Bambino 8, Psychometrist Eiji 18, Jepang Tenggelam 9 (Level Comics 26 January 2011 manga)

Also, the Smurf ROMIC/BD Olimpiade Smurf

Psychometrer Eiji © Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi
Kodansha [First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Psychometrist Eiji by Elex Media/Level Comics

Would've liked to lead with Bambino!'s Ban (who now has to master dolce, but pastry chef Oda won't let him touch anything, much less attempt a dessert on his own), but I was late requesting for a cover. So Eiji it is. In any case, the word for Eiji and Ryoko this Level manga release is Cannabis. What exactly does Cannabis have to do with Ikushima who appears before Eiji? Find out in Psychometrist Eiji 18, streeting this Wednesday.

Jepang Tenggelam 9 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou & Ishiki Tokihiko

It's All Green! for Project A—the plan to stop Japan from sinking further—as support pours in from all quarters. Well, almost all; D Project discovers a fatal flaw in the scheme that could actually lead to a larger catastrophe and scrambles to prevent further tragedy.

Level Comics manga (2011.01.26)

1. 3x3 Eyes 35 of 40 by Takada Yuzo

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 35 first published in Japan 2000.12

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. Bambino! 8 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2007.04

Volume 8 chapters:
77. バッテレ（たたき刻む）
78. ロアテーレ（回転させる）
79. テンペラトゥーラ（温度）
80. コンキッリア（貝殻）
81. クレアーレ（創造する）
82. フォンデンテ（溶ける）
83. スコンジェラーレ（解凍する）
84. アッサジャーレ（味をみる）
85. メレンダ（おやつ）
86. フルッラーレ（泡立てる）
87. マルチーレ（腐敗する）1

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; six volumes per 2011.02.26)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

3. Jepang Tenggelam (Nihon Chinbotsu) 9 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 9 (chapters 71-79) first published in Japan 2007.12

Related
Based on the award-winning disaster novel by Komatsu Sakyou, also adapted into film and live-action TV.

4. Over Rev 16 of 31 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39

Over Rev! 「オーバーレブ！」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi & Team 39 Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 16 first published in Japan 2001.02

Volume 16 chapters:
171. マイステージ
172. 涼子、焦る!!
173. 最後のチャンス
174. それぞれの寂しさ...
175. MR2が、好きっ！
176. エロ教師の思惑...
177. 負ける喜び
178. 涼子の、リベンジ!?
179. 秀明のガチンコ
180. 秘密のテクニック
181. 裸の女王様!?
182. 嵐の前の“殴り合い”

5. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 18 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 18 first published in Japan 1999.09

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 Taiwan)

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

Adaptations
The live-action renzoku alternatively known as Simply Psychic ran for two seasons on NTV (January to March 1997 and October to December 1999). A one-episode, 45-minute anime OAV Eiji was released in August 1990.

6. Restore Garage 251 v12 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2004.09

7. Sky of Love (Koizora) 2 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 2 first published in Japan 2007.09

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 (2011.01.26)

• Smurf - Olimpiade Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs olympiques, tome 11) by Peyo

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

Read more »

xxxHOLiC 11, Genius Family Company 5, Half an Apple 4 (Level Comics 15 December 2010 manga)

1/2 no Ringo © Koyama Yukari/Kodansha [Serialized in Kiss]
Published in Indonesia as Half an Apple by Elex Media/Level Comics

Before I get to Half an Apple and its tangled relationships and astray soul mates, top DO WANT! manga first. And for this Level release, that's xxxHOLiC.

Himawari has been keeping her distance from Watanuki ever since that near fatal accident. But Watanuki waves aside Himawari's claim of being bad luck incarnate and gifts her with a bird hatched from an egg given to him by Yuko.

