Until Death Do Us Part 8, Bloody Monday 6, Cesare 7 (Level Comics 19 September 2011 manga)

Dropped Aikawa Yu's Dark Edge vol.2 from the list because it got postponed to 9.28.

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S
Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]
Published in Indonesia as Until Death Do Us Part by Elex Media/Level Comics

Haruka has a vision of a classmate's assassination and in trying to save the future victim, finds herself drawn into a gang war orchestrated by Edge Turus' protégé Komura. Hunted down by hired killers and finally cornered in an old building, Haruka and three other students brace for the worst, only to find an unlikely savior in the person of...Kilo. [Additions from Ki-oon's Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, Tome 8 synopsis]

My question: Where is Mamoru while all this action is going down? (I guess I'll have to live with my curiosity until Until Death Do Us Part Volume 8: Trap streets on the 19th.)

Bloody Monday 6 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

BLOODY-X infects the THIRD-i command center. Fujimaru races to decrypt the Shikimura file forwarded to Mrs. Munakata for an anti-virus. Meanwhile, hiding underneath the terrorists' truck, Kano refuses to back down from tracking the criminals to their lair.

Chuang Yi's Bloody Monday: Season 1, Vol.6 synop teases by saying Fujimaru is finding it impossible to decode the Shikimura file. Let's join the CY blurb in a chorus: Impossible...? For Fujimaru?

Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen
© Akana Shu & Makari Shinji
Kodansha [ Evening ]
Published in Indonesia as
Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula
by Level Comics

New Level titles: Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula

Yugo is shocked by partner Kogure's implication in extortion cases involving the yakuza. He investigates and learns that the case is linked to both the yakuza and an anti-Japan group out of North Korea. What makes strange bedfellows of organized crime and a high-ranked official wanted by the Japanese police? More importantly, can Yugo save Kogure from the crossfire?

Shimokita Peninsula is the first arc of the Yugo II side stories and its 9.19 appearance answers the question I posed when the main Yugo The Negotiator series concluded in June 2010: Is Level also licensing Yugo II? The implications of this premiere ought to make "Yugo is the ult bishie!" Andrea Tezumo-sensei (The Fifth Columnist) delirious. ^^

The side stories span at least eight arcs (they're still ongoing). The first Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen is succeeded by Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen; Tokyo Tanegashima-hen; Osaka-hen (two volumes); Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (two volumes); Toyako Summit-hen (two volumes); Philippines Oda-Hen (three volumes); and most recently, Taiwan-hen (volume 1 published 2011.06).

Level Comics manga (2011.09.19)

1. Bloody Monday 6 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Bloody Monday 「ブラッディ・マンデイ」 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 6 first published in 2008.07

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday one volume per 2011.08 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (PIKA Édition: Tome 7 shipped 2011.09.07)

Related series
Bloody Monday 0 (one volume; 2009.05) and sequels Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, eight volumes as at 2011.05.17) and Bloody Monday - Last Season (began serialization in Weekly Shonen Magazine 2011.07.14; volume 1 streets 2011.10.17 in Japan)

Kodansha published Bloody Monday: Seinaru Chi no Shukusai... Hajimaru!! under its KPC (Platinum Comics) imprint on 2011.07.27.

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

2. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 7 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.08

3. Haruka 17 volume 13 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2006.10

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

4. Honey Hunt 6 of 6+ (Hiatus) by Aihara Miki

Honey Hunt 「Ｈｏｎｅｙ　Ｈｕｎｔ」 by Aihara Miki Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.12 Series on hiatus at volume 6

Other languages
English Honey Hunt (VIZ Media (six volumes per 2010.12), French (Marvel Panini France: Tome 6 shipped 2010.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 獵夢甜心 ~ Honey Hunt 6 released 2010.07)

5. K2 volume 9 of 15+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2008.08

6. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 12 of 42+ by Chan Mou

Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan 「火鳳燎原」 by Chan Mou AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes Tong Li New Youth, seinen

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 42 released 2011.09.05), Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 9 per 2009.12), Vietnamese Hỏa Phụng Liêu Nguyên. The manhua is also published in Mainland China, Korea and Thailand.

