Naruto 50, Wild Life 12, Pirates and the Mermaid 1 by Kiuchi Tatsuya (Elex Media 12 January 2011 manga)

Kaizoku to Ningyo © Kiuchi Tatsuya/Hakusensha
[Serialized in Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as Pirates & the Mermaid by Elex Media

Before I get to Pirates & the Mermaid—and yes, it IS Mermaid, typo on the cover notwithstanding—Sasuke and Naruto 50: Underwater Deathmatch!! first.

Sasuke attacks the Kage convention, but despite activating Amaterasu and Susanoo, remains hard-pressed to defeat the reps from the most powerful ninja villages. Meanwhile, in the midst of the Sasuke chaos, Uchiha Madara appears and reveals a terrible plan to the Kage.

As for the DO WANT! First Runner-up —

Wild Life 12 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato

Between transferring from RED to Meio University, Tessho conducts a massive purge — this after seeing Meio patients coming down with acute gastritis. This greatly stresses out Dean Heinami, especially when Tessho declares the outbreak to be nosocomial, or infections originating within the hospital.

NEW ELEX SERIES: Pirates & the Mermaid, the reissued Doraemon and Kindaichi Special Case: Snow Spirit Murder

Elex reissues the Doraemon manga in the original right-to-left Japanese binding and premieres the fourth Kindaichi Special Case: Snow Spirit Murder by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya, which from its title is (doh-obvious) about a murderous “snow ghost.” I suggest getting this as the second and final volume streets on the 19th.

The third debut is, of course —

Pirates & the Mermaid 1 of 3+ by Kiuchi Tatsuya

The people of his village sell off Hisui to a wealthy merchant collector of rare and beautiful items for money. Chained and treated no better than a chachki, Hisui rebels and tries to make a break for it. During his escape, Hisui bumps into a pirate after the merchant's prize “mermaid.” Hearing of the pirate's intent, Hisui feels his getaway growing worthless.

What in the world is happening? What is Hisui's connection to this “mermaid”?

You might've already heard of Kaizoku to Ningyo because concentration on this Pirates and Mermaid series has resulted in Kiuchi Tatsuya-sensei's historical shoujo romance Honey Flower's hiatus at volume 3.

MANGAZINES: Nakayoshi Gress! 1/2011

The first Nakayoshi Gress! of 2011 features the one-shot Eternal Player and the debuting Hell Girl Return that is 99.99% Jigoku Shoujo R, the sequel to New Hell Girl. Nakayoshi 1/2011 also has Yumemizu Kiyoshiro returning in The Great Detective, KIYOSHIRO YUMEMIZU.

The rest of the Nakayoshi pals: Arisa by Ando Natsumi, CHOCOLATE by Fukushima Haruka, Little Marchen by Sakyo, Little Shugo Chara! by PEACH-PIT, Million Girl by Momoyuki Kotori, Navi Runa by Kikuta Michiyo & Ikeda Miyoko, Sweet Tamatan by Koge-Donbo and XX Me! by Toyama Ema

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.01.12)

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

1. [Series Premiere] Doraemon 1 of 45 (INC) by Fujiko F. Fujio (Japanese binding re-release)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 1 first published in Japan 1974.07 (First released in Indonesia in 1994)

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 27th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Grand Prize, the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (1997) and the Excellence Award, Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (1973)

Related series
Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 of 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 21 volumes, ongoing) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)

Adaptations
A 52-episode anime adaptation by Nippon TV (1973.04 - 1973.09), a 1,787-episode series by Shin-Ei Animation (broadcast on TV Asahi from 1979.04 - 2005.03), a 2005 adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Pierrot (premiered 2005.04.15; 300+ episodes) and numerous movies

2. Godhand Teru 29 of 55+ by Yamamoto Kazuki

GodHand Teru 「ゴッドハンド輝」 by Yamamoto Kazuki Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 29 first published in Japan 2006.06

Awards/Recognitions
Nominee, the first Keitai Comic Taishō/Mobile Phone Comic Award (along with Ghost Sweeper Mikami by Shiina Takashi, Itazura na Kiss by Tada Kaoru, The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi and 16 other manga titles)

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan 天生妙手 vol. 51 released 2010.07)

Related
Godhand Teru novel by Yamamoto Kazuki (15 volumes per 2009.01)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Hiraoka Yuta (Mahigashi Teru) aired on TBS from 11 April to 16 May 2009.