Can the bird erase Himawari's bad luck curse? Find out in xxxHOLiC 11, streeting the 15th. [Additions from the Kimihiro Watanuki write-up at Holic Wiki]

Meanwhile, Pika Édition's XXX Holic, tome 11 description adds that Watanuki's path leads him to another chance meeting with Zashiki Warashi, as well encountering a mother more interested in money than in her daughter's happiness; Del Rey's xxxHOLiC 11 summary points out that soon, Watanuki will have to deal with the growing threat posed by Fei-Wang Reed.

And speaking of upcoming encounters —

Half an Apple 5 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

Hikaru finds that high hopes and enthusiasm for her new job count for nothing against the reality of inexperience. But with Amano's help, she strives to realize her dream of making cosmetics for her atopic customers. Just when things appear to be looking up, Hikaru runs into Shindo, her ex, and his wife, Natsuko.

Genius Family Company 5 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

A hacker wipes out the Seihodo online book store. Powerless, Katsuyuki goes home, only to encounter Haru and a house engulfed in flames. Haru deliberately withholds details of the fire from the police, fearing for the life of Yuika, kidnapped by the Taiwanese mafia.

Katsuyuki eventually stumbles upon the truth behind the string of baffling events but one question remains: What is the connection between the Nagasawa family gallery and Yano-san? As Katsuyuki tries to think his way out of the puzzle, he remembers someone. You are the one person in the world that I want to meet!

Just found out that Tensai Family Company was adapted into audio drama in 2008 starring Hirakawa Daisuke, Mitsuishi Kotono, and three of my all-time favorite seiyuu: Namikawa Daisuke (#6), Inoue Kazuhiko (#3) and Ueda Yuuji (#10).

Level Comics manga (2010.12.15)

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

1. Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) 5 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Tensai Family Company 「天才ファミリー・カンパニー」 by Ninomiya Tomoko Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko, josei Volume 5 (bunko) first published in Japan 2008.12

Other languages
French Tensai Family Company - Génies en tous genres (Asuka Comics)

Adaptations
Audio drama starring seiyuu Hirakawa Daisuke, Mitsuishi Kotono, Namikawa Daisuke, Inoue Kazuhiko, Ueda Yuuji and Noto Mamiko (Tensai Family Company drama CD 1 and 2 released by Geneon Entertainment 2008.08.27 and 2008.10.22)

2. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 5 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.10

3. Haruka 17 v10 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka 17 「はるか１７」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2006.02

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

4. Last Inning 7 of 27+ by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

Last Inning 「ラストイニング」 by Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu, Katou Kiyoshi Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2005.10

Volume 7 chapters:
58 強敵求む!!
59 日米決戦!!
60 一人でできた!!
61 四番の仕事
62 バイバイ沖縄
63 ディフェンス!!
64 救世主出現!?
65 秘密？兵器
66 21人いる!!
67 競争原理

5. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 17 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 17 first published in Japan 2008.01

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.

6. Restore Garage 251 v11 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2004.06

7. xxxHOLiC 11 of 18+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 11 (chapters 65-72) first published in Japan 2007.05

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey; volume 16 per 2010.10.26), French (Pika Édition; tome 16 shipped 2010.10.20 • tome 17 street date: 2011.01.19), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, is scheduled for March 2011 release with manga volume 19.

A theatrical film adaptation xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in Japan before the first anime season (2005.08.20). The movie was a Feature Films finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Seiyuu Fukuyama Jun and Ohara Sayaka play the roles of Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko in all adaptations.

Related
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (crossover) · xxxHoLic: ANOTHERHOLiC Landolt-Ring Aerosol by NisiOisiN (Novel; side story) · Soel to Larg: Mokona=Modoki no Bouken (Novel; side story)

At least three official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17)

Level Comics European comics (2010.12.15)

• Yakari dan Monster Danau (Yakari, Tome 17: Le monstre du lac) by Derib, Job

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 18,500 each except Genius Family Company (SRP: IDR 29,500), as well as Haruka 17 vol. 10 and Restore Garage 251 vol. 11 (IDR 19,500 each) and Yakari dan Monster Danau (IDR 30,000).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Haruka 17 Vol. 10 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Haruka and Yuri appear to have been miscast; their roles are the polar opposites of their real characters. The constant flubbing of lines makes the crew despair of the project, but fortunately, Nanako realizes the problem and uses a special trick to help the pair.