7. Tokyo 23 Vol. 3 of 3 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi [Finale]

Tokyo23 「ＴＯＫＹＯ２３」 by Hashimoto Eiji and Arashida Takeshi Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan in 2009.02

Adaptations
The live-action TOKYO23: Survival City, starring Yagira Yuya (Arai Noboru) and Hongō Kanata (Komori Dan) aired from September to October 2010 in Japan on WOWOW.

8. Until Death do us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 8 of 15+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 8 (Parts 58-65) first published in Japan 2008.11

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare tome 14 shipped 2011.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 終極感應 13 per 2011.06.09 and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong), Korean (Haksan: 죽음이 두 사람을 갈라놓을 때까지 12 released 2011.06.17)

9. [Premiere] Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula (Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen) by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji

Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen 「勇午　下北半島編 」 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji Kodansha Evening, seinen First published in Japan 2004.09

Related series
Part of the Yugo II side stories that include Yugo: Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen (2005.05); Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen (2006.03); Yugo: Osaka-hen (Volume 1 per 2006.10, volume 2: 2007.02); Yugo: Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (V1: 2008.01 - V2: 2008.02); Yugo: Toyako Summit-hen (V1: 2008.09 - V2: 2009.05); Yugo: Philippines Oda-Hen (V1: 2010.02 - V3: 2010.08), Yugo: Taiwan-hen (V1: 2011.06)
Main story: Yugo (22 volumes)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.09.19)

1. Leonard - Jenius Sejati (Léonard, Tome 2: Léonard est toujours un génie) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)
2. Yakari dan Beruang Hantu (Yakari, Tome 24: Yakari et l'ours fantôme) by Derib + Job (Le Lombard)

Read more »

The Black Swindler 12, Angel Heart 7, Moon - Subaru Solitude Standing 1 (Level Comics 27 April 2011 manga)

I lead with the third Most Wanted Manga because I can.

Moon © Soda Masahito & Tomiyama Kuro/Shogakukan
[Serialized in Big Comic Spirits]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

If Subaru 11 left discontent like prickles on your skin, grumble no more. The sequel Moon premieres this Wednesday.

After leaving New York, Miyamoto Subaru joins a German ballet company in Berlin where she meets Nico, a talented ballet dancer who has lost his vision. Subaru asks Nico to pair up with her and dance the Blue Bird pas de deux, promising to show Nico “another world.” Sadly, their dance disappoints.

To add, Baka-Updates Manga sez that Nico lost his ballet partner and lover in the same accident that took away his sight and asks Will Subaru be able to reach out to him, and help him to once again dance with a partner? In doing so, will she be able to find her own place in this world?

So, Ballet, Blind Dancer, Strong Female Lead, Romantic Subplot on tap.

The Black Swindler 12 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosaki's bankruptcy fraud case appears to be linked to a similar fraud perpetrated by the Tachimoto company 12 years previously, which caused 100 Tachimoto partner firms to go belly up.

Who's the perp behind the original crime? And can Kurosaki close this case with his brand of justice served?

Previews of the Pair of Sevens (Angel Heart 7 and K2 volume 7) after the release list.

New ROMICs/BDs

Le temps des copains
© André Geerts/Dupuis
Published by Level Comics
as Jojo - Sahabat Sejati

On the bande dessinée side, Level double launches Jojo, the late André Geerts's slice of life series, starring the seven-year-old eponym. In Sahabat Sejati ("True Friend," originally Jojo 1: Le temps des copains), Jojo shares his new experiences of school, camp and play with buddy Louis. Everything is fair game, even dreams.

Meanwhile, in Kabur Dari Rumah ("Runaway," Jojo 2: La fugue de Jojo), bad grades net Jojo punishment from grandma and provisioned with what amounts to snacks, Jojo runs away from home, making grand-mère cry.

