Kekkaishi 9, QED 37, Barista 1 by Muronaga Kumi & Hanagata Rei (Elex Media 22 September 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Update: Nau exclusively Elex covers (plus a few tweaks here and there)

Topeng Kaca Deluxe 17 doesn't appear on this list — postponed to the 28th. Look for it then.

Barista © Muronaga Kumi & Hanagata Rei/Houbunsha
[Serialized in Shuukan Manga Times]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Before we start ordering some kohi, Houi! Jouso! Ketsu! first:

Yagyou sends Gen's master Hanashima Atora to train Karasumori's guardians, and Yoshimori, Gen and Tokine will have to show that they have teamwork in spades, or else. Meanwhile, Shigemori's pal Matsudo Heisuke registers on Kokuboro's radar and...

VIZ hints at a looming disaster for our three kekkaishi-in-arms in its Kekkaishi, Vol. 9 synop: Their loyalty to each other is really tested when the Kokuboro princess falls ill, and the ayakashi attempt to cure her! Plus, Gen receives a strange gift from an enemy—one that may reveal something about himself that he would prefer not to know! (Yeah, yeah, you saw it in the anime; now read the source manga.)

Kekkaishi 9 compiles chapters 76 through 85: Caged Bird, Hanashima Atora, Raizo, Dog Fight, Gagin and Hekian, A Rat, Assault, The Final Journey, The Master's Throne and Agony. [*NOT Elex chapter titles]

For more recent Kekkaishi chapters, check out the Indonesian Shonen Sunday—Shonen Star—still running Tanabe Yellow's shounen award-winner. Issue 16/2011 streeted 14 September. Kekkaishi ended in Japan with the release of volume 35 on 18 August.

Q.E.D. 37 of 40+ by Katou Motohiro
Elex understates it when it describes Katou Motohiro's shounen tantei manga Q.E.D. (the other top DO WANT! this release sked) as just an exciting and compelling detective story. I wax eloquent about this manga Quite Elegantly Done here, but for those who don't need Q.E.D.'ing, blurb —

Murder strikes at the heart of the FBI. "Criminal Profiling" seminar participant Seto Koichi, lead investigator in the case of confiscated drug theft within the police force, is found dead in his room. Suspicion falls on his partner Arita Seiji. How will Toma solve this case?

Elex's Q.E.D. preview refers to Kuliah Pembunihan or Satsujin Kōgi (Murder Lecture) that first appeared in Magazine E-no's July 2010 issue. The other case collected in volume 37 is the anime-troped Anima (September 2010 issue).

And speaking of E-no, that mangazine ceased publication in June and was replaced by Monthly Shōnen Magazine +. Q.E.D. moves to the new mangazine, alongside a new Q.E.D./C.M.B. crossover starring Q.E.D.'s Touma Sou and his equally genius cousin, C.M.B.'s Sakaki Shinra this October. (Also speaking of C.M.B., volume 16 is scheduled for 28 September.)

New Elex titles: Barista by Muronaga Kumi & Hanagata Rei

Japanese Kouki Aoi works as a barista in an Italian bar in Rome. Because of his expertise, a major player invites him to establish an Italian bar back home.

(Yup, switched the former synopsis with the one on the back cover blurb.)

Elex focuses on the seinen manga's more mature and laid-back narrative style. My question: In comparison to what? (Starts thinking of other similarly-set titles and can only come up with...The Drops of God, the Coffee version :P)

Volume 1 spans eight episodes: Bicerin kenangan, Caffè latte ajaib, Caffè papa, Mocca harta karun, Cappuccino keberuntungan, Suka duka apprendista, Bar sejati and Harga diri primo.

Barista has compiled five volumes as at 16 July. It continues to serialize in Houbunsha's Shuukan Manga Times. For other works by writer Hanagata Rei and manga-ka Muronaga Kumi, scroll down.

Elex Media manga (2011.09.22)

1. [Series Premiere] Barista 1 of 5+ by Muronaga Kumi and Hanagata Rei

Barista 「バリスタ」 by Muronaga Kumi and Hanagata Rei Houbunsha Shuukan Manga Times, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2010.03

2. BECK 27 of 34 by Harold Sakuishi

BECK 「ＢＥＣＫ」 by Harold Sakuishi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 27 first published in Japan 2006.08

Awards
Winner, 2002 Kodansha Manga Awards for the Shounen category (tied with Nonaka Eiji's Cromartie High School)

Serializations/Other languages
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English BECK:Mongolian Chop Squad (TOKYOPOP: till volume 12), French (Akata/Delcourt: 34 volumes per 2010.03), Italian (Dynit), German (Tokyopop Germany; lapsed) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Adaptations
Anime adaptation (till manga volume 11) by Madhouse featuring seiyuu Namikawa Daisuke (Tanaka Yukio/Koyuki), Ueno Yuuma (Minami Ryuusuke) and Saiki Miho (Minami Maho). Twenty-six episodes aired from October 2004 to March 2005 on TV Tokyo.