What trick does Nanako employ? And will it really result in a stellar performance from Haruka and Yuri?

Last Inning 7 of 27+ Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

Before the Okinawa training camp closes, beyond all expectations, freelance journalist Warabi runs into a team worthy of sparring with Saitama High. The unexpected development is exceeded only by the prospect of a a foreign student dubbed the tall lefty pitcher consenting to enroll in Saitama.

Nurse Aoi 17 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

Are you content to let the situation stand?

Aoi gives it her best shot to make Sawanabori Reika admit to being a victim of domestic abuse. Because of Aoi's support, Reika-san finds the courage to disclose the crime, despite fear of her husband's reprisal. But Minister Sawanobori, Reika's mother in-law, finds out and tries to cover up for her son. What will become of Reika-san now?

Restore Garage 251 vol. 11 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Honjo attempts to persuade Mizuki to help in restoring the car of teacher Koshiba-sensei, but to no avail. Mizuki is unmoved, dooming all attempts at reconciliation. Meanwhile, despite ineptness, Tetsu tries to restore Koshiba's car.

Will Tetsu and Honjo succeed in restoring the automobile, along with the memories it holds within?

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

m&c!: Electric Daisy 6 · Goong [Palace Story] 21 · Sugar Family 5 · Be a Naughty Girl 3 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 13 · Monika 137

other manga available this week (15 December 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Golden Book (Deluxe) · Inuyasha 50 · Kindaichi Special Case: Private School Murder 2 of 2 · Kariage kun 37 · Godhand Teru 28 · Mixim 11 vol.2 · Bakeru kun Pika-pika 2 · Artist Acro 5 · New Sexy Simpleton 8

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 Bloody Monday by Megumi Kouji & Ryumon Ryou

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) · Half an Apple · Haruka 17 · Last Inning · Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) · Restore Garage 251 · xxxHOLiC · Yakari

Air Gear 15, Hikayat Genji 4, Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 (Level Comics 20 October 2010 manga)

Also, ROMIC (BDs): Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf, Spirou dan Fantasio - Petualangan di Australia and 2 × Yakari: Yakari - Lompatan Pertama and Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa

Akihabara@DEEP © Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto/Shinchosha
[First serialized in Comic Bunch]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Before I get to “Protecting The Geek Domination Dream” —

Benkei and Ohmu clash. Seeing Benkei overwhelmed by Sleeping Forest's Water Queen, Kazu recalls Emiri and Bucca's words and dives into the brawl. What can the ad interim leader do? Can they defeat Ohmu?

Consult the latest Air Gear volume 15 (Tricks 123-132), streeting tomorrow, for answers.

Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto

Under cover of an IT symposium, Page, Akira and Box infiltrate Digicapi. Zannen desu ga, their bid to make off with Crook appears destined to #Fail. A formidable security system, not to mention equally formidable security dudes, obstruct their efforts.

Does this mean the only victory our Akiba otaku can win is a Pyrrhic one? One obtained only at the cost of great sacrifice?

Level Comics manga (2010.10.20)

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

1. Air Gear 15 of 29+ by Oh! great

AirGear 「エア・ギア」 by Oh! great Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2006.09

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 2006 Kodansha Manga Awards

Other languages/serializations
English Air Gear (Del Rey; Volume 15-17 released 2010.08.31), Korean (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore; latest volume 28), French (Pika Édition), Italy (Planet Manga), Germany (Heyne) and Sweden (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB/serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 25-episode anime by Toei Animation, starring Kamakari Kenta as Ikki, a Satelight-animated Air Gear: Kuro no Hane to Nemuri no Mori -Break on the Sky- OAD shipped with volume 29 in July 2010 with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ikki and a series of musicals

