Hotaru's Light 14, Hikayat Genji 13 of 13, Psychometrist Eiji 25 of 25 (Level Comics 11 January 2012 manga)

Hotaru no Hikari © Hiura Satoru/Kodansha [First serialized in Kiss] · Asakiyumemishi © Yamato Waki/Kodansha [First serialized in Mimi]. Published in Indonesia as Hotaru's Light and Hikayat Genji by Elex Media/Level Comics

In the penultimate Hotaru's Light —

Hotaru and Seiichi-san's secret is revealed, the news spreading quickly from the office to Hotaru's family. Hotaru's brother corners Seiichi and demands that he take responsibility, and to his chagrin, Seiichi agrees, saying he will marry Hotaru.

Hotaru should be ecstatic that the man she loves has (suddenly) proposed to her, so why the doubts?

Meanwhile, in the ultimate Hikayat Genji:

Hikayat Genji vol 13 of 13
By Yamato Waki

Kaoru goes to Uji to accompany Ukifune whom he fell in love with, partly for her resemblance to Oigimi. But word reaches Nio no Miya and he forces himself on Ukifune. After this, what awaits Ukifune? And how does she view either Kaoru or Nio no Miya?

I preview the other finale—Psychometrist Eiji (volume 25)—after the release list, but lemme just ask Level Comics up here: How about teh Psychometrer sequel? :D OK, ok, I'll just focus on the new titles (ROMICs) streeting today.

New Level Comics titles
Agatha Christie series

Agatha Christie, Tome 1:
Le Secret de Chimneys
by François Rivière, Laurence Suhner
(Emmanuel Proust Editions)
Published in Indonesia as
Agatha Christie:
The Secret of Chimneys
by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level double-launches the Emmanuel Proust Editions' Agatha Christie graphic novel series with Agatha Christie: The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie, Tome 1: Le Secret de Chimneys) and Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie, Tome 2: Mort sur le Nil).

In case you haven't read the originals, The Secret of Chimneys traces the link between an English mansion, Chimneys, and the small Balkan state of Herzoslovakia that draws a handsome adventurer, a money magnet and the most beautiful woman in London into a web of intrigue and assassination.

Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile, meanwhile, brings in the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Beautiful and wealthy Linnet Ridgeway suffers torment after she appropriates her best friend's fiancé for herself. A ‘chance’ meeting brings them all together on a deadly Nile river cruise.

Level Comics manga (2012.01.11)

1. A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) vol 13 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 13 (chapters 87-93) first published in Japan 2006.11

Awards
Winner, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards, in the Seinen/General category
Grand Prize winner for the comic category, 10th Japan Media Arts Festival

Other languages
French (Tonkam's Spirit of The Sun, tome 17: Le troisième pays per 2009.12)

Adaptations
Adapted into an anime special by Madhouse (two episodes)

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

Takunabi 「たくなび」 by Yamaguchi Katsumi, in collaboration with Watanabe Chiho Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 43-48 + Takunabi Bangai-hen Episode 00 Tokubetsu Yomikiri Touchline) first published in Japan 2006.06

3. Hikayat Genji (Asakiyumemishi) vol 13 of 13 by Yamato Waki [Finale]

Asakiyumemishi 「あさきゆめみし」 by Yamato Waki Kodansha Mimi, shoujo Volume 13 first published in Japan 1993.07

Related/reissues
Adapted from Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu
Reissued in seven volumes in 1993 under the KCDX imprint. Also re-released in bunkoban (Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Manga bunko: seven volumes, 2001.08 and Asakiyumemishi Genji Monogatari Kodansha Aoi Tori bunko: five volumes, 2006.10–2008.02) and kanzenban (Kanzenban KCDX Asakiyumemishi The Tale of Genji: 10 volumes, 2008.04–2008.07)

A Genji Monogatari Asakiyumemishi Illustrations book was published in December 1984, while the Asakiyumemishi no Sekai Genji Monogatari Navi BOOK guide was issued in April 2005.

