Yona The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn 4, School Babysitters 2, Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 16 (m&c! 21 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

m&c! has covers and synopses if you don't wanna gamble on me filling in this MinimaList's blanks. Update: I now have my own version, belated though it is.

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen © Sawada Hirofumi
Kodansha [Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War by Gramedia/m&c!

Yoritomo defies Yoshinaka for threatening Lord Houou to issue an edict quelling Yoritomo. At the banks of River Rokujou, Yoshinaka challenges the Supreme Commander of the Shadow Forces Yoshitsune to a one-on-one duel.

I apologize for any misinterpretations of Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 16's original Indonesian synopsis; whatever I know of the Genpei War, Wiki supplied. I'm a bit more confident, though, with my adapt of m&c!'s Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn 4 blurb:

Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn vol 4 of 7+
By Kusanagi Mizuho

"A legend tells of Four Dragon Warriors sworn to serve and protect the first king of Kouka, the Scarlet Dragon God."

Yona, Haku and Yun journey in search of the legendary Dragon Warriors. They find the White Dragon who joins their quest. He possesses the power to detect the other dragons but upon the group's arrival at the village of the Blue Dragon, the Blue Dragon is nowhere to be found...

New m&c! manga
Three shoujo one-shot tankou street: Tokyo Rock Boy by Kikuchi Kamaro (My Very Dear Bad Boy manga-ka), originally Tokyo Rock Shounen first serialized in Betsucomi; ex-Sho-Comi Stylist of Love (Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru) by Sakisaka Mea (Lovely Lesson - Hair Make Episode); and Ciao serial Diamond Step by Iwaoka Meme (I am not a Maid!), retitled Ice Dancing with You. Must thank tweep, manga translator Nishi-san, for identifying Stylist of Love as Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru. (m&c!'s version has a different front cover; the original Japanese cover was demoted to first page — don't ask me why.)

I preview this newbie trio after the release list.

[Holiday restocks]
If you missed some of The Best m&c! Mini-series (Namida Usagi!), now's your chance to make up.

m&c! manga (2011.12.21)

1. The Adventure of Yoshito-sama (Yoshito-sama!) vol 3 of 5+ by Shii Haruka

Yoshito-sama! 「よしとおさま！」 by Shii Haruka Shogakukan Gessan, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.10

2. Eighty Eight (88 Eighty Eight) vol 4 of 4 by Namiki Hiromi [Finale]

88 Eighty Eight 「８８　エイティエイト」 by Namiki Hiromi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.05

3. [Premiere] Ice Dancing with You (Diamond Step) by Iwaoka Meme

Diamond Step 「ダイアモンド・ステップ」 by Iwaoka Meme Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.11

4. School Babysitters (Gakuen Babysitters) vol 2 of 4+ by Tokeino Hari

Gakuen Babysitters 「学園ベビーシッターズ」 by Tokeino Hari Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.11

5. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) vol 16 of 17+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 16 first published in Japan 2011.08

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

6. [Premiere] Stylist of Love (Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru) by Sakisaka Mea

Yubisaki de Koi, Somaru 「指先で恋、染まる」 by Sakisaka Mea Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.11

7. [Premiere] Tokyo Rock Boy (Tokyo Rock Shounen) by Kikuchi Kamaro

Tokyo Rock Shounen 「東京ロック少年」 by Kikuchi Kamaro Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2009.10

Related series
Adapted from Nousatsu Rock Shounen (three of three volumes published between 2006.02 and 2011.05), in turn the sequel to the 2005 Betsucomi one-shot Nousatsu Rock Star. Nousatsu Beat de Utawasete (2008.12) is a side story.

8. Yona, The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) vol 4 of 7+ by Kusanagi Mizuho

Akatsuki no Yona 「暁のヨナ」 by Kusanagi Mizuho Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2011.01

m&c! manhwa (2011.12.21)

1. The Breaker vol 2 of 10 by Jeon KeukJin & Park JinHwan

The Breaker 「브레이커 (THE BREAKER)」 by Jeon KeukJin & Park JinHwan Daiwon C.I. Young Daiwon, seinen Volume 2 first published in Korea 2007.12

Related series
Sequel: The Breaker: New Waves (volume 1 per 2011.10 • volume 2 street date: 2011.12.28)

2. Full House: Love Continues (Full House II) vol 2 of 5 by Won SooYeon

Full House II 「FULL HOUSE 풀 하우스 2부」 by Won SooYeon AKA Full House 2: Ally & Ryder's Second Story Chulganil (TBC), josei Volume 2 first published in Korea 2006.01

Related series
Prequel: Full House (16 volumes)

Read more »

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 15, Seiyuu-Ka! Lovely Voice 3, Kitchen Palette 1 by Takada Rie (m&c! 15 August 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Another Hella Long NikBabble™ Version :D

Yup, you read that right. "Takada Rie." "m&c!" Also, "Takada Rie." "Hakusensha." (Not writing for Shogakukan nor licensed by 3L this time.)