2. Akihabara@DEEP 6 of 6 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto [Finale]

Akihabara@DEEP 「アキハバラ＠ＤＥＥＰ」 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto Shinchosha (Coamix) Bunch Comics, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2007.06

Other languages
English Akihabara@Deep (Media Blasters; six volumes) and French (12 Bis)

Related
Based on Ishida Ira's Akihabara@DEEP novel

Adaptations
A live-action drama starring Kazama Shunsuke (Page), Ikuta Toma ((Box), Himura Yuki (Daruma), Hoshino Gen (Taiko), Kosaka Yuka (Akira), Matsushima Hatsune (Ism) and Honjo Manami (Yui) and a theatrical release (September 2006.09.02)

3. Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

Chocolat 「ショコラ」 by Kubonouchi Eisaku Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2001.04

Volume 4 contains chapters:
1 自分の気持ちが確かならいいの
2 そういうおまえがいちばん変わったよ。
3 もう簡単には変わらないわ
4 俺が本気で変えてやる
5 本気なところ見て見たい
6 早く本気になってみせてよ
7 そんなに焦るなよ
8 ぼちぼちイッてみっか。
9 そんなに余裕で大丈夫？
10 大丈夫じゃねえかも...
11 珍しく弱気じゃない？

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Otsuka Chihiro, Natsuyagi Isao, Takahashi Kazuya, and Ishii Teruyuki

4. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 4 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 4 first published in Japan 2006.06

5. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 1983.05

Related
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu

Others languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

6. Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2005.02

Volume 10 contains chapters:
37. A Real Monster, Part 1
38. A Real Monster, Part 2
39. The Bird Inside a Cage
40. The Shape of One's Heart
NOT Level's titles

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media; 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa tome 19 released 2008.12) and Italian (JPOP)

7. Restore Garage 251 v10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2004.03

8. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2007.02

Level Comics ROMICs (2010.10.20)

1. Smurf Hijau dan Hijau Smurf (Schtroumpf vert et vert Schtroumpf, tome 9) by Peyo & Yvan Delporte
2. Spirou - Petualangan di Australia (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 34: Aventure en Australie) by Tome & Janry
3. Yakari - Lompatan Pertama (Yakari, tome 16: Le premier galop) by Derib & Job
4. Yakari - Terowongan Raksasa (Yakari, tome 10: Le grand terrier) by Derib & Job

¹ Sources: Elex STO 20 October 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except for Restore Garage 251 vol. 10 (SRP: IDR 19,500). All ROMICs listed retail for IDR 30,000 each.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Volume previews (continued)

Chocolat 4 of 7 by Kubonouchi Eisaku

My—my name is Amon!! My body may be big, but I'm actually a coward who can only annoy the people around me. But I understand the feelings of Omugi's family.

Chiyoko finally finds the courage to invite Ichigo to the school's cultural festival, but Nana-san is kidnapped on the very day the festival opens! Saying that it's gonna be a problem is severely understating it!

Half an Apple 4 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

I don't want to be separated; I don't want to lose. But...

Despite vowing to marry each other, despite Hikaru's love for Shindo eclipsing all others', Hikaru continues to contend with Natsuko who hasn't given up on getting Shindo. What fiendish plot is Natsuko hatching now? Can Hikaru and Shindo protect their relationship from Natsuko's predations?

Hikayat Genji 4 of 13 by Yamato Waki

Consorting with a hime with the wrong political affiliations exiles Genji to Suma. There, fate leads him to Akashi and a love affair with the beautiful Akashi princess. Meanwhile, unrest in the capital worsens; the Okami falls ill and summons Genji back.

What will happen to Genji's relationship with the Akashi princess? And will Genji's return bring peace to the capital?

Jio 10 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi

As Yulia and Paison go at it in the O.P.T. Olympics, Jio senses the presence of a Kabbalah demon. Which one is it?

Restore Garage 251 v.10 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

To finance his daughter Saori's schooling abroad, Satoshi dips into his laboriously squirreled away savings. Unfortunately, Saori's stepfather uses up the education fund, prompting Saori's mom to plead with Satoshi for more money.