3. [Series Premiere] Kindaichi Special Case - Snow Spirit Murder (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Yukiryō Densetsu Satsujin Jiken) 1 of 2 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Yukiryō Densetsu Satsujin Jiken (Jō) 「金田一少年の事件簿　雪霊伝説殺人事件　上」 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya AKA Snow Spirit Legend Murder Case (First Part) Kodansha Shonen Magazine Comics, shounen Volume 1 (chapters 1-7) first published in Japan 2007.07

Related
Part of the new Kindaichi Case Files and the Kindaichi Special Case series (preceded by Vampire Legend Murder Case, Phantom of the Opera 3rd Murder and Private School Murder; succeeded by Chidamari's Room Murder Case Fudō High School Festival Murder Case, Black Magic Murder Case), Murder Committed by Inspector Kenmochi and Alchemy Murder Case)

4. Legend of Nereid 13 of 15 by Hwang MiRee

Legend of Nereid 「네레이드의 전설」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 13 first published in Korea 2003.05

5. Look Up! (Miagete Goran) 8 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru [Finale]

Miagete Goran 「見上げてごらん」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2007.01

Volume 8 chapters:
69. 大好きな吹雪へ
70. もう自分だけじゃねえ
71. 明日の朝までに
72. なんじゃとおおおお!!
73. すごすぎるぜ！
74. 僕たちの『カルメン』
75. やったね、小雪ちゃん...
76. 私の鏡
77. 攻めるぜ!!
78. 勝つ方法

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)

6. Naruto 50 of 54+ by Kishimoto Masashi

Naruto 「ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－」 by Kishimoto Masashi Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen Volume 50: Suirō no shitō!! first published in Japan 2010.03

Awards/Accomplishments
The American volume 7 won the 2006 Quill Award in the graphic novel category. Manga sales have topped 100 million copies in Japan, with over 89 million sold globally. Naruto is the #1 bestselling manga in Indonesia, with upwards of one million copies sold nationwide.

Other languages
English Naruto (VIZ Media: serialized in Shonen Jump USA; volume 49 released 2010.10.05 • volume 50 street date: 2011.02.01), French (Kana: Tome 51 shipped 2010.11), Spanish (Glénat Spain; Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico; LARP Editores Argentina), German (Carlsen Comics; serialized in Banzai!; Band 48 street date: 2011.02.25), Dutch (Kana), Russian (Comix-ART), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen; serialized in Shonen Jump Sweden), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 53 per 2010.12)

Adaptations
Studio Pierrot and Aniplex's 220-episode anime co-production, based on manga volumes 1-27, aired from October 2002 to February 2007 in Japan. Seiyuu Takeuchi Junko, Nakamura Chie, and Sugiyama Noriaki returned in their roles as Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke in the sequel (manga volume 28 onwards) that premiered February 2007 on TV Tokyo. Naruto Shippūden is still ongoing (episode 194 airs 2011.01.13).

At least five OAVs, seven films and three light novels have also been released:

OAVS: Find the Crimson Four-leaf Clover! (2003) · Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2004) · Konoha Sports Festival (2004.08) · Finally a clash! Jonin VS Genin!! Indiscriminate grand melee tournament meeting!! (2005.12) · Naruto: The Cross Roads (2010).

A short OAV was also included within the DVD Naruto x UT Original DVD (shipped 2011.01.01).

Films: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004.08) · Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005.08) · Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006.08) · Naruto Shippūden (2007.08) · Naruto Shippūden: Kizuna (2008.08) · Naruto Shippūden: Hi no Ishi o Tsugumono (2009.07) · Naruto Shippūden movie, Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower (2010.07)

Three light novels written by Kusakabe Masatoshi: Naruto: Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood (2002.12) · Naruto: Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2003.12) · adaptation of the first Naruto movie (2004.08)

Related
Five ani-manga based on the movies: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004.08), Great Clash! The Illusionary Ruins at the Depths of the Earth (2005.08), Great Excitement! The Animal Riot of Crescent Moon Island (2006.08), Naruto: Shippūden: the Movie (2007.08), Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds (2008.08) and Naruto Shippūden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009.03).

7. Our Dear Tamura-kun (Watashitachi no Tamura-kun) 4 of 4 by Kurafuji Sachi & Takemiya Yuyuko [Finale]

Watashitachi no Tamura-kun 「わたしたちの田村くん」 by Kurafuji Sachi & Takemiya Yuyuko MediaWorks Dengeki Comic Gao!, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2008.06

Related series
Based on the two-volume light novel series by Takemiya Yuyuko, illustrated by Yasu, serialized in the seinen Dengeki hp

8. [Series Premiere] Pirates and the Mermaid (Kaizoku to Ningyo) 1 of 3+ by Kiuchi Tatsuya

Kaizoku to Ningyo 「海賊と人魚」 by Kiuchi Tatsuya Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.02

9. Rinne (Kyoukai no RINNE) 3 of 6+ by Takahashi Rumiko

Kyoukai no RINNE 「境界のＲＩＮＮＥ」 by Takahashi Rumiko AKA Circle of Reincarnation Rinne Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.03

Volume 3 chapters:
19. The Transfer Student
20. If You Don't Mind, Let's Be Friends First
21. A Fun Date
22. One Hundred Thousand Yen
23. The Price of Power
24. Shinigami Scythe
25. Lure of the Pumpkinhead
26. Hall of the Damashigami
27. Draw Me
28. Black & White
*NOT Elex's chapter titles

Other languages/serializations
English RIN-NE (VIZ Media: volume 4 per 2010.09 • volume 5 street date: 2011.03.08; serialized in ShonenSunday.com: latest chapter 79 Sleep, Exam Student) and Chuang Yi: volume 4 per 2010.12), French (Asuka éditions: tome 4 per 2010.12 • tome 5 street date: 2011.03.17), German (EMA Band 3 shipped 2010.11 • Band 4 per 2011.04) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press 境界之輪迴 5 per 2010.11)

10. Wild Life 12 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato

Wild Life 「ワイルドライフ」 by Fujisaki Masato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2005.05

Volume 12 chapters:
96. 教授の壁
97. 第一種特別看護犬
98. ストレス
99. そして鉄生はまだ知らない
100. パソコンの運命
101. 女たらし？
102. 一生檻の中？
103. いいダイアン
104. 鉄生がたらしてるのは...

