Bambino 14, Black Lagoon 8, Jepang Tenggelam 15 of 15 (Level Comics 22 September 2011 manga) [UPDATE3]

The Gave In to Anality Version — Final

Update 3: Reinstated Red River 10 and Shattered Knife 9—with details—as both ARE already available in stores, even if they still appear in the 28 September STO. (But for sure, Sky of Love 7 has been reskedded to the above street date.)

Also replaced the lead cover (formerly Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth) because that Arleston & Tarquin ROMIC was also postponed (word is it streets on 12 October). Needless to say, I chose to omit its synopsis from this release list. So if it's a Then you saw it, now you don't, you know what happened.

Bambino! © Sekiya Tetsuji/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic Spirits] · Black Lagoon © Hiroe Rei/Shogakukan [Serialized in Sunday GX] · Nihon Chinbotsu © Komatsu Sakyou and Ishiki Tokihiko/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic Spirits]. Published in Indonesia as Bambino!, Black Lagoon and Jepang Tenggelam by Elex Media/Level Comics

In the penultimate Bambino!

Ban's still trying to win over mafiosi palates, but Coyote's cowardly brother Lorenzo interferes!

Above Bambino! preview extracted from a mechanical translation of バンビ～ノ！　１４ episode 143 sneak peek. Level's late-breaking version —

Ban returns to Japan, only to be told by Chef Tekkan to swing by Fukuoka. There Ban finds that his parents are getting a divorce, the apartment he calls home is up for sale, his ex-girlfriend is getting married and his best friend has become little more than a thug. Talk about problems! Can Ban overcome these non-food challenges?

Bambino! concluded in Japan with volume 15's April 2009 release. Bambino! Secondo's first tankou premiered in August that same year. Eight volumes of the sequel have been compiled as at August 2011.

More previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.09.22)

1. Bambino! 14 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 14 (chapters 143-153) first published in Japan 2008.12

Awards
Winner, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Seinen/General category, tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler (Kurosagi).

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; eight volumes as at 2011.08.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (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.

2. Black Lagoon 8 of 9+ by Hiroe Rei

Black Lagoon 「ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ」 by Hiroe Rei Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 56-64) first published in Japan 2008.07

Other languages
English Black Lagoon (VIZ Media: nine volumes per 2010.07) and Chuang Yi: nine volumes as at 2010.10), French (Kazé Manga: tome 9 shipped 2010.10), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 9 per 2010.07), Polish (Waneko).

Adaptations
The 12-episode Madhouse anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy) and Namikawa Daisuke (Rock), aired in Japan from April to June 2006. The Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage second season (episodes 13 to 24) was telecast from October through December of the same year. The OAV sequel, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, premiered 17 July 2010, with the fifth Roberta's Blood Trail Blu-ray/DVD released 2011.06.22.

Related
The Sunday GX Comics 10YEAR'S CHRONICLE: Black Lagoon 1: Born to Rock (JP release: 2011.01), which contains the Black Lagoon Gaiden, and Black Lagoon 2: Rock to the Core (2011.02)

The Black Lagoon: Shaitane Badi light novel written by Urobuchi Gen and illustrated by Hiroe Rei (Black Lagoon side story; Shogakukan Gagaga Bunko, 2008.07)

3. Eternal Sabbath (ES) 6 of 8 by Souryo Fuyumi

ES 「ＥＳ」 ＥＳ　６ by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2004.05

Other languages/Reissues
English ES (Del Rey: eight volumes), French (Glénat: eight volumes), Italian (Editions Star Comics)
Re-released in five bunko volumes (2006.10 - 2007.02)

4. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 84 of 97+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 84 first published in Japan 2008.06

Volume 84 chapters:
Round 799: The Remaining Round
Round 800: That is Ippo Makunouchi
Round 801: Right and Left
Round 802: An Enviable Pit
Round 803: The Main Event and the Main Event
Round 804: A Higher Level
Round 805: Because of Their Meeting
Round 806: The Unexpected Possibility
Hajime No Ippo Gaiden: Naniwa Tiger
*NOT Level chapter titles

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

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

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs Tome 16 shipped 2011.09.08) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 96 per 2011.08)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The 26-episode second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger was telecast from January to June 2009.

