Black Butler 12, The Recipe for Gertrude 5/5, Exposing Game 2/2 (Elex Media 23 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Sebas-chan's baaaaaack! (Oh, and me × Grell, too :P)

Kuroshitsuji © Toboso Yana/Square Enix [Serialized in GFantasy]
Published in Indonesia as Black Butler by Elex Media

Thanks to Aurora Society's ‘perfect resurrection,’ soulless corpses reanimate, and they begin attacking the passengers. A bespectacled man arrives to investigate the imperiled ship, and as far as his eyes can see — ice fragments like white mice.

Enter, stage left! Shinigami Ronald Knox into Black Butler's Ship Voyage arc, the sixth such (after the Kidnapping, Jack the Ripper, Curry Contest, Noah's Ark Circus and Phantomhive Manor Murder). Peeps over at Kuroshitsuji Wiki sum up Ronald Knox as Grell Sutcliff's subordinate to collect souls and to investigate the mystery behind the bizarre dolls.

Black Butler XII compiles chapters 53 through 57: That Butler, Brawl; That Butler, Unparalleled; That Butler, In Vain; That Butler, Guess; and That Butler, Struggle. [*NOT Elex chapter titles]

The latest Kuroshitsuji chapter is 63: That Butler, Training. I don't know if this chapter, released 19 November, is included in volume 13 due to release in Japan this 27 December.

I preview the Exposing Game and The Recipe for Gertrude finales after the release list. Highlighting here the manga debuts — The Dog's Magical Touch and More a Flower Than a Flower. The first, originally Anisaki Yuna's Himitsu no Wantacchi, straddles the line between shoujo and kodomo, while the second, Narita Minako's ongoing Melody serial Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku was meant to premiere last 28 September and was first retitled Beauty Beyond Flower. (I wish Elex had stayed with its first choice, or used the AKA More Flowerlike than the Flowers :P) [Continued after the release list]

Mangazines: Shonen Star 21/2011
Shonen Star 21 marks The End of Takahashi Rumiko's Inuyasha in Indonesia; scroll down for other Shonen Sunday manga still running, as well as those you can look forward to to fill the vacuum left by concluded series.

☆ A little note on the special price packages included this street date. You see that The Fifth Columnist by Andrea Tezumo? Outstanding espionage thriller from a homegrown comic artist. GET! if you haven't already :D

Elex Media manga (2011.11.23)

1. Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) vol 12 of 12+ by Toboso Yana

Kuroshitsuji 「黒執事」 by Toboso Yana Square Enix GFantasy, shounen Volume 12 (chapters 53-57) first published in Japan 2011.07

Other languages
English Black Butler (Yen Press: seven volumes per 2011.10.25 • volume 8 street date: 2012.01.24 and Chuang Yi: volume 6 released 2011.10.18), French (Kana: Black Butler Tome 8 shipped 2011.10.07 • Tome 9 street date: 2012.02.17), German (Carlsen Comics: Black Butler Band 10 street date: 2012.01.30), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 黑執事 XII per 2011.09) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 黑执事 #8 released 2010.02)

Adaptations
The 24-episode A-1 Pictures anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Ono Daisuke (Sebastian Michaelis) and Sakamoto Maaya (Ciel Phantomhive), aired in Japan from October 2008 to March 2009 (premiered 11 January 2011 on Animax Asia). An unaired OAV side story, Kuroshitsuji: Sono Shitsuji, Kōgyō, shipped with DVD volume 9.

A 12-episode second series—Kuroshitsuji II—aired between July and September 2010. The new master and butler pair designed by Toboso Yana, butler Claude Faustus and master Alois Trancy, were voiced by Sakurai Takahiro and Mizuki Nana. At least six OAVs have been released since the Season 2 finale: Ciel in Wonderland Part 1 (2010.10.27), Welcome to the Phantomhive's (2010.11.24), The Making of Kuroshitsuji II (2011.01.26), Ciel in Wonderland Part 2 (2011.02.23), The Tale of Will the Shinigami (2011.04.27) and Spiders Intention (2011.05.25).

Two audio dramas preceded the anime. The first Kuroshitsuji Drama CD, released August 2007 by Geneon Entertainment, featured seiyuu Morikawa Toshiyuki, Takashiro Genki, Suzuki Chihiro, and Seki Tomokazu. The second Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) Karei Naru Drama CD, released November 2008 by Sony Music Entertainment, featured the anime cast.

A musical adaptation—That Butler, Friendship—enjoyed a theater run from May 28, 2009 to June 7, 2009. The second Musical Black Butler, The Most Beautiful Death in The World, A Thousand Soul and The Fallen Grim Reapers stage musical had Matsushita Yuya reprising his role as Sebastian Michaelis. Nishii Yukito replaced Sakamoto Shougo as Ciel Phantomhive in the second musical that ran between 3 and 23 May 2010 in Japan.