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

Read more »

The Best Skilled Surgeon 4, Toradora 2, Ciuman Dewa 1 by Suzuki Julietta (Elex 22 December 2010 manga)

Kamisama Hajimemashita © Suzuki Julietta/Hakusensha [Serialized in Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as Ciuman Dewa by Elex Media Komputindo

Before I get to Kamisama Hajimemashita—ultimately debuting in Indonesia as (Pfft!) Ciuman Dewa/A God's Kiss instead of Nice to Meet You, God—let's renew our acquaintance with Mikoto. Remember him?

Despite inevitable comparison with other surgical drama, namely Team Medical Dragon and Godhand Teru, Irie Kenzo- & Hashiguchi Takashi's shounen medical manga rates a credible, even among students of medicine.

A genius cardiac surgeon saves young Saijo Mikoto's life. Now grown-up and a pediatric surgeon in his own right, Mikoto dedicates his life to helping children similarly afflicted with congenital heart defects.

Mikoto succeeds in reopening the hospital's pediatric surgery unit, but that's only the beginning of his new challenges: an enemy who vows to take him down, a messed up system and diseases that push his expertise to the limits.

Find out how Mikoto strives to provide the best recovery for his patients in The Best Skilled Surgeon volume 4, finally streeting on the 22nd. (Reportedly earlier in Gramed Grand Indonesia.)

The manga adaptation of Takemiya Yuyuko's Toradora! light novel grabs the DO WANT! first runner up-ship.

Toradora! 2 of 4+ by Zekkou & Takemiya Yuyuko

Ryuuji who's crushing on Taiga's friend Minori matchmakes Taiga with his best bud Kitajima. At least, that was the plan. But schemes tend to #Fail and in ways least expected. Minorin has it in her head that Taiga and Ryuuji are a couple, and as if one misunderstanding weren't enough, Kitajima concurs.

See if the feared Dragon and Tiger can drag themselves out of depression in Toradora! 2.

Ciuman Dewa 1 of 8+ by Suzuki Julietta

[Ciuman Dewa preview from editor Nia-san]

No, no, Tomoe (on the right) isn't threatening Elex with dire retaliation for titling his shoujo manga starrer Ciuman Dewa (no matter how left-brained it is); the kitsunemimi'ed fox familiar's actually—wait, getting ahead of myself. Let's backtrack:

A string of disasters awaits poverty-stricken school girl Nanami. Not only does does a falling ladder (metaphorically) squash her flat, a cascading durian bops her on the head after.

In plot terms, Nanami is abandoned by her debtor father; what's worse, the kin-poor Nanami is booted out of her be it ever so rundown home.

So, of course, Nanami meets a (weird) bespectacled man who kisses her on the forehead and says he's giving her a place to stay. A reluctant Nanami trudges to the guy's home—which turns out to be a derelict shrine. There she meets a fox-eared bishounen and a pair of spirits who call her God.

VIZ Media's English Kamisama Hajimemashita, 1 description shortcuts it so well: Nanami has all kinds of new responsibilities she doesn't understand, dangers she's unaware of, and a cranky ex-familiar who's...actually pretty hot. What's a new-fledged godling to do?

[Preview from editor Nia Ika-san]

Yup, Nanami's Secret God Training START-OH! The new land god, instead of inheriting Komainu spirits—guardian dogs/lions, statues of which can often be found at shrine entrances—is landed with the foul-mouthed fox familiar Tomoe as her protector. (The former Shinto kami Mikage is dog-allergic.) And the only way to bind intractable Tomoe to Nanami is—you guessed it—with a God's Kiss. (That's the “docile” Tomoe after The Kiss that sealed his and Nanami's contract; here's what he really feels.)

So — Gods, Spirits, Fox Boys, Strong Female Lead, Master-Servant Relationship, Live-in Lover, Love-Hate Relationship. Baka-Updates Manga users add Tengu to the Kamisama Hajimemashita tag list because one karasu-tengu or crow tengu flits about (sometimes as an ostrich).

Suzuki Julietta's Ciuman Dewa shares the School Girl Gods/crabby but droolicious familiars trope and the promise of breath-stealing *doki-doki* with another Hakusensha shoujo manga, Tanaka Meca's Sweet God. Aside from Kamisama Hajimemashita, Suzuki Julietta-sensei created Devil & Sweet (volume 2 streets with Ciuman Dewa 1) and Karakuri Odette.