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen © Sawada Hirofumi
Kodansha [Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War by Gramedia/m&c!

Heike leaves the capital and commences counterattack. Yoshinaka, however, forces Houou to issue an order to subdue Yoritomo, which firms up Yoritomo's resolve. Yoshitsune's war to become the supreme shadow commander begins!

The moar I wiki Genpei War and the historical belligerents involved (mentioned in m&c!'s blurb — the Taira and Minamoto clans, Yoshinaka, Yoritomo and of course, Yoshitsune), the moar I want to start Sawada Hirofumi's Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War, regardless that I naw have 15 volumes and 22 prequel tankou to catch up on.

Namida Usagi ~Tears of First Love~ 3 of 7+ by Minase Ai

Narumi already has a girlfriend?? Momoka heartbreak! Momoka makes up her mind to treat Narumi “only as friend” so she can remain by his side. Her decision, however, brings her even more pain, prompting Narumi's best buddy Amano to embrace the tearful Momoka, saying, “If it hurts that much, become my girlfriend instead...”

Niki sez.... This is a 7.5 of 10 ♡. I am lurvin' Amano, not only as the cover of the third Namida Usagi ~Tears of First Love~ but also because despite   [SPOILER!] Narumi finally admitting that he likes Momoka, he thoroughly irritates. Narumi better redeem himself in the next Namida Usagi, or... (I start shipping Momoka with Amano.)

Btw, if you want to follow Minase Ai-sensei, here's her twitter account. (Got that off volume 3's quarter-column free talks ^^v)

New m&c! titles

Four series premiere: Takada Rie's not quite Bambino! josei manga Kitchen Palette, Sugiyama Miwako's Love, Romance and the World (the love-triangled heroine of which looks like a grade-schooler >,<) and My Dearest Pochi that tweep MayzMeow-san speculates might turn out as angsty as Tachibana Yutaka's other shoujo offerings. (She might've been alluding to Kana, Kamo AKA Love Me, Love Me Not as a model.) The lone soonjung manhwa n00b is Moon Fighters that I ab-so-lute-ly hated when I tried it out as Moon Boy (would've preferred that m&c! liberated the latest Chiro instead :P).

These standalones also debut — (the disappointing) Perfect Boy Falls in Love by Shiumi Saki and Love at Sakura Dormitory by Morita Yuki that actually surprised me for being so 6 of 10 yummy, its Ciao creds notwithstanding.

You also have to include the Ramadhan/Idul Fitri-apropos Real Masjid local comic among the debuts.

I preview newbies—except Kitchen Palette—Below the Cut. (I even snap review some of them, if that's an incentive to scroll down.)

Kitchen Palette ~Komugi no
Ren'ai Fuumi Shuugyou Shitate~
© Takada Rie
Hakusensha [Silky]
Published in Indonesia as
Kitchen Palette ~Komugi's
Love Flavor in Training
by Gramedia/m&c!

Big Eater Komugi isn't satisfied with scarfing the entire L'aurora Italian restaurant, she wants to apprentice as a chef there, too. After much groveling, Komugi prevails on owner Tetsuri to let her work the kitchen. Chef Tetsuri's condition: that the rich brat survives on the salary he gives her, a pittance in her eyes.

Komugi's days of grumbling tummy and constant scolding — start-OH!

Nik sez.... In the initial flush after finishing the four chapters (piatti) that comprise Kitchen Palette ~Komugi's Love Flavor in Training 1, I gave it an 8.5 of 10. (It kept me company in traffic and made the Jakarta congestion bearable desu kara.) I later revised that Too High! rating to 7.5. The downgrade, however, does not detract from Enjoyable. It remains so, but Komugi—and the sharp-tongued Tetsuri—will have to pull out the romance big guns if I am to up later Kitchen Palette grades.

Other Takada Rie manga: Takada Rie is prolly not unknown among Indonesian shoujo (and josei) fans. 3L or Tiga Lancar Comic is actually built on Takada Rie's Ex-delinquent × Naive Female Lead Heart. 3L went on to license Hadashi no Aitsu, Manatsu, Wild Act, Happy Hustle High, A Hard Trainer, Love Get You, Love Tripper, Punch!!, To Be the Lady on Top AND most recently — Doctor's Love (Oshiri Ai - Shinsatsu chuu -) and its prequel Couple Who Love Buttocks (Futari wa Oshiri Ai) that finished its Indonesian run last May.