With the premiering Jojo, that makes—what?—nine BD series for Level? Can you name them? (The comment box is below ^^)

Level Comics manga (2011.04.27)

1. Angel Heart 7 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2003.06

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

Other languages
French (Génération Comics and Panini Comics)

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

2. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) 12 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 12 (chapters 120-130) first published in Japan 2006.12

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. K2 volume 7 of 14+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2007.09

4. [Series Premiere] Moon - Subaru Solitude Standing 1 of 7+ by Soda Masahito & Tomiyama Kuro

Moon—Subaru Solitude Standing— 「ＭＯＯＮ」 by Soda Masahito & Tomiyama Kuro Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-10) first published in Japan 2008.02

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: MOON~昴‧續篇~ 6 released 2011.01.20)

Related series
Subaru (prequel; 11 volumes)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.04.27)

• [Premiere] Jojo - Kabur Dari Rumah (Jojo 2: La fugue de Jojo) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
• [Series Premiere] Jojo - Sahabat Sejati (Jojo 1: Le temps des copains) by André Geerts (Dupuis)

Read more »

Until Death Do Us Part 4, Team Medical Dragon 15, Red River 4 (Level Comics 23 February 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Edited based on blog regular Junya-san's tip that Team Medical Dragon has concluded. [More on this below.]

May contain   [SPOILERS!]

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S
Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]
Published in Indonesia as Until Death Do Us Part by Elex Media/Level Comics

The future in which Haruka “sees” herself married to Mamoru remains as distant as her name; for now, the precog tot remains in Mamoru's custody, but goes back to junior high at Igawa's suggestion. Quiet descends upon the Element Network but not for long as out of the shadows sneaks Fang, hired to eliminate Mamoru.

Find out how the blind swordsman visits retribution upon the assassin who dares to kill him in Until Death Do Us Part 4, streeting this Wednesday.

Team Medical Dragon 15 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro & Nagai Akira

[Medical Supervisor: Yoshinuma Mie]

To help Kihara, Gunji covers up for his operation snafu; the same “good deed,” however, only makes Noboru lose all hope and fall into depression. Can Noboru regain enough confidence to save the patient who experiences bleeding just as Gunji is not around?

Edit: As mentioned above, this series has ended. Baka-Updates Manga advises here (excerpted below):

After 210 installments, Tarō Nogizaka will end his Iryū - Team Medical Dragon manga in this year's fourth issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic Superior magazine on January 28.

This book detail confirms that volume 25 is the series finale.

Red River 4 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Prince Kail, Prince Zannanza and Yuri push off for Malatya to battle the Mitanni forces. Calculations put the siege of Malatya at two to three months, but Prince Kail declares they can retake the occupied city in five days, with minimal casualties. What exactly is Kail planning?

[Previews continued after the manga list.]

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.02.23)

1. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 80 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 80 first published in Japan 2007.05

Volume 80 chapters:
Round 757. Seeking It With Him
Round 758. The Man Known as the Magician
Round 759. Dojo Challenge
Round 760. Magic Inside the Ring
Round 761. Nature of the Magic
Round 762. Extending? Shrinking?
Round 763. Outside Training
Round 764. Different From Before
Round 765. Dual Exchange
Round 766. The Other Weakness
Round 767. A Fight Or A Job
*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.

2. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 7 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 7 first published in Japan 2007.05

3. Happy Hello Work at Age 21 (Takunabi) 4 of 5+ by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Watanabe Chiho

Takunabi 「たくなび」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 4 (chapters 32-42) first published in Japan 2006.03

4. Jormungand 2 of 9+ by Takahashi Keitarou

Jormungand 「ヨルムンガンド」 by Takahashi Keitarou Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 6-11) first published in Japan 2007.04

Other languages
English Jormungand (VIZ Media: volume 6 per 2011.02.08 • volume 7 street date: 2011.05.10)

5. K2 volume 5 of 14+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.10

6. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 6 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 6 (chapters 20-23) first published in Japan 2007.01

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

7. Over Rev 17 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 17 (chapters 183-193) first published in Japan 2001.05

8. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 7 of 40+ by Chan Mou

Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan 「火鳳燎原」 by Chan Mou AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes Tong Li New Youth, seinen

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 #40 street date: 2011.02.22) and Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 volume 9 per 2009.12; serialized in Comic Sangokushi). The manhua is also released in Mainland China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

9. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 4 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 4 (chapters 11-12) first published in Japan 1996.03

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

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

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

Related
An artbook (Japan release: 1999.02.24), fanbook (2002.07.26) and a two-volume novel adaptation 天は赤い河のほとり　外伝　魔が時代の黎明 written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

