Soul Eater 6, XBlade 3, Magister Negi Magi 25 (Level Comics 4 May 2011) [UPDATED]

Finally!

Also, omitted the Johan & Pirlouit - Seruling Enam Smurf BD from this list. It reskeds to the 18th.

XBlade © Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi/Kodansha
[Serialized in Shonen Sirius]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

No big enuf XBlade 3 cover, but leading with the Japanese version because I now get Demonbasher-san's comment about the logo (and why bother with the additional processing that ups XBlade's price). Look at that there superimposed XBlade on the original tankou...oh, you wanted the preview?

Can Haru prevail against Seven Sheaths/Nanatsusaya's Sakura and her ojinto (Metamorphosing Guardian Blade) when he hasn't even recovered from the previous battle AND without harming bystanders?

As for the top DO WANT! manga (separated by one vote from XBlade 3) —

Soul Eater 6 of 19+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Maka risks insanity to connect with Crona's soul as Death the Kid and Black*Star redouble efforts to halt Free and Eruka's attempt to awaken the First Kishin.

Soul Eater 6 compiles chapter 19 through 22, A Fight to the Death at the Anniversary Celebration, Parts 4 to 7.

Level Comics manga, manhwa and manhua (2011.05.04)

1. 3x3 Eyes 39 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 39 first published in Japan 2002.11

Other languages
English 3x3 Eyes (Dark Horse Comics; till volume 8), Korean (Young Movie Comics), French (PIKA Édition; 40 volumes), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics; dropped), Italian (Editions Star Comics) and German 3x3 Augen (Carlsen Comics)

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1993 Kodansha Manga Awards

Adaptations
Two anime OAVs starring seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji (Fujii Yakumo) and Hayashibara Megumi (Ayanokouji Pai)

2. ARMS 19 of 22 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi

ARMS 「 ＡＲＭＳ 」 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2001.10

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 44th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other languages
English Project ARMS (VIZ Media: 22 volumes, French (Kana: 22 volumes), Italian (Panini Comics/Planet Manga), German (Planet Manga), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan).

Adaptations
TMS's 26-episode anime adaptation aired between TV Tokyo April and September 2001, starring seiyuu Canna Nobutoshi (Takatsuki Ryo), Takayama Minami (Kuruma Kei), Ueda Yuji (Tomoe Takeshi) and Miki Shinichiro (Shingu Hayato). The Project ARMS: The 2nd Chapter sequel (episodes 27-52) broadcast from October 2001 through March 2002.

3. Basara 17 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 17 first published in Japan 1996.02

Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 16 bunko volumes
English Basara (VIZ Media; 27 volumes), French (Kana; 27 volumes), German (EMA: Band 26 ships 2011.10), Danish (Mangismo Danmark) and Swedish (Mangismo Sverige)

Adaptations
A 13-episode Legend of Basara anime by KSS, starring seiyuu Kimura Akiko (Sarasa) and Inoue Kazuhiko (Shuri), aired in Japan from April to June 1998.

4. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 5 of 6 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「逃亡弁護士　成田誠」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.09

Related series
Shin Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto (sequel by Okamoto Sou; three volumes as at 2011.04.28)

Adaptations
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke aired from July to September 2010 on Fuji TV.

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 8 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 1987.12

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) 25 of 33+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 25 (chapters 223-231) first published in Japan 2009.02

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey: 28 volumes and Kodansha Comics: volume 29 street date: 2011.05.17 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: volume 31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), French (Pika Édition: Tome 28 shipped 2010.12), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime; Band 30 ships 2011.05), Norway (Schibsted Forlag), Brazil (Editora JBC) and Croatia (Algoritam).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17, 2009.12.17, 2010.05.17 and 2010.07.17; and Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Ariadone-hen~ per 2010.11.17), an anime movie for the Magic World arc expected to premiere in 2011 and a live-action drama (TV Tokyo, 2007.10-2008.03)

7. Priest 16 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 16 first published in Korea 2006.01 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

Adaptations
A film adaptation starring Paul Bettany premieres on 13 May 2011 in the U.S.

8. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) 9 of 41+ 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 火凤燎原 (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 41 released 2011.05.03) 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. Soul Eater 6 of 19+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 6 (chapters 19-22) first published in Japan 2006.04

Related series
First appeared as one-shots in two Gangan Powered special editions (Summer and Fall 2003) and Gangan Wing's 26 November 2003 issue. (Regular Monthly Shonen Gangan serialization commenced May 2004.)

Other languages
English Soul Eater (Yen Press: five volumes per 2011.02 • volume 6 street date: 2011.06.28), French (Kurokawa tome 15 ships 2011.05.12), German (Carlsen Comics Band 11 street date: 2011.06.24) and traditional Chinese 噬魂者 (Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (side story; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12)

Adaptations
Manga volumes 1 to 12 adapted to anime by BONES. Fifty-one episodes starring seiyuu Omigawa Chiaki (Maka Alban) and Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater) aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009.

Square Enix bundled an audio drama, Soul Eater (Vol. 1): Special Social Studies Field Trip, with an artbook in August 2005. The drama CD featured different actors (Takeuchi Junko as Maka; Hoshi Souichirou as Soul Eater); only Kobayashi Yumiko reprised her Black☆Star role in the TV series.

10. X Blade 3 of 12+ by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2008.02

11. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 5 of 13+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 5 (stories 29-35) first published in Japan 2008.03

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

European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.04)

1. Cubitus - Kena Kau! by Dupa
2. Michel Vaillant - Operation Mirage by Philippe & Jean Graton

Read more »

Team Medical Dragon 14, Red River 3, Rainbow 20 (Level Comics 2 February 2011 manga)

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- © Nogizaka Taro & Nagai Akira/Shogakukan
[Serialized in Big Comic Superior]
Published in Indonesia as Team Medical Dragon by Elex Media/Level Comics

In his quest to become the ideal physician, Noboru opts out of Team Batista and joins the surgical team of Kirishima Gunji as second assistant. Problems arise when Noboru finds anomalies in the decision to take a graft in the operation. Professor Takeo then capitalizes on Noboru's “findings” to discredit Gunji.

Can Gunji acquit himself of the allegations against him? More importantly, can they save the patient? Find out in Team Medical Dragon 14, out now.

Red River 3 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Yuri regains consciousness after having been poisoned and manages to evade the pursuit of Zuwa. But Talos blocks her way and demands that Yuri stand and fight against Zuwa. What is Talos' intention? And can Yuri win against Zuwa?

Rainbow 20 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Mario, trying to save Setsuko from the criminals of M Loan, suffers severe beating at the hands of the boss. Bob, too, fails to eliminate the other juvies in Building 2 Cell 6 and Mario himself refuses to yield. Mario threatens to counter with a grenade, but in their escape, Mario and Setsuko are checked by the flames enveloping the hangar, prompting Mario to tell Setsuko, Save yourself...

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2011.02.02)

1. [RESKED] Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) 4 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2004.09

Volume 4 chapters:
29. Ashikawa of the Shigdra
30. The Five Orbs
31. The Mirror of Enternal Darkness
32. Not Alone
33. The Unluckiest Assassin
34. The Act
35. The Girl Who Hungered for Love
36. Beserker
37. Answer
38. Demon

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel, post its winning the Batchelder Award (for Most Outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English).

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 19 shipped 2010.12) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
The novel was adapted into an anime feature by Gonzo, which premiered in Japan on 2006.07.08. Actress/singer Matsu Takako was cast as Mitani Wataru, Wentz Eiji as Ashikawa Mitsuru, Oizumi Yo as Ki-kima, and Imai Miki as the Goddess of Destiny. The film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

2. Go Go Hanasaki Detective Office (Go-Go Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho) 3 of 4 by Watanabe Wataru

Go-Go Kochira Shiritsu Hanasaki Tantei Jimusho. 「ゴーゴー♪こちら私立華咲探偵事務所」 by Watanabe Wataru Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan in 2007.04

3. Priest 14 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 14 first published in Korea 2003.11 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

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

4. Rainbow 20 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人」 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.05

Volume 20 chapters:
205. You are the one
206. Zoom
207. A new religion
208. Breakdown
209. Children of the dawn
210. Drifting
211. End of all hope
212. Firestorm
213. Gate of heaven
214. Home sweet home
215. I can