Unless its license lapses, 3L will definitely publish the third Oshiri Ai - Shinsatsu chuu - (Japan street date: 2011.09.09). But I hope m&c! follows up Kitchen Palette soon with the ongoing Calligraphy! troped Ippitsu Nyuukon!, also a Hakusensha HLC Silky series (volume 1 published in Japan last 5 July). It remains to be seen which company snaps up supernatural fantasy Gaba Kawa (Japan release: 2006.07; VIZ Media's Shojo Beat Gaba Kawa per 2008.11) —has anyone?—and the Transfer student/Soccer Trouble Kick (JP: 2004.03). I don't know who, if any, licensed the Age Gap, Orphan Dandan Aishite first published in Japan 1993.04 (rereleased as the Flower Comics Deluxe DANDAN Aishite in 2003.05) and sequel Dandan Dakishimete (JP: 1994.05).

m&c! manga (2011.08.15)

1. Flower of Queen (Jouou no Hana) 2 of 4+ by Izumi Kaneyoshi

Joou no Hana 「女王の花」 by Izumi Kaneyoshi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.07

2. [Series Premiere] Kitchen Palette (Kitchen Palette ~Komugi no Renai Fuumi Shuugyou Shitate~) 1 of 3 by Takada Rie

Kitchen Palette ~Komugi no Renai Fuumi Shuugyou Shitate~ 「キッチンパレット～小麦の恋愛風味修行仕立て～」 by Takada Rie Hakusensha Silky, josei Volume 1 first published in Japan 2010.01

3. Kumpulan Cerita Terbaik Miiko 4 (Miiko Selection ~Bakushouhen~) by Ono Eriko

Miiko Selection ~Bakushouhen~ 「みい子セレクション～爆笑～」 by Ono Eriko Shogakukan Ciao Comics, shoujo First published in Japan 2009.10

Related
Miiko Selection ~Ono Eriko Best 10 Hen~ (JP release: 2004.07), Miiko Selection ~Blue~ (JP: 2005.08) and Miiko Selection ~Love~ (JP: 2006.09) AKA Kumpulan Cerita Terbaik Miiko 1-3
Miiko Desu! (four of four volumes; released in Indonesia as Namaku Miiko!) and Kocchi Muite! Miiko (23 volumes as at 2011.03 [JP]; Hai, Miiko! 23 per 2011.06)

4. [Premiere] Love at Sakura Dormitory (Sakura Kanzume) by Morita Yuki

Sakura Kanzume 「さくらかんづめ」 by Morita Yuki Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo First published in Japan 2010.04

5. [Series Premiere] Love, Romance and the World (Orera Kourin!) 1 of 3 by Sugiyama Miwako

Orera Kourin! 「オレら降臨！」 by Sugiyama Miwako Shogakukan ChuChu, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.07

6. [Series Premiere] My Dearest Pochi (Uchi no Pochi no Iukoto niwa) 1 of 3+ by Tachibana Yutaka

Uchi no Pochi no Iukoto niwa 「うちのポチの言うことには」 by Tachibana Yutaka Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2010.01

7. Namida Usagi ~Tears of First Love~ (Namida Usagi ~Seifuku no Kataomoi~) 3 of 7+ by Minase Ai

Namida Usagi ~Seifuku no Kataomoi~ 「なみだうさぎ～制服の片想い～」 by Minase Ai Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.06

8. [Premiere] Perfect Boy Falls in Love (Koi ni Ochita Kanpeki-kun) by Shiumi Saki

Koi ni Ochita Kanpeki-kun 「恋に落ちた完璧くん」 by Shiumi Saki AKA Perfect Boy Fell in love Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo First published in Japan 2010.10

9. Pudding in Love (Koi suru Purin!) 3 of 5 by Shinozuka Hiromu

Koi suru Purin! 「恋するプリン！」 by Shinozuka Hiromu Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.06

Serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Cherry (concluded)

10. Seiyuu-Ka! Lovely Voice (Seiyuu-Ka!) 3 of 7+ by Minami Maki

Seiyuu-ka! 「声優かっ！」 by Minami Maki Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.07

11. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 15 of 16+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2011.05

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

m&c! manhwa (2011.08.15)

1. [Series Premiere] Moon Fighters (Wolyoil Sonyeon) 1 of 9 by Lee YoungYou

Wolyoil Sonyeon 「月요일 소년(월요일 소년)」 by Lee YoungYou Haksan Party, soonjung Volume 1 first published in Korea 2005.05