10. Team Medical Dragon 15 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro & Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie (Medical Supervisor) Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 15 (chapters 115-122) first published in Japan 2007.11

Awards
Winner, Best Seinen/General Manga, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other languages
French (Glénat: tome 15 per 2011.02.16)

Adaptations
Two seasons of the live-action adaptation, starring Sakaguchi Kenji (Asada Ryutaro), aired on Fuji TV (Season 1: April to June 2006; Season 2: October to December 2007). The series won the Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

11. Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 4 of 14+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 4 (chapters 25-32) first published in Japan 2007.02

Other languages
French (Ki-oon; Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, tome 12 per 2010.12.09), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan and Jade Dynasty Hong Kong)

Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.02.23)

• Michel Vaillant - Kairo! (Michel Vaillant, tome 63: Cairo!) by Philippe & Jean Graton

Read more »

Magister Negi Magi 23, To be Beautiful 5, Basara 14 (Level Comics 8 December 2010 manga)

Kirei ni Naritai © Yorita Miyuki/Kodansha [Serialized in Dessert]
Published in Indonesia as To be Beautiful by Elex Media/Level Comics

There's a biscuit that can make a person beautiful? Satsuki meets the beautiful Shimokitazawa Seika, who flogs just such an item and is a walking, fast-talking ad for her product. Satsuki is lured into parting with her money after Misako refuses to concoct an acne medication for her.

At first, the pricey biscuit lives up to its outlandish claim and Satsuki's pimples clear up. But as more time passes, Satsuki ends up in debt and friends start giving her a wide berth.

What exactly is Seika's objective? Find out in To be Beautiful 5, out now.

The complete list of Level Comics manga (and one ROMIC/BD) below:

Level Comics manga (2010.12.08)

1. Basara 14 of 27 by Tamura Yumi
2. [Premiere] Desert Love (Sajou ni Chikau Koi) by Sachimi Riho
3. K2 vol. 4 of 13+ by Mafune Kazuo
4. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 23 of 32+ by Akamatsu Ken
5. Rainbow 19 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi
6. Subaru 11 of 11 by Soda Masahito [Finale]
7. To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) 5 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki

Level Comics ROMICs/BDs (2010.12.08)

• Spirou dan Fantasio - Bayangan Z (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 16: L'Ombre du Z) by Franquin

¹ Sources: Elex STO 8 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² GN are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Desert Love (SRP: 17,000), Subaru 11 (IDR 19,500) and Spirou dan Fantasio - Bayangan Z (IDR 38,000)

upcoming manga (15 December 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Golden Book (Deluxe) · Inuyasha 50 · Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 · Kariage kun 37 · Godhand Teru 28 · Mixim 11 vol.2 · Bakeru kun Pika-pika 2 · Artist Acro 5 · New Sexy Simpleton 8
• Level Comics: Genius Family Company 5 · xxxHOLiC 11 · Restore Garage 251 vol.11 · Haruka 17 vol.10 · Half an Apple 5 · Last Inning 7 · Nurse Aoi 17 · Yakari dan Monster Danau
• m&c!: Electric Daisy 6 · Goong [Palace Story] 21 · Sugar Family 5 · Be a Naughty Girl 3 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 13 · Monika 137

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 currently available manga (8 December 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Topeng Kaca 4 Deluxe · Doraemon Movie: Kenangan Nenek by Fujiko F. Fujio · Detektif Conan Seri Animasi TV 23 · Devil & Sweet 1 of 2+ by Suzuki Julietta · Shugo Chara! 11 · Hyde & Closer 5 · Natural Honey Dormitory 5 · My First Mr. Akuno 2 · Artist Acro 4 · Beauty Honey 3 of 3 · Flash of Wind 28 · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 9 · Summer Storm! 5 · I Hate You More Than Anyone 4 · The Real Fake Princess 4 · Nakayoshi 87/2010 · HanaLaLa 55/2010 (Farewell Edition)
• m&c!: Aoizaka Baseball Club 16 · Golden Age 12 · Magical X Miracle 1 of 6 by Mizutani Yuzu · News Parade by Kumeta Natsuo

related monthly schedule(s)

December 2010
Premiering Bloody Monday by Megumi Kouji & Ryumon Ryou

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shoujo · Basara · Desert Love (Sajou ni Chikau Koi) · K2 · Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) · Rainbow · Subaru · To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) · Spirou et Fantasio

xxxHOLiC 10, Eternal Sabbath 1 by Souryo Fuyumi, Cruise 1 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki (Level Comics 6 October 2010 manga)

Cruise © Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki/Shogakukan [Serialized in Big Comic]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Before I get to Level's manga premieres —

A tap on the back by keeyoot crush Himawari sends Watanuki diving to the ground from the school's second floor. His life is spared, however, thanks to the “payment” of three people. Who are they? And will Himawari-chan always bring Watanuki misfortune — just like Yuko sez?