MANGAZINES: Nakayoshi Lovely 9: Starfruits

Nakayoshi Lovely 9: Starfruits

I owe a debt of gratitude to editor Nia Ika-san, not only for providing the Ciuman Dewa 1 previews but also the chapter title pages of Nakayoshi Lovely 9: Starfruits. (Sankyuu~ Nia-san.)

Of the Kodansha shoujo one-shots, Nia-san recommends teh romance and terminal keeyootness of a date at a high-class French restaurant Christmas Dinner is A Love Flavour by Sakuya Ippo (Starving and Fall in Love Song) and the Older Woman/Younger Man-troped Compressed Emotion by Seta Haruhi (Coz We're not Children).

The other Nakayoshi Lovely Starfruits stories:
Before - After by Arisawa Ryo (Long Half Time), Candies by Togusa Kazuya, Miracle Wool by Miasa Rin (Ontama), My Prince by Yamada Daisy (Boyfriend and Love Honor) and Strawberry Princess & Rose Prince by Fukuda Rinko. Click the orange titles if you want the previews.

Elex Media manga, manhwa and manhua (2010.12.22)

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

1. The Best Skilled Surgeon (Saijou no Meii) 4 of 11 by Irie Kenzo & Hashiguchi Takashi

Saijou no Meii 「最上の命医」 by Irie Kenzo & Hashiguchi Takashi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.01

Volume 4 chapters:
25 幸福の王子
26 優しい人間
27 医局のしがらみ
28 生命の神秘
29 世界の常識
30 完璧ではないモノ
31 命（みこと）の弱み
32 命（みこと）の病気
33 自分だけのルール
34 腕利きの外部者

Related Series
Saijou no Meii - The King of Neet (sequel; three volumes per 2010.12)

2. [Series Premiere] Ciuman Dewa (Kamisama Hajimemashita) 1 of 8+ by Suzuki Julietta

Kamisama Hajimemashita 「神様はじめました」 by Suzuki Julietta Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.09

Other languages
English Kamisama Hajimemashita (VIZ Media; volume 1 per 2010.12.07 • volume 2 street date: 2011.03.01)

3. Devil & Sweet (Akuma to Dolce) 2 of 2+ by Suzuki Julietta

Akuma to Dolce 「悪魔とドルチェ」 by Suzuki Julietta Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.11

4. Look Up! (Miagete Goran) 7 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru

Miagete Goran 「見上げてごらん」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2006.10

Volume 7 chapters:
58 父を知る人
59 遅れた男
60 いざ100面コートへ
61 衝撃のショット
62 了が消えた!?
63 愉快（？）なメンバー
64 ロケットの理由（わけ）
65 仲間
66 マネートーナメント開幕!!
67 成長の跡

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)

5. Our Dear Tamura-kun (Watashitachi no Tamura-kun) 3 of 4 by Kurafuji Sachi & Takemiya Yuyuko

Watashitachi no Tamura-kun 「わたしたちの田村くん」 by Kurafuji Sachi & Takemiya Yuyuko MediaWorks Dengeki Comic Gao!, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.01

Related series
Based on the two-volume light novel series by Takemiya Yuyuko, illustrated by Yasu, serialized in the seinen Dengeki hp

6. The Real Fake Princess 5 of 5 by Ihuan [Finale]

The Real Fake Princess 「真假公主」 by Ihuan (also Yi Huan) Tong Li, shoujo

Other languages
English Real Fake Princess (DrMaster; five volumes), Thai องค์หญิงกำมะลอ (Burapat Comics), Vietnamese Công Chúa Lac Loài (Nhà Xuất Bản Trẻ) and Hungarian Makrancos hercegnő (Delta Vision)

7. A Story of Heroes (Heroes) 33 of 37 by Choi Mir (Daiwon C.I.)
8. Toradora! 2 of 4+ by Zekkou & Takemiya Yuyuko

Toradora! 「とらドラ！」 by Zekkou & Takemiya Yuyuko MediaWorks Dengeki Comic Gao! (former) and Dengeki Daioh (current), shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.02

Related series
Based on the 10-volume light novel series by Takemiya Yuyuko, illustrated by Yasu, published under the Dengeki Bunko imprint

Other languages
English ToraDora! (Seven Seas; volume 1 street date: 2011.03.01) and traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan)

Adaptations
Twenty-five episodes of J.C.Staff's anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Majima Junji (Takasu Ryuuji) and Kugimiya Rie as Aisaka Taiga, aired on TV Tokyo from October 2008 to March 2009. An Internet radio show to promote the anime broadcast 38 episodes between September 2008 and May 2009.

¹ Sources: Elex STO 22 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each. Nakayoshi Lovely 9 retails for IDR 30,000/issue
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Finales

The Real Fake Princess 5 of 5 by Ihuan

I likes DrMaster's Real Fake Princess, Vol. 5 description, so going with that first.

On the run and torn between her love for two men, Zi Li has no clue what to do. It seems happiness with either suitor is lost to her. Not to mention, her own brother would rather see her dead than let the long kept skeleton out of the family closet.

