Perfect Girl Evolution 25, The Drops of God 6, Gurren Lagann 2 (Level Comics 20 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Falling back to the Japanese cover. Level did it, too, so... :P (See Komikologi July's Perfect Girl Evolution 25 pix.) »Update: Replaced with Level's cover (not just PGE but also ARMS, Gurren Lagann and The Drops of God). And yes, the Fair Bishounen's and Sunako's faces are that yellow on my copy >.<

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge © Hayakawa Tomoko
Kodansha [Serialized in Betsufure]
Published in Indonesia as Perfect Girl Evolution by Elex Media/Level Comics

Sunako rawrs!

Or rather, curses. Thinking that Kyouhei kissed her at the party to harass her, Sunako places a curse on Kyouhei, summoning the vengeful spirits of Kyouhei's fangirls. Worn down, his very life threatened, Kyouhei can only survive if... Sunako kisses him back?!

Will Sunako do it? See for yourself in Perfect Girl Evolution 25, which not only compiles chapter 100, Sunako's Curse, but also collects chapters 101 through 103: Go Go ☆ Miss Sunako, Let's Hunt Mushrooms and Present For You!

PGE 25 actually tied with The Drops of God 6 for top manga DO WANT!

The Drops of God 6 of 29+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

The long-awaited hour has arrived and the tension is palpable. Gathered in the Kanzaki mansion, Shizuku and Issei must disclose the wine they chose as the First Apostle. Issei who hears that Shizuku is not even tasting his First Apostle contender also opts not to try out his choice, 99% confident that he has correctly identified the wine described in Yutaka's will.

Who will win the first round? Whose conviction is right?

DON'T gugel and look at Wiki's Les Gouttes de Dieu page, unless you want   SPOILAGE. (Seven Apostles have already been ID'd.)

From Glénat's Les Gouttes de Dieu, Tome 6 blurb, I can add that this tank also reveals the reasons that made Chosuke an avid lover of Italian wine, to the detriment of French wine. And per usual for The Drops of God, fine wines still masterfully described!

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.07.20)

1. ARMS 21 of 22 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi

ARMS 「ＡＲＭＳ」 by Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 21 first published in Japan 2002.03

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.

2. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 6 of 29+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu AKA Les Gouttes de Dieu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2006.04

Volume 6 chapters:
49. Malam Sebelum Pertarungan, Perlindungan Dewa Militer Dalam Genggaman
50. Para Kekasih yang Terlalu Sempurna
51. Buatan Manusia
52. Manis Pahit Rasa Cinta Pertama
53. Teman Lama yang Sulit Dilupakan
54. Para Raja yang Memerintah Bordeaux
55. Tasting di Taman
56. Banjir Sensualitas
57. Alasan Kemuliaan Memudar
58. Alasan Sang Ratu
Kolom Penjelasan Drops of God: Wine yang Tepat untuk Malam Ini (Bab 34-42)
Original Wine Chart/List Drops of God
Daftar Istilah Wine yang Bisa Dimengerti Anjing Sekalipun
Wine Akhir Minggu Tadashi Agi

Awards
Special Award of the Year, La Revue du vin de France (French wine magazine); Nominee (Glénat's Les Gouttes de Dieu, tome 1), French Angoulême Comics Awards; Nominee, 1st Keitai Comic Taishō (Mobile Phone Comic Award, along with Hiura Satoru's Hotaru no Hikari, Miyasaka Kaho's Kare First Love and 17 other manga)

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu Tome 19 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 20 street date: 2011.08.17), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 神之水滴 23 per 2010.06), English Drops of God (Vertical: volume 1 street date: 2011.09.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV.

3. Eternal Sabbath (ES) 4 of 8 by Souryo Fuyumi

ES 「ＥＳ」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.07

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

4. Gurren Lagann (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann) 2 of 7+ by Mori Kotaro

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 「天元突破グレンラガン」 by Mori Kotaro, GAINAX, Nakashima Kazuki MediaWorks Dengeki Comic Gao! and Dengeki Daioh (starting 2008.04.21), shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2008.03

Related series
Based on the GAINAX anime that aired between April to September 2007 in Japan, starring seiyuu Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon), Konishi Katsuyuki (Kamina), Inoue Marina (Yoko), Fukui Yukari (Nia Teppelin) and Hiyama Nobuyuki (Viral).