5. Giant Killing 7 of 21+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2008.10

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

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

6. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 15 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko [Finale]

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 15 (chapters 122-130: Nihon Chinbotsu, Parts 1-9) first published in Japan 2009.02

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

7. Jio 18 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 18 (chapters 69-72) first published in Japan 2007.10

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

8. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 11 of 13+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.10

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 11 per 2011.02)

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 10 of 28 by Shinohara Chie »Not postponed

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 10 (chapter 23 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1997.08

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

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in 16 bunko volumes between 2006.11 and V16 2007.05
English Red River (VIZ Media: 28 volumes), Italian Anatolia Story (Editions Star Comics: 28 volumes), German (EMA/Egmont Manga and Anime), Vietnamese Dòng Sông Huyền Bí (Tre Publishing House) and traditional Chinese 赤河戀影 (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

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

In addition, the following novels were published under Shogakukan's Lululu Bunko Novels label: Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Tsuitachi no Tsuki (Japan release: 2008.10); Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Mayu tsuki (JP: 2010.01); and Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Jōgen (2010.06).

10. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 9 of 12+ by George Asakura »Not postponed

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2010.01

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.22)

1. [Series Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 1: L'ivoire du Magohamoth) by Christophe Arleston, Didier Tarquin (Soleil) »Postponed to 10.12
2. Marsupilami - Serbuk Sari Urticando (Le Marsupilami, Tome 4: Le Pollen du Monte Urticando) by Franquin, Batem, Yann (Marsu Production)

Read more »

Giant Killing 1, The Black Swindler 11, Jepang Tenggelam 10 (Level Comics 2 March 2011 manga)

Giant Killing © Tsunamoto Masaya, Tsujitomo/Kodansha
[Serialized in Morning]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level Comics presents the 34th Kodansha Manga Awardee for General Manga—Giant Killing—Tsunamoto Masaya- & Tsujitomo's seinen sports drama.

Those who've watched the anime adapt already know Giant Killing's plot, but for the benefit of those (like me), who don't, blurb:

Under former soccer player Tatsumi's coaching, an English amateur club manages to beat an elite team. For precisely this reason, Goto and Yuri scout Tatsumi to coach East Tokyo United or ETU.

Problem: Will the England club let Tatsumi go? And what kind of reception awaits Tatsumi in Japan?

Tsujitomo-sensei appears to have only the ongoing Morning-serialized Giant Killing in teh back list, but Tsunamoto Masaya-sensei is also credited for the likewise soccer-troped Goal Den Age, published here by m&c!

The Black Swindler 11 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Our favorite Swindler of Swindlers Kurosaki is back and this time, he's on the side of big business, helping an honest (if careless) insurance employee defrauded by a shirosagi.

Jepang Tenggelam 10 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

With Kanto, Kyoto and Kyushu lying in ruins, the Japanese citizens pin their final hopes on a plan to prevent Japan from sinking further. Lights flash green for the Dismantle A strategy.

Will the dangerous plan work? Or does more tragedy lie ahead?

Level Comics manga (2011.03.02)

1. Attack!! 6 of 11+ by Oshima Tsukasa

Attack!! 「アタック！！」 by Oshima Tsukasa Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2008.04

2. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) 11 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 11 (chapters 109-119) first published in Japan 2006.10

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

Related
Shin Kurosagi (sequel; 10 volumes per 2011.03.30)

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

3. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 14 of 27+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2003.07

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages/serializations
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 23 volumes per 2011.02.15), French (Casterman; L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 per 2010.10); Italian (Planet Manga), German and Polish (Egmont), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil) and Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Manji) and Satou Rina (Rin) aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

4. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 81 of 95+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 81 first published in Japan 2007.09

Volume 81 chapters:
Round 768: Fixing The Fight Fixer
Round 769: Heavy Money
Round 770: Open for Business
Round 771: A Casual Down
Round 772: Magic Show
Round 773: Bewitching Glove
Round 774: The Magician's True Strength
Round 775: The Arm Extends!!
Round 776: The Winner of the Dual Exchanges
Round 777: Guns and Gloves
*NOT Level chapter titles

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

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

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs tome 9 per 2011.02.10 • tome 10 street date: 2011.03.10) 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.

5. Fist of The Blue Sky (Souten no Ken) 4 of 22 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson

Souten no Ken 「蒼天の拳」 by Hara Tetsuo & Buronson Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2002.08

Related
Hokuto no Ken (sequel; 27 volumes)

Other languages
English (Gutsoon! Entertainment; dropped), French (Marvel Panini France; KEN - Fist of the Blue Sky tome 20 shipped 2009.10) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan; 蒼天之拳 22 per 2010.11)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime by Studio A.P.P.P., starring seiyuu Yamadera Kouichi (Kasumi Kenshiro), aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on TV Asahi.