Related
Black Butler Character Guide “That Butler, Assembles” (2008.02) • The TV Animation Black Butler Black Record (2009.03) • Rainbow Butler official comics anthology (2009.03) • TV Animation Kuroshitsuji II Final Record (2010.10)

2. [Series Premiere] The Dog's Magical Touch (Himitsu no Wantacchi) vol 1 of 3 by Anisaki Yuna

Himitsu no Wantacchi 「ヒミツのわんタッチ」 by Anisaki Yuna Shogakukan Tentoumushi Special, kodomo/shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.06

3. Doraemon vol 13 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Right-to-left edition)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 13 first published in Japan 1977.03 Premiered in Indonesia in left-to-right format (vintage ca. 1994)

Awards
Winner, 27th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Children's category, Grand Prize, the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (1997) and the Excellence Award, Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (1973)

Related series
Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 of 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 23 volumes as at 2011.10.28, ongoing) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)

Adaptations
A 52-episode anime adaptation by Nippon TV (1973.04 - 1973.09), a 1,787-episode series by Shin-Ei Animation (broadcast on TV Asahi from 1979.04 - 2005.03), a 2005 adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Pierrot (premiered 2005.04.15; 300+ episodes) and numerous movies

4. Exposing Game (Sarashi Asobi) vol 2 of 2 by Tobina Touya [Finale]

Sarashi Asobi 「さらしあそび」 by Tobina Touya Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.04

5. Gogogo to the West (Gogogo Saiyuki Shin Gokuden) vol 3 of 7+ by Konishi Noriyuki

Gogogo Saiyuki Shin Gokuden 「ゴゴゴ西遊記－新悟空伝－」 by Konishi Noriyuki Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.09

6. Kojiro vol 4 of 7 by Muraeda Kenichi

Kojiro 「光路郎」 by Muraeda Kenichi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday Comics, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 1991.09

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

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

7. [Series Premiere] More a Flower than a Flower (Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku) vol 1 of 9+ by Narita Minako «Ex-9.28

Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku 「花よりも花の如く」 by Narita Minako Hakusensha Melody, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2003.07

8. New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) vol 12 of 22+ by Ueda Masashi

Shin Kobo-chan 「新コボちゃん」 by Ueda Masashi Houbunsha Manga Time Comics, seinen/4-koma Volume 12 first published in Japan 2008.02

9. The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) vol 5 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari [Finale]

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 2003.10

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in two bunko volumes per 2011.01
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX: five volumes)

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

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial*

1. The Fifth Columnist, Vols. 1-2 of 2 by Andrea Tezumo –Complete–  [IDR 16,000/set]
2. A Promise about Glass Shoe, Vol. 1-2 of 2 by Selena Lin –Complete–  [IDR 16,000/set]
3. Shinagawa Cat Story, Vols. 1-2 (of 4+) by Nishida Kana (Shinagawajuku Nekogatari) [IDR 16,000/set]

Note: Volume tallies represent volume totals in country of origin, which may not coincide with Elex Media's latest releases. Elex's most recent Shinagawa Cat Story is volume 2 (released 2010.08.18); newest Japanese Shinagawajuku Nekogatari volume 4 streeted 2011.05.

Mangazines (2011.11.23)

• Shonen Star Issue 21/2011 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)

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One Piece 58, Dream Eater Merry 2, Kome Si Belang 3 (Elex Media 1 June 2011 manga) [UPDATE2]

Update 2: Crayon Shinchan 6 has been postponed. No new street date advised, so, keeping it here. Moved to the 8th

Actually, the post title should've read One Piece 58, Dream Eater Merry 2 AND Hyde & Closer 6, but GET! third-placer Hyde & Closer got reskedded to the 15th. Otherwise, the manga list is the same as Elex's.

One Piece © Oda Eiichiro/Shueisha
[Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Shirohige is stabbed, further tilting the balance against the Whitebeard pirates, already suffering heavy losses in the Battle of Marineford. Meanwhile, Luffy, determined to rescue Ace, faces off against one Navy admiral after another.

Go »here for moar summary specificity than Elex's Indonesian take on One Piece 58's Japanese blurb. Wiki's not-so mini spoilage builds up the suspense better.

One Piece volume 58, The Name of This Era is ‘Whitebeard’, compiles chapters 563 through 573: One Man, One Heart, The Man Who Shook the World, Oars' Path, Raid, Marineford Navy Headquarters - Oris Plaza, Have It Your Way!, White Monster, The Bridge of Life, The Execution Platform, The Times They Are A-Changin’ and The Name of This Era is ‘Whitebeard’. (*NOT Elex chapter titles)

Dream Eater Merry 2 of 6+ by Ushiki Yoshitaka

Not all dream demons exchange their dream domain for an earthly one; some access the human world to eliminate other dream demons. Engi Threepiece is one such, ingressing into the real world to avenge her sister's death at the hands of Pharos Hercules, who leads the charge to replace humans with dream demons.