Learning that her mother is pressuring her father for money, Saori sees red and refuses to continue further studies. An oblivious Satoshi, meanwhile, searches for a gift for Saori when work lets him.

How will this situation resolve itself?

Shattered Knife 5 of 11+ by George Asakura

After Natsume's kidnapping by a stalker, Natsume and Ko's relationship starts to fray. Natsume also grows distant from friends, especially Kana.

Kana likes Ko and the only thing preventing her from getting in between Natsume and Ko is her belief that the two are the perfect couple. But what will happen once Natsume and Ko break up and Ko starts going out with another girl?

UP NEXT: m&c! 20 October 2010 manga and manhwa

m&c!: Oresama Teacher 3 · Kingdom of the Beast by Takagi Shigeyoshi · A Badboy Drinks Tea! 10 · To The Top! 2 of 2 · Idol Shopping 4 · Canon by Usami Maki · Beauty Pop 8 · Cold Heart by Hoshimori Yukimo · Go! Hiromi Go! 4 · Secret 2

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Hyasinta-san for the artwork and blurbs

disclaimer

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

other upcoming manga (20 October 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Vampire Knight 5 · Fullmetal Alchemist 24 · Hello Master 2 · Topeng Kaca 2 Deluxe · Rinne 1 by Takahashi Rumiko · Artist Acro 3 · Natural Honey Dormitory 3 · New Sexy Simpleton 7 · Want You 1 by Hwang MiRee · Our Dear Tamura-kun 1 by Kurafuji Sachi · Legend of Nereid 10 · Nakayoshi 85/2010 · Shonen Star 74/2010

related monthly schedules

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

September 2010
Premiering Sky of Love by Mika & Haneda Ibuki and The Duke and I by Hara Chieko

other invaluable resources

Wikipedia · 7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

Technorati tags

Level Comics · manga · ROMIC (BD) · josei · seinen · shounen · AirGear · Akihabara@Deep · Chocolat · Half an Apple · Hikayat Genji · Jio · Restore Garage 251 · Shattered Knife · Smurfs · Spirou et Fantasio · Yakari

Until Death Do Us Part 1, Gokusen 15 of 15, Restore Garage 251 v.9 (Level Comics 18 August 2010)

Also, the latest Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju. In this BD/ROMIC, Lucky Luke hunts down the Dalton Brothers who just broke out of the pokey and are hotfooting it to Canada.

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

This Wednesday, Level premieres what has got to be the kewlest manga around—Until Death Do Us Part—starring the Baddest of Badass of swordsmen, Hijikata Mamoru. The blind Mamoru finds himself waging a protracted war against a shady company post rescuing precognitive moppet Toyama Haruka from kidnappers.

After she is saved, Haruka makes Mamoru An Offer He Can't Refuse: become her bodyguard Until Death Do Them Part. What exactly does Haruka mean? And why was she kidnapped in the first place?

The mother of a complicated plot, unrelenting thrill-ride action, awesome art and cool characters — what more can you wish for? is how Lenny-san, editor of Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S's seinen manga, encapsulates UDDUP, originally Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made. She sez that reading the Young Gangan serial is akin to watching a guilty pleasure action movie, adding If you like Bourne trilogy, you're gonna love this manga! (I have to add my Arigatou gozaimuchness for Lenny-san's wazawaza transcription of the back cover blurb so's I won't have to go squint mode »ON! nor borrow Mamoru's Cool Shades to read it.)

Gokusen 15 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Lenny-san who also edits Gokusen sez that chances of publishing the special ShinKumi chapter are pretty dim — unless it's a whole extra manga. Sigh. I don't think the paperback library edition with different cover art that ships 2010.08.18 in Japan is what she meant. In any case, as Gokusen wraps —

A pretty girl claiming to be Shinohara-sensei's osananajimi asks the Ooedo clan attorney to return home because his father is ill. Shinohara heeds the summons and flies to Hokkaido. A week passes and the lawyer has yet to return, forcing Yankumi to track down Shinohara-sensei (with Fujiyama-sensei accompanying). The guys of Class 3-4 hear about Yankumi's Hokkaido junket and decide they, too, want in on the action!