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards (2005), tied with Kawaguchi Kaiji's A Spirit of the Sun

Other languages
French (Kazé: Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin tome 16 shipped 2011.01.13) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 21 per 2010.12)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse, starring Oguri Shun (Minakami Mario), Kanjiya Shihori (Setsuko), Koyama Rikiya (Sakuragi Rokurouta/An-chan), Park Romi (Maeda Noboru AKA Suppon/Turtle), Fujiwara Keiji (Nomoto Ryuuji/Baremoto or Scam), Waki Tomohiro (Matsuura Mansaku/Cabbage), Kuroda Takaya (Tooyama Tadayoshi/Heitai or Soldier) and Hasome Tatsuya (Yokosuka Jou/Joe), aired in Japan between April and September 2010.

5. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) 3 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 3 (chapters 8-10) first published in Japan 1995.11

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 Taiwan)

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)

6. Team Medical Dragon 14 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 14 first published in Japan 2007.07

Volume 14 chapters:
107. 最強の鎧
108. お返し
109. 意見
110. 口止め
111. ミルク
112. 欲しいもの
113. 弔い
114. 特権

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

Other languages
French (Glénat: tome 14 per 2010.11 • tome 15 street date: 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.

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

Read more »

To be Beautiful 6 of 6, Historie 4, Love & Collage 12 of 12 (Level Comics 19 January 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Changed title to reflect the Most Wanted Level Manga

Historie © Iwaaki Hitoshi/Kodansha [Serialized in Afternoon]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Beauty makeover genius Kichijoji Misako appears on TV looking like she just rolled out of bed and didn't even bother splashing water on her face before going out? What's gives in To be Beautiful volume 6? Apparently, no longer content to just make others ecstatic, Misako now wants to snatch her own happiness. To this end she invents a machine—a mold, actually—that can churn out pretty girls and wants to market it.

Will this beauty shortcut actually gladden anyone? Find out for yourself in the To be Beautiful finale.

Speaking of finales, volume 12 of Inoue Kazurou's Love & Collage dumps Hachibe in hot water, after Sakurako, who takes it upon herself to clean out his room, discovers Hachibe's parts photo collection. This as Taniyama tells Hachibe that he and Sakurako have rekindled their relationship.

Will Sakurako really depart for England? And what will Yukari do to cheer up the despondent Hachibe? And will Hachibe ever end up regretting his love and lust for discrete female parts?

Now for a detour to ancient Greece. In volume 4 of Iwaaki Hitoshi's award-winning Historie, troops from Tios launch an assault upon Boa, the village where Eumenes lives. As the soldiers surround the village, Eumenes hatches up a surprising counterattack.

What has Eumenes planned for the Tios aggressors? Will it be enough to secure a victory for the Boa residents?

Level Comics manga (2011.01.19)

1. Historie 4 of 6+ by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Historie 「ヒストリエ」 by Iwaaki Hitoshi Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2007.07

Volume 4 chapters:
30-35: In Palphlagonia (Part 7 - 12)
36: Odysseus
37-38: Island of Lesbos - Biological Institute - (Part 1 - 2)

Awards
Finalist, 10th Osamu Tezuka Culture Award

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

2. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) 4 of 9+ by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo 「烏丸響子の事件簿」 by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke AKA Kyoko Karasuma - Detective of the Asakusa Police Department Gentosha Comic BIRZ, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2006.01

Other languages
French (Taifu Comics: Kyoko Karasuma, Inspecteur à Asakusa tome 8 per 2010.10), German (Carlsen Comics: Kyoko Karasuma: Detective of the Asakusa Police Department latest - Band 8), Russian (Comix-ART)

3. Love & Collage (Ai Kora) 12 of 12 by Inoue Kazurou [Finale]

Ai Kora 「あいこら」 by Inoue Kazurou Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.10

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: 12 volumes per 2009.11)

4. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 18 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 18 first published in Japan 2008.03

Recognitions
Jury Recommended Work for Story Manga, 12th Japan Media Arts Festival

Related
Ns' Aoi - Those Days (side story; 2 of 2 volumes)

Adaptations
Live-action renzoku starring Ishihara Satomi (Misora Aoi) aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006, followed by a special in September the same year.