A BECK live-action film directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, starring Mizushima Hiro (Ryuusuke) and Satoh Takeru (Koyuki), premiered 4 September 2010 in Japan.

Related
Guidebooks: BECK The Guidebook Complete Edition (Japan release: 2010.08); BECK Live! -Festival & Movie Guide- (2010.07); BECK At Last 33 1/3 (2008.10); BECK Music Guide (2005.10); BECK Volume 00 The Guidebook (2004.03); BECK Volume 0 The Guidebook (2002.11)

3. Dodge Fighters (Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters) 7 of 10 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo

Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters 「がんばれ！ドッジファイターズ」 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 7 first published in Japan 2005.03

4. Kekkaishi 9 of 35 by Tanabe Yellow

Kekkaishi 「結界師」 by Tanabe Yellow Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 9 (chapters 76-85) first published in Japan 2005.09

Awards
Winner, 52nd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Shounen category

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
English Kekkaishi (VIZ Media: 27 volumes per 2011.08 • volume 28 street date: 2011.10.11), French (PIKA Édition: tome 27 shipped 2011.06), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 17 released 2011.05 • Band 18 per 2011.11.18), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 结界师 #34 released 2011.07), traditional Chinese (Rightman Publishing Limited Hong Kong and Tong Li Taiwan), Italian (Planet Manga), Malaysian (PCM Comics), Korean (Bookbox), Spanish (Editorial Ivrea Spain), Vietnamese (Kim Dong)

Adaptations
Sunrise's 52-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Yoshino Hiroyuki (Sumimura Yoshimori) and Saitou Rie (Yukimura Tokine), aired in Japan from October 2006 to February 2008. The anime aired on Animax Asia from 15 February to 27 April 2011.

Related
An official TV animation guide book (released 2006.12 under the Shonen Sunday Comics Special imprint) and two official strategy guides for Wii and Nintendo DS (Wonderlife Special: 2007.06 (Nintendo DS), 2007.11 (Wii))

5. Kojiro 2 of 7 by Muraeda Kenichi

Kojiro 「光路郎」 by Muraeda Kenichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday Comics, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 1991.06

Reissues
Rereleased in four wide-ban from 1999.03 to 1999.09 and in four bunkoban from 2010.04 to 2010.07

Related series
Imouto Sensei Nagisa AKA Hot for my samurai teacher! (ongoing serialization in Monthly Shonen Sunday)
Titles published under Shimanaka Shoten's Island Comics Primo imprint: Koujiro: Dai unabara o koete (Japan release: 2004.11); Koujiro: Tatta hitori no onīsan (2004.10); Koujiro: Totte oki no hankachīfu (2004.09); Koujiro: Sensei janē, Koujiro da! (2004.08)

6. Mixim 11 volume 5 of 12 by Anzai Nobuyuki

MiXiM 11 「ＭＩＸＩＭ☆１１」 by Anzai Nobuyuki AKA MiXiM♀12 Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 5 (chapters 44-53) first published in 2009.09

Other languages
English Mixim 11 (Chuang Yi: volume 5 released 2010.05)

7. Natane 2 of 6 Deluxe (Nijiiro Togarashi [Bunko]) by Adachi Mitsuru

Nijiiro Togarashi (bunko) 「虹色とうがらし　(小学館文庫)」 by Adachi Mitsuru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Bunko volume 2 first published in Japan 2002.06

8. Q.E.D. Quod Erat Demonstrandum (Q.E.D. Shomei Shuryo) 37 of 40+ by Katou Motohiro

Q.E.D. Shomei Shuryo 「Ｑ．Ｅ．Ｄ．証明終了」 by Katou Motohiro Kodansha Magazine E-no (formerly Magazine GREAT), shounen Volume 37 (chapters 73-74) first published in Japan 2010.10

Awards
Winner, 2009 Kodansha Manga Awards for the Shounen category (tied with Mashima Hiro's Fairy Tail)

Other language versions
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 神通小偵探 Wonder Little Detective volume 37 released 2011.03)

Related series
C.M.B. (side story, ongoing, 18 volumes as at 2011.10.17) and the upcoming Q.E.D./C.M.B. crossover manga to premiere in Monthly Shōnen Magazine + on 20 October.