Alternate stories: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: Guren Gakuenhen (one volume; 2009.03), Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: Yoko no Obeso-hen (one volume, 4-koma; 2008) and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - Rasen Shounentan (one volume; 2010.02).

Other languages
English Gurren Lagann (Bandai Entertainment: five volumes per 2010.08 • volume 6 street date: 2011.08.09), French (Glénat: Tome 4 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 5 street date: 2011.08.24)

5. Hellsing 8 of 10 by Hirano Kohta

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 58-70) first published in Japan 2006.07

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

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

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Gonzo aired on Fuji TV from October 2001 to January 2002, starring seiyuu Nakata Jouji (Alucard), Orikasa Fumiko (Seras Victoria) and Sakakibara Yoshiko (Sir Integra Hellsing). A Hellsing Ultimate OAV (starring the same voice cast) premiered in Japan in January 2006 and as of December 2009, seven episodes have been released. The first four episodes were produced by Satelight, with Madhouse taking over as of OAV V. Hellsing VIII is slated for a 27 July 2011 release.

6. Officer Monju (Seigi Keikan Monju) 8 of 11+ by Miyashita Hiroki

Seigi Keikan Monju 「正義警官モンジュ」 by Miyashita Hiroki Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 51-56 + omake) first published in Japan in 2009.09

Other languages
French (Kana Monju, au service de la justice Tome 8 per 2011.02 • Tome 9 street date: 2011.09.23), traditional Chinese (Taiwan Tohan: 正義警官毛九 7 per 2011.06)

7. Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Braun Sensei) 4 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Kirikiritei no Braun Sensei 「きりきり亭のぶら雲先生」 by Kikuchi Shota Gentosha Birz Comics, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2002.08

Related
Kirikiri Teishujin (sequel; two volumes per 2010.12, ongoing)

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

8. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) 25 of 28+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 25 (Parts 100-103) first published in Japan 2010.02

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey until volumes 22/23/24 per 2010.10; Kodansha Comics starting volume 25 per 2011.06 • volume 26 street date: 2011.09.27 and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko Tome 14 per 2011.04 • Tome 15 street date: 2011.08.24), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime from volume 21 onwards)

Adaptations
Anime by Nippon Animation featuring seiyuu Takaguchi Yukiko (Nakahara Sunako), Morikubo Showtaro (Takano Kyohei), Yamauchi Yuuya (Toyama Yukinojo), Sugita Tomokazu (Oda Takenaga) and Nojima Hirofumi (Mori Ranmaru) aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on Japan's TV Aichi. A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya (Kyohei), Oomasa Aya (Sunako), Tegoshi Yuya (Yukinojo), Uchi Hiroki (Takenaga) and Miyao Shuntaro (Ranmaru) was telecast on TBS from January to March 2010.

9. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 22 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 22 first published in Japan 2000.04

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

Reissues
Re-released in 12 bunko volumes (2003.06 to 2003.11)

Related
Psychometrer (sequel; began serialization in Young Magazine No. 22-23 (street date: 2011.04.25)
Psychometrer Eiji - Silent Stalker (KPC (Kodansha Platinum Comics); one volume: 2011.07.20); Psychometrer Eiji - Tokei Shikake no Ringo (KPC one volume: 2011.06); Psychometrer Eiji - Satsujin Oni Mebius (KPC one volume 2011.05)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.07.20)

1. Lucky Luke - Kota Hantu (Lucky Luke, tome 25: La Ville fantôme) by Morris, René Goscinny
2. Rantanplan - Waktunya Beraksi! (Rantanplan: bêtisier, Tome 3: Mirage dangereux) by Morris, Vittorio Leonardo

Read more »

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 »

Love & Collage 10, Jio 8, Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 1 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji (Level Comics 4 August 2010 manga)

Also, Franco-Belgian bande dessinée or as Level styles it, ROMICs (Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim, Smurf Magang, Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy, and Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak).