Find out the answers in xxxHOLiC 10: Because it was necessary for her to enter, which—like that other CLAMP manga over on Elex's side (Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle 16)—is the top DO WANT!

NEW TITLES: Eternal Sabbath by Souryo Fuyumi and Cruise by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki

I am a hacker. But not your average hacker; I hack into people's brains. I read the memories the mind contains, change them, adapting them to my liking. I can pretend to be whomever I want in anybody's eyes.

A scientific experiment leaves university student Akiba Ryousuke with “ES” or the “Eternal Sabbath” gene that allows its carrier to live for up to two centuries, without falling prey to viral sickness. ES was initially conceived to prove immortality is not just theoretical, but the gene has memory alteration and mind control side effects. Ryousuke now uses these psychic powers to survive, hiding among Tokyo's masses, that is, until he runs into neurophysiologist Kujo Mine at a crime scene. Kujo recognizes Ryousuke for the ES subject that he is, and together, they pursue a fugitive also possessed of the ES gene — but one with motives less noble than Ryousuke. [From Glénat's French ES, tome 1 blurb, Wikipedia's write-up, and Del Rey's ES Vol. 1: Mind Control preview, in addition to Level's back cover blurb]

So that's the lowdown on Eternal Sabbath, half of the seinen manga Level debuts this Wednesday. Baka-Updates Manga users tag this series Psychic Powers, Experiment, Genetic Modification, Clone, ESP, Older Female Younger Male, Strong Female Lead, Romantic Subplot — a laundry list formidable enough to cater to any trope preference.

Aside from ES, Souryo Fuyumi-sensei has another Level title ongoing: the Italian Renaissance-ambienced Cesare that, unfortunately, appears to stuck on volume 2. She also created the twin-troped shoujo drama Mars.

Cruise, meanwhile, is the story of Yamada Kohei, a doctor who gives up a landlubber medical career to serve as a ship's physician, and the people he meets on board Japan's largest luxury liner, the Phoenix. He rejects a university colleague's insistence that he turn to teaching instead, preferring to stay and learn about life as it happens from the ship's passengers.

Big Comic serializes this beautifully sad human drama. One of the stories compiled in the first Cruise features a passenger suffering from terminal cancer. Only songs can lift his heart, heavy with regret. (I apologize if the snap synopsis for story 1 misses the mark; if it does, consult your nearest クルーズ　医師山田公平航海誌　１ preview.)

Author Yajima Masao-sensei also wrote SORA, a seinen manga about a crybaby flight attendant. So from airplane passengers' stories, we go to cruise ships'. Kikuta Hiroyuki-sensei, meanwhile, illustrated the Monga's Earth shounen manga published by m&c!

Level Comics manga (2010.10.06)

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1. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 6 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 6 (chapters 38-44) first published in Japan 2004.08

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards
Grand Prize winner for the comic category, 10th Japan Media Arts Festival

Adaptations
Adapted into an anime special by Madhouse (two episodes)

2. [Premiere] Cruise 1 of 2+ by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki

Cruise 「クルーズ　医師山田公平航海誌」 by Yajima Masao & Kikuta Hiroyuki Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.10

Volume 1 contains chapters:
1 Starting from song request cards
2 Sail, always a new mind set
3 A quiet storm of the month
4 Everyday life held in hydrangeas
5 Learn about our souls from work
6 Paper airplane dream
7 Sea, like a flower bloom
8 Nurse encounter
*NOT Level chapter titles (mechanically translated from the Japanese)

3. [Premiere] Eternal Sabbath (ES) 1 of 8 by Souryo Fuyumi

ES 「ＥＳ」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2002.02

Other languages
English ES (Del Rey; eight volumes), French (Glénat; eight volumes), Italian (Editions Star Comics)

Reissues
Re-released in five bunko volumes (2006.10 - 2007.02)

4. K2 volume 3 of 13+ by Mafune Kazuo

K2 「Ｋ２」 by Mafune Kazuo Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.10

5. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 4 of 11+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 4 first published in Japan 2007.09

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

6. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 15 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma¹ & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 1999.02

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

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.