The rest of the summaries after the manga list.

Level Comics manga (2010.08.18)

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

1. Gokusen 15 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko [Finale]

Gokusen 「ごくせん」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 15 first published in Japan 2007.04

Other language versions
Sharp Point Press publishes the traditional Chinese Gokusen.

Related
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. Another paperback library edition, again with different cover art, begins shipping 2010.08.18 (two volumes so far). A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

Adaptations
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

2. Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) 13 of 31+ by Koshino Ryo

Ns' Aoi 「Ｎｓ’あおい」 by Koshino Ryo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2007.04

Recognitions
Among the Jury Recommended Works for Story Manga at the the 12th Japan Media Arts Festival (along with Takahashi Rumiko's InuYasha, Kanno Aya's Otomen, Ninomiya Tomoko's Nodame Cantabile and 13 others).

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

Adaptations
Adapted into an 11-episode live-action renzoku that aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006 (a special aired in September of the same year). Ishihara Satomi starred as Misora Aoi.

3. Restore Garage 251 volume 9 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「レストアガレージ２５１」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 2003.12

4. [Premiere] Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) 1 of 12+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 1 (containing chapters 1-8) first published in Japan 2005.12

Other language versions
Published in France by Ki-oon (Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare, Tome 11: Dungeon released 2010.07), in Taiwan by Tong Li and Hong Kong by Jade Dynasty.

Level Comics European comics (2010.08.18)

Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju (Lucky Luke, tome 22: Les Dalton dans le blizzard) by Morris, René Goscinny (Lucky Comics)

¹ Sources: Elex STO 18 August 2010 (release schedule) and Level Comics (artwork and synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Until Death Do Us Part 1 and Restore Garage 251 which retail for IDR 19,500 each. Lucky Luke - Dalton Terjebak Badai Salju priced at IDR 30,000/volume.

Volume previews continued

Restore Garage 251 vol 9 of 33+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Yumejiro helps restore his friend Genta's car. All this time, Genta has been suffering from listlessness and writer's block, but a new lease on his automobile allows Genta to find the energy to continue his novel — not just to pay for the restoration but also to fulfill a promise made to his deceased wife. Genta's grandchild Asami is equally excited and makes every effort to market the novel.

But after such a long hiatus and a lack of new fans, Genta-sensei's latest book bombs, plunging the author into despair.

Can Genta still fulfill his promise?

Nurse Aoi 13 of of 31+ by Koshino Ryo

Takarai-san suffers from a cardial infarction and only in the nick of time is he saved. But as he also bleeds from the stomach, he has to undergo endoscopy. All the doctors capable of treating Takarai, however, are busy with other patients; only Dr. Eto, who doubts his capability, is available. The situation worsens with Mikio, Takarai's son who works for a TV network, posing a new threat.

Other upcoming manga (18 August 2010 street date)

Elex Media: Spiral: The Bonds Of Reason 5 · Here We Are 13 · With My Brothers 7 · Crows 11 · Hell Girl 6 · Kariage kun 32 · Libero Revolution!! 12 · Look Up! 3 · Shinagawa Cat Story 2 · Shugo Chara 10 · Throbbing Midnight 9 of 9 · Nakayoshi 83/2010

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

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

disclaimer

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

manga currently available (11 August 2010 street date)

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

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering The Running Bus by Sahara Mizu and Until Death Do Us Part by Takashige Hiroshi

other invaluable resources

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

Technorati tags

manga · josei · seinen · Gokusen · Nurse Aoi (Ns' Aoi) · Restore Garage 251 · Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) | ROMIC (BD): Lucky Luke

Soul Eater 1 by Ohkubo Atsushi, Bambino! 5, Angel Heart 4 (Level Comics 28 July 2010)

Soul Eater © Ohkubo Atsushi/Square Enix (Serialized in Shonen Gangan)
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics (Elex Media)

May contain   [SPOILERS!]

