium Drama CD (May 2008), LaLa Excellent Drama CD (November 2008). [Info from For Richer or Poorer, an Ouran High School Host Club fansite]

The live-action Ouran High School Host Club premiered 22 July 2011 on TBS starring Kawaguchi Haruna (Haruhi), Yamamoto Yusuke (Tamaki), Daito Shunsuke (Kyouya), Nakamura Masaya (Mori-senpai), Chiba Yudai (Hani-senpai), Takagi Shinpei (Hikaru) and Takagi Manpei (Kaoru). A live-action movie is expected to cap the TV series (theatrical release in March 2012).

An Ouran High School Host Club PlayStation 2 visual novel, featuring four new characters, was released in April 2007 by Idea Factory. A Nintendo DS port of the game shipped March 2009.

10. [Series Premiere] Slam Dunk Deluxe vol 1 of 24 by Inoue Takehiko

Slam Dunk (Kanzenban) 「ＳＬＡＭ　ＤＵＮＫ　完全版」 by Inoue Takehiko Shueisha Jump Comics Deluxe, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2001.03

Related series
Slam Dunk tankoubon (31 volumes, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
Kaede Purple (1998 one-shot Slam Dunk alternate story)

Awards
Winner, 40th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages (Tankoubon release)
Indonesian (Elex Media, 31 volumes), English Slam Dunk (Gutsoon! Entertainment [2003-2004; Dropped]; VIZ Media: from 2008 - 18 volumes per 2011.10.04 • volume 19 street date: 2011.12.06; Chuang Yi Singapore: 31 volumes; and Summit Media Publishing Philippines), French (Kana: 31 volumes), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa and Grupo Editorial Vid México), German (Planet Manga), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil), traditional Chinese (Da Ran Culture Enterprise Co., Ltd. (forfeited); Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Adaptations
Toei Animation's 101-episode anime TV series adapting manga volumes 1-22 aired from October 1993 to March 1996 in Japan, starring seiyuu Kusao Takeshi (Sakuragi Hanamichi), Hiramatsu Akiko (Akagi Haruko), Midorikawa Hikaru (Rukawa Kaede), Yanada Kiyoyuki (Akagi Takenori), Okiayu Ryotaro (Mitsui Hisashi) and Shioya Yoku (Miyagi Ryouta). At least five anime film sequels were also produced: Slam Dunk (Japan premiere: 1994.03.12), Slam Dunk: Zenkoku Seiha da! Sakuragi Hanamichi (1994.07.09), Slam Dunk: Shōhoku Saidai no Kiki! Moero Sakuragi Hanamichi (1995.03.04) and Slam Dunk: Hoero Basketman Tamashii! Hanamichi to Rukawa no Atsuki Natsu (1995.07.15)

11. Tale of the Sea King (Kaiouki) vol 39 of 45 by Kawahara Masatoshi

Kaiouki 「海皇紀」 by Kawahara Masatoshi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 39 first published in Japan 2009.03

Other languags
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

12. The Tyr Chronicles (Tireujeongi) vol 9 of 11 by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo

Tireujeongi 「티르전기」 by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo AKA Legend of Tyr Daiwon C.I., Comic Champ, sonyun Volume 9 first published in Korea 2010.09

[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]
Postponed title(s), pending new street date
Detektif Conan Movie: The Time Bombed Skyscraper - Last by Aoyama Gosho and I Hate You More Than Anyone vol 8 by Hidaka Banri

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial*

1. The One Pound Gospel, Vols. 1-4 of 4 by Takahashi Rumiko (1 Pound no Fukuin)  –Complete–  [IDR 32,000/set]
2. Treasure Gaust, Vols. 1-6 of 6 by Katsumi Naoto (Treasure Gaust: Shijou Saikyou no Hanta)  –Complete–  [IDR 48,000/set]
3. Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4, Vols. 1-2 of 2 by Hara Asumi (Saikyou Seitokai Tsubakiyo)  –Complete–  [IDR 16,000/set]
4. Uzumajin, Vols. 1-4 of 4 by Ohse Yoshio  –Complete–  [IDR 32,000/set]
5. V.B. Rose, Vols. 1-5 (of 14) by Hidaka Banri [IDR 40,000/set]
6. Weapon Master, Vols. 1-2 (of 5) by Zhang Yong Ren (Shen Qi Wang) [IDR 16,000/set]
7. X Zone, Vols. 1-3 (of 4) by Aoki Takao [IDR 24,000/set]

Note: Volume tallies represent volume totals in country of origin, not (necessarily) Elex's latest release. Most recent Elex releases of ongoings: V.B. Rose vol 8 (9.14), Weapon Master vol 2 (2010.06.23), X Zone vol 3 (2010.04.28)

Read more »

07-GHOST 8, Karneval 4, Vagabond 25 (Chuang Yi 5 July 2011 English manga) [UPDATED]

Added late-breaking Pokémon - Giratina and The Sky Warrior, the mangafication of the second Diamond & Pearl movie that surprisingly reappears as a newb. (originally advised in September 2010; don't tell me it didn't issue then and is only releasing naaaw?)