If you want Elex's name-dropping version, however —

Zili and Zhonglu reunite, but after Yang Yue discovers that Zili is the Song princess, will he let her go? Faced with Zili and Zhonglu's love, will Tang Hui give up?

Meanwhile, Tai Fang lalu accompanies Zili to Lin'an to await the decision regarding Zili's fate.

Between Hui and Zhonglu, who will Zili choose?

Ongoing series

Devil & Sweet 2 of 2+ by Suzuki Julietta

It just stands to reason that even a high-level demon like Beaut would be clueless about Valentine's Day. The problem comes when he accepts a chocolate full of “special meaning” from Mayuri.

Will Beaut's desire to become closer to Mayuri—he even enrolls in a human school—be enough to placate Mayuri?

Look Up! 7 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru

After the winning against Hien and thinking that he will be fielded in the interhigh finals, Yuzawa Ryo is surprised to learn of a sudden decision to send him to the U.S. for training. Coach Niwa invites Ryo to an old tennis court in Florida where Ryo meets someone he never anticipated encountering again.

Our Dear Tamura-kun 3 of 4 by Kurafuji Sachi & Takemiya Yuyuko

Who is Souma? A brief sentence in the postcard Yukisada receives haunts him. On the night Souma confesses her love, a night full of confusion and turmoil, a missive arrives that seemingly articulates Yukisada's feelings.

A Story of Heroes 33 of 37 by Choi Mir

Yushin, along with Budel, sets off for the Gods' world in pursuit of the Four Corners Pearl Shards. The task proves difficult at every turn, with Yushin and allies having to fight off strange flora as well as the Goddess of Water.

UP NEXT: Level Comics and m&c! 22 December 2010 manga and manhwa

Level Comics: A Spirit of The Sun 7 · Air Gear 17 · Fist of The Blue Sky 3 · Hikayat Genji 5 · Jio 11 · Psychometrist Eiji 17 · The Ravages of Time 6 · Yakari - Di Sarang Berang-Berang

m&c!: Female Wolf's Boy 10 · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 5 · Goal Den Age 2 · Go! Hiromi Go! 6

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Nia Ika-san again

disclaimer

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

manga available this week (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

related monthly schedule(s)

December 2010
Premiering Cynical Kanoko by Tsuda Ririko, Hallelujah Overdrive by Takata Kentaro, Hitohira by Kirihara Idumi, The Recipe for Gertrude by Kusakawa Nari

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Elex Media · manga · manhwa · manhua · shoujo · shounen · sonyun · The Best Skilled Surgeon (Saijou no Meii) · Ciuman Dewa (Kamisama Hajimemashita) · Devil & Sweet (Akuma to Dolce) · Look Up! (Miagete Goran) · Our Dear Tamura-kun (Watashitachi no Tamura-kun) · The Real Fake Princess · A Story of Heroes · Toradora

Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 5, Here we are 13, With My Brothers 7 (Elex Media 18 August 2010 manga)

Bokura ga Ita © Obata Yuuki/Shogakukan (Serialized in Betsucomi)
Published in Indonesia as Here we are by Elex Media

Contains   [SPOILERS!] and (TV) Tropes
(Caution is advised esp. when surfing from pink underlined links)

The most important thing about this Elex sked? The return of Here we are and Throbbing Midnight from When is the next coming out?? limbo. Obata Yuuki's Bokura ga Ita continues teh angst in volume 13, while Ikeno Koi's Tokimeki Midnight, a shrink-retelling of the 30-tankou vampires and werewolves-troped Tokimeki Tonight wraps with volume 9. (I will get to the top Do Want!—Spiral: The Bonds of Reason—in a minute.)

So, here we are: Near dear Takeuchi resolves to propose to Nanami at the same time Sengenji bumps into Yano, Takeuchi's Chick Magnet rival, MIA all this time. Despite Sengenji spilling Yano's whereabouts to Nanami, she refuses to go to him and actually meets Take for a date on her birthday. Does this mean Nanami is finally relinquishing her feelings for Yano and has decided to settle for Take?

Throbbing Midnight 9 of 9 by Ikeno Koi

Remade into an Ordinary High School Student here Ranze ventures into the underworld to rescue Prince-with-an-agenda/Boyfriend in Tokimeki Tonight's parallel universe Shun. While there, she slips back to the underworld's past. What else to do but... digress to matchmaking Her Majesty and the spirits sentinel? [Additional information from Zahara-san's Shoujo Manga Page gratefully acknowledged.]

(Ranze, dear, don't forget your agenda: saving Shun, remember?)

Spiral: The Bonds of Reason 5 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Blurb = 0 for the dernier cri volume, so, adapting Carlsen's Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 5 synop:

The stakes for the Absurdly High Staked Game just shot through the roof, as the Blade Children face a new threat: a Hunter mercilessly stalking the minus one rib prodigies. Estrogen Brigade Bait Eyes Rutherford can take the Hunter out easy, so why is he resisting? And what's our defeat them with logic master detective Ayumu and his Watson doing, with a Xanatos Gambit (if not a Thirty Xanatos Pileup) looming on the horizon?