I'm still waiting for an Elex back cover blurb that actually mentions Dream Eater Merry's male protagonist, Yumeji. Maybe next volume.

Now for some huggable keeyootness —

Kome Si Belang 3 of 4+ by Hoshino Natsumi

Awww...you just gotta cuddle Kome for patience above and beyond the call of duty. She lets Koyuki snatch away her toys, finishes off the diet kibble Koyuki turns her cute nose up at and allows Koyuki to relieve teething troubles on Kome's back. In short, Kome takes good care of Koyuki when mom and Taku are busy.

But with the arrival of Koyuki's kitten pals Gonta and Hime to Nakarai Manor, Kome needs to stretch her patience threefold.

Nyan~?!

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.06.01)

1. Crayon Shinchan 6 of 50 by Usui Yoshito Postponed to 6.08
2. Crows 18 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi

Crows 「クローズ」 by Takahashi Hiroshi AKA Crows: Busou Sensen Reimeihen Akita Shoten Monthly Shounen Champion, shounen Volume 18 first published in Japan 1995.08

Related series

Worst (sequel, 26 volumes as at 2011.04) and Crows Zero (spin-off; nine of nine volumes as at 2010.08)

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

3. Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future 6 of 10 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Shogakukan English Comics)
4. Dream Eater Merry (Yumekui Merry) 2 of 6+ by Ushiki Yoshitaka

Yumekui Merry 「夢喰いメリー」 by Ushiki Yoshitaka Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara Forward, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.05

Adaptations
J.C. Staff's 13-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko (Fujiwara Yumeji) and Sakura Ayane (Merry Nightmare) aired in Japan between January and April 2011.

5. Hyde & Closer (Juhou Kaikin!! Hyde & Closer) 6 of 7 by Aso Haro Postponed to 6.15
6. Inazuma Eleven 3 of 9+ by Yabuno Tenya

Inazuma Eleven 「イナズマイレブン」 by Yabuno Tenya Shogakukan Corocoro Comic, shounen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2009.06

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

Related
Based on the Nintendo DS game of the same name, from which an OLM anime, starring seiyuu Takeuchi Junko as Mark Evans (Endou Mamoru), Nojima Hirofumi as Axel Blaze (Gouenji Shuuya), Yoshino Hiroyuki as Jude Sharp (Yuuto Kidou) and Miyano Mamoru as Shawn Frost (Shirou Fubuki), was also adapted. The TV series premiered 2008.10.05 on TV Tokyo and is still ongoing; the Inazuma Eleven: Saikyō Gundan Ogre Shūrai movie sequel premiered 2010.12.23 in Japan.

7. Kariage kun 42 of 50+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Action Comics, seinen Volume 42 first published in Japan 2006.12

Awards
Recipient, 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982), along with Ueda Masashi's other series Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun and Suzuki Yamato's Ai MY Tenrankai

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

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Toei Animation (1989-1990)

8. Kome si Belang (Kijitora Neko no Koume-san) 3 of 4+ by Hoshino Natsumi

Kijitora Neko no Koume-san 「キジトラ猫の小梅さん」 by Hoshino Natsumi Shonen Gahosha Neko Panchi, josei Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.04

9. Lum, The Invader Girl (Urusei Yatsura) 29 of 34 by Takahashi Rumiko

Urusei Yatsura 「新装版　うる星やつら」 by Takahashi Rumiko Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen New edition (shinsoban) volume 29 released in Japan 2008.01

Awards
Winner, 26th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Shounen/Shoujo category

Other languages
English (VIZ Media), French and Spanish (Glenat)

Adaptations
The 195 episode-anime adaptation by Kitty Films, starring seiyuu Hirano Fumi (Lum) and Furukawa Toshio (Moroboshi Ataru), aired from October 1981 through March 1986 on Fuji TV. Eleven OAVs and six theatrical movies were also released.

10. One Piece 58 of 62+ by Oda Eiichiro

One Piece 「ＯＮＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ」 by Oda Eiichiro Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump, shounen Volume 58 (chapters 563-573) first published in Japan 2010.06

Awards
Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize finalist (2000-2002)

Other languages
English One Piece (VIZ Media: 56 volumes per 2011.02 • volume 57 street date: 2011.06.07), French and Dutch (Glenat: Tome 57 per 2011.04.06 • Tome 58 street date: 2011.09.07), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain, Editorial Toukan Mexico, LARP Editores S.A. Argentina), Italian (Editions Star Comics), German, Danish and Swedish (Carlsen: German Band 58 shipped 2011.04.22 • Band 59 street date: 2011.07.29), Portuguese (Conrad), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 海賊王 One Piece volume 60 per 2010.12) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 61 released 2011.03.22)

Adaptations
Adapted into a couple of OAVs before a full anime TV series that has aired over 400 episodes and is still ongoing (seiyuu Tanaka Mayumi plays Monkey D. Luffy). At least 10 animated movies have also been released.