07-GHOST © Amemiya Yuki, Ichihara Yukino/Ichijinsha [Serialized in Comic Zero-Sum]
Karneval © Mikanagi Touya/Ichijinsha [Serialized in Comic Zero-Sum]
Vagabond © Inoue Takehiko/Kodansha [Serialized in Morning]
Published in Singapore by Chuang Yi

No one can convince me that this 07-GHOST latest wasn't prompted by the anime's upcoming Animax premiere (12 July). Not when Chuang Yi's prior advised sked was (also) the 12th. Yes, call me a conspiracy theorist :D

Also, the second to the last Kekkaishi (#34) over on the simplified Chinese manga side.

Protagonists of Chuang Yi's 7.05 manga have "Dates with Destiny": Teito comes face to face with his past and future in 07-GHOST 8; Nai and Gareki confront their helplessness in Karneval 4; and Musashi emerges from his one-year reprieve from Yoshioka in VAGABOND 25. (Longer previews after the release list.)

Chuang Yi English manga (2011.07.05)

1. 07-GHOST 8 of 12+ by Amemiya Yuki, Ichihara Yukino

07-Ghost 「０７‐ＧＨＯＳＴ」 by Amemiya Yuki, Ichihara Yukino
Ichijinsha Comic Zero-Sum, josei
Volume 8 (chapters 42-47) first published in Japan 2009.05

Awards
Double-first prize, 3rd Zero-Sum Comics Grand-Prix

Other languages
Alternative English 07-GHOST (Go! Comi: 7 volumes, dropped), French (Kazé Editions: Tome 4 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 5 street date: 2011.09.22), Indonesian (Elex Media: Series premiere: 2011.07.06)

Related series
07-GHOST CHILDREN (side story; one volume)
A 07-GHOST Seal and Postcard Book was released by Gakken Marketing in 2009.09

Adaptations
Anime: Studio DEEN's 25-episode adaptation, starring seiyuu Mitsuki Saiga (Teito Klein), Namikawa Daisuke (Mikage) and Hayami Sho (Ayanami), aired in Japan from April through September 2009. Since the TV series' end, limited edition genteiiban have been bundled with the DVDs.

Audio drama: The 07-Ghost: Kamisama ni Todoku Koibumi drama CD was released in Japan in 2007. The second 07-Ghost: Seventh District shipped February 2009 and a third special drama CD streeted the same year.

2. Karneval 4 of 7+ by Mikanagi Touya

Karneval 「カーニヴァル」 by Mikanagi Touya
AKA K∀RNEVAL
Ichijinsha Comic Zero-Sum, josei
Volume 4 (Scores 19-24) first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
French (Ki-Oon: Tome 1 and 2 double launch: 2011.10.13)

Adaptations
Adapted into a series of drama CDs: the first Karneval - Flightless Wings / Mermaid's Bottle, spanning Scores 12 through 15 was first offered only to Zero-Sum readers in late 2009, but eventually made commercially available. Frontier Works released the second Karneval Circus CD, covering Scores 3-8 in March 2010 (the same street date as volume 5). The drama starred seiyuu Shimono Hiro (Nai), Kamiya Hiroshi (Gareki), Miyano Mamoru (Yogi), Ono Daisuke (Hirato) and Endou Aya (Tsukumo). A third drama CD Karneval Rinoru (Scores 16-20) featuring the same voice cast, in addition to Hirakawa Daisuke (Akari) and Suwabe Junichi (Uro), went on sale in Japan 2010.09. A fourth drama CD Vinto streeted 2011.04.27. [Info from karnevalesque, the Karneval manga community]

3. Pokémon - Giratina and The Sky Warrior (Pokémon: Giratina to Sora no Hanataba Shaymin) by Hijioka Makoto

Pokémon: Giratina to Sora no Hanataba Shaymin
「ポケモン　ギラティナと氷空の花束シェイミ」 by Hijioka Makoto
Shogakukan Coro Coro Dragon Comics, kodomo
This volume first published in Japan 2008.07

Other languages
Alternative English Pokemon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior! (VIZ Media/Viz Kids)

Related
Based on the Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior movie, the 11th film in the Pokémon franchise and the second movie in the Diamond & Pearl trilogy (sequel to Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai)

4. VAGABOND 25 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

Vagabond 「バガボンド」 by Inoue Takehiko
Kodansha Morning, seinen
Volume 25 (chapters 216-224) first published in Japan 2007.03