Adaptations
A 10-episode live action renzoku starring Nakamura Aoi as Touma Sou and Takahashi Ai as Mizuhara Kana aired in Japan from January to March 2009 on NHK.

9. RAVE - Plue's Dog Diaries (Rave: Plue no Inu Nikki) 3 of 3 by Mashima Hiro [Finale]

Rave: Plue no Inu Nikki 「ＲＡＶＥ　プルーの犬日記」 by Mashima Hiro Kodansha BonBon, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.02

Related series
Groove Adventure RAVE (main story; 35 volumes)

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

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Vampire Knight 7, One Piece 59, Natsume Yujincho 1 by Midorikawa Yuki (Elex Media 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Blooming Youth 4 and Her Idol Boy 1 postponed to 3 August. (I have it on good authority that Natsume Yujincho 1 streets as planned.)

Update: Added s'more Elex covers and blurbs

Natsume Yujincho © Midorikawa Yuki/Hakusensha [Serialized in LaLa]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Before Natsume Yujincho though, manga DO WANT! #1 and #2 first —

After her arduous research gets her nowhere, Yuki decides to ask Kaname about her past. Kaname reacts by dodging her question in various ways, and asks her to become his ‘lover’. She agrees, and from that moment on, her life changes... even though she doesn't know it yet....

The Vampire Knight 7 blurb above excerpted from Chuang Yi because I couldn't find Elex's version. »Edit: Eventually found one, but since it's more or less the same as what I have here, keeping mine :D Meanwhile, VIZ's Vampire Knight, Vol. 7 contributes that Yuki suspects Kaname of memory manipulation; when Zero tackles the Pur Sang (using the word in its original sense) about it, the two come to blows over Yuki. They not only struggle violently (as Panini's French Vampire Knight, Tome 7 blurb hints), Zero also ends up quaffing Kaname's blood. (Thanks, Wiki.)

Vampire Knight 7 compiles 30th through 34th Nights: For Whom the Blood Flows, The Answer's Whereabouts, False Miniature Garden, The Pure Blood Vampire's Lover (last chapter before HanaLaLa ceased publication) and Bloody World (the last NOT HanaLaLa's title, obviously). Rounding out the seventh VK tank is the Cross Family Vacation side story. With volume 7's release, Elex surpasses what it serialized via (poor, axed) HanaLaLa.

One Piece 59 of 62+ by Oda Eiichiro

The pirates' war with the Navy reaches its climax; what fate lies in store for Luffy, Ace and every other combatant?

I refuse to say moar on grounds of   [SPOILAGE]. That's why no One Piece 59 subtitle nor chapters 574 to 584 titles.

New Elex manga: Natsume Yujincho by Midorikawa Yuki ♥

Two titles actually premiere, but I lob the NikBabble™ on proudly homegrown Geng Bokek Behind the Cut. Although I will say here that Annisa Nisfihani's art and Geng Bokek's premise, despite its Kalimantan setting, show Very Shoujo Sensibilities :D

Speaking of shoujo—with a male lead though—leads us to With friends like these, enemies are overkill Natsume Yujincho. I prolly don't need to babble, especially if you followed HanaLaLa (nine chapters serialized) and/or Brains Base's anime adapt (Natsume Yūjin-Chō, Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō and the ongoing Natsume Yūjin-Chō San). Enough to say that since childhood, Natsume has been able to see spirits and that one day, he discovers he has to undo what his grandmother accomplished with a certain book, "Yujincho." Meanwhile, a sealed feline spirit Nyanko-sensei ("Master Little Meow") eagerly waits for Natsume to die so that he can get paws on the problematic "Book of Friends." [Continued after release list]

☆ In other LaLa manga, Tsuda Masami's Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) wraps in the Japanese mangazine's upcoming 24 August issue. The Elex Kisah Edo volume 3 streets this Wednesday. I still wrote of 5+ below because I don't know the final volume number yet. [More babble below]

Elex Media manga, manhwa and local comics (2011.07.27)

1. A Story of Heroes (Heroes) 37 of 37 by Choi Mir (Daiwon C.I.) [Finale]
2. Casting 2 of 8 by KITT & Park SangYong (Daiwon C.I.)
3. Crows 19 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 19 first published in Japan 1995.12