Other languages
English Moon Boy (Ice Kunion: three volumes, absorbed by Yen Press: published all nine volumes), French (Editions Clair de Lune: Le Garçon de la lune Tome 9 per 2011.05), Japanese (Enterbrain: Getsuyoubi Shounen volume 2 per 2010.03)

2. Vanilla Frosting 2 of 2 by Romo [Finale]

Vanilla Frosting 「바닐라 프로스팅」 by Romo Haksan, soonjung Volume 2 first published in Korea 2010.07

Hong Kong manhua (2011.08.15)

1. The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 19 of 20: Dalang Iblis (bagian kedelapan) by Khu Lung/Cai Jing Dong (Culture Com)
2. Pedang Maha Dewa 4 Amazing Weapons - The Lost Blade 3 by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty)

KOLONI local comics (2011.08.15)

• [Premiere] Real Masjid

Read more »

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 14, My Life 4, Cherry 55/2011 (m&c! 27 July 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Update: What's the stage after minimalism? Because that's where this release sked lands, with its additional m&c! artwork and NikBabble™ :D

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen © Sawada Hirofumi
Kodansha [Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War by Gramedia/m&c!

Yoshinaka ousts Heike from the capital, but his overweening ambition results in despotic excesses. The Kiso troops, too, begin oppressing the townfolk. To curb the tyranny, a mysterious group, concealing its members' identities behind lion masks, emerges...

I assume this Yoshinaka is the general who defeated the army of Taira no Koremori at the Battle of Kurikara Pass and marched to Kyoto. I really should read Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War, but catching up with 14 Genpei War tankou, plus the 22-volume prequel—volumes 17 through 22 of which are individually restocked this street date—fazes me. >.< (More on the Restocks below.)

Elsewhere, the case of Kotori's murder cracks wide open in —

My Life 4 of 5 by Momochi Reiko

Three years have passed since Kotori's murder. Her case file is gathering dust, and people's memories are short. Nobara spends her days listless as evidence proving Gotouda's guilt remains elusive. Only her friend Himeno's miscarriage rouses her from her lethargy.

Nobara goes to Himeno's boyfriend Murase's apartment to fetch some things for the hospitalized Himeno, only to discover there a DVD recording of Kotori's last moments...

Even sight unseen, am willing to bet that the penultimate My Life ends in an evil cliffie. My suggest: Wait till 10 August for the finale to street.

m&c! mangazines: Cherry 55/2011

Premieres I Love Dog and You by Ichikawa Show and Always by Your Side by Nakamura Sayumi

Sawry, I don't know from which Sho-Comi/ Ciao/ ChuChu/ Flowers shoujo manga Cherry 55's cover comes from, but that doesn't really matter (much) right now, does it? The moar important thing — the two debuts noted above.

About I Love Dog and You
I speculate that I Love Dog and You is Ichikawa Show's Inu Jikan 「犬じかん」, first serialized in Sho-Comi. Only three chapters long, Inu Jikan follows Riku, a girl who prefers the company of Canis lupis familiaris to that of (male) Homo sapiens. And it just so happens that the most popular boy in school not only has the word ‘dog’ in his name but owns three large dogs too! Will love bloom? [Excerpted from Baka-Updates Manga's Inu Jikan description]

The tankou compiling AKA Dog Time also collects a pair of one-shots, Amakuchi koigokoro and Himitsu no chikara. (Adding the latter two on the off chance the m&c! serializes them later.)

Before I Love Dog and You, m&c! also serialized Color of Sky, Color of Love that I rated a “shocking” 5.75 on a scale of 10 (considering how much I wub Ichikawa Show-sensei's Let's Go Home). For other Ichikawa Show manga, see after the release list.

About Always by Your Side
Meanwhile, Nakamura Sayumi's Always by Your Side is most likely Itsumo Soba ni Koi no Uta 「いつもそばに恋のうた」 ex-ChuChu, originally compiled 2010.04. Can't understand Gugel's translation of the Japanese synop, but a much-wubbed love song figures in a certain couple's life.

For other Nakamura Sayumi manga, please scroll down.

Additionally, m&c! includes Glasses In Love among the Cherry 55 titles, but I have no clue about its original title nor its manga-ka. If you know, please leave me a comment.

These other manga (for sure) continue their serial runs: Yomogi Loves Money? (Yomogi Mochi Yaketa?) by Arai Kiyoko; Dawn Aria (Akatsuki no ARIA) by Akaishi Michiyo; My Lovely Class Leader ♥ (Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou) by Nishimura Tomoko (volume 2 is skedded for this 10 August, btw); and I am not a Maid! (Maid ja Naimon!) by Iwaoka Meme.

m&c! also sneaks in a sneak peek into the local KOLONI series Satu Atap by Azisa Noor, a comedy set in a Bandung boarding house populated by not-quite human residents. (Two volumes released as per July 2010.)