Yen Press' Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning 5 summary IDs the latest danger [+/-] —

Kanon Hilbert, who is Eyes' blank. (Yeah, yeah, you know what Kanon is to Eyes.)

Previews (With My Brothers 7, the penultimate Libero Revolution!!) continued after the manga list.

MANGAZINES: Nakayoshi 83 premieres Dua Pangeran Bintang by Hanamori Pink

Nakayoshi Gress!, the last of the Elex mangazines to yield to the new IDR 30,000 standard, debuts Dua Pangeran Bintang by Hanamori Pink (My Fiancé is a Monster manga-ka). I can't track down the original Japanese title, but here's a lowdown:

Seven years ago, Minami met just the nicest guy and fell in love. Minami's hatsukoi lived in a house with simply the biggest tree on the grounds. Fast forward to present day and Minami is reunited with her first love. Except... now he's a twin?!

So which guy did Minami fall for?

So there's your eponymous Dua Pangeran or Two Princes. Wonder what Bintang (Star) has to do with them though. Also, speculating that this is supernatural troped; why else would Elex wazawaza include that bit about the tree? A sacred shimenawa rope is probably tied around it—oh wait, I'm thinking of a shrine.

The rest of the Nakayoshi pals in this issue

• Arisa by Ando Natsumi
• Boy Friend by Yamada Daisy
• CHOCOLATE by Fukushima Haruka
• Million Girl by Momoyuki Kotori
• Navi Runa (Youkai Navi Runa) by Kikuta Michiyo & Ikeda Miyoko
• New Hell Girl (Shin Jigoku Shoujo) by Etoo Miyuki & the Jigoku Shojo Project
• Shugo Chara! by PEACH-PIT (volume 10 releases concurrently)
• Sweet Tamatan (Dokidoki! Tama-tan) by Koge-Donbo
• XX Me! (Watashi ni xx Shinasai!) by Toyama Ema

Dropped from NakaGress 83's cover line-up: My Fiancé is a Monster by Hanamori Pink, Tsuba Kiyo - 28K4 by Hara Asumi, The Great Detective Kiyoshiro Yumemizu by Enue Kei & Hayamine Kaoru and Ogawa & Team Saito by Sakyo. (Have the compiled in two volumes Tsuba Kiyo and Fiancé wa Monster ended? YumeKi and Ogawa are still ongoing so we'll probably see them again.)

BTW, Nakayoshi is looking for manga translators. Interested?

Elex Media manga (2010.08.18)

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

1. Crows 11 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi

Crows 「クローズ」 by Takahashi Hiroshi AKA Crows: Busou Sensen Reimeihen Akita Shoten Monthly Shounen Champion, shounen Volume 11 first published in Japan 1993.11

Related series

Worst (sequel, 24 volumes as at 2010.06) and Crows Zero (spin-off; nine volumes as at 2010.08)

Adaptations
Two live-action prequel movies for Crows have been produced: Crows ZERO (Japan theatrical release: October 2007) and Crows ZERO II (April 2009). Miike Takashi directed both films starring Oguri Shun as GPS leader Takiya Genji and Yamada Takayuki as Serizawa Tamao.

2. Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo) 6 of 9 by Eto Miyuki

Jigoku Shoujo 「地獄少女」 by Eto Miyuki · Jigoku Shojo Project Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.12

Other language versions/serializations
Concluded Indonesian serialization in Nakayoshi Gress!.
Hell Girl is published in English by Del Rey (Volume 6: His Time Has Come released 2009.11.24 • volumes 7-9 street date: 2010.10.26); in French by Editions Pika (La fille des enfers tome 9 released 2009.11); and in German by Tokyopop Germany (volumes 1-4) and EMA (volume 5 onwards).

Related
Adapted from the anime produced by Aniplex and Studio DEEN. Twenty-six episodes aired in Japan from October 2005 through April 2006 (the Animax Asia Girl from Hell telecast premiered on 24 October 2006), followed by a second and third season: Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori (2006.10 to 2007.04) and Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae (2008.10 to 2009.04), both also 26 episodes long. Seiyuu Noto Mamiko, Sugo Takayuki, Matsukaze Masaya, and Honda Takako starred as Enma Ai, Wanyuudou, Ichimoku Ren, and Hone-Onna respectively.

A 12-epsiode live-action renzoku aired on NTV between November 2007 and January 2008, with Iwata Sayuri as Enma Ai, Ogura Hisahiro (the Narrator in the anime series) as Wanyuudou, Kato Kazuki as Ichimoku Ren, and Sugimoto Aya as Hone-Onna.

RELATED MANGA
Shin Jigoku Shoujo (New Hell Girl, sequel; three volumes; ongoing Indonesian serialization in NakaGress) · Jigoku Shoujo R (sequel; one volume as at 2010.03)

3. Here we are (Bokura ga Ita) 13 of 14+ by Obata Yuuki

Bokura ga Ita 「僕等がいた」 by Obata Yuuki Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 13 first published in Japan 2009.10

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Ashihara Hinako's Sand's Chronicle)

Other language versions
VIZ Media publishes the English We Were There (volume 11 released 2010.07.06). Other global releases: France (published by Soleil, C'était Nous tome 13 released 2010.03), Germany (EMA), Spain and Argentina (Editorial Ivrea) and Taiwan (Tong Li).