5. Priest 13 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 13 first published in Korea 2003.03 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

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

6. red Eyes 14 of 14+ by Shindo Jun

red Eyes 「ｒｅｄ　Ｅｙｅｓ」 by Shindo Jun Kodansha Magazine E-no, shounen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2010.04

Other languages
French, German and Italian (Panini Comics)

7. To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) 6 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki [Finale]

Kirei ni Naritai! 「キレイになりたい！」 by Yorita Miyuki Kodansha KC Dessert, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2006.12

Level Comics manga (2011.01.19)

• Boule & Bill - Ayo, Bersenang-senang (Boule & Bill: 'Faut rigoler!) by Roba

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

Read more »

Bloody Monday 1, Sky of Love 1, Eternal Sabbath 2 (Level Comics 5 January 2011 manga)

Bloody Monday © Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji/Kodansha
[First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

This Level manga release should gladden the hearts of a couple of blog regulars. The hacker thriller Bloody Monday finally debuts, along with the weepy Bad Boy/Shy Girl shoujo romance Sky of Love. Before blurbing, want to note that actor/singer Miura Haruma stars in the live-action adapt of both (as Fujimaru/Falcon in the Bloody Monday TV series and as Hiro in the 2007 Koizora movie). Let teh squeeing commence.

Bloody Monday 1 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

A Russian spy is murdered in Japan, but not before he manages to secrete a memory chip from his killer. The Public Security Intelligence Agency ropes in high school student Fujimaru Takagi—actually the genius hacker Falcon—to decode the chip. Fujimaru doesn't realize the time bomb he holds in his hand, not until his father, a high-ranked official in the Agency's Third-I branch, is framed for the murder of his own boss, leaving Fujimaru with only the words ‘Bloody Monday’ to make sense of the growing mystery.

It is now up to Fujimaru to put together the pieces of dangerous information, information that points to a lethal virus and a Japanese woman named Maya...

[Additions from Wikipedia and Chuang Yi's Bloody Monday: Season 1 Vol.1 synopsis]

Author Ryumon Ryou also wrote other manga under diverse pseudonyms: Psychometrist Eiji (as Ando Yuma), Remote and the new Kindaichi Case Files (as Amagi Seimaru), The Drops of God (as Agi Tadashi), Get Backers (as Aoki Yuya), Monkey Typhoon (as Arimori Jōji) and Area no kishi (as Igano Hiroaki).

Sky of Love 1 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki

From a friend's prank call, ordinary high school student Mika comes to know Hiro and promises to meet him at the end of summer vacation. While Hiro doesn't turn out as Mika expected, his presence changes her life, painting it in the full spectrum of colors.

So, love begins to blossom...

From Level's synopsis, you wouldn't expect this manga—based on the best-selling coming of age/romance novel by Mika (yes, that Mika)—to have Weak Female Lead, Rape, Teen Pregnancy, Bad Boy, Shy Girl, Opposites Attract, Cancer tags associated with, but it does. And from that Baka-Updates Manga laundry list, tragedy is a foregone conclusion. Consider yourself warned.

Manga-ka Haneda Ibuki-sensei's other works include shoujo romances Oujisama to Watashi, Koiseyo Otome! and Sono Koe, Sono Yubi, Sono Kuchibiru.

Funnily enough, the Koizora TV dorama (with Seto Koji as Hiro) preceded the Bloody Monday TV Season 1 on TBS. Koizora aired from August to September 2008, while Bloody Monday S1 broadcast from October through December.

A note on the Lucky Luke ROMIC: In the absence of a cover, assumming that Lucky Luke - Berburu Jejak Dalton was originally the Lucky Luke, Tome 17: Sur la piste des Dalton BD. The Dalton brothers are always escaping—and in Berburu Jejak Dalton, they're at it again—so it's a little hard to be sure. In any case, the Daltons make their getaway here because of the jail guard dog Rantanplan. The stupid dog now has to redeem himself by leading Luke to the Daltons' hideout.