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

11. The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) 4 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 4 (chapters 14-18 + omake) first published in Japan 2003.07

Other languages
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX: five volumes)

12. Tena on S-string (S-Senjou no Tena) 7 of 9 by Mikabe Sesuna

S-Senjou no Tena 「Ｓ線上のテナ」 by Mikabe Sesuna Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara Forward, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2010.01

Other languages
English Tena on S-string (Yen Press: volume 5 per 2010.12.21)

13. The Tyr Chronicles (Tireujeongi) 6 of 11+ by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo

Tireujeongi 「티르전기」 by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo AKA Legend of Tyr Daiwon C.I., Comic Champ, sonyun Volume 6 first published in Korea 2009.12

14. V.B. Rose 7 of 14 by Hidaka Banri

V.B. Rose 「Ｖ・Ｂ・ローズ」 by Hidaka Banri Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 7 first published in Japan 2006.07

Other languages/serialization
Serialized until chapter 56 in HanaLaLa)
English V.B. Rose (TOKYOPOP: 12 volumes as at 2011.04.05), traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan: V．B．R 絲絨藍玫瑰 14 per 2009.10)

Adaptations
A V.B. Rose drama CD was released in Japan in 2006.12, starring seiyuu Mizuki Nana as Shiroi Ageha, Sakurai Takahiro as Arisaka Yukari, and Suwabe Junichi as Kuromine Mitsuya.

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

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Black Butler 10, Sanzoku Ou 12, Boy Friend 1-3 of 3 by Yamada Daisy (Elex Media 2 March 2011 manga)

Corrected Black Butler 9 typo advised by Dancer-san

Boy Friend © Yamada Daisy/Kodansha [First serialized in Nakayoshi]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Before I get to the premieres —

Phantomhive Manor plays unintentional host to a serial killing. A butler-less master attempts to solve the crime. Just as the mystery deepens, who should appear but one hell of an arrogant...clergyman?

Who is this man of the cloth sporting a cynical smirk? Find out in Black Butler 10, streeting this Wednesday.

Black Butler X contains chapters 43-47: That Butler, Robust; That Butler, Wailing; That Butler, Transfer; That Butler, Unnecessary; and That Butler, Contemplating. (*NOT Elex Media's chapter titles)

Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 12 of 13 by Sawada Hirofumi

The Six marked by the star finally assemble in the penultimate volume of Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits. Bound by a common goal, Ashikaga and Masashige are joined by Akamatsu, thus swelling the ranks of the fortress defenders and allowing them to defeat the largest amassing of shogunate troops in Rokuhara.

Meanwhile, Nagato and Nitta's troops forge their way to Kamakura, the joint forces bearing down on the bakufu.

New Elex Titles

Elex finally compiles one of Nakayoshi Gress!'s most popular series, Yamada Daisy's Boy Friend. I would've preferred the first XX Me! tankou, but as Elex is triple-launching the Doctor, Friendship, Bullying, Prodigy, Outsider, Runaway shoujo drama, all's good.

Second-year junior high student Hijiki has just transferred to a new school, but already she's gained a lot of friends. Only one person knows that Hijiki hides something behind her cheerfulness — the guy who's always beside her, Utsugi Horai.

Earlier, Elex published Yamada Daisy-sensei's Innocent World and Love Honor.

The other debut is the short soonjung manhwa, Sweet Recipe by Yun EHyeon. Elex provides no blurb, just these chapter titles:
Recipe 1. Nasi super lezat! (Super delicious rice)
Recipe 2. Telur, ratunya protein (Egg, The Queen of Protein)
Recipe 3. Langkah awal memasak (The first step in cooking)

Elex Media manga, manhwa and manhua (2011.03.02)

1. Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) 10 of 11+ by Toboso Yana

Kuroshitsuji 「黒執事」 by Toboso Yana Square Enix GFantasy, shounen Volume 10 (chapters 43-47) first published in Japan 2010.09

Other languages
English Black Butler (Yen Press: four volumes per 2011.01 • volume 5 street date: 2011.04.26 and Chuang Yi: volume 4 released 2011.02.22), French (Kana: Black Butler tome 5 per 2010.11 • tome 6 ships 2011.03.04), German (Carlsen Comics: Black Butler Band 6 street date: 2011.04.22), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 黑執事 10 per 2010.11) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 黑执事 #8 released 2010.02.24)

Adaptations
The 24-episode A-1 Pictures anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Ono Daisuke (Sebastian Michaelis) and Sakamoto Maaya (Ciel Phantomhive), aired in Japan from October 2008 to March 2009. An unaired OAV side story, Kuroshitsuji: Sono Shitsuji, Kōgyō, shipped with DVD volume 9.