Other languages
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial)

4. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) vol 14 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru no Hikari 「ホタルノヒカリ」 by Hiura Satoru AKA IT'S★ONLY★LITTLE★LIGHT★IN★MY★LIFE Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 14 first published in Japan in 2009.06

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

5. Jormungand vol 5 of 10+ by Takahashi Keitarou

Jormungand 「ヨルムンガンド」 by Takahashi Keitarou Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 5 (chapters 25-30) first published in Japan 2008.10

Other languages
English Jormungand (VIZ Media: seven volumes per 2011.05 • volume 8 street date: 2012.01.10)

Adaptations/Related
A Jormungand drama CD was bundled with manga volume 9 (JP release: 2011.02), the Mini art book "Ricochet" drama CD with volume 5 (JP: 2008.10).

6. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) vol 25 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi [Finale]

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 25 first published in Japan 2000.10

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)

Related series/Reissues
Re-released in 12 bunko volumes (2003.06 to 2003.11)
Sequel: Psychometrer (began serialization in Young Magazine No. 22-23, street date: 2011.04.25; two volumes per 2011.11 • volume 3 street date: 2012.02.06)
KPC (Kodansha Platinum Comics): Psychometrer Eiji - Satsujin Chef (one volume, 2011.11.16); Psychometrer Eiji - Aoi zameta-te (2011.10.19); Psychometrer Eiji - Jude no Mokushiroku (2011.09); Psychometrer Eiji Satsujinki Justice (2011.08); Psychometrer Eiji - Silent Stalker (2011.07); Psychometrer Eiji - Tokei Shikake no Ringo (2011.06); Psychometrer Eiji - Satsujin Oni Mebius (2011.05)
Kunimitsu (spin-off; 27 volumes)

7. Tomo'o (Danchi Tomoo) vol 13 of 19+ by Oda Tobira

Danchi Tomoo 「団地ともお」 by Oda Tobira Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 13 first published in Japan 2009.01

Recognitions
Nominated for the 11th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

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

European comics/BDs (2012.01.11)

1. [Premiere] Agatha Christie: The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie, Tome 1: Le Secret de Chimneys) by François Rivière, Laurence Suhner (Heupe Sarl-Emmanuel Proust Editions)
2. [Premiere] Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie, Tome 2: Mort sur le Nil) by François Rivière, Solidor (Heupe Sarl-Emmanuel Proust Editions)
3. Smurf: Pensmurf Perhiasan (Le Schtroumpfeur de Bijoux, Tome 17) by Peyo (Le Lombard)
4. Smurf: Smurf Magang (L'Apprenti Schtroumpf) by Peyo (Dupuis)
5. Smurf: Smurfin (La Schtroumpfette, Tome 3) by Peyo (Dupuis)
6. Tanguy & Laverdure: Skuadron Bangau Putih (Tanguy et Laverdure L'intégrale, Tome 2: L'escadrille des cigognes; Mirage sur l'Orient; Canon bleu) by Charlier & Uderzo (Dargaud)

Read more »

Basara 21, Shattered Knife 11, Scrameustache by Gos & Walt (Level Comics 4 January 2012 manga and BDs) [UPDATED]

Update: Duck! NikBabble™, INCOMING!

Basara © Tamura Yumi/Shogakukan [First serialized in Betsucomi] · Oboreru Knife © George Asakura/Kodansha [Serialized in Betsufure]. Published in Indonesia as Basara and Shattered Knife by Elex Media/Level Comics

Tatara succeeds in forging alliances with the other regional commanders, swelling the rebel troops' ranks, even as Shuri takes command of the royal soldiers and declares war against Tatara. Meanwhile, Taro uncovers the Zakuro Plan and hastens to return to Kyoto, but is wounded along the way by Hagiwara's warriors. Can Taro make it back to the capital?

I noted after catching up on Level's Basara that you'd be forgiven for expecting that volume 21 would be the ultimate if not the penultimate volume. Especially after how the action has built up and the prospect of a divided Japan's unity all but sniffable. You already know that's not so, right? Five more Basara volumes sneak in between the 21st and The End.

Shattered Knife vol 11 of 12+
By George Asakura

Oji, the son of Ko's mother's half-sib, learns just how intractable Ko can be, after Ko underestimates him on their first meeting. Oji struggles to make Ko see him as a worthy rival, little realizing that they have more in common than differences.

Assuming Oji is a guy—not reading Shattered Knife—so if I'm mistaken, please be so good as to call me on it. Comment box's down there :)

Twelve Oboreru Knife tankou have been compiled in Japan as of May 2011.