Level Comics manga (2011.01.05)

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

1. [Series Premiere] Bloody Monday 1 of 11 + Ver. 0 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 1 first published in 2007.08

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday volume 1 street date: 2011.08.23), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi; 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (Pika Éditions: Tome 2 per 2010.11 • Tome 3 street date 2011.01.05)

Related series
Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (sequel, AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, six volumes as at 2011.01.17)

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. Eternal Sabbath (ES) 2 of 8 by Souryo Fuyumi

ES 「ＥＳ」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2002.08

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)

3. Priest 12 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 12 first published in Korea 2002.08 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

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

4. Shadow Skill 2 of 6+ by Okada Megumu

Shadow Skill 「ＳＨＡＤＯＷ　ＳＫＩＬＬ」 by Okada Megumu Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2002.11

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Matsuoka Akio (Gau Ban) and Hayashibara Megumi (Elle Lagu), aired in Japan from July to December 1998. Four OAVs preceded the series (four episodes released between 1995 and 1996).

5. [Series Premiere] Sky of Love (Koizora) 1 of 10 by Haneda Ibuki, Mika

Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari 「恋空～切ナイ恋物語～」 by Haneda Ibuki & Mika Futabasha Comic Mahou no iland, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.06

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

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

Level Comics European comics/ROMICs (2011.01.05)

• Lucky Luke - Berburu Jejak Dalton by Morris

Read more »

Rainbow 18, Hotaru's Light 11, To Be Beautiful 4 (Level Comics 3 November 2010 manga)

Also, the second Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy which rates the lead because: ‘fly lice.’

Kachuu Hana © Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji/Shogakukan [First serialized in Big Comic]
Published in Indonesia as Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Elex Media/Level Comics

A restaurant near Hana's place burns down; the disaster drains all enthusiasm from those working there. With closure a real possibility, Hana prevails upon Shanghai's owners to lend the fire victims cookware to keep the business running. But the only thing Hana can cadge is a steamer.

What kind of fried rice can Hana concoct with a steamer??

Level promises seven mouth-watering recipes in Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy volume 2, which ought to make the IDR 19,500 price tag seem like a bargain. (Or at least, make it *cough* palatable.)

Rainbow 18 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Learning of the whereabouts of Baremoto, Penyu, Kubis and Joe, Mario and Serdadu scramble to save their friends from further torture. Meanwhile, Barandage not only succeeds in pressuring Yasuro to sign the contract, but also persuades Yasuro into forcing a meeting with Setsuko.

So that's Rainbow 18, one of two much-awaiteds topping Level's Most Wanted chart this week. This tankou encloses chapters 183 to 193: Countdown to the revolution, Die, Eat you alive, Fight to the end, Good to be bad, Hell fire, I'm not afraid, Just a miracle, Killing time, Lost and Mrs.G.

Hotaru's Light 11 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Should friends become lovers?

The other top DO WANT! manga asks this thorny question, and our heroine Hotaru weighs in on the YES! side, opening her heart once more to Kaname. Was Hotaru's decision influenced by people around them thinking she and Kaname are already an item?

Whatever decided Hotaru, she's now romantically involved with Kaname. Can these friends stand the promotion to lovers? Unearth the answer in Hotaru's Light 11.

NEW LEVEL MANGA: Hunt for The Thumb by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito

Oyayubi Sagashi © Yamada Yusuke
& Ayamura Kirihito
Gentosha [Comic Birz]
Published in Indonesia as
Hunt for The Thumb
by Level Comics

Level premieres the seinen horror standalone Hunt for The Thumb, originally Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito's Oyayubi Sagashi, first serialized in Comic Birz. As the title denotes, there's a hunt on for The Thumb, specifically, the digit missing from a corpse hewn to pieces by her murderers. A whole urban legend has sprung up over how the dead woman searches for her thumb, the most tantalizing of which concerns the supposed reward she will confer to whomever finds it.

Despite deeming the story so much gossip, a group of kids decides to join The Hunt. It was supposed to be just a lark, but things turn decidedly unfunny when one of the group, Yumi, disappears during the ‘game.’

Seven years on, Takeshi and the others decide to look for their missing friend, little knowing that The Thumb's owner hasn't stopped searching.