6. [Series Premiere] Giant Killing 1 of 17+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.04

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

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

7. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 7 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 7 first published in Japan 1986.12

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Others languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

8. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 10 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 80-85) first published in Japan 2008.04

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

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

Read more »

Bambino 8, Psychometrist Eiji 18, Jepang Tenggelam 9 (Level Comics 26 January 2011 manga)

Also, the Smurf ROMIC/BD Olimpiade Smurf

Psychometrer Eiji © Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi
Kodansha [First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Psychometrist Eiji by Elex Media/Level Comics

Would've liked to lead with Bambino!'s Ban (who now has to master dolce, but pastry chef Oda won't let him touch anything, much less attempt a dessert on his own), but I was late requesting for a cover. So Eiji it is. In any case, the word for Eiji and Ryoko this Level manga release is Cannabis. What exactly does Cannabis have to do with Ikushima who appears before Eiji? Find out in Psychometrist Eiji 18, streeting this Wednesday.

Jepang Tenggelam 9 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou & Ishiki Tokihiko

It's All Green! for Project A—the plan to stop Japan from sinking further—as support pours in from all quarters. Well, almost all; D Project discovers a fatal flaw in the scheme that could actually lead to a larger catastrophe and scrambles to prevent further tragedy.

Level Comics manga (2011.01.26)

1. 3x3 Eyes 35 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 35 first published in Japan 2000.12

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. Bambino! 8 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2007.04

Volume 8 chapters:
77. バッテレ（たたき刻む）
78. ロアテーレ（回転させる）
79. テンペラトゥーラ（温度）
80. コンキッリア（貝殻）
81. クレアーレ（創造する）
82. フォンデンテ（溶ける）
83. スコンジェラーレ（解凍する）
84. アッサジャーレ（味をみる）
85. メレンダ（おやつ）
86. フルッラーレ（泡立てる）
87. マルチーレ（腐敗する）1

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; six volumes per 2011.02.26)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (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. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 9 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 9 (chapters 71-79) first published in Japan 2007.12

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

4. Over Rev 16 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 16 first published in Japan 2001.02

Volume 16 chapters:
171. マイステージ
172. 涼子、焦る!!
173. 最後のチャンス
174. それぞれの寂しさ...
175. MR2が、好きっ！
176. エロ教師の思惑...
177. 負ける喜び
178. 涼子の、リベンジ!?
179. 秀明のガチンコ
180. 秘密のテクニック
181. 裸の女王様!?
182. 嵐の前の“殴り合い”

5. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 18 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 18 first published in Japan 1999.09

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. Restore Garage 251 v12 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2004.09

7. Sky of Love (Koizora) 2 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.09

Related
Based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel written by Mika (two volumes published by Starts Publications), originally posted on the cell phone website "Mahou no iLand."

Adaptations
Loosely adapted into a movie (2007.11.03 premiere), starring Aragaki Yui as Mika and Miura Haruma as Hiro, and a six-episode live-action series on TBS from August to September 2008 with Mizusawa Erena as Mika and Seto Koji as Hiro.

Level Comics European comics (2011.01.26)

• Smurf - Olimpiade Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs olympiques, tome 11) by Peyo

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

Read more »

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 2 ♥, The Drops of God 2, Vagabond 33 (Level Comics 13 October 2010 manga)

Chou yo Hana yo © Yoshihara Yuki/Shogakukan (First serialized in Petit Comic)
Published in Indonesia as Oh Butterfly Oh Flower by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Masayuki's sometimes Chaa-chan, sometimes “Director Domoto ♥!” Jekyll-and-Hyde-ing only leaves our demoted to prole ranks oujo Choko discombobulated. But beyond the swirly-eyes are slits that see how the boss's niece is cozying up to Masayuki. The claws come out when sed jama mono declares to all and sundry that she and Masayuki are destined for wedding bells.

How will Choko sideline this nuisance? Can we expect some (wannabe Gundam pilot) Masayuki assistance here? Find out in volume 2 of Oh Butterfly Oh Flower, this Wednesday's Most Wanted Level manga.

For moar comedy — that deserves at least one glass of that now elusive 2001 Château Mont-Pérat Bordeaux —

The Drops of God 2 by of 26+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Shizuku and Miyabi, now hip-deep in the wine division, meet an eccentric Italian epicure, Honma-san. Such is Honma-san's lurve for Italian vino that he refuses to drink any other country's wine (including, I suppose, that Château MP). Seeing all those other bottles sniveling in a corner, Shizuku pops a few veins and challenges Honma-san.