New Level titles
Scrameustache By Gos & Walt

Le Scrameustache, Tome 1:
L'héritier de l'Inca
© Gos & Walt/Glénat
Published in Indonesia as
Scrameustache:
Pewaris Bangsa Inca
by Elex Media/Level Comics

Level double-launches the Franco-Belgian science fiction BD Scrameustache with volumes 1 and 2, Scrameustache: Pewaris Bangsa Inca (Le Scrameustache: L'héritier de l'Inca) and Scrameustache: Penyihir Ursa Mayor (Le Scrameustache: Le magicien de la Grande Ourse).

The adopted son of a European archeologist, Khena meets a extraterrestrial named Scrameustache, drawn to Khena by the medallion he wears. Before encountering Scrameustache, Khena never thought about where he came from, or life before his adoption by Uncle Georges. Khena and the cat-like alien soon become friends and Scrameustache takes Khena off to Peru, where Khena was first found.

What distinguishes Khena and Scrameustache's story, according to Wiki, is that a certain amount of mystery surrounded Khena himself. As a toddler he had been found in the remains of an earthquake in Peru. He was then adopted by Georges Caillau, a European scholar, archaeologist and ethnologist. Some ten years later, Khena met the Scrameustache and proved himself resistant to the alien's (non-lethal) weapons and other technology. This resistance made the Scrameustache curious and he stuck around hoping that time would provide an explanation.

Maybe the "mystery" has something to do with that "Heir to the Inca" title?

Khena and Scrameustache continue their exploits in Penyihir Ursa Mayor, in which Uncle Georges' friend inexplicably grows a bull's head, and Scrameustache runs into an alien friend who needs help defeating an evil wizard.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2012.01.04)

1. Basara vol 21 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 21 first published in Japan 1997.08

Awards
Winner, 38th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shoujo category

Other versions/languages
Re-released in 16 bunko volumes (2002.03 to 2002.10)
English Basara (VIZ Media: 27 volumes), French (Kana: 27 volumes), German (EMA: Band 26 ships 2011.10; Band 27 per 2012.01), Danish (Mangismo Danmark), Swedish (Mangismo Sverige) and Vietnamese (Kim Dong: 27 volumes)

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

2. Brave Story (Brave Story - Shinsetsu) vol 7 of 20 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro

Brave Story - Shinsetsu 「ブレイブ・ストーリー～新説～」 by Miyabe Miyuki and Ono Yoichiro AKA Brave Story: A Retelling of a Classic Shinchosha Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2005.05

Related
Adapted from Miyabe Miyuki-sensei's Brave Story light novel

Other languages
English Brave Story (TOKYOPOP: five volumes; the Brave Story novel was published by VIZ Media 2009.11), French (Kurokawa: Tome 20 shipped 2011.02) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

3. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 87 of 98+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 87 first published in Japan 2009.03

Volume 87 chapters:
Round 827: Best In The World
Round 828: Right Jabs
Round 829: Switch
Round 830: The Source of the Static
Round 831: Eyes of the Champion
Round 832: The Lightning God's Fists
Round 833: A Big Deal
Round 834: Miyata's Hang Up
Round 835: Payoff Of Courage
Round 836: Abnormality
[*NOT Level chapter titles]

Awards
Winner, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Related series
Hajime no Ippo Gaiden (one-shot prequel)

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2 Tome 16 per 2011.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 97 per 2011.12.21)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The 26-episode second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger was telecast from January to June 2009.

4. Go-On! vol 3 of 4 by Akishige Manabu

Go-On! 「ＧＯ‐ＯＮ！」 by Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 3 (chapters 20–27) first published in Japan 2008.11

5. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 15 of 44+ by Chan Mou

Sanguozhi Qunxiongzhuan: Huo Feng Liao Yuan 「火鳳燎原」 by Chan Mou AKA Fiery Phoenix Burns Steppes Tong Li New Youth, seinen

Other languages/serializations
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 火凤燎原 #42 released 2011.09.05), Japanese (Media Factory 三国志群雄伝　火鳳燎原 9 per 2009.12), Vietnamese Hỏa Phụng Liêu Nguyên. The manhua is also published in Mainland China, Korea and Thailand.

6. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) vol 11 of 12+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.11

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

European comics (ROMICs)/BDs (2012.01.04

1. Lanfeust of Troy: Paladin dari Eckmul (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 4: Le paladin d'eckmül) by Arleston & Tarquin (Soleil)
2. [Series Premiere] Scrameustache: Pewaris Bangsa Inca (Le Scrameustache, Tome 1: L'héritier de l'Inca) by Gos & Walt (Glénat)
3. [Premiere] Scrameustache: Penyihir Ursa Mayor (Le Scrameustache, Tome 2: Le magicien de la Grande Ourse) by Gos & Walt (Glénat) «Ex-2011.12.21

Read more »

Soul Eater 13, Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima, Giant Killing 10 (Level Comics 28 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

The rest of Level's covers and NikBabble™ to follow...whenever :P Update: "Whenever" cometh in January

Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen © by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji
Kodansha [Serialized in Evening]
Published in Indonesia as Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima
by Elex Media/Level Comics

As is obvious from the lead pix, we get the third Yugo II arc, Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima:

Yugo is suddenly arrested by "old acquaintances" Kamijo and Omaki. They grill him about the case of an aerospace researcher's abducted wife, whose kidnappers specifically asked for Yugo to negotiate on their behalf. Apparently the case is connected with the rocket launch of an intel satellite.

One wrong move and Japanese-American relations could sour... fast.

Telor Ceplok contributor Lina-chan gives Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima an 8 of 10 in the comments and considers it a definite collectible, especially for Yugo fans. (Yoo, hoo! Andrea Tezumo-sensei... :D)

Soul Eater vol 13 of 20+
By Ohkubo Atsushi

The infiltration team led by the witch Medusa manage to sneak into Baba Yaga's castle, headquarters of the sprawling organization Arachnophobia. The reunion between Ox and Kim has finally arrived, but things have changed greatly since Kim's brainwashing by the morality machine, switching Kim's allegiance to Arachne. Black*Star chooses this moment to return to the stage, stronger and more determined than ever to dispatch Samurai Mifune!

Soul Eater 13 compiles chapters 49 through 52: Operation: Capture Baba Yaga's Castle (Parts 4-7). [*NOT Level's chapter title(s)]

Level Comics manga (2011.12.28)

1. Giant Killing vol 10 of 21+ by Tsujitomo & Tsunamoto Masaya

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsujitomo and Tsunamoto Masaya Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2009.04

Awards
34th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga

Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Tatsumi Takeshi), Okiayu Ryotaro (Murakoshi Shigeyuki), Mizushima Takahiro (Tsubaki Daisuke) and Ono Daisuke (Yoshida Luigi) aired between April and September 2010 on NHK.

2. Red Eyes vol 15 of 15+ by Shindo Jun

red Eyes 「ｒｅｄ　Ｅｙｅｓ」 by Shindo Jun Kodansha Magazine E-no, shounen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2011.03

Other languages
French, German and Italian (Panini Comics)

3. Soul Eater vol 13 of 20+ by Ohkubo Atsushi

Soul Eater 「ソウルイーター」 by Ohkubo Atsushi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 13 (chapters 49–52) first published in Japan 2008.10

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

Other languages
English Soul Eater (Yen Press: seven volumes as of 2011.10 • volume 8 street date: 2012.02.28), French (Kurokawa: Tome 18 per 2011.12.08 • Tome 19 street date: 2012.03.08), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 14 shipped 2011.12.16 • Band 15 street date: 2012.02.08) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: SOUL EATER噬魂者 18 released 2011.08)

Related series
Soul Eater Not! (spin-off; began serialization in Shonen Gangan 2011.01.12; volume 1 released in Japan 2011.09.22)

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

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

4. [Premiere] Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima (Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen) by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji

Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen 「勇午　東京・種子島編 」 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji Kodansha Evening, seinen First published in Japan 2006.03; Kodansha Manga Bunko reissue: 2011.09

Related series
Part of the Yugo II side stories that include Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen (2004.09), published by Level Comics as Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula; Yugo: Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen (2005.05), released as Yugo in Tsushima, Kitakyushu; Yugo: Osaka-hen (Volume 1 per 2006.10, volume 2: 2007.02); Yugo: Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (V1: 2008.01 - V2: 2008.02); Yugo: Toyako Summit-hen (V1: 2008.09 - V2: 2009.05); Yugo: Philippines Oda-Hen (V1: 2010.02 - V3: 2010.08), Yugo: Taiwan-hen (V1 2011.06 - V2: 2011.10.21)
Main story: Yugo (22 volumes)