Related series
Main story: Crows Gaiden (three volumes: 1, 2 (Sono Go no Crows) and 3 (Zoku - Crows Gaiden))
Sequel: Worst (27 volumes as at 2011.08.06)
Spin-offs: Crows Zero (nine volumes as at 2010.08); Crows Gaiden: Linda Linda (two volumes); Suzuran Danshi Koukou Nyuugaku Annai (one volume)

Adaptations
Two live-action prequel movies: Crows ZERO (Japan theatrical release: October 2007) and Crows ZERO II (April 2009), directed by Miike Takashi and starring Oguri Shun (GPS leader Takiya Genji) and Yamada Takayuki (Serizawa Tamao)

4. Culdcept 6 of 6+ [Hiatus] by Kaneko Shinya & OMIYA Soft

Culdcept 「Ｃｕｌｄｃｅｐｔ」 by Kaneko Shinya & OMIYA Soft Kodansha Magazine Z, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.09 (On hiatus at volume 6)

Related
Based on the Culdcept video game

Other languages
English Culdcept (TOKYOPOP: five volumes per 2006.06), Italian (Star Comics), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain: volume 6 per 2009.02)

5. Cute Children (Zettai Karen Children) 17 of 26+ by Shiina Takashi

Zettai Karen Children 「絶対可憐チルドレン」 by Shiina Takashi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 17 first published in Japan 2009.07

Adaptations
Synergy SP's 51-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Hirano Aya (Akashi Kaoru), Tomatsu Haruka (Sannomiya Shiho), Shiraishi Ryoko (Nogami Aoi) and Nakamura Yuuichi (Minamoto Kōichi) aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009. A special episode Generous Treatment! Natsuko and Hotaru's B.A.B.E.L. Report aired 2009.01.04. An OAV released 2010.07.16.

The Zettai Karen Children no Gōka Shinsaku Audio Drama "Tsuika kōen! Pati no hime rareta kōzen no jōnetsu" drama CD was bundled with the limited edition manga volume 26 (2011.06).

6. Doraemon 10 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Right-to-left edition)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 10 first published in Japan 1976.04 Premiered in Indonesia in left-to-right format (vintage ca. 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; 22 volumes as at 2011.05, 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

7. [Premiere] Geng Bokek by Annisa Nisfihani - SL
8. Godhand Teru 33 of 58+ by Yamamoto Kazuki

GodHand Teru 「ゴッドハンド輝」 by Yamamoto Kazuki Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 33 first published in Japan 2007.02

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 天生妙手 vol. 55 per 2011.04)

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

Related
Godhand Teru novels (15 volumes as at 2009.01)
Godhand Teru Complete Dictionary (2010.03); Godhand Teru Valhalla Perfect Guide (2010.03)

9. Hitohira 5 of 7 by Kirihara Idumi

Hitohira 「ひとひら」 by Kirihara Idumi Futabasha Comic High!, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.04

Other languages
English Hitohira (Aurora Publishing: three volumes/hiatus) and traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan: 女優大試煉 4 per 2008.02)

Related series
Sequels: Hitohira Encore (one volume, complete) and Sakaki Mirei no Tame nara Boku wa...!! (two volumes per 2011.08.11)

Adaptations
XEBEC M2's 12-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Kimoto Orie (Asai Mugi), Kawasumi Ayako (Ichinose Nono), Narita Ken (Katsuragi Takashi), Hikami Kyoko (Nishida Risaki) and Kishio Daisuke (Nishida Kai), aired from March to June 2007 in Japan.

10. Inazuma Eleven 4 of 9+ by Yabuno Tenya

Inazuma Eleven 「イナズマイレブン」 by Yabuno Tenya Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.10

Awards
Best Children's Manga, 34th Kodansha Manga Awards (2010)

Related
Based on the Nintendo DS game of the same name, from which an OLM anime, starring seiyuu Takeuchi Junko as Mark Evans (Endou Mamoru), Nojima Hirofumi as Axel Blaze (Gouenji Shuuya), Yoshino Hiroyuki as Jude Sharp (Yuuto Kidou) and Miyano Mamoru as Shawn Frost (Shirou Fubuki), was also adapted. The TV series premiered 2008.10.05 on TV Tokyo and its sequel, Inazuma Eleven GO, is still ongoing (episode 13 airs 2011.07.27); the Inazuma Eleven: Saikyō Gundan Ogre Shūrai sequel premiered 2010.12.23 in Japan, with Inazuma Eleven GO's movie sequel Inazuma Eleven GO: Kyūkyoku no Kizuna Griffon slated to premiere 2011.12.23.

11. Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) 3 of 5+ by Tsuda Masami

Chotto Edo Made 「ちょっと江戸まで」 by Tsuda Masami Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.03

12. Mixim 11 volume 3 of 12 by Anzai Nobuyuki

MiXiM 11 「ＭＩＸＩＭ☆１１」 by Anzai Nobuyuki AKA MiXiM♀12 Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 3 (chapters 24-33) first published in 2009.03

Other languages
English Mixim 11 (Chuang Yi: volume 5 released 2010.05)

13. [Series Premiere] Natsume Yujincho 1 of 12+ by Midorikawa Yuki »Ex-7.20

Natsume Yuujinchou 「夏目友人帳」 by Midorikawa Yuki Hakusensha LaLa DX, then LaLa (starting 2008), shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2005.10

Awards
First Manga Taishō finalist (2008)

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (only until chapter 9 [ex-volume 9] in Issue 55/2010)
English Natsume's Book of Friends (VIZ Media: seven volumes per 2011.06 • volume 8 street date: 2011.08.02), French (Delcourt: Le Pacte des yôkai Tome 10 shipped 2011.04), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 妖怪連絡簿 10 released 2010.11)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Brains Base, featuring seiyuu Kamiya Hiroshi as Natsume Takashi and Inoue Kazuhiko as Nyanko-sensei. Thirteen episodes of Natsume Yūjin-Chō aired between July and September 2008; the second Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō season, also 13 episodes, aired from January to March 2009. The third 13-episode Natsume Yūjin-Chō San anime premiered 2011.07.04.

Also adapted into audio drama, the drama CDs given away with LaLa issues: LaLa Treasure Drama CD (2007.10); LaLa Excellent Drama CD (2008.11); and LaLa Double Premiere Drama CD (2009.05). Another drama CD comes as a furoku in the September 2011 issue.

14. New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) 8 of 21+ by Ueda Masashi

Shin Kobo-chan 「新コボちゃん」 by Ueda Masashi Houbunsha Manga Time Comics, seinen/4-koma Volume 8 first published in Japan 2006.11

15. One Piece 59 of 63+ by Oda Eiichiro »Ex-7.20

One Piece 「ＯＮＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ」 by Oda Eiichiro Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen Volume 59 (chapters 574-584) first published in Japan 2010.08

Awards
Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize finalist (2000-2002)

Other languages
English One Piece (VIZ Media: 57 volumes per 2011.06 • volume 58 street date: 2011.09.13), French and Dutch (Glenat: Tome 57: Bataille décisive au sommet per 2011.04 • Tome 58 street date: 2011.09.07), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain, Editorial Toukan Mexico, LARP Editores S.A. Argentina), Italian (Editions Star Comics), German, Danish and Swedish (Carlsen Comics: German Band 58 shipped 2011.04 • Band 59 street date: 2011.07.29), Portuguese (Conrad), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海賊王 One Piece volume 60 per 2010.12), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 62 released 2011.06)

Adaptations
Adapted into a couple of OAVs before a full anime TV series that has aired over 500 episodes and is still ongoing (seiyuu Tanaka Mayumi plays Monkey D. Luffy). At least 10 animated movies have also been released.

Related
A series of light novels based on the anime, at least five art books and five guidebooks.

16. Princess Resurrection (Kaibutsu Oujo) 3 of 15+ by Mitsunaga Yasunori

Kaibutsu Oujo 「怪物王女」 by Mitsunaga Yasunori Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.12

Other languages
English Princess Resurrection (Del Rey: seven volumes per 2009.11), French (PIKA Édition: Princesse Résurrection Tome 10 shipped 2010.09 • Tome 11 street date: 2011.10.19), German (EMA: Band 7 released 2011.07.07 • Band 8 street date: 2011.09)

Adaptations
A 26 (24 + 2 Extra) episode anime adaptation by Madhouse that aired April through September 2007 (starring seiyuu Kawasumi Ayako as Hime and Oura Fuyuka as Hiyorimi Hiro) and 2 OAV episodes animated by Tatsunoko, bundled with manga volumes 13 and 14 (released 2010.12.09 and 2011.03.09 respectively), with a different voice cast (Hayami Saori as Hime and Irino Miyu as Hiro)

17. Smash! 3 of 18 by Saki Kaori

Smash! 「スマッシュ！」 by Saki Kaori Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.03