☂ [RE-STO] Restocks of restocks, unless they didn't restock per m&c!'s plan?

m&c! manga (2011.07.27)

1. My Life (Inochi) 4 of 5 by Momochi Reiko

Inochi 「いのち」 by Momochi Reiko Kodansha Dessert, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.04

2. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 14 of 16+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2011.02

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

m&c! mangazines (2011.07.27)

• Cherry 55/2011

Hong Kong manhua (2011.07.27)

1. Long Hu Men - The Next Level 5: Berebut Supremasi by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty)
2. The Story of Wang Fenglei Season 2 Book Two by Tony Wong and Dick Kwong (Jade Dynasty)

[RE-STO] Restocked (2011.07.27)

• Cherish Fight by YASUKO
• March Our Hearts Together (Kono Sora ni Hibike) by Shibano Yuka
• Miracle Ice Angel (Kururinpa!) by Imai Yasue
• My cheerful Boyfriend (Seito Kaichou no Kareshi) by Satori Tae
• My Cinderella (Watashi no Cinderella) by Kawase Natsuna
• My Fragile Love (Usotsuki na Gemini) 1 of 3 by Miyawaki Yukino
• My Fragile Love 2 of 3 by Miyawaki Yukino
• My Fragile Love 3 of 3 by Miyawaki Yukino [Finale]
• Mysterious Thief Milky Drop (Kaitou Thief Milky Drop) by Iwaoka Meme
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 17 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 18 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 19 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 20 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 21 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi
• Shanaou Yoshitsune 22 of 22 by Sawada Hirofumi [Finale]
• Sweet Black by Nishikata Mai
• Teenage Days ~ Okamoto Rei Secret Story ~ by Usami Tae
• Triple Honey by Yamanaka Rico

Read more »

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 13, Song of Love 8 of 8, My Life 3 (m&c! 22 June 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Also, all the Bleach box sets you can shake a Shirosaki—or even a regular Ichigo—at ^_^

Eden no Trill © Fujita Maki/Akita Shoten
[Serialized in Princess]
Published in Indonesia as Song of Love by Gramedia/m&c!

“Someday, you, too, will leave Eri.”

Kyoko's words trouble Ritsu, but Ritsu decides to behave as if nothing's amiss. Determined to improve, she practices her singing exercises to avoid disturbing Eiri's piano playing. As always though, disaster finds Ritsu with metronome predictability.

So goes this Song of Love finale tease (with a LOT of additions from Kazé's Trill on Eden tome 8 blurb). That love's trill eventually triumps in uniting two contrary hearts is a given.

Song of Love 8 compiles Phrase 35 through 37 (Last Phrase) and the two-part extra Obbligato 1 and 2. New to Fujita Maki's Eden no Trill? Ain't too late; m&c! restocks volumes 1 through 7 this 28 June.

As for the #1 DO WANT! (which doesn't grab the headline pix because I already led with it the last time) —

Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 13 of 15+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Newly-wed Hyota (Yoshitsune) finds some peace in Kamakura, but not for long. Over in Kurikara, Minamoto no Yoshinaka prepares to face a hundred thousand Heike troops. Will Hyota have to fight in this historic battle at Kurikara Pass?

BTW, if you missed the Shanaou Yoshitsune prequel, m&c! plans to box up volumes 1-6, 7-12, 13-17 and 18-22—that's the complete series—and ship 'em this 6 July.

Speaking of box sets...

Box sets: Bleach 25-30

Bleach © Kubo Tite/Shueisha [Shonen Jump]

m&c! bundles Bleach 25: No Shaking Throne (in which Ichigo is forced to ask the Visored for training), through to Bleach 30: There Is No Heart Without You (Rukia comes face to face with a blast from her past: her former squad lieutenant, Shiba Kaien). The set retails for IDR 95,000.

Missed any of the volumes before 25? Check out this release list Restocks. (They're also IDR 95,000 per six-volume set.)

New m&c! titles

m&c! wraps up Shiumi Saki's Koigokoro or The Awakening of Love mini-series with When Love Is Blooming; launches the sequel to Wang Fenglei's story, The Story of Wang Fenglei Season 2 (Wang Fenglei recovers from injuries sustained in the battle against the Sword Demon and prepares to to take on new foes); and introes a new shoujo series from Takagi Shigeyoshi, Film Girl.