A 12-episode second series—Kuroshitsuji II—aired between July and September 2010. The new master and butler pair designed by Toboso Yana, butler Claude Faustus and master Alois Trancy, were voiced by Sakurai Takahiro and Mizuki Nana.

Two audio dramas preceded the anime. The first Kuroshitsuji Drama CD, released August 2007 by Geneon Entertainment, featured seiyuu Morikawa Toshiyuki, Takashiro Genki, Suzuki Chihiro, and Seki Tomokazu. The second Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) Karei Naru Drama CD, released November 2008 by Sony Music Entertainment, featured the anime cast.

A musical adaptation—That Butler, Friendship—enjoyed a theater run from May 28, 2009 to June 7, 2009. The second Musical Black Butler, The Most Beautiful Death in The World, A Thousand Soul and The Fallen Grim Reapers stage musical had Matsushita Yuya reprising his role as Sebastian Michaelis. Nishii Yukito replaced Sakamoto Shougo as Ciel Phantomhive in the second musical that ran between 3 and 23 May 2010 in Japan.

Related
Black Butler Character Guide “That Butler, Assembles” (2008.02) • The TV Animation Black Butler Black Record (2009.03) • Rainbow Butler official comics anthology (2009.03)

2. [Series Premiere] Boy Friend 1 of 3 by Yamada Daisy

Boy Friend 「ボーイフレンド」 by Yamada Daisy Kodansha Nakayoshi, shoujo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.07

Serializations
Serialized in Indonesian in Nakayoshi Gress!

3. Boy Friend 2 of 3 by Yamada Daisy

Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.12

4. Boy Friend 3 of 3 by Yamada Daisy [Finale]

Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.04

5. Crayon Shinchan 4 of 50 by Usui Yoshito

Crayon Shin-chan 「クレヨンしんちゃん」 by Usui Yoshito (deceased) Futabasha Weekly Manga Action, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 1992.11

Other languages
English (partially translated by ComicsOne and CMX), French (J'ai Lu, then, Casterman), Spanish and Catalan (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain), German (EMA), Italian ( Panini Comics) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

Adaptations
Shin'ei Doga's anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Yajima Akiko (Shin-chan), ran from April 1992 to December 2010. At least 18 movie sequels have been released between July 1993 and April 2010.

6. Cynical Kanoko (Warau Kanoko-sama) 2 of 3 by Tsujita Ririko

Warau Kanoko-sama 「笑うかのこ様」 by Tsujita Ririko Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.02

Related series
Koi dano Ai dano (sequel; two volumes per 2011.02, ongoing)

Other languages
English The Secret Notes of Lady Kanoko (TOKYOPOP: one volume; volume 2 ships 2011.04.05)

7. Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future 3 of 10 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Shogakukan English Comics)
8. Dodge Fighters (Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters) 3 of 10 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo

Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters 「がんばれ！ドッジファイターズ」 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 3 (chapters 27-39) first published in Japan 2004.02

9. Dr. Koto (Dr. Koto Shinryoujo) 4 of 25+ by Yamada Takatoshi

Dr. Koto Shinryoujo 「Ｄｒ．コトー診療所」 by Yamada Takatoshi AKA Dr. Coto's Clinic Shogakukan Weekly Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Original in 2008), seinen Volume 4 (chapters 34-44) first published in Japan 2001.11

Awards
Best General/Seinen Manga, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

Other languages
French (Kana: Dr Kotô tome 18 per 2011.01) and traditional Chinese 離島大夫日誌 (Ching Win Taiwan)

Adaptations
Dr. Coto's Clinic, an 11-episode live-action TV drama starring Yoshioka Hidetaka as Dr. Coto (Goto Kensuke) aired from July to September 2003 on Fuji TV, followed by two specials (the first aired between 9 and 10 January 2004 and the second from 12 to 13 December of the same year). The first season won the 38nd Television Drama Academy Awards for Best Drama and a Best Actor award for Yoshioka Hidetaka. A second 11-episode season followed between October and December 2006. This season was recognized with a Special Award for the Production Team in the 44th Galaxy Awards.

Related
Dr. Koto My First BIG Specials: The Advent!, Miracle in the hand (2006.10) and My First BIG editions: Suspected, Despair (2006.11) and Consider (2006.12)

10. Fantastic Tales 3 of 5 by Ihuan

Fantastic Tales 「星月幻境」 by Ihuan Tong Li, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Taiwan 2005.05

11. Hitohira 2 of 7 by Kirihara Idumi

Hitohira 「ひとひら」 by Kirihara Idumi Futabasha Comic High!, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2006.05

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

Related series
Sequels: Hitohira Encore (one volume, complete) and Sakaki Mirei no Tame nara Boku wa...!! (one volume per 2011.02.12, ongoing serialization in Comic High!)