18. Vampire Knight 7 of 14+ by Hino Matsuri

Vampire Knight 「ヴァンパイア騎士」 by Hino Matsuri Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 7 (chapters 30-34 + side story) first published in Japan 2008.04

Other languages/serializations
English Vampire Knight (VIZ Media: 12 volumes per 2011.06 • volume 13 street date: 2011.10.04 and Chuang Yi: volume 13 per 2011.03), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 吸血鬼骑士 #13 released 2011.03), traditional Chinese (Ever Glory: 吸血鬼騎士 13 shipped 2011.05), Italian and Portuguese (Panini Comics), French (Marvel Panini France tome 13 shipped 2011.05), German (Carlsen Comics Vampire Knight Band 11 released 2011.06 • Band 12 street date: 2011.11.18; serialized in Daisuki)

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 13+13-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Horie Yui (Cross Yuki), Miyano Mamoru (Kiriyu Zero) and Kishio Daisuke (Kuran Kaname), aired on Japan's TV Tokyo from April through July 2008 (first season) and October through December 2008 (second season as Vampire Knight Guilty). The anime spanned manga chapters 1 through 46.

Two drama CDs preceded the TV series. The first was Track 2 of the LaLa Kirameki Drama CD, produced for LaLa's 29th anniversary and given away as a freebie with the magazine's September 2005 issue. The second Vampire Knight Midnight CD-Pack (LaLa Oubosa Zenin Service CD Vampire Knight (Midnight CD Pack)) was exclusively released for mail order in 2006. The drama CDs feature the same cast as the anime's, with the exception of characters Headmaster Cross Kaien (Koyasu Takehito in the drama; VK anime sound director Gôda Hozumi in the anime), Hio Shizuka (Sonoda Keiko in the drama; Orikasa Fumiko in the anime) and Sayori Wakaba (Ueda Kana in the drama; Mizuno Risa in the anime).

Related
Two Hino Matsuri-illustrated light novels were written by Fujisaki Ayuna. The Vampire Knight: Ice Blue no Tsumi and Vampire Knight: Noir no Wana side stories released in Japan 2008.04.05 and 2008.10.03 respectively. Chuang Yi published the first novel in English as Vampire Knight: Ice Blue Sin in July 2010. Marvel Panini France's Vampire Knight: Coeur de glace also shipped the same month. Carlsen published the German version as Vampire Knight: Eisblaues Verbrechen in November 2009, following that up with the second Noir's Trap novel (retitled Vampire Knight: Tiefschwarzer Hinterhalt) in May 2010.

The official fanbook, Vampire Knight Fanbook: Cross, containing character and story information and details from Hino-sensei's storyboard, was published in November 2008 in Japan. (German Vampire Knight: X Official Fanbook released by Carlsen; VIZ Media launched the Vampire Knight Official Fanbook in October 2010.)

The Vampire Knight artbook 「樋野まつりイラストレーションズ－ヴァンパイア騎士（ナイト）－」 streeted concurrently with volume 12 in Japan (2010.07.05).

19. Vinland Saga 5 of 10+ by Yukimura Makoto

Vinland Saga 「ヴィンランド・サガ」 by Yukimura Makoto Kodansha Afternoon (initially in Weekly Shonen Magazine), shounen/seinen Volume 5 (chapters 29-35) first published in Japan 2007.10

Awards
Nominee, 2008 Manga Taisho award and Grand Prize winner, Manga division, Japan Media Arts awards

Other languages/serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing serialization)
French (Kurokawa: Tome 9 shipped 2011.03.10), Italian (Star Comics), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海盜戰記 9 released 2011.03.)

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

Mangazines (2011.07.27)

1. Nakayoshi Gress! 7/2011 (Kodansha)
2. Shonen Star 13/2011 (Shogakukan)

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Golden Book Deluxe by Hikawa Kyoko, New Sexy Simpleton 8, Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 (Elex 15 December 2010 manga and manhwa)

Chizumi & Fujiomi 2 © Hikawa Kyoko/Hakusensha
Published in Indonesia as Golden Book (Deluxe) by Elex Media Komputindo

Despite being Fujiomi's girlfriend for, like, ice ages, Chizumi still can't get the hang of it and continues to display next to zero confidence. How will the couple's relationship fare when “real competition”—in the form of Fujiomi's snarky private student—appears to diss Chizumi's security issues?

Golden Book, the Deluxe or bunko sequel to Angin Musim Gugur, reminds us that Fujiomi × Chizumi (why the series even puts Chizumi first is a mystery) traverses a potholed road to definitive Happy Ever After.