♡ When Love Is Blooming needs no introduction if you've already read the prequels When Love is Hiding (also restocked this release) and When Love is Growing. Basically, Ritsuka dukes it out with “rival” Aizawa-sensei. Lina-chan rates this a 7 of 10. I concur.

The Hijiri × Ritsuka romance takes three chapters—Blended Love, Jealous Love and Blooming Love—to conclude. The final Admire Love one-shot is the story of Ritsuka's friend. (I give it a 6 of 10, readable but not emotionally resonant.)

♡ Film Girl, meanwhile, stars Ordinary High School Student Nakamura Mei, who bumps into the bishie model Shirou and is shocked to find out Le Smexy Shirou is a Mei is my wife! otaku. (He's been crushing on her from the time she was a child model.) Lina-chan gives Film Girl 1 an 8 of 10 ♥ and recommends it as a GET!. I give it 7.25, the fraction simply because of Industrial-Grade Pretty :D

m&c! has also published Takagi Shigeyoshi Pure Awwwsome-ness Flower in A Storm and Kingdom of the Beast, from which the one-shot Bitter Trap is Teh Lurve :D

m&c! manga (2011.06.22)

1. Aoizaka Baseball Club (Saikyou! Toritsu Aoizaka Koukou Yakyuubu) 20 of 26 by Tanaka Motoyuki

Saikyou! Toritsu Aoizaka Koukou Yakyuubu 「最強！都立あおい坂高校野球部」 AKA Aoizaka High School Baseball Club by Tanaka Motoyuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 20 first published in Japan 2009.05

Awards
Winner, Best Shounen Manga, 2008 Kodansha Manga Awards

2. [Series Premiere] Film Girl 1 of 2 by Takagi Shigeyoshi

Film Girl 「フィルムガール」 by Takagi Shigeyoshi Hakusensha LaLa and LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 (Stories 1-5 and omake) first published in Japan 2010.06

3. My Life (Inochi) 3 of 5 by Momochi Reiko

Inochi 「いのち」 by Momochi Reiko Kodansha Dessert, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.11

4. Neon Genesis Evangelion Iron Maiden the 2nd (Shinseiki Evangelion: Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd) 6 of 6 by Hayashi Fumino/GAINAX · khara [Finale]

Shinseiki Evangelion: Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd 「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン　鋼鉄のガールフレンド２ｎｄ」 by Hayashi Fumino/GAINAX · khara Kadokawa Shoten Asuka, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 2005.12

Other languages
English Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days (ADV; six volumes)

Related
Neon Genesis Evangelion (adapted from; 12 volumes as at 2010.04)

5. Pudding in Love (Koi suru Purin!) 2 of 5 by Shinozuka Hiromu

Koi suru Purin! 「恋するプリン！」 by Shinozuka Hiromu Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2007.03

Serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Cherry (concluded)

6. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 13 of 15+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2010.11

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

7. Song of Love (Eden no Trill) 8 of 8 by Fujita Maki [Finale]

Eden no Trill 「楽園のトリル」 by Fujita Maki Akita Shoten Princess, shoujo Volume 8 first published in Japan 2010.03

Other languages
English Trill on Eden (Go! Comi; cancelled), French (Kazé Editions Trill on Eden tome 8 shipped 2010.12)

8. [Premiere] When Love is Blooming (Koigokoro Kyoumeichuu) by Shiumi Saki

Koigokoro Kyoumeichuu: The Resonance of Love 「 恋心・キョウメイ中 」 by Shiumi Saki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2009.04

Related series
Prequels: When Love is Hiding (Koikokoro Senpukuchuu: The Latency Period of Love; JP release: 2008.02) and When Love is Growing (Koigokoro Koushinchuu: The Evolution of Love; 2008.08)

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

Box Set (2011.06.22)

• [Box set] Bleach, volumes 25-30 (of 50+) by Kubo Tite

Hong Kong manhua (2011.06.22)

1. Long Hu Men - Next Level 4: Telapak Mayat Dingin by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty) [IDR 70,000]
2. [Series Premiere] The Story of Wang Fenglei Season 2 Book One by Tony Wong and Dick Kwong (Jade Dynasty) [IDR 95,000]

[RE-STO] Restocked (2011.06.22)