Which gauntlet does I see Queen! Shizuku throw down for Honma-san to pick up? Check out The Drops of God 2 and be sure to have a red/white/rose to keep you company. (NOTE: The latter suggestion only applies to those already alcohol-legal!)

Teh rest of the manga (and one manhwa) previews be behind the fake cut.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.10.13)

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

1. Basara 13 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Flowers, shoujo Volume 13 first published in Japan 1994.11

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

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

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

2. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 11 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2001.01

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages/serializations
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics; Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03 • volume 23 street date: 2011.01.18), French (Casterman; L'habitant de l'infini tome 25 ships 2010.10.06); Italian (Planet Manga), German and Polish (Egmont), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil) and Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Manji) and Satou Rina (Rin) aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

3. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 2 of 26+ 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 2 first published in Japan 2005.05

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 15 shipped 2010.09.22 • tome 16 per 2010.11.17) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan; 神之水滴 vol. 24 per 2010.06). An English version is expected by year's end.

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.

Notes
Agi Tadashi is a pen name of brother and sister team Kibayashi Shin and Yuko; Kibayashi Shin also writes under the pseudonyms Ando Yuma (Psychometrer Eiji, Kunimitsu no Matsuri); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files, Remote; Tantei Gakuen Q); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers; Psycho Busters); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday series); Arimori Jōji (Asobotto Senki Gokū); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi).

4. Hellsing 5 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.02

Volume 5 contains chapters:
28 Flash Point
29 D 4
30 D 5
31 D 6
32 D 7
33 D 8
34 D 9
35 Xanado
36 Final Fantasy 1
37 Final Fantasy 2

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

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

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

5. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 8 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2007.10

Volume 8 contains chapters:
62～68 Hades, the Land of Fire*
69～70 Long way home（1～2）
*NOT Level titles; translated from the Japanese

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

6. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 2 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 2 contains chapters:
6 Hide and Seek
7 Within the heart
8 2nd Stage
9 MVP
10 Masayuki, Blue Lemon
*NOT Level's chapter titles (Serenus-Dreamers' scanlation titles)

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media; volume 4 released 2010.09.07 • volume 5 street date: 2010.12.07), French (Soleil Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

7. Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei) 3 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei by Kikuchi Shota 「きりきり亭のぶら雲先生」 Gentosha Birz Comics, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2002.06

Related
Kirikiri Teishujin (sequel; one volume per 2009.11, ongoing)

Reissues
Re-released in four bunko volumes (2009.03 and 2009.07)

8. Priest 10 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 10 first published in Korea 2001.09 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

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

9. Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) 3 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi

Toukei Ibun 「東亰異聞」 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi Gentousha Comic Birz, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2003.09

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

10. Vagabond 33 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

Vagabond 「バガボンド」 by Inoue Takehiko Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 33 first published in Japan 2010.05

Volume 33 contains chapters:
288 Kokura
289 The Music Inside
290 The World of People
291 7 Years
292 Profile
293 Haze
294 Give It Up
295 Paper Balloon
296 Kojirou's City

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
English Vagabond (VIZ Media [volume 32 released 2010.08 • volume 33 street date: 2010.10.19] and Chuang Yi [latest volume 22 per 2010.08]), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi; 流浪汉 #32 per 2010.04), French (Tonkam; tome 33 ships 2010.12), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Argentina), German (EMA; Band 30 releases 2011.01), Polish (Mandragora) and Portuguese (Conrad Brazil)

11. Zipang 4 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2001.07

Awards
Best General Manga, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002)

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana; tome 28 shipped 2010.08) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press)

Adaptations
Anime by Studio DEEN starring seiyuu Inada Tetsu (Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke), Hoshino Takanori (Gunnery Officer Kikuchi Masayuki), Ueda Yuuji (Navigation Officer Oguri Kouhei), Yara Yuusaku (Captain Umezu Saburo) and Touchi Hiroki (Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi) aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005

¹ Sources: Elex STO 13 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² GN are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Vagabond 33 and Zipang 4 (SRP: IDR 20,000 each). Blade of Immortal 11 retails for IDR 19,500/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Basara 13 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Sarasa and her friends manage to escape from Abashiri prison with the help of Kakujii, but en route to Sakura island, they hear of disturbing news: Kita no Momonoi is planning an assault on Sakura to subdue Tatara.

Sarasa resolves to depose Momonoi and heads for Suo, the same place Shuri is headed. Will the pair chance upon each other? And can Sarasa ward off the attack on Sakura island?