(Hikawa Kyoko's Chizumi & Fujiomi series was originally a LaLa manga collected into three volumes—Haru wo Matsukoro, Pastel Kibun and Gin-iro Ehon—before rerelease as two 千津美と藤臣君のシリーズ bunkoban in 2000. Elex's Golden Book (Deluxe) is that second compilation.)

New Sexy Simpleton 8 of 9 by Hwang MiRee ♡

And finally! (About time, too; it's only the penultimate, after all.) Mi Ju realizes that the possessive lover with her all along is NOT the emperor but his doppelgänger opponent Kubilai. Cornered, Mi Ju sets fire to the Lotus (foot-binding) shoes that dragged her and Lee Jin back to ancient China. How will Korea's top model return to present time now? And what of the fate of the emperor?

Kyaaa~ I can't wait for the next New Sexy Simpleton. Kubilai ♥ fangirl, you see.

Speaking of fangirls, for those who drool over Akechi —

Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya

Kindaichi and Inspector Akechi fail to stop the mysterious Sparrow from striking and felling students at the Gokumon Juku training camp. The victims—participants separated into Arts (billeted at the Sun villa) and Sciences (the Moonlight villa) groups—died ‘replicating’ what they learned in their lines of study.

Amagi Seimaru- & Sato Fumiya's Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Gokumonjuku Satsujin Jiken (Ge) contains chapters 8-15. Private School Murder is the third Kindaichi Special Case, after Vampire Legend Murder Case and Phantom of the Opera 3rd Murder. It is succeeded by Snow Spirit Legend Murder Case.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.12.15)

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

1. Artist Acro 5 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

Artist Acro 「アーティストアクロ」 by Sakurai Ato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2009.11

Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; 魔法亚克罗 #3 per 2010.07)

2. Bakeru-kun Pika-pika 2 of 5 by Fujiko F. Fujio

Bakeru-kun 「バケルくん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Pikkapika Comics, kodomo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2005.04

3. Godhand Teru 28 of 55+ by Yamamoto Kazuki

GodHand Teru 「ゴッドハンド輝」 by Yamamoto Kazuki Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 28 first published in Japan 2006.04

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.

4. [Premiere] Golden Book (Deluxe): Chizumi & Fujiomi Series 2 (Gin-iro Ehon: Chizumi & Fujiomi 2) by Hikawa Kyoko

Gin-iro Ehon: Chizumi & Fujiomi 2 「銀色絵本　千津美と藤臣君のシリーズ　２」 by Hikawa Kyoko Hakusensha, shoujo Bunko volume 2 first published in Japan 2000.09

Related series
The Chizumi & Fujiomi series was originally serialized in LaLa and collected into three volumes: Haru wo Matsukoro, Pastel Kibun and Gin-iro Ehon (re-released in two 千津美と藤臣君のシリーズ volumes in 2000).

5. Inuyasha 50 of 56 by Takahashi Rumiko

Inuyasha 「犬夜叉」 by Takahashi Rumiko Full title: Sengoku Otogizoushi Inuyasha (InuYasha, A Feudal Fairy Tale) Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 50 (chapters 489-498) first published in Japan 2007.07

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

Other languages
English Inuyasha (VIZ Media; Volume 55: Power of the Jewel releases 2010.12.14 • Volume 56: Curtain of Time street date: 2011.01.11), French (Kana tome 42 shipped 2010.12.03), Dutch (Kana), Spanish (Glénat Spain, Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico, LARP Editores Argentina), Italian (Star Comics), German (EMA, 56 volumes), Portuguese (Editora JBC Brazil), Swedish (Egmont Kärnan), Polish (Egmont Polska), traditional Chinese (Chingwin), Vietnamese (NXB Trẻ), Korean (Haksan)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Sunrise: the first season, based on volumes 1 through 36 and spanning 167 episodes, aired on Yomiuri TV from October 2000 until September 2004. The sequel, Inuyasha Kanketsu-hen, which picks up from volume 36 until series end, premiered October 2009 with seiyuu Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, and Morikawa Toshiyuki reprising their roles as Inuyasha, Kagome, and Naraku. The sequel ended 2010.03.29

At least four originally-conceived anime features have also been released: Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001.12), The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002.12), Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003.12) and Fire on the Mystic Island (2004.12). A prequel special Inuyasha Meguri Au Mae no Unmei Koiuta aired 2004.04.19 in Japan.