Meet weapon meister Maka, a student of the DWMA or Death Weapon Meister Academy founded by Death himself—Shinigami-sama—to school fighters and their living weaponry. Maka has one ambition: to turn Soul Eater, her human weapon, into the strongest Death Scythe around. For this to happen, though, our combat combi first has to amass 99 impure human souls (and that of one Wicked Witch).

The problem: Before they can vanquish the prerequisite number of evil doers and Soul Eater becomes the baddest of badass Scythes evar!, Maka and Just call him Soul must first learn to get along as a team. (TV Tropes points out: She's a raging workaholic, he's a slacker — as antithetical in personalities as you can get and the perfect formula for inertia-manufactured trouble if I've seen one.)

So Level finally rolls out half of its July Premieres—Soul Eater 1—this 28th. While you might've already met our “Golden Pair” in the BONES anime (if the number of DO WANT! at the EMO forum is any indication), I haven't. So, following Level's advice to cekidot (check it out).

Aside from Maka and Soul, the first tankou also introduces us to (equally quirky) schoolmate meisters/weapons, Black☆Star and Tsubaki and Death the Kid and his twin demon guns, sisters Liz and Patty Thompson.

Bambino! 5 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Meanwhile, you might be forgiven for thinking that something's wrong with Future Chef Ban in the latest Bambino!, Sekiya Tetsuji's OMB! The food! cooking manga. That Ban continues to harvest critiques and break crockery—even after working the Hall for two weeks—is probably not (that) surprising. What raises teh eyebrows is Ban rejecting Miyuki's suggestion to revert to kitchen duty, insisting instead on staying on the floor.

Ban doesn't want to return to the kitchen? Ban ga? What can he be thinking?

About Angel Heart and R.I.P. Weekly Comic Bunch

I don't have a blurb for Angel Heart, returning to circulation next Wednesday, but I do have news that should set Glass Heart fans at ease. Manga-ka Hojo Tsukasa promises that the crime manga will continue even after Comic Bunch—the magazine that serializes it—folds. (Last issue: 27 August 2010.) ICv2 reports via the French news site Actua Litte that Hojo-sensei reassured attendees of the recent 11th Annual Impact of Japan Expo in Paris that the Comic Bunch closure doesn't spell the end for Angel Heart, adding that fans can even look forward to a different form. The manga-ka, however, stopped short of revealing the differences he plans for post-Bunch Angel Heart.

Unfortunately, I don't know what lies ahead for Restore Garage 251 (another ongoing Bunch serial), volume 8 of which ships with Angel Heart 4. The volume 8 preview, however, as well synopses for the latest Glass Chair and New Comic Bomber are after the manga list.)

Level Comics manga (2010.07.28)

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

1. Angel Heart 4 of 32+ by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「 エンジェル・ハート 」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2002.07

RELATED SERIES
City Hunter (35 of 35 volumes)

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Published in French by Génération Comics and Panini Comics

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

2. Bambino! 5 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! 「 バンビ～ノ！ 」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.07

Volume 5 contains chapters:

• 43 アッヴォルジェレ（包む）
• 44 コンプレアンノ（誕生日）1
• 45 コンプレアンノ 2
• 46 コンプレアンノ 3
• 47 コンプレアンノ 4
• 48 給料日（ジョルノディバーガ）
• 49 トラッターレ（交渉する）
• 50 ピッカンテ（辛い）
• 51 シェッリエレ（選ぶ）
• 52 アッパレッキアーレ（配置する）
• 53 ウニオーネ（団結）

AWARDS
Best seinen/general manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- and Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

RELATED SERIES
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; four volumes as at 2010.06.30)

ADAPTATIONS
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun as Shogo Ban and Kitamura Kazuki as Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director, and a Special Award.