Related
Based on the novel Musashi by Yoshikawa Eiji

Awards
Grand Prize for manga, 2000 Japan Media Arts Festival
Best Seinen/General Manga, 24th Kodansha Manga Awards
2002 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Other languages
Alternative English Vagabond (VIZ Media: 33 volumes per 2010.10), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 流浪汉 #32 per 2010.04), Indonesian (Level Comics: 33 volumes per 2010.10), French (Tonkam; tome 33 shipped 2010.12), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Argentina), German (EMA; Band 32 per 2011.06.09 • Band 33 street date: 2012.01), Polish (Mandragora) and Portuguese (Conrad Brazil)

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

Simplified Chinese manga (2011.07.05)

1. 结界师 (Kekkaishi) #34 of 35 by Tanabe Yellow
2. 史上最强之弟子兼一 (Shijou Saikyou no Denshi Kenichi) #42 of 43+ by Matsuena Syun

Read more »

Vagabond 32, xxxHOLiC 8, Psychometrist Eiji 13 (Level Comics 16 June 2010 manga)

Vagabond © Inoue Takehiko/Kodansha (Serialized in Morning)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Contains [SPOILERS!]

Demon Swordsman Ito lttosai—founder of the Ittō-ryū school and the man Miyamoto Musashi formerly regarded as the warrior exemplar—spoils for a fight with the Sword Saint in volume 32 of Vagabond, Inoue Takehiko's Kodansha Manga Award-winning seinen series about history's greatest samurai.

Both Level and VIZ (in the Vagabond 32 synopsis) mention that the bloodthirsty lttosai is in some way connected to Musashi's greatest rival Sasaki Kojiro.

TV Tropes lauds Inoue-sensei's loose adaptation of Yoshikawa Eiji's semi-historical Musashi for its amazing artwork, ... engrossing story, and some of the best Character Development seen not just in manga, but in any media period.

Elsewhere, I don't have a blurb for post title-featured xxxHOLiC 8, so you'll have to settle for this snap lowdown on Psychometrist Eiji's latest: Eiji and Yusuke's Best Bud-ship teeters on the brink of ruin.

(If you wanna know why, I suggest GET! volume 13 of the shounen detective manga written by Real Name wa Kibayashi Shin-sensei whose manga credits include Kunimitsu (also under the Ando Yuma nom de guerre); The Drops of God (as Agi Tadashi); Kindaichi Case Files, Remote, and Tantei Gakuen Q (as Amagi Seimaru); Get Backers (as Aoki Yuya); Bloody Monday (as Ryuumon Ryou); and Monkey Typhoon (as Arimori Jōji).)

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.06.16)

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

1. Aflame Inferno 2 of 5+ by Lim DallYoung & Kim KwangHyun

Aflame Inferno 「 불꽃의 인페르노 」 by Lim DallYoung & Kim KwangHyun Haksan, seinen Volume 2 [evolution] first published in Korea 2006.11

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
A Flame Inferno is licensed for North American distribution by TOKYOPOP (status: unknown; volume 1 initially scheduled for 2008.11.11 release).

2. Air Gear 12 of 29+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「 エア・ギア 」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 12 (Tricks 96-104) first published in Japan 2005.12

AWARDS
Best shounen manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Air Gear is published in English by Del Rey (volume 14 released 2009.10.27 • volumes 15-17 street date: 2010.08.31). The manga is translated into Korean by Haksan; in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan); in French by Pika Édition; in Italian by Planet Manga; in German by Heyne; and in Swedish by Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB (serialized in Manga Mania).

ADAPTATIONS
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.

3. Priest 6 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「 프리스트 」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 6 first published in Korea 2000.05 Series on hiatus from volume 16

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Priest is published in English by TOKYOPOP (16 volumes). The manhwa is translated into French by Tokebi; in German by Tokyopop Germany; in Polish by Kasen Comics; in Italian by J POP; and in Portuguese by Lumus (Brazil).

ADAPTATIONS
A film adaptation starring Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (The Indonesian screening schedule not yet available.)

RELATED
Priest: Purgatory, an original GN series from TOKYOPOP, is scheduled for an August 2010 debut (volume 1 street date: 2010.08.10).

4. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 13 of 25 by Ando Yuma, Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「 サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ 」 by Ando Yuma¹ and Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 13 first published in Japan 1998.10 (Series re-released in 12 bunko volumes from 2003.06 to 2003.11)

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Psychometrer Eiji is published in simplified Chinese by Chuang Yi Singapore, in traditional Chinese by Tong Li Taiwan, and in French by Kana.

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.

NOTES
¹ Ando Yuma's real name is Kibayashi Shin; he also writes under the pennames Agi Tadashi (The Drops of God, in collaboration with his sister); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files, Remote); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday); Arimori Jōji (Monkey Typhoon); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi).