Ai Kora © Inoue Kazurou/Shogakukan (First serialized in Shonen Sunday)
Published in Indonesia as Love & Collage by Level Comics (Elex Media)
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Contains [SPOILERS!]

Woe is Hachibe! A new teacher blows into his class, and this Sajima-sensei apparently hates him with a passion uncontested. As if it weren't enough that Sajima-sensei constantly singles Hachibe out for punishment, the teacher also precipitates both Hachibe's eviction from the girls' dorm AND his out and out expulsion from school.

Just what is the deal with Sajima-sensei and what connection does he have to the blue-cat-eyed girl in the photograph Hachibe stumbled on in the teacher's house? Find this out, as well as what more's in store for the bullet train breasts (and other discrete attributes) fetishist, in volume 10 of Love & Collage, Inoue Kazurou's endearingly warped and ecchi take on harem comedies, streeting this Wednesday.

Jio 8 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

If you followed the Wiki-excerpted suggestion of IGN critic A. E. Sparrow-san to read this series when you feel you've outgrown Naruto, you'll have been anticipating Jio's further exploits. Wait no more; in Jio 8, our hero and his allies return, still questing for the legendary O-Parts. As plot luck would have it, they run into the giant Orphen O-Parts, the ancient relic of a transport bearing for Rock Bird City, site of the O.P.T. Olympics. Ruby, who wants the grand prize, orders Jio and Ball to enter, but it ain't going to be that easy: the pair first has to go through an elimination round to determine the two participants to the Rock Bird event. Can Jio and Ball make it past the qualifying contest?

Adding to blurb above (thanks to VIZ, already finished with it O-Parts Hunter run):

A chance encounter and a case of mistaken identity pit Jio and Cross against each other in a battle that almost seems foreordained—and though Cross is unaware of the creature lurking inside Jio's heart, he can't fight the strange feeling that they've met somewhere before. Will Ruby be able to intervene before these two formidable O.P.T.s tear each other apart?

[From O-Parts Hunter 8 description (VIZ Media edition)]

Volume 8 contains chapters (29) The Fated Two (30) The Kabbalah's Angel (31) Olympia's Prelim Round and (32) The Chosen Two.

NEW TITLES: Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

A new month and we get a new seinen series: Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy. Originally Kachuu Hana, the Big Comic serial is another cooking manga, albeit not quite Bambino! (despite superficial similarities such as our hero(ine) Hana also dreaming of becoming Top Chef and working for a premier restaurant like Ban). This manga sees ghosts! But I'm getting ahead of myself; backtracking:

Nakamura Hanako, trainee cook at the famous Yokohama Chinatown restaurant Manten Daihanten, meets Yokihi, the ghost of a Tang empress from way, waaaay back. New status as a haunt has not precluded the former empress from enjoying delicious food. Now, how does “fly lice” cooked by idle royalty—who has had all this time to turn into the fried rice expert—taste? And can genki Hana's own version stand up in comparison?

The chapter titles beg inference that Hana will be introduced to other ghosts by Yokihi — which makes me think: Ghost Only (m&c!), rather than Level's Bambino!. Editor Tika-san recommends Nishi Yuuji- & Hikino Shinji-sensei's manga for the fried rice you will encounter (just how many varieties are there?) that come complete with yum detailed recipes. (Tika-san also edits the Bambino! series; don't you just envy her her deli-shus job?)

Level Comics manga (2010.08.04)

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

1. ARMS 18 of 22 by Minagawa Ryouji and Nanatsuki Kyouichi

ARMS 「 ＡＲＭＳ 」 by Minagawa Ryouji and Nanatsuki Kyouichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 18 (containing 11 chapters) first published in Japan 2001.07

For those who can read Japanese, volume 18 contains chapters:

1. 神槍～ミストルテイン～
2. 記憶～リメンブランス～
3. 聖餐～サクラメント～
4. 神卵～ハンプティ・ダンプティ～
5. 転移～テレポーテーション～
6. 激震～バイブレーション～
7. 帰還～リザレクション～
8. 黙示～リベレイション～
9. 地上～オン・ジ・アース～
10. 激突～ショウダウン～
11. 侵食～エンクローチメント～

Related
Series re-released in 12 volumes from 2007.06 to 2008.10

Alternative language versions/serializations
VIZ Media published Project ARMS in English (22 volumes as at 2009.05.12). Other global releases: France (by Kana; tome 22 released 2006.11), Italy (Panini Comics/Planet Manga), Germany (Planet Manga), Taiwan and Hong Kong (Tong Li). Serialized in Bahasa Malaysia in Kreko Komik Remaja (Malaysia).