6. Kariage kun 37 of 49+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Action Comics, seinen Volume 37 first published in Japan 2003.06

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
Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen, Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen and Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen (sequels)

7. Kindaichi Special Case - Private School Murder (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Gokumonjuku Satsujin Jiken) 2 of 2 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya [Finale]

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Gokumonjuku Satsujin Jiken (Ge) 「金田一少年の事件簿　獄門塾殺人事件　下」 by Amagi Seimaru & Sato Fumiya AKA Jail Gate Private School Murder Case (Second Part) Kodansha Shonen Magazine Comics, shounen Volume 2 (chapters 8-15) first published in Japan 2006.11

Related
Part of the new Kindaichi Case Files

8. Mixim 11 volume 2 of 10+ by Anzai Nobuyuki

MiXiM 11 「ＭＩＸＩＭ☆１１」 by Anzai Nobuyuki AKA MiXiM♀12 Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 2 first published in 2008.12

Volume 2 chapters:
12 12-1（1）マイナス1（ワン）
13 12-1（2）1（ファースト）-CONTACT
14 12-1（3）星に願いを
15 12-1（4）星の加護覚醒
16 12-1（5）Please Call Me
17 12-1（6）GOOD NIGHT
18 12-1（7）忍び寄る影
19 12-1（8）What's your name?
20 12-1（9）0（ゼロ）の鼓動
21 12-1（10）竹蔵の×××
22 12-1（11）GOOD MORNING
23 PROMISE

Other languages
English Mixim 11 (Chuang Yi Singapore; volume 5 released 2010.05)

9. New Sexy Simpleton 8 of 9 by Hwang MiRee

New Sexy Simpleton 「新신 섹시한 못난이」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 8 first published in Korea 2004.12

Related series
Sexy Simpleton (prequel)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 15 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Golden Book (Deluxe) (SRP: IDR 24,000), Bakeru kun Pika-pika 2 (IDR 13,500) and Kariage Kun 37 (IDR 15,000).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Artist Acro 5 of 9 by Sakurai Ato

Not only does Acro have to rescue Deko, he now also must save Reonji. Little does the sculptor know that he will first have to face Baku, one of the Art Organization generals famed for his cruel and unusual tactics.

But Acro's run-in with Baku actually awakens a new power in Acro, one that engulfs him in rage and pushes the confrontation to a startling climax.

Godhand Teru 28 of 55+ by Yamamoto Kazuki

The malicious rumors against Valhalla refuse to abate; what's worse, another storm is brewing. Kitami is attacked by a group of delinquents who admit to having been hired to break his arm, if not seriously injure him.

Despite the gang's failure to wound Kitami, someone snaps a picture of Kitami's retaliation. What will happen to Valhalla's reputation once the photograph is made public?

Inuyasha 50 of 56 by Takahashi Rumiko

Armed with Tetsusaiga and Tensaiga, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru reluctantly partner up to take on Shishinki, their father's old foe, who is key to the Meidou Zangetsuha power.

(Meanwhile, VIZ Media's InuYasha, Vol.50: Green Monster summary adds that the brothers' arch-nemesis Naraku strives to corrupt the spark of purity Kikyo managed to instill in the Shikon Jewel, but we already expect him to do that.)

Inuyasha 50 compiles chapters:
489. Completed Meidou
490. Tenseiga's Secret
491. Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga
492. Father's True Intent
493. Resonance
494. The Two Worlds
495. Further Thought
496. Trick
497. Kohaku's Neck
498. Reborn Hiraikotsu
*NOT the Indonesian Shonen Star serialization titles

Mixim 11 vol. 2 of 10+ by Anzai Nobuyuki

Four transfer students show up in Ichimatsu's class and attack Kacchan. They also kidnap Yumi. What is their objective?

The question bears asking because Chuang Yi's English Mixim 11 volume 2 adds that the same mysterious group start helping Ichimatsu fight off other bad guys all of a sudden. The same source goes on to point out that:

Kamina empowers the three potential heirs with the Protection of the Stars, creating weapons for the trio to deal with the impending battles ahead... but what kind of weapons will they get from a dog suit, a portable game console and... finger puppets?!

UP NEXT: Level Comics and m&c! 15 December 2010 manga and manhwa

• 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.

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

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Elex Media · manga · manhwa · shoujo · shounen · soonjung · Artist Acro · Bakeru-kun · Godhand Teru · Golden Book (Deluxe) (Chizumi & Fujiomi 2) · Inuyasha · Kariage-kun · Kindaichi Special Case - Private School Murder (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo: Gokumonjuku Satsujin Jiken) · MIXIM 11 · New Sexy Simpleton