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

12. Katsu! 10 of 16 by Adachi Mitsuru

Katsu! 「ＫＡＴＳＵ！」 by Adachi Mitsuru Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 10 (chapters 89-98) first published in Japan 2003.12

Reissues
Re-released in 8 volumes in Japan from 2009.07 to 2010.02.

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in Indonesian in Shonen Star
French (Pika Édition: 16 of 16 volumes)

13. The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) 2 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 2 (chapters 5-8 + side story) first published in Japan 2002.02

Other languages
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX: five volumes)

14. Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 12 of 13 by Sawada Hirofumi

Sanzoku Ou 「山賊王」 by Sawada Hirofumi Kodansha Magazine Great, shounen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2009.02

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (concluded)

15. Sweet Recipe 1 of 2 by Yun EHyeon

Sweet Recipe 「스위트 레시피」 by Yun EHyeon Daiwon C.I. soonjung Volume 1 first published in Korea 2004.06

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Pandora Hearts 12, Absolute Peace Strategy 1 by Ogura Akane, Welcome to Host Detective Agency 1 by Tateno Makoto (Elex Media 29 December 2010 manga)

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen © Ogura Akane/Hakusensha [Serialized in LaLa DX]
Published in Indonesia as Absolute Peace Strategy by Elex Media

I will get to Pandora Hearts 12 (and Spiral 10, Wild Life 11 plus the other premieres) in a bit. Johanne-sama and Euda-sama (above) won't wait.

Fighting breaks out between the kingdoms of Meteora to the north and Cannan to the south. But Meteora's war hero, Prince Johanne, and Cannan's Florence Nightingale, Princess Euda, fall in love with one another and prevail upon their sovereigns to end the conflict. Peace finally reigns over the two kingdoms, now awaiting the wedding of Prince Johanne and Princess Euda. The End.

NOT!

Apparently, Johanne and Euda are in cahoots guarding The Secret to the fragile peace.

MUST-HAVE!

To find out what the “lovebirds” are hiding, GET! Absolute Peace Strategy 1. If you lurve Rome×Juli-esque (bickering) romances, you won't regret investing in this four-volume confection. Cute Couple prolly best describes our protagonists: the Johanne × Euda combi is one of the keeyootest in the manga biz, and that's saying a lot, especially in a genre strong with pinchables. And aside from blond bishieness, Johanne-sama can open up a serious can of whoop-ass, while Euda-sama, who normally resembles a weather paper doll, provides the LOLarious comic relief.

Absolute Peace Strategy 1 compiles chapters 1 through 4 and the omake When They were Young.

You might already know creator Ogura Akane-sensei from Mademoiselle Butterfly, the two-volume Geisha, Live-in Lover, Older Male Younger Female-troped shoujo manga released by m&c!.

Pandora Hearts 12 of 13+ by Mochizuki Jun

To give Oz a break from the relentless hunt for the seal, Oscar Vessalius invites his nephew and Oz's close friends to a tea party (that hopefully won't have the party-goers stuck at 6:00 forever nor require answering unanswerable riddles like Why is a raven like a writing desk?). As Oz sips his tea on this Unbirthday, he cherishes only one wish: that these peaceful days continue... forever.

Pandora Hearts 12 Retraces XLVI through XLIX: Persona, Unbirthday, Isla=Yura and Night in gale. (NOT Elex's titles.)

NEW ELEX SERIES

Year-end debuts include the Hakusensha shoujo trifecta Absolute Peace Strategy already blurbed above, The Recipe For Gertrude by Kusakawa Nari and Welcome to Host Detective Agency by Tateno Makoto. On the kodomo and shounen side, there's Dodge Fighters, the Japan Dodge Ball Association-approved Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters manga from Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo and the Demons, Summoned creatures-troped Traumeister by Nakayama Atsushi that should've premiered months ago. All completed series. (Aren't you glad?)

Per usual, only training the spotlight on one newbie here — half of the pair that garnered the most LXO interest. (The other was Absolute Peace Strategy.)

Welcome to Host Detective Agency 1 of 5 by Tateno Makoto

Host-tan e Youkoso
© Tateno Makoto/Hakusensha
[Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia as
Welcome to Host Detective Agency
by Elex Media

Ever since he was a kid, Kobayashi has dreamed of becoming a detective — cracking mysteries and running down thieves while he's at it. So, he's understandably over the moon when he is accepted into a detective agency and meets the burning with tantei passion manager Akechi, I mean, Aketomo, a deduction paragon Kobayashi can look up to.