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

European comics/BDs (2011.12.28)

• Leonard: Jenius Selamanya (Léonard, Tome 5: Génie a toute heure) by Turk - De Groot (Le Lombard)

Postponed title(s)
Suske & Wiske: Setengah Havelaar by Willy Vandersteen (pending new street date)

Read more »

X Blade 8, Blood Alone 3, Perfect Girl Evolution 27 (Level Comics 14 December 2011 manga)

The three above lead the Level DO WANT!, but reserving lead pix for Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years, the ongoing story of Honoo-sensei that slots before Burning Pen in the Comic Bomber timeline.

Aoi Honoo © by Shimamoto Kazuhiko/Shogakukan [Serialized in Gessan and Young Sunday]. Published in Indonesia as Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years by Elex Media/Level Comics

The early 1980s. The Japanese manga and anime industry enters a new phase, and a young man burns to gain fame as a comic artist. His name: Hono Moyuru.

Yup, see our ambitious manga-ka as a poor college student (still burning but with no head for alcohol). Aoi Honoo, the Gessan and Young Sunday installment of Hono-sensei's story, was short-listed for the 3rd Manga Taisho Award in 2010. Seven volumes of the seinen manga have been compiled as of November 2011. (Scroll down if interested in other Shimamoto Kazuhiko titles other than Blue Flame, Burning Pen, Comic Bomber and New Comic Bomber.)

X Blade vol 8 of 12
By Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

Haru finally reaches Babel, only to find an Ojinto-wielding warrior blocking his way. Kushiro is Mana's former master and with one slash, destroys Babel.

What of Mana, trapped inside?

Blood Alone vol 3 of 7+
By Takano Masayuki

The beauty of cherry blossoms at night, a dress associated with a precious memory and a corner of the veil that rises over Sainome's past... Blood Alone Volume 3 continues the delicate waltz of mystery and feelings.

The above lyrical preview is adapted from Edition Ki-oon's Blood Alone, Tome 3 description; Level's more prosaic version talks about how Sainome presses Kuroe to accompany her to her family home. Sainome initially planned to pay her respects at her father's grave, but now is rethinking her plan, especially after having read her father's diary.

What did Sainome uncover that brought on misgivings?

More previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.14)

1. Angel Heart vol 12 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Coamix (Shinchosha) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2004.09

Related series
Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; two volumes per 2011.09.20)

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued by Coamix under the ZENON Collection label from 2010.09 (18 volumes per 2011.05)
French (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. Blood Alone vol 3 of 7+ by Takano Masayuki

Blood Alone 「ＢＬＯＯＤ　ＡＬＯＮＥ」 by Takano Masayuki MediaWorks Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh (after 2010.11 serialized in Kodansha's Evening), seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.06 (Evening KC reissue: 2010.12)

Related series
Originally published as series of doujinshi (the manga is based wholly or partly on Blood Alone dj: Wild Arts 1.2.3., Holy Night, Stroll, Vanishing Point - Kiss In the Moonlight)

Other languages
English Blood Alone (Infinity Studios: four volumes [discontinued], picked up by Seven Seas: five volumes per 2011.12.06 • volume 6 street date: 2012.04.10), French (Editions Ki-oon: Tome 6 shipped 2010.06), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 6 released 2011.02), Italian (Edizioni BD s.r.l. [JPOP Division]), Russian (Istari Comics), traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan), Vietnamese (as Dòng máu lạ kì)

Adaptations
Three Blood Alone drama CDs—BLOOD ALONE, BLOOD ALONE II and BLOOD ALONE III— were released between July 2006 and May 2008. Seiyuu Nakahara Mai and Morikawa Toshiyuki voiced Misaki and Kuroe. Supporting cast included Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie and Miki Shinichiro as Higure, Sainome and Slye respectively.