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).

7. xxxHOLiC 10 of 18+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 59-64) first published in Japan 2006.11

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey; volume 15 per 2010.03 • volume 16 street date: 2010.10.26), French (Pika Édition; tome 16 ships 2010.10.20), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

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

A 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 (2010.10.06)

• Spirou dan Fantasio di Tokyo (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 49: Spirou à Tokyo: Le ronin de Yoyogi) by José-Luis Munuera and Jean-David Morvan (Dupuis SA; 2006.09.14)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 6 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Eternal Sabbath 1 (SRP: IDR 20,000). Spirou dan Fantasio di Tokyo is priced at IDR 38,000/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Volume previews continued

A Spirit of the Sun 6 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Munakata Misao, the Japanese youth whose future radically changed after Japan split into north and south, draws the attention of Rockwell who then sends Misao to Harvard for further studies. Ten years hence, Misao returns to a government position as Rockwell's right-hand man.

But even before the cataclysm, Misao has envisioned rebuilding Japan. Rockwell disapproves of Misao's dream, forcing Misao to initiate moves to establish a new nation, one free from Chinese or American control. Little does Misao know that America has possession of a document written by Dr. Morimura; the document details the energy “M Resources” that could bring about a new world order.

What fate awaits Japan? Status quo? Revolution? Or restoration?

K2 vol 3 of 13+ by Mafune Kazuo

National treasure, kabuki artist Nakagawa Zenjuro, stands to lose his sole heir when his grandchild has to undergo a cardiac transplant. The child's mother is prepared to become a donor, but she herself suffers from heart valve disease. What other choices are open for Dr. K?

Miso-com 4 of 11+ by Yonezawa Rika

After deciding marriage to boyfriend Hayato, Emi learns the difference between just being in a relationship and being wed. She likewise understands why passive women don't make it to the altar. But will the knowledge help her realize her dream of marrying Hayato?

Psychometrist Eiji 15 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Eiji and Ryoko go after former police inspector Todoroki Shogo, the man responsible for the serial teen murders. But Ryoko's shared past with Todoroki, who resorted to vigilante vengeance after his granddaughter's suicide, only muddies up the investigation.

UP NEXT: m&c! 6 October 2010 manga

m&c!: White Paper Ark 7 of 7 · Lovers In Paris by Akimoto Nami · Welcome to Rakuan-Inn by Minami Sachi · Dawn Aria 6 · School Baby by Shibano Yuka · Cyboy 1 by Nishikata Mai · Sandwich Girl 3

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 (10 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Detektif Conan 20 +Plus Super Digest Book · New Legenda Naga 6 · Crayon Shinchan - Mari Mengenal Serangga by Usui Yoshito · Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 volume 1 by Hara Asumi · Ruler of the Land 49 · Fairy Tail 8 · Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle 16 · BECK 22 · Dr. Koto 2 · Ogawa & Team Saito 2 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 4 · Sora, The Wingless Duck 18 · Tena on S String 3 · Spiral: The Bonds Of Reason 7 · Penguin Revolution 7 of 7 · Tokkyu! 15 · A Story of Heroes 32 · Kaiser Z 16 of 16

currently available 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
• Level Comics: Fight!! Ippo 78 · The Duke and I by Hara Chieko · Love & Collage 11 · Love Affair 6 · Priest 9 · Aflame Inferno 3 · New Comic Bomber 4 · Gun Smith Cats 6 · Haruka 17 vol. 9
• 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

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

Wikipedia · Baka-Updates Manga · 7net Shopping · Amazon France · ANN

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shounen · A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) · Cruise · Eternal Sabbath · K2 · Miso-com · Psychometrist Eiji · Spirou et Fantasio · xxxHOLiC