Other volume previews—including that of the penultimate Subaru (volume 10)—follow the lists below.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.11.03)

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

1. Chocolat 5 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.09

Volume 5 contains chapters:
1 そんな時もあらぁ...
2 でも、もう大丈夫...
3 いつも通りに戻った？
4 戻るには戻ったけど...
5 なんか足りねぇ気がするな...
6 足りないモノはなんですか？
7 まずは素直になることでしょ。
8 それが難しいんだな...
9 そのままじゃ後悔するよ。
10 思いきってみなよ
11 思いきってみるよ!!

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan 流氓蛋糕店 7 released 2004.07)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya and Ishii Teruyuki aired in Japan from May to July 2003

2. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 11 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru no Hikari 「ホタルノヒカリ」 by Hiura Satoru AKA IT'S★ONLY★LITTLE★LIGHT★IN★MY★LIFE Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 11 first published in Japan in 2008.04

Adaptations
The 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix award-winning Glow of Fireflies live-action adaptation aired between July and September 2007 on NTV. The 10-episode drama starred Ayase Haruka ((Amemiya Hotaru) and Fujiki Naohito (Takano Seiichi). The pair reprised their roles in the 11-episode second season that aired between July and September 2010 on the same network.

3. [Premiere] Hunt for The Thumb (Oyayubi Sagashi) by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito

Oyayubi Sagashi 「親指さがし」 by Yamada Yusuke & Ayamura Kirihito Gentosha Comic Birz, seinen This volume first published in Japan 2005.01

4. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 5 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 5 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 5 contains chapters:
16 よみがえった楽曲自信
17 おれの中の定義
18 一番人道から外れてるんじゃ?
19 成功への決意
描き下ろし
あとがきまんが

Related series
Burning Pen and Comic Bomber (prequels)

5. Priest 11 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「프리스트」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 11 first published in Korea 2002.03 Series on hiatus from volume 16

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

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

6. Rainbow 18 of 22 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin 「ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ　二舎六房の七人」 by Abe George & Kakizaki Masasumi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 18 (chapters 183-193) first published in Japan 2007.09

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards (2005), tied with Kawaguchi Kaiji's A Spirit of the Sun

Other languages
French (Kazé Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin tome 15 shipped 2010.10.14) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan RAINBOW少年犯罪檔案 20 per 2009.10)

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse, starring Oguri Shun (Minakami Mario), Kanjiya Shihori (Setsuko), Koyama Rikiya (Sakuragi Rokurouta/An-chan), Park Romi (Maeda Noboru AKA Suppon/Turtle), Fujiwara Keiji (Nomoto Ryuuji/Baremoto or Scam), Waki Tomohiro (Matsuura Mansaku/Cabbage), Kuroda Takaya (Tooyama Tadayoshi/Heitai or Soldier) and Hasome Tatsuya (Yokosuka Jou/Joe), aired in Japan between April and September 2010.

7. Subaru 10 of 11 by Soda Masahito

Subaru 「昴」 by Soda Masahito Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2002.08

Volume 10 contains chapters:
100 ニアミス！
101 Ticket To Ride
102 開演
103 主役と観客
104 才能の行使
105 任意の技
106 アンプラグド
107 絶望と歓喜
108 集団幻想（１）
109 集団幻想（２）
110 祝祭

Other languages
French (Akata/Delcourt; 11 volumes), Spanish (Glènat España), German (Egmont) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Related series
Moon—Subaru Solitude Standing— (sequel; six volumes as at 2010.05)

8. To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) 4 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki

Kirei ni Naritai! 「キレイになりたい！」 by Yorita Miyuki Kodansha KC Dessert, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.02

9. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 2 of 12+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji AKA Central China Blossom Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.09

Volume 2 contains chapters:
1 幽霊と火事場の馬鹿力
2 お嬢様!?と幽霊
3 幽霊と娘の欲望
4 幽霊と秋の王様
5 幽霊と黄金
6 幽霊と大叔父さん
7 幽霊と白猫
コラム
楊貴妃直伝!!星の数ほどチャーハンレシピ物語

Level Comics European comics (2010.11.03)