Blade of Immortal 11 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

A long string of obstacles has left Rin more dead than alive, but she still manages to reach Kaga. Having gone meal-less for several days, however, she faints from hunger. Fortunately, someone saves her, but his identity only shocks Rin witless: her biseinen good Samaritan is none other than Anotsu Kagehisa.

Before Rin can settle up with Anotsu, they are surrounded by a group of masked warriors. Who are they?

Hellsing 5 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Badass (Red) Longcoat Alucard goes after Bizarre And Improbable Ballistics Rip van Winkle, now in control of the English aircraft carrier Eagle, leaving behind Bifauxnen Sir Integra and Fair Cop Seras.

The Major capitalizes on the Alucard vacuum to send his vampires to overrun London and hunt down Integra. Can Integra and her Battle Butler Walter escape the Major's net?

[Trope identification c/o TV Tropes]

Jepang Tenggelam 8 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

The majority of the public chooses not to heed the prime minister's warning of an imminent, within five hours Mount Aso eruption, backed up by a handful of pundits who also discount the alarm bells.

As the entire nation pendulums between believing and disbelieving, the clock ticks on. Will the prediction come to pass? Will the residents eventually heed the warning and evacuate?

Onsen Paradise 3 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Brown-sensei's dream spirit, a manifestation of childishness, returns with a vengeance. Not only does the spirit throw Brown's editor's schedule out of whack, it also “persuades” Lolimomo and pals to comb the city in search of kinako mochi from Mt. Tanuki.

Can they find the rice cake (traditionally made on New Year's Day for luck) before the dream spirit has the entire town up in arms?

Priest 10 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Ivan struggles against the second fallen angel Achmode, almost to no avail, an opening Beliel exploits, offering Ivan power in return for Ivan's soul. Refusing Beliel drains Ivan further, seemingly making the conclusion to the skirmish a given.

Coburn, meanwhile, has tracked Ivan down till Bosack, but he and his group are attacked by living corpses. Can the federal marshal and his men survive the zombie attack?

Strange Tales of Tokyo 3 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi

On their way home from the Takatsukasa main residence, Shintaro and Manzo again run into the trader samurai. Fortunately for the investigator pair, a mysterious youth comes to their aid. But their deliverer vanishes as quickly as he appeared.

Tragedy, meanwhile, revisits the Takatsukasa family. Naoshi dies after plunging from a five-storey pagoda. At Naoshi's wake, Shintaro and Manzo see their enigmatic young rescuer among the mourners. Who is he, really? And what connection does he have with the Takatsukasa clan?

Vagabond 33 of 33+ by Inoue Takehiko

When sword-saint Musashi closes himself off from all outside interference, he rediscovers a powerful yearning to meet rival Kojiro. Musashi returns to his sojourning, all the while beset by burning life questions.

Kojiro's sea travels, meanwhile, end in Kokura. His honesty and agility endear him to the residents, and in just one day, Kojiro is welcomed as one of the town's own. But can these peaceful days last?

Zipang 4 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Lieutenant Colonel Kadomatsu and his men, now in Guadalcanal, manage to locate the American camp. The Imperial Japanese maritime forces look upon the discovery as a golden opportunity to launch an attack, prompting the Mirai crew to try to prevent hostilities from breaking out to ensure the success of Lt. Col. Kadomatsu's mission.

UP NEXT: m&c! 13 October 2010 manga

m&c!: Song of Love 6 · Bleach 35 · When Love is Growing by Shiumi Saki · Female Wolf's Boy 6 · Miracle Ball 12 of 12 · Kimi Ga Suki - I Love You - 2 of 3 · How to Make a Princess 1 by Izumi Asuka · Because I Love You 2 of 2 · Love Remedy by Kohara Yuko · My Sweet Home 1 by Maru & Kim Jin-hee · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 12

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Lenny-san for the artwork and blurb help

disclaimer

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

other upcoming manga (13 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Topeng Kaca 1 Deluxe by Miuchi Suzue · Fairy Tail 9 · Defense Devil 1 by Youn In-Wan & Yang Kyung-Il · Kariage-kun 34 · My First Mr. Akuno 1 by Fujiki Syun · SC: Thorny Rules by Yukimura Yuni · Sentaro 35 · Crows 12 · Artist Acro 2 · Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 volume 2 of 2 · Kurozakuro 7 of 7 · Hidamari Sketch 4

related monthly schedules

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

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

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · manhwa · josei · seinen · shoujo · Basara · Blade of the Immortal · The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) · Hellsing · Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) · Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) · Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Brown Sensei) · Priest · Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) · Vagabond · Zipang