• Box set: Bleach, Volumes 1-6 by Kubo Tite
• Box set: Bleach, Volumes 7-12 by Kubo Tite
• Box set: Bleach, Volumes 13-18 by Kubo Tite
• Box set: Bleach, Volumes 19-24 by Kubo Tite
• Box set: Goong 1-6 (of 25+) by Park SoHee
• Box set: Goong 7-12 by Park SoHee
• Box set: Historical Romance II [IDR 30,000]
• Box set: Kirarin Revolution 1-6 (of 14) by Nakahara An
• Box set: Love Sign (Koi*Oto) 1-5 of 5 by Usami Maki [IDR 80,000]
• The Executives of Houou Academy (Houou Gakuen Shikkoubu) by Kawamaru Shin [IDR 15,000]
• Rento 1 of 3 by Karube Junko [IDR 15,000]
• Rento 2 of 3 by Karube Junko [IDR 15,000]
• Rento 3 of 3 by Karube Junko [Finale] [IDR 15,000]
• The Story of Wang Xiao Long 1 of 3 by Tony Wong [IDR 85,000]
• The Story of Wang Xiao Long 2 of 3 by Tony Wong [IDR 85,000]
• The Story of Wang Xiao Long 3 of 3 by Tony Wong [Finale] [IDR 85,000]
• When Love is Hiding by Shiumi Saki

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Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 12, Beauty Pop 10 of 10, Jun★Ai Sensation 5 of 5 (m&c! 25 May 2011 manga)

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen © Sawada Hirofumi/Kodansha
[Serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia as Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War by Gramedia/m&c!

Hyota (Yoshitsune) manages to prevent a war between Yoritomo and Yoshinaka's troops. His next challenge: an arranged marriage. His own to be exact :D

Doncha just wub his sweatdroppy droopy befuddlement, shown on the Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 12 above? I do ♡.

Jun'ai Sensation
© Oobayashi Miyuki
Shogakukan [ChuChu]
Published as
Jun★Ai Sensation
by Gramedia/m&c!

Series finales

Two shoujo series finish — Arai Kiyoko's Beauty Pop (volume 10) and Oobayashi Miyuki's Jun★Ai Sensation (volume 5).

In the final Beauty Pop, can SP win the All Japan Beauty Contest when Narumi and Ochiai are feuding?

Meanwhile, as Jun★Ai Sensation counts down to wrap... Die, Fukunaga Ai! Whoops. Someone has it in for Ai who stars in a drama and inadvertently becomes famous. Someone who gives Ai's kissing scene two thumbs down.

New m&c! titles

One of these things is not like the others~♪, or so goes the Sesame Street song. First, m&c! lines up six omnibuses: Catwalk Romance by Shiraishi Yuki and To Love a Cool Boy by Sugishippo (both ex-Sho-Comi); Himegirl Attack by Wao Akira, Love Tricks by Ibuki Kaede × CHOCHO and Moriko in The Wonder Forest by Notoyama Keiko (from Ciao); and My Boyfriend in 16 by Yoshinaga Yuu (Betsucomi). And then it drags in Pedang Maha Dewa - Future 1 by Tony Wong. Can you spot the odd one out?

What else but the one that's not a manga and not a standalone.

According to m&c!, the Pedang Maha Dewa F manhua represents the final appearance of Weapons of the Gods characters Wen Tian and Tay Ping. The setting moves to the modern era, specifically, the WWI time window when foreign powers held Hong Kong as a concession territory. The story's main antagonists are the Demon forces, smaller in stature than the Sky Demons (the enemy in Pedang Maha Dewa 3 and 3.5), but more numerous and capable of transforming into humans. In Tony Wong's alternate history, they triggered the Great War and it is now up to Wen Tian and Tay Ping to rid the planet of these critters.

(For the new shoujo manga previews, scroll down.)

☂, VIII [RE-STO]: .hack anyone? Specifically, Hack XXXX and Hack// G.U.+? Complete sets on tap this week.

m&c! manga (2011.05.25)

1. Beauty Pop 10 of 10 by Arai Kiyoko [Finale]

Beauty Pop 「ビューティーポップ」 by Arai Kiyoko AKA Beauty Pop Stage 2 Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2008.02

Other languages
Serialized in the Indonesian Cherry (concluded)
English Beauty Pop (VIZ Media: 10 volumes), French (Soleil: tome 10 per 2010.04) and traditional Chinese 俏麗魔髮師 (Tong Li Taiwan)

Adaptations
A drama CD was released in November 2004, starring seiyuu Minagawa Junko (Koshiba Kiri), Seki Tomokazu (Narumi Shogo), Makoto Aoki (Ochiai Kazuhiko), Shimono Hiro (Minami Kei), Kurata Masayo (Aoyama Kanako), Shimozaki Hiroshi (Komatsu Taro) and Hoshino Mitsuaki (Koshiba Seiji).