The same idol, however, bursts Kobayashi's euphoria bubble when he tells the newest employee of the agency's side business (because simple detecting can't pay all the bills). The detectives by day become Lady Killers (hosts) by night! [Additional info from Twee Quidam Scans]

Despite Tateno Makoto-sensei's fame as a yaoi manga-ka (Yellow, anyone?), she does dabble into non-fujoshi offerings, one of which is this tantei meets hosuto and Host-Tan hilarity ensues and the gender-bending Cute Guy (also released by Elex). To say that Welcome to Host Detective Agency is fujo-unfriendly, however, would be stretching it; BL sparks start flying from the get-go between newbie Kobayashi (host alias: Shinobu-kun) and ex-rookie and third most wanted host Rindo. (The other Lady Killer hosts are Aketomo, the legendary #1 host in Shinjuku, and hosts #2, 3 and 5 — Shiranui, Akane and Shigure.)

The first order of the day is solving the mystery of a host club customer's message ring, but there are three more Orders (chapters) in volume 1.

MANGAZINES: Shonen Star 78/2010 ☆ Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho

Meitantei Conan
© Aoyama Gosho
Shogakukan [Shonen Sunday]

Phantom Thief Kid is back! This time, Jirokichi-ojisan, Sonoko's eccentric uncle, lays a trap for Kid that leads to another showdown between Conan and the high-profile kaitou.

Aoyama Gosho's Detektif Conan rates the Shonen Star 78 front cover. The rest of the the ShoStar pack follow: Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi, Inuyasha by Takahashi Rumiko, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, Magical Iroha by Inoue Kazurou, Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, Yakitate!! Japan by Hashiguchi Takashi, D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji, Katsu! by Adachi Mitsuru, My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun, Takkoku!!! by Fukuchi Tsubasa and Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato (volume 11 also streets 12.29).

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2010.12.29)

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1. [Series Premiere] Absolute Peace Strategy (Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen) 1 of 4 by Ogura Akane

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen 「絶対平和大作戦」 by Ogura Akane Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4 + omake) first published in Japan 2008.08

2. Animal Doctor (Doubutsu no Oishasan) 5 of 12 by Sasaki Noriko

Doubutsu no Oishasan 「動物のお医者さん」 by Sasaki Noriko AKA Mr. Veterinarian Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 1991.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese Ai Xin Dong Wu Yi Yuan (Tong Li Taiwan; 12 volumes)

3. [Series Premiere] Dodge Fighters (Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters) 1 of 10 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo

Ganbare! Dodgeball Fighters 「がんばれ！ドッジファイターズ」 by Murakami Toshiya & Saito Muneo Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 1 first published in Japan 2003.06

Volume 1 chapters:
1. 転校生はスーパーアタッカー!!
2. エースＶＳエース!!力の対決
3. たのもしいチームメイト
4. ファイターズ絶体絶命!?
5. 本気で勝負!!女同士の戦い
6. 華麗なミラクルキャッチ
7. こしぬけなんて言わせない!!
8. サルとカニの必殺シュート!!
9. 暴走する熱意
10. オレたちのドッジボール
11. 新生!!ドッジファイターズ
12. 敵は忍者!?強烈な自己紹介

4. Kisah Edo di Abad 21 (Chotto Edo Made) 2 of 4+ by Tsuda Masami

Chotto Edo Made 「ちょっと江戸まで」 by Tsuda Masami Hakusensha LaLa, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Legend of Nereid 12 of 15 by Hwang MiRee

Legend of Nereid 「네레이드의 전설」 by Hwang MiRee Samyang, soonjung Volume 12 first published in Korea 2003.04

6. LUM, The Invader Girl (Urusei Yatsura) 27 of 34 by Takahashi Rumiko

Urusei Yatsura 「うる星やつら」 by Takahashi Rumiko Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen New edition volume 28 released in Japan 2007.12 Re-released in shinsoban from 2006.11 to 2008.03

Volume 28 contents:
1. 星に願いを
2. 口づけ速達小包
3. 兄妹愛の闘い　前編
4. 兄妹愛の闘い　後編
5. 怒りのプール
6. つるつるソープ
7. 浜茶屋の夏
8. 風鈴樹の音色
9. 涙の家庭訪問
10. 妖精のパラソル
11. 写真の中の女
［うる星やつら］完全データファイル28
［MyLum×34］28
34くらもちふさこ

Awards
Winner, 26th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Shounen/Shoujo category

Other languages
English (VIZ Media), French and Spanish (Glenat)

Adaptations
The 195 episode-anime adaptation by Kitty Films, starring seiyuu Hirano Fumi (Lum) and Furukawa Toshio (Moroboshi Ataru), aired from October 1981 through March 1986 on Fuji TV. Eleven OAVs and six theatrical movies were also released.