1. Spirou - Kepanikan di Champignac (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 19: Panade à Champignac) by Franquin (Dupuis)

[RE-STO] Reissues (2010.11.03)

1. Fly, Daddy, Fly 1 of 2 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu
2. Fly, Daddy, Fly 2 of 2 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu [Finale]
3. Triple Kiss 1 of 2 by Shimaki Ako
4. Triple Kiss 2 of 2 by Shimaki Ako [Finale]
5. Boy Girl Romance 1 of 3 by George Asakura
6. Boy Girl Romance 2 of 3 by George Asakura
7. Boy Girl Romance 3 of 3 by George Asakura [Finale]

¹ Sources: Elex STO 3 November 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² GN are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Hunt for The Thumb (SRP: 19,500). Subaru 10 and Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 2 are priced the same. The Spirou - Kepanikan di Champignac ROMIC retails for IDR 38,000. The reissued Fly, Daddy, Fly! and Triple Kiss go for IDR 17,000 each, while the reissued Boy Girl Romance series carries price tags of IDR 16,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Chocolat 5 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

The name's Shuzo? Omugi's Phantom Hitman and expert chef, thanks to my mentor Maya. There's no doubt that I'm great, but no way am I butting into my seniors Ichigo and Shiina's fight!

They used to be partners! But what's worse, I get the feeling this battle will end in a tragedy...

New Comic Bomber 5 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

After GJ9's premiere, Hono Moyuru-sensei returns to everyday life as a manga-ka. His daily routine, however, is ruffled when he meets former Sunset magazine editors, Nagarehoshi and Denaoshi. The pair is involved in the launch of a new magazine, and with Nagarehoshi's egging, Hono-sensei presents himself as a candidate for editor-in-chief!

Does this mean Hono-sensei is ‘resigning’ as a manga-ka?

Priest 11 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Ivan's icy distance firms up Esther's resolve to search for the truth by herself. Meanwhile, the order of St. Vertinez—which forced Ivan to rouse Temozarela in the first place—reappears and, sparing no one, commences mop-up operations.

Subaru 10 of 11 by Soda Masahito

A showdown looms between Subaru, debuting as a professional ballet dancer, and the ‘Queen of Ballet’ Priscilla. Both ballerinas are slated to perform Bolero on the same day.

The day before the performance, Subaru meets rival Mana, who has flown in to watch Priscilla. Mana surprises Subaru by helping Subaru and Sisteron, stating curiosity over Subaru's ballet as reason.

Can Subaru elevate ballet to a higher level with her performance? And what of Priscilla?

To Be Beautiful 4 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki

Middle schooler Yuri transforms into a beauty under Kichijoji Misako's hands. So beautiful is she that she is immediately scouted by model agencies. Having fallen for her manager Kanzaki, Yuri resolves to lose weight on her own.

Things seem to be going well, that is, until Yuri's childhood friend Reiko, also a model, finds out Yuri's secret.

Can Yuri succeed in slimming down before everyone finds out she's not who she pretends to be?

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 manga available this week (3 November 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Black Butler 9 · Crayon Shinchan 1 by Usui Yoshito · Kome si Belang 1 by Hoshino Natsumi · The Pitcher 73 · Crows 13 · BECK 23 · English School Wars 2 of 2 · Katsu! 9 · Our Dear Tamura-kun 2 · Rockwell The Scarlet Knight 2 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 5 · Tena on S String 4 · Legend of Nereid 11 · Shonen Magz 78/2010
• m&c!: Alive 20 · Cyboy 2 of 2 · Love So Life 2 · Falling into You Like A Magic by Chiba Kozue · Rifle Girl by Taamo · Sky Blue Beach 2 · My Sweet Home 2

related monthly schedules

November 2010
Premiering The Strange Florist by Yohna and Desert Love by Sachimi Riho (standalones) and Gun Smith Cats Burst by Sonoda Kenichi, Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki (series)

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

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · manhwa · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shoujo · Chocolat · Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) · Hunt for The Thumb (Oyayubi Sagashi) · New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) · Priest · Rainbow · Subaru · To Be Beautiful (Kirei ni Naritai!) · Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) · Spirou et Fantasio: Panade à Champignac