Adaptations
ArtLand's 26-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Sasaki Nozomi as Takahashi Nanami, Yazaki Hiroshi as Yano Motoharu, Kawakubo Takuji as Takeuchi Masafumi and Nakayama Erina as Yamamoto Yuri aired between July and December 2006 in Japan.

Related
Shogakukan published the Bokuga ga Ita Koushiki Fan Book in November 2005.

4. Kariage Kun 32 of 48+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Manga Town, seinen Volume 32 first published in Japan 2000.02

Awards
Recipient, 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982), along with Ueda Masashi's other series Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun and Suzuki Yamato's Ai MY Tenrankai

Related series
Sequels: Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen, Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen and Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen

5. Libero Revolution!! 12 of 13 by Tanaka Motoyuki

Libero Kakumei!! 「リベロ革命！！」 by Tanaka Motoyuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2002.05 Re-released in seven bunko volumes (from November 2008 to May 2009)

Volume 10 contains chapters:
96 7人全員...
97 一馬負傷!!
98 全力全開っ!!
99 動けっ!!
100 勝つぞっ!!
101 ゲームセット!?
102 激闘決着!!
103 ご推薦!?
104 人気者!?

6. Look Up! (Miagete Goran) 3 of 8 by Kusaba Michiteru

Miagete Goran 「見上げてごらん」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.12

Volume 4 contains chapters:
18 つばぜりあい
19 壁打ち!!
20 後はまかせた...!?
21 勝負の行方は...!?
22 運命のラケット
23 勝負！奥多摩高校
24 新ラケットを使いこなせ！
25 五つ葉!!
26 五つ葉の実力
27 上手くなりたい！

Serializations
Ongoing Indonesian serialization in Shonen Star

7. Shinagawa Cat Story (Shinagawajuku Nekogatari) 2 of 3+ by Nishida Kana

Shinagawajuku Nekogatari 「品川宿　猫語り」 by Nishida Kana Shonen Gahosha Neko Panchi, doubutsu manga Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.01

8. Shugo Chara! 10 of 11 by PEACH-PIT

Shugo Chara! 「しゅごキャラ！」 by PEACH-PIT AKA My Guardian Characters Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2009.10

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 2008 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other language versions/serializations
Ongoing serialization in Nakayoshi Gress!
Shugo Chara! published in English by Del Rey (Volume 9: A Big Discovery released 2010.07.27 • volume 10 street date: 2011.02.22). Other global releases: France (Pika Edition's tome 9 scheduled 2010.08.18), Germany (EMA) and Taiwan (Ever Glory).

Related
Shugo Chara! Encore! (sequel, four chapters only) and Shugo Chara-chan! (spin-off, three volumes as at 2010.04)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Satelight in 2007. Fifty-one episodes aired in Japan from October 2007 to September 2008 on TV Tokyo, followed by another 51 episodes of Shugo Chara!! Doki— (2008.10 to 2009.09). A third Shugo Chara Party! TV series aired from October 2009 to March 2010. Seiyuu Itō Kanae, Takagi Reiko, Nakamura Yuuichi and Mizuki Nana (Hinamori Amu, Tadase Hotori, Ikuto Tsukiyomi and Utau Hoshina respectively) star in all anime iterations.

A Shugo Chara! musical, starring Shugo Chara Egg! (Shugo Chara!! Doki— OP performer) and S/mileage member Maeda Yuuka as Amu, enjoyed a theater run in early 2009.

9. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 5 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「スパイラル　推理の絆」 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.10

Volume 5 contains chapters:
20. Only One Way to Disappear
21. Good Night Sweet Hearts
22. Dried Eyes
23. Night Comes Again
24. Moving Target
25. Like a Swan

Other language versions
Yen Press publishes the English Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (volume 12 released 2010.07.13 • volume 13 street date: 2010.10.26). Carlsen Comics translates the German version (latest Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 10)

Related series
Spiral Alive (prequel; five volumes) and a series of light novels.

Adaptations
A 25-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff, based on the first six volumes of the manga, with an alternate ending aired on TV Tokyo from October 2002 to March 2003. The anime cast seiyuu Suzumura Kenichi as Narumi Ayumu, Asano Masumi as Yuizaki Hiyono, and Ishida Akira as Eyes Rutherford.

A series of drama CDs have also been produced.

10. Throbbing Midnight (Tokimeki Midnight) 9 of 9 by Ikeno Koi [Finale]

Tokimeki Midnight 「ときめきミッドナイト」 by Ikeno Koi Shueisha Cookie, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2009.08

Related series
Alternate retelling of earlier released Tokimeki Tonight (30 volumes)

11. With My Brothers (Oniichan to Issho) 7 of 11 by Tokeino Hari

Oniichan to Issho 「お兄ちゃんと一緒」 by Tokeino Hari Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 7 first published in Japan 2007.04

Other language versions/serializations
Ongoing serialization in the Indonesian HanaLaLa
Published in English as Me & My Brothers by TOKYOPOP (11 of 11 volumes).