7. Pandora Hearts 12 of 13+ by Mochizuki Jun

Pandora Hearts 「Ｐａｎｄｏｒａ　Ｈｅａｒｔｓ」 by Mochizuki Jun Square Enix GFantasy, shounen Volume 12 (Retrace XLVI-XLIX) first published in Japan 2010.07

Other languages
English Pandora Hearts (Broccoli Books (dropped) and Yen Press; volume 3 per 2010.10 • volume 4 street date: 2011.01.25), French (Ki-oon tome 4 per 2010.11; tome 5 ships 2011.01.06) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan 潘朵拉之心 10 released 2010.07)

Adaptations
A 25-episode XEBEC anime adaptation starring seiyuu Minagawa Junko (Oz Vessalius), Kawasumi Ayako (Alice) and Toriumi Kousuke (Raven) that aired in Japan from April to September 2009 and a Pandora Hearts Drama CD released by Frontier works in December 2007

Related
Pandora Hearts Official Guide 8.5 mine of mine guide book (2009.03) and Pandora Hearts Official Animation Guide and the 望月 淳 画集　Pandora Hearts～odds and ends～ artbook (both released 2009.09)

8. Pokonyan Pika-pika (Pokonyan) 3 of 3 by Fujiko F. Fujio [Finale]

Pokonyan 「ポコニャン」 by Fujiko F. Fujio AKA Rocky Rackat! Shogakukan Pikkapika Comics, kodomo Volume 3 released in Japan 2004.10

Related
A 170-episode anime adaptation by Animation 21, starring seiyuu Mita Yuko as Pokonyan, aired from April 1993 to March 1996 on NHK.

9. [Series Premiere] The Recipe For Gertrude (Gertrude no Recipe) 1 of 5 by Kusakawa Nari

Gertrude no Recipe 「ガートルードのレシピ」 by Kusakawa Nari Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4) first published in Japan 2001.07

Other languages
English The Recipe For Gertrude (CMX; five volumes)

10. Spiral: The Bonds of Reason (Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna) 10 of 15 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「スパイラル　推理の絆」 by Shirodaira Kyo & Mizuno Eita Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 10 (chapters 46-50) first published in Japan 2003.12

Other languages
English Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (Yen Press; volume 13 released 2010.10 • volume 14 street date: 2011.01.25) and German (Carlsen Comics; Spiral - Gefährliche Wahrheit Band 9 per 2010.12.24)

Related
Spiral Alive (prequel; five volumes); a series of light novels; Mizuno Eita artbooks: ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　水野英多画集; (2003.03) and ＳＰＩＲＡＬ　ＡＬＬ　ＡＬＯＮＧ (2006.02; released with volume 15); and the Life is Spiral 「スパイラル完全解説本　ライフ・イズ・スパ」 guide, which includes the first draft of the Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna 「それさえも貴き日々で」 drama (2003.03)

Adaptations
A series of audio dramas and a 25-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff, based on the first six volumes of the manga, with an alternate ending (aired on TV Tokyo from October 2002 to March 2003, starring seiyuu Suzumura Kenichi as Narumi Ayumu, Asano Masumi as Yuizaki Hiyono and Ishida Akira as Eyes Rutherford).

11. Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) 6 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin

Natsu no Arashi! 「夏のあらし！」 by Kobayashi Jin Square Enix Monthly Gangan Wing and Monthly Gangan Joker, shounen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.09

Other languages
Traditional Chinese 夏日風暴 (Tong Li Taiwan).

Adaptations
SHAFT's 13-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through June 2009, starring seiyuu Sanpei Yuko (Yasaka Hajime) and Shiraishi Ryoko (Arashiyama Sayoko AKA “Arashi”). A 13-episode sequel Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chū ran from October to December 2009.

12. [Series Premiere] Traumeister 1 of 5 by Nakayama Atsushi

Traumeister 「トラウマイスタ」 by Nakayama Atsushi Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.11

Volume 1 chapters:
1. 真実の自己（アートマン）
2. ピカソとゲルニカ
3. 可愛い赤ちゃん
4. 初陣
5. 湯煙に浮かぶ傷
6. 始めてのデート
7. 危険因子

13. [Series Premiere] Welcome to Host Detective Agency (Host-tan e Youkoso) 1 of 5 by Tateno Makoto

Host-tan e Youkoso 「ホス探へようこそ」 by Tateno Makoto Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1-4) first published in Japan 2008.05

14. Wild Life 11 of 27 by Fujisaki Masato

Wild Life 「ワイルドライフ」 by Fujisaki Masato Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2005.02

Volume 11 chapters:
87. 新展開？
88. 王様ゲーム!!
89. 盟央大の夜
90. 観月の「初めて」
91. 自分だけ寝ていた男
92. 食い逃げ？
93. 平波の受難
94. R.E.D.最後の夜
95. 犬の危機

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)

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