5. Vagabond 32 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

Vagabond 「 バガボンド 」 by Inoue Takehiko Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 32 first published in Japan 2010.01

Volume 32 contains chapters:

• 279. Aspiration
• 280. Ittousai, The Demon Swordsman
• 281. A Great Man Falls
• 282. This Form
• 283. Thirteen Years Old
• 284. The Spiral
• 285. Learning To Smile
• 286. Tiger And Tiger
• 287. The Way Of "Without A Blade

RELATED
Adaptation of Yoshikawa Eiji's novel Musashi

AWARDS
Won the Grand Prize for manga at the 2000 Japan Media Arts Festival, the best seinen/general manga at the 24th Kodansha Manga Awards, and the 2002 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Vagabond is published in English by VIZ Media (volume 31 released 2010.01.19 • volume 32 street date: 2010.08.17) and Chuang Yi (volume 21 released 2010.06.16). Chuang Yi also publishes a simplified Chinese version (latest volume 32). The manga is translated into French by Editions Tonkam; in Spanish by Editorial Ivréa (Argentina); in German by EMA (Egmont Manga and anime); in Polish by Mandragora; and in Portuguese by Conrad (Brazil).

6. xxxHOLiC 8 of 18+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「 ×××ＨＯＬｉＣ 」 by CLAMP Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 8: 本当に....、分からないとね。 (Hontō ni...., Wakaranai to ne., containing chapters 48-51) first published in Japan 2006.02

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
xxxHOLiC is published in English by Del Rey (volume 15 released 2010.03.23 • volume 16 street date: 2010.10.26); in French by Pika Édition; in Spanish by Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico) and Norma Editorial (Spain); in Italian by Star Comics; in German by Egmont; in Portuguese by JBC (Brazil); and in Swedish by Bonnier Carlsen.

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 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, but lost out to the France/UK/Luxembourg production Renaissance.

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)

Level Comics European comics (2010.06.16)

1. Lucky Luke - Sang Pelukis (Lucky Luke, tome 40: L'Artiste peintre) by Morris, De Groot (Lucky Productions, 2001.03)
2. Lucky Luke - Waspada Si Kaki Biru (Lucky Luke, tome 10: Alerte aux Pieds-bleus) by Morris, René Goscinny (Dupuis, 1958)
3. Lucky Luke - Rel Melintasi Padang (Lucky Luke, tome 9: Des rails sur la prairie) by Morris, René Goscinny (Dupuis, 1957)

NOTE
¹ Sources: Elex Media 16 June 2010 release schedule and Komikologi (synopses, except where noted)
² All listed manga are priced at IDR 17,000, except Aflame Inferno 2 (SRP: IDR 18,000) and Vagabond 32 (IDR 19,000). The Franco-Belgian Lucky Luke ROMICs are IDR 27,000 per volume.
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...

Air Gear 12 of 29+ by Oh! great

Air Treck celeb Ikki gets the cold shoulder from the riders in Kyoto. Kansai's star Storm Rider syndicate Trident is especially vocal in its Ikki bashing. Trident chief Yoshitsune wants to put Ikki through his AT paces before acknowledging Ikki as Genesis's new top dog. Can Ikki defeat Yoshitsune and win the Kansai riders' respect?

Priest 6 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

The mystery behind the investigation of Domas Porada, the Matrix of Silence imprisoning fallen Archangel Temozarela and the demon Belial, starts to unravel. Ivan begins to doubt Father Raul Piestro's motives for wanting to open the tomb. But Ivan's suspicions may have come too late; the Saint Vertinez head priest and his followers already hold someone precious to Ivan hostage.

~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 currently available manga (16 June 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Fairy Tail 6 · Katsu! 5 · A Kiss for My Prince 2 · Legend of Nereid 8 · New Legenda Naga 5 · New Sexy Simpleton 2 · Otoboke Section Chief 3 · Rakka Ryuusui 1 by Sanada Ikki · Sanzoku Ou 1 by Sawada Hirofumi · School Rumble 11 · Vampire Knight 1 by Hino Matsuri · With My Brothers 6 · Nakayoshi 81 · Shonen Star 66
• m&c!: Beauty Pop 7 · Gunslinger Girl 11 · Happy Café 14 · I Wish I Could Fly 1-3 of 3 by Moto Naoko · Jun x Sensation 2 · Sparkling Gingachou 9 · Star Wars 6 · Long Hu Men 168

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 Shopping · Amazon FR · Baka-Updates Manga · manaworld.com · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · ROMIC · seinen · shounen · Aflame Inferno · AirGear · Lucky Luke · Priest · Psychometrist Eiji · Vagabond · xxxHOLiC