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 44th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Adaptations
TMS produced a 26-episode anime adaptation that aired on TV Tokyo from April to September 2001. Seiyuu Canna Nobutoshi voiced Takatsuki Ryo, with Takayama Minami as Kuruma Kei, Ueda Yuji as Tomoe Takeshi and Miki Shinichiro as Shingu Hayato. The Project ARMS: The 2nd Chapter sequel (episodes 27-52) broadcast from October 2001 through March 2002.

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

Takunabi 「 たくなび 」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.12

Volume 3 contains chapters:

• 20 あの頃の僕ら。
• 21 仙台←→湯布院...1000km
• 22 「ユクカワノナガレ」
• 23 東京という戦場へ!!
• 24 面接の素人VSプレゼンの達人!?
• 25 ソフォクレス曰く！
• 26 エネルギー注入
• 27 掌（てのひら）のぬくもり
• 28 暗示
• 29 グループワークは戦争です!?（前編）
• 30 グループワークは戦争です!?（後編）
• 31 OVER
3. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 3 of 13 by Yamato Waki

[NOT Level's cover]

Asakiyumemishi 「 あさきゆめみし 」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 1982.09

Related
Adapted from the Japanese classic Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Alternative language versions
Partially translated into English as part of the Kodansha Bilingual Comics educational series.

4. Jio 8 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「 ６６６～サタン～ 」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 8 (containing chapters 29-32) first published in Japan 2004.06

Alternative language versions
Published in English as O-Parts Hunter by VIZ Media (19 volumes as at 2009.12.08); in French by Kurokawa (tome 19 released 2008.12); and in Italian by JPOP

5. Love & Collage (Ai Kora) 10 of 12 by Inoue Kazurou

Ai Kora 「 あいこら 」 by Inoue Kazurou Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2007.12

Volume 10 contains chapters:

• 91 油坂と小夜
• 92 遊びたガール
• 93 負け犬局長
• 94 弾圧
• 95 鎖島の過去
• 96 傷心
• 97 復活
• 98 意外なパーツ
• 99 手フェチで悪いか
• 100 ゆれる乙女心です

Alternative language versions
Published in French by Kurokawa (tome 12 released 2009.11)

6. Over Rev 13 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team39

Over Rev! 「 オーバーレブ！ 」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team39 Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 13 (containing 10 chapters) first published in Japan 2000.05

Volume 13 contains chapters:

1. 足元の穴
2. 郷田策動！
3. 乱入者あり！
4. 限界への招待
5. 滑走
6. 奈落へのドリフト
7. 決死のアクセル
8. 悲しみの父
9. 荒野に乾杯！
10. 冒険者の過ち
7. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) 10 of 16+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「 団地ともお 」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 10 (containing 17 stories) first published in Japan 2007.07

Volume 10 contains stories:

1. 最後の最後にきまったなともお
2. 死ぬかと思ったよなともお
3. キミたちに明日はないのかともお
4. ジ・アンダーテイカーかよともお
5. 太く長～～いのがいいけどなともお
6. まだ魔法だったようだともお
7. 休みにも上手と下手があるともお
8. さて右か左か前か後かともお
9. ガツンと言ってやれよともお
10. 気分次第が過ぎるぜともお
11. 死ぬかと思ったよなともお
12. 想像した者勝ちともお
13. 珍しくとは失敬だよなともお
14. パンチとハングリーで最強だともお
15. 心は透けて見えないねともお
16. ぐんぐん伸びるよなともお
17. どこまでも続いていないのかよともお

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

8. [Premiere] Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) 1 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 1 first published in Japan 2005.03

Volume 1 contains:

• 1 熱烈娘と幽霊
• 2 芋娘と幽霊
• 3 幽霊と消えた鍋
• 4 幽霊と親切娘
• 5 幽霊と寂しん坊
• 6 幽霊と姉妹愛
• 7 幽霊と姑娘（クーニャン）
• 巻末付録
• 楊貴妃直伝!!星の数ほどチャーハンレシピ物語

Level Comics bande dessinée (BD)/ROMICs (2010.08.04)

1. Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim (Lucky Luke Tome 13: Le Juge) by Morris, René Goscinny
2. Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy (Michel Vaillant Tome 61: La fièvre de Bercy) by Jean Graton, Philippe Graton
3. Smurf - Smurf Magang (Les Schtroumpfs Tome 7: L'Apprenti Schtroumpf) by Peyo
4. Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak (Yakari Tome 14: Le vol des corbeaux) by Derib, Job

¹ Sources: Level Comics (artwork and summaries, unless indicated otherwise) and Elex Media STO 04 August 2010 (release schedule). Cover images and source summaries used here for reference with permission are © their respective intellectual rights holders.
² Level manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 1 (SRP: IDR 19,500). All ROMICs go for IDR 30,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued

ARMS 18 of 22 by Minagawa Ryouji, Nanatsuki Kyouichi

Defeat Keith Black and rescue Katsumi!!

After numerous protracted battles, Ryou reaches the Alice Chamber, stage of the ultimate showdown. But despite being reunited with his girlfriend, Ryou has to yet to overcome Keith Black who resorts to the cruelest of tactics, forcing Ryou to activate Jabberwock.

Will the Alice Chamber become Ryou's final resting place, or can the other Arms and their super nanotech prosthetics stop Jabberwock from destroying them all?

(The VIZ Project Arms 18: The Fourth Revelation: Remembrance blurb gives away what lies ahead for Ryou and friends: despite Ryo's amazing physical powers, he finds he's no match for Keith Black's powers of mind control. Instead of enemies, Ryo and his friends must fight the illusions in their own minds!

Happy Hello Work at Age 21 vol. 3 of 5+ by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho

Taku's struggle for gainful employment continues: this time, he tries to get past his innate laziness with Maki's help. But Taku soon loses his focus after hearing that Akane has gone on a trip to Yufuin — with another guy! Does this mean there's really no hope for a Taku x Akane Happy Ever After? And what of Maki, back in the glare of acting lights?

Hikayat Genji 3 of 13 by Yamato Waki

The Okami's death throws the palace into shambles, the vacuum sparking a fierce power struggle among the Fujiwara clans. The situation escalates when an enemy who detests Genji tries to eliminate the royal prince. What fate awaits Shining Genji?

Over Rev 13 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team39

The Drift Contest piques Acrobat's interest in Sawako and Ryoko, but the vote to recruit the pair is not unanimous. Gohda the Gorilla is totally against the idea, prompting a race to the death between him and Sawako.

Tomo'o 10 of 16+ by Oda Tobira

Keriko sees a balloon caught in a tree. Unable to get it herself because of her sore eye, she asks Tomo'o to retrieve the balloon for her. Tomo'o refuses because of a toothache, and eventually, Yoshinobu, after being stung by a bee, brings the balloon down. On the balloon, however, is a piece of paper that makes our trio angry — furious enough to actually want to hunt down the balloon's original owner.

What was on the piece of paper? And can they find the writer of the message?

ROMICs

Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim

Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim (Lucky Luke - The Judge) by Morris, René Goscinny

Originally Lucky Luke Tome 13: Le Juge by Morris, René Goscinny (Dupuis, 1959)

Lucky Luke, who has to drive cattle to the distant New Mexican town of Silver City, passes through some wild territory, the most treacherous being that which only knows one law: the Law of the Judge. Lucky Luke gets on the wrong side of the “justice” who controls the region west of the Pecos and is put on trial for unspecified crimes. Can Lucky Luke teach this amateur judge a lesson he won't forget?

Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy

Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy (The fever of Bercy) by Jean Graton, Philippe Graton

Originally Michel Vaillant Tome 61: La fièvre de Bercy by Jean Graton, Philippe Graton (Graton Editeur, 1998)

Michel Vaillant and best friend Steve Warson come to Bercy to participate in a race that lets them meet the world's number one race driver. But Michel and Steve won't be driving their F1 cars; instead, they will be racing in go-karts. The pair also meets John Cabral, owner of the Fastnet IT company that not only sponsors the Bercy race but also launched an innovative chronometer program. Michel is forced to help Fastnet out after a young driver, Billy, makes off with a Fastnet program CD. A dangerous high speed go-kart chase ensues on the Parisian streets, but can Michel retrieve the stolen disk?

Smurf - Smurf Magang

Smurf - Smurf Magang (The Smurf Apprentice) by Peyo

Originally Les Schtroumpfs Tome 7: L'Apprenti Schtroumpf by Peyo (Dupuis, 1971)

A Smurf wants to apprentice to Papa Smurf and help the elder Smurf in his lab experiments, but Papa Smurf turns down the wannabe apprentice, saying the Smurf's too young. The curious Smurf, itching to get blue hands on the magic potion, steals into Gargamel's laboratory and tries to snaffle Gargamel's magic book. But sadly...

This volume also contains the stories Pièges à Schtroumpfs (Smurftraps) and Roméo et Schtroumpfette (Romeo and Smurfette).

Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak

Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak (Flight of the Crows) by Derib, Job

Originally Yakari Tome 14: Le vol des corbeaux by Derib, Job (Dupuis, 1988)

Whilst sleeping, Slow Deer is abducted by a crow. Yakari and best friend Rainbow go after the thieving crow after being told that Slow Deer's life is in danger.

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and blurb provisioning

Other upcoming 4 August 2010 manga

Elex Media: Vampire Knight 2 · Topeng Kaca Bidadari Merah 11 · Claymore 15 · Coz We're Not Children 2 of 2 · Godhand Teru 25 · Hidamari Sketch 2 · Kurozakuro 5 · Look Up! 2 · New Sexy Simpleton 6 · Summer Storm! 3 ·Yureka 17 · Shonen Magz 75/2010

m&c!: Bleach 31 · ChimaChima Papetto by Hina · The Strawberry Marshmallow 6 · Triple Honey by Yamanaka Rico · Wizard in July by Tanaka Meca · Yowamushi Pedal, Go! 8 · Toutou and Friends - Ayam Panggang by Soffritti/Brrémaud/Reynès · Sejejak Harap by Gita/Rie

manga currently available (28 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: BECK 20 · Dear Boys Act 3 vol. 3 · Fullmetal Alchemist 23 · Hayate The Combat Butler 22 · Kariage-kun 31 · A Kiss For My Prince 5 of 5 · Legend of Nereid 9 · Legend of The Cursed Sword 31 · Ruler of the Land 48 · Tena on S String 2 · Vitamin Cat 2 · Wild Life 7 | Mangazine: HanaLaLa 52, Shonen Star 69/2010
• Level Comics: Angel Heart 4 · Bambino! 5 · Glass Chair 5 · New Comic Bomber 3 · Restore Garage 251 vol. 8 · Soul Eater 1 by Ohkubo Atsushi
• m&c!: Ah Dear Banchou 5 · Because I Love You 1 of 2 by Akira Shouko · Bleach 30 · Dragon Girl 5 of 5 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 4 · Tell Me One Million Times 1 of 2 by Oobayashi Miyuki · You Can't Disappear from Me 1 of 4 by Aikawa Saki | Manhua: The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 10 · The Story of Wang Fenglei 4 | AMERO: Quick & Flupke series: Maaf Bu!, Hidup Teknologi, Malapetaka, Kena Batunya, Tukang Kibul and Kencangkan Sabuk Pengaman | Mangazine: Cherry 45/2010 | KOLONI local comics: Satu Atap 2 · Merdeka: Di Bukit Selarong

related monthly schedules

July 2010
Premiering Soul Eater by Ohkubo Atsushi and Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Nishi Yuuji · Ending Diamond Life

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · seinen · shounen · ARMS · Happy Hello Work at Age 21 (Takunabi) · Hikayat Genji · Jio · Love & Collage (Ai Kora) · Over Rev · Tomo'o · Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) | ROMIC (BD): Lucky Luke · Michel Vaillant · Smurfs · Yakari