3. Glass Chair (Garasu no Isu) 5 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

Garasu no Isu 「 ガラスの椅子 」 by Nakamura Mariko Kodansha Be Love, josei Volume 5 first published in Japan 2006.04

4. New Comic Bomber (Shin Hoero Pen) 3 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 3 first published in Japan 2005.12

Volume 3 contains chapters:

• 9 命のテンション
• 10 新人のアシは来るけれど
• 11 わかれ！ヒーロー！自分の価値を!!
• 描き下ろし
• あとがきまんが
• 特別掲載その1
• 逆境ナイン・特別編
• 特別掲載その2
• 新吼えろペン・番外編

RELATED SERIES
Prequels: Burning Pen (Moeyo Pen, one volume) and Comic Bomber (Hoero Pen, 13 volumes)

5. Restore Garage 251 volume 8 of 32+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Restore Garage 251 「 レストアガレージ２５１ 」 by Tsugihara Ryuji Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2003.10

6. Soul Eater 1 of 17+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「 ソウルイーター 」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2004.06

Volume 1 contains chapters
Soul Eater • Black☆Star • Death the Kid • 001. Remedial Lesson (Part 1)

RELATED
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 LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
Soul Eater is published in North America by Yen Press (volume 3 released 2010.06.15 • volume 4 street date: 2009.10.27; serialized Yen Plus).
Other global releases: France (published by Kurokawa) · Germany (Carlsen Comics) · Taiwan (Sharp Point Press)

ADAPTATIONS
Manga volumes 1 to 12 adapted to anime by BONES. Fifty-one episodes starring seiyuu Omigawa Chiaki as Maka Alban and Uchiyama Kouki as 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.

¹ Sources: STO 28 July 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, except where indicated)
² All manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each, except Angel Heart 4 and Restore Garage 251 vol. 8 (SRP: IDR 19,500/volume).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Volume previews continued

Glass Chair 5 of 8 by Nakamura Mariko

To protect Izuru, Aoi submits to all of Hayao's demands, struggling to understand him and perhaps, uncover his softer side. She presents Hayao with something she thinks he will find precious; the “gift,” however, is unwelcome, and a wounded Hayao lashes out.

Just what did Aoi give and how does Hayao retaliate? Find out in volume 5.

New Comic Bomber 3 of 11 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

The sound and the fury and the fierce squabbling between director and author are over, or are they? At the GJ9 movie premiere, Hono-sensei continues to criticize the film adapt and disses each and every scene. What reprisal awaits the fault-finding manga-ka?

Restore Garage 251 vol. 8 of 32+ by Tsugihara Ryuji

Takamura Gen apologizes to Yumejiro for the rudeness of his son, celeb Takamura Shinya, but Yumejiro doesn't let the issue die there. He offers to “discipline” Shinya by putting the young artist to work restoring cars at Garage 251.

Under Yumejiro's tutelage, will Shinya change and become a nicer person?

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

Other 28 July 2010 manga

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

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

disclaimer

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

currently available (21 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Q.E.D. 34 · Juvenile Remix 4 · New Sexy Simpleton 5 · Hell Girl 5 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 2 · Kurozakuro 4 · Real 9 · Katsu! 6 · Geobreeders 13 · Coz We're not Children 1 by Seta Haruhi · Crows 10 · Shonen Magz 74/2010
• Level Comics: xxxHOLiC 9 · Genius Family Company 3 · Gokusen 14 of 15 · Revolution No.3 vol. 3 of 3 · Fight!! Ippo 77 · Priest 7
• m&c!: Happy Cafe 15 of 15 · Innocent Dragon 6 · Idol Shopping 1 by Hwang MiRee · Female Wolf's Boy 1 by Han YuRang · Sandwich Girl 1 by Han YuRang · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 1 by Hwang MiRee · Long Hu Men 169 | AMERO comics (Dark Horse): Actions Speak by Sergio Aragonés · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 7

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 JP · Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · shounen · Angel Heart · Bambino! · Glass Chair · New Comic Bomber · Restore Garage 251 · Soul Eater