Adaptations
Adapted into two audio dramas. The first LaLa Tokimeki Drama CD was released as a LaLa April 2007 freebie. (La Corda D'Oro, Ryuu no Hanawazurai (serialized as Dragon's Fiancé), and Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (My Sweet Kaicho) dramas also bundled in the same CD.) Seiyuu Fukuen Misato, Kondō Takashi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Suzumura Kenichi, and Konishi Katsuyuki voiced Miyashita sibs Sakura, Masashi, Takashi, Tsuyoshi, and Takeshi. A second commercially-released CD went on sale in July 2007.

¹ Sources: Elex STO 18 August 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Kariage-kun 32 which retails for IDR 15,000. Nakayoshi Gress 83/2010 is priced at IDR 30,000/volume, as noted above.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued

Kariage Kun 32 of 48+ by Ueda Masashi

So salaryman Kariage is an animal lover? He has all the best intentions in the world, but they only translate into weird. Even the animals who witness his antics can only sweatdrop and shake their heads.

Libero Revolution!! 12 of 13 by Tanaka Motoyuki

Victory is close at hand, or is it?

Team Seikai succeeds in grabbing the second set from reigning champ Fujiwara in the autumn amateur finals but it's too early to tell who will win. Seikai has trouble catching up to Fujiwara in the third set, even suffering a severe blow as the set nears its end. Kazuma sprains his foot, the injury grave enough to retire the player from the game. For Team Seikai which has only seven players, the loss of Kazuma means disqualification!

Shinagawa Cat Story 2 of 3+ by Nishida Kana

Shinagawa, a small but heavily-populated town, counts among its inhabitants the human and feline varieties. And in the residential district the Tajimas call home, a new family moves in. Unfortunately, the latest missus doesn't socialize much, which sets the rest of the gregarious wives and mothers speculating whether something is wrong with their newest neighbor.

With My Brothers 7 of 11 by Tokeino Hari

Sakura has to retake a test she failed if she doesn't want to be left behind by her classmates when they get promoted. But how can she concentrate on her studies at home, when older brother Masashi provides such a distraction? But there may be hope for Sakura yet? Masashi, who has missed his deadline, has been kidnapped by his editor!

UP NEXT: More 18 August 2010 manga

Level Comics: Until Death Do Us Part 1 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S · Gokusen 15 of 15 · Restore Garage 9 · Nurse Aoi 13 · Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju

m&c!: Bleach 33 · Idol Shopping 2 · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 2 · A Badboy Drinks Tea 7 · Female Wolf's Boy 2 · Sandwich Girl 2 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 11 · Long Hu Men 170 · Star Wars 8 · The Great Ants: Sirkus Keliling · Humor Pegawai Negeri: Pengurangan Jam Kerja · Humor Guru: Undian dan Jebakan

Iamque opus exegi,
~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.

manga currently available (11 August 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: The Ruler of Nabari 12 · Vampire Knight 3 · Beauty Honey 1 by Matsumoto Tomo · Piano Hutan 17 · Dorabase 18 · Kaiser Z 15 · Magic Peddler Roma 1 by Kurazono Norihiko · Otoboke Section Chief 5 | Shonen Star 70/2010
• Level Comics: Blade of Immortal 9 · Half An Apple 3 · Hotaru's Light 10 · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 3 · A Spirit of the Sun 5 · Subaru 8 | Lucky Luke - Hukuman Gantung · Spirou - Sarang Marsupilami · Yakari - Para Tawanan Pulau
• m&c!: Sparkling Gingachou 10 of 10 · Bleach 32 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 9 · Go! Hiromi Go! 2 · Ijime: The Invisible Malice by Igarashi Kaoru · Miracle Ball 10 · Sugar Family 2 · Yabuuchi Yuu Fan Book | Confucius 2

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering Topeng Kaca Deluxe by Miuchi Suzue, Mixim 11 by Anzai Nobuyuki, Rinne by Takahashi Rumiko, A Little More to Edo by Tsuda Masami, Beauty Honey by Matsumoto Tomo, Want You by Hwang MiRee, Hello Master by Tsukuba Sakura, Ogawa & Team Saito by Sakyo, You are so cool by Lee YoungHui | Standalones: Angin Musim Gugur by Hikawa Kyoko and Manekineko Real Estate by Sorano Sakana

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Elex Media · manga · shoujo · shounen · seinen · Crows · Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo) · Here we are (Bokura ga Ita) · Kariage-kun · Libero Revolution!! (Libero Kakumei!!) · Look Up! (Miagete Goran) · Shinagawa Cat Story (Shinagawajuku Nekogatari) · Shugo Chara! · Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) · Throbbing Midnight (Tokimeki Midnight) · With My Brothers (Oniichan to Issho) · Nakayoshi: Dua Pangeran Bintang