2. [Premiere] Catwalk Romance (Plastic Girl) by Shiraishi Yuki

Plastic Girl 「プラスチック・ガール」 by Shiraishi Yuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2009.03

3. [Premiere] Himegirl Attack (Himegal Yoroshiku) by Wao Akira

Himegal Yoroshiku 「姫ギャル・夜露死苦」 by Wao Akira Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.10

4. Jun★Ai Sensation (Jun'ai Sensation) 5 of 5 by Oobayashi Miyuki [Finale]

Jun'ai Sensation 「純★愛センセーション」 by Oobayashi Miyuki Shogakukan ChuChu Comics, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2010.06

5. [Premiere] Love Tricks (Koakuma 7) by Ibuki Kaede, CHOCHO

Koakuma 7 JS no tame no atarashii renai kyouka 「小悪魔７　ＪＳのためのアタラシイ恋愛教科」 by Ibuki Kaede, CHOCHO Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.07

6. [Premiere] Moriko in The Wonder Forest (Fushigi no Mori no Moriko) by Notoyama Keiko

Fushigi no Mori no Moriko 「ふしぎの森のモリコ」 by Notoyama Keiko Shogakukan Ciao, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.07

7. [Premiere] My Boyfriend in 16 (Koibito wa 16-sai) by Yoshinaga Yuu

Koibito wa 16-sai 「恋人は１６さい」 by Yoshinaga Yuu Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2010.05

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion Iron Maiden the 2nd (Shinseiki Evangelion: Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd) 5 of 6 by Hayashi Fumino/GAINAX · khara

Shinseiki Evangelion: Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd 「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン　鋼鉄のガールフレンド２ｎｄ」 by Hayashi Fumino/GAINAX · khara Kadokawa Shoten Asuka, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2005.07

Other languages
English Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days (ADV; six volumes)

Related
Neon Genesis Evangelion (adapted from; 12 volumes as at 2010.04)

9. Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War (Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen) 12 of 15+ by Sawada Hirofumi

Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei no Kassen 「遮那王　義経　源平の合戦」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2010.08

Related series
Shanaou Yoshitsune (prequel, 22 of 22 volumes)

10. [Premiere] To Love a Cool Boy (Hieshou Danshi Kouryakuhou) by Sugishippo

Hieshou Danshi Kouryakuhou 「冷え性男子攻略法」 by Sugishippo Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2009.09

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

Hong Kong manhua (2011.05.25)

1. The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 17 of 20: Dalang Iblis (bagian keenam) by Khu Lung, Cai Jing Dong (Culturecom) [IDR 19,900]
2. Long Hu Men - The Next Level 3: Jurus Nadi Setan by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty) [IDR 70,000]
3. [Series Premiere] Pedang Maha Dewa - Future 1 of 6 by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty) [IDR 95,000]
4. Pedang Maha Dewa 4: Amazing Weapons - The Lost Blade 2 by Tony Wong (Jade Dynasty) [IDR 80,000]

[RESTO] Restocked (2011.05.25)

• Gorgeous Doctors (Dr. wa sotto dakishimeru) by Kawamaru Shin
• Hack XXXX (.hack//XXXX) 1 of 2 by Kikuya Megane, Matsuyama Hiroshi
• Hack XXXX (.hack//XXXX) 2 of 2 by Kikuya Megane, Matsuyama Hiroshi [Finale]
• .hack//G.U.+ 1 of 5 by Morita Yuzuka, Hamazaki Tatsuya
• .hack//G.U.+ 2 of 5 by Morita Yuzuka, Hamazaki Tatsuya
• .hack//G.U.+ 3 of 5 by Morita Yuzuka, Hamazaki Tatsuya
• .hack//G.U.+ 4 of 5 by Morita Yuzuka, Hamazaki Tatsuya
• .hack//G.U.+ 5 of 5 by Morita Yuzuka, Hamazaki Tatsuya [Finale]
• Kalau Besar Nanti: Aku Ingin Jadi Bintang by Curd Ridel [IDR 25,000]
• Kalau Besar Nanti: Aku Ingin Jadi Ibu by Curd Ridel [IDR 25,000]
• Pedang Mahadewa Fore Stories IV Book 1 of 2 by Tony Wong [IDR 75,000]
• Pedang Mahadewa Fore Stories IV Book 2 of 2 by Tony Wong [Finale] [IDR 75,000]
• Rhythmical Style by Aoi Michiru
• Shadow of Pink Summer (Karei naru Ai no Rekishi Emaki series) by Nagaoka Yoshiko [IDR 17,000]
• The Sound of Love (Karei naru Ai no Rekishi Emaki series) by Nagaoka Yoshiko [IDR 20,000]

Read more »