3. [Series Premiere] Blue Flame: Comic Bomber Early Years (Aoi Honoo) vol 1 of 7+ by Shimamoto Kazuhiko

Aoi Honoo 「アオイホノオ」 by Shimamoto Kazuhiko AKA Blue Blaze Shogakukan Gessan and Young Sunday, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-6 + Special Ending) first published in Japan 2008.02

Awards/recognitions
Nominee, the 3rd Manga Taisho Award in 2010

Related series
Sequel Moeyo Pen or Burning Pen and its sequels (Hoero Pen/Comic Bomber [13 volumes] and Shin Hoero Pen/New Comic Bomber [11 volumes])

4. Go-On! vol 2 of 4 by Akishige Manabu

Go-On! 「ＧＯ‐ＯＮ！」 by Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 2 (chapters 9-19) first published in Japan 2008.07

5. Lost Man vol 6 of 14+ by Kusaba Michiteru

Lost Man 「ＬＯＳＴ　ＭＡＮ」 by Kusaba Michiteru Shogakukan Young Sunday (later moved to Big Comic Spirits after 31 July 2008), seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2009.11

6. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) vol 27 of 30+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 27 (Parts 108-111) first published in Japan 2010.12

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey until volumes 22/23/24; Kodansha Comics starting volume 25; 27 volumes per 2011.11.22 • volume 28 street date: 2012.05.22) and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko Tome 16 shipped 2011.12.01), German (EMA/Egmont Manga & Anime: Perfect Girl Band 26 released 2011.10 • Band 27 street date: 2012.03)

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

7. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) vol 11 of 28 by Shinohara Chie

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori 「天は赤い河のほとり」 by Shinohara Chie AKA Anatolia Story Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 11 (chapters 24-26 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1997.12

Awards
Winner, 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2000) in the Shoujo category

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in 16 bunko volumes between 2006.11 and V16 2007.05
English Red River (VIZ Media: 28 volumes), Italian Anatolia Story (Editions Star Comics: 28 volumes), German (EMA/Egmont Manga and Anime), Vietnamese Dòng Sông Huyền Bí (Tre Publishing House) and traditional Chinese 赤河戀影 (Tong Li)

Adaptations
Eight drama CDs were released between 1997 and 2003.

Related
An artbook (Japan release: 1999.02.24), fanbook (2002.07.26) and a two-volume novel adaptation Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Ma ga Jidai no Reimei written and illustrated by Shinohara Chie-sensei (2007.05 and 2007.09)

In addition, the following novels were published under Shogakukan's Lululu Bunko Novels label: Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Tsuitachi no Tsuki (Japan release: 2008.10); Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Mayu tsuki (JP: 2010.01); and Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Gaiden Jōgen (2010.06).

8. X Blade vol 8 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.10

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, two volumes per 2011.11.09)

9. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) vol 8 of 15+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 8 (eight episodes [chapters 51-58] + recipes) first published in Japan 2009.02

Reissues
Kachuu Hana My First BIG Specials volumes 1-8 released between 2010.10 and 2011.05

10. Zipang vol 10 of 43 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Zipang 「ジパング」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2003.03

Awards
Winner, 26th Kodansha Manga Awards (2002) in the General category

Other language versions
English (Kodansha Bilingual Comics; partial), French (Kana: Pack Fidelite Zipang Tome 30+T31 per 2011.08 • Pack Fidelite T32+33 street date: 2011.10.21) and traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press: 次元艦隊 43 per 2010.06)

Adaptations
Anime by Studio DEEN starring seiyuu Inada Tetsu (Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke), Hoshino Takanori (Gunnery Officer Kikuchi Masayuki), Ueda Yuuji (Navigation Officer Oguri Kouhei), Yara Yuusaku (Captain Umezu Saburo) and Touchi Hiroki (Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi) aired in Japan from October 2004 to March 2005

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

European comics/BDs (2011.12.14)

• Marsupilami: Emas Boavista (Le Marsupilami, Tome 7: L'Or de Boavista) by André Franquin, Batem, Yann (Marsu Production)

Postponed titles
Smurf Hitam, Smurf Liar and Smurf dan Telur Ajaib by Peyo (new street date: 21 December 2011)

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Sky of Love 8, Team Medical Dragon 21, Blade of Immortal 19 (Level Comics 7 December 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Add Fight!! Ippo 86 and ROMICs (BDs) Boule & Bill: Sama Saja, Jojo di Asrama and Rantanplan: Korban Sandera—with which I lead this post for want of a big enuf Sky of Love or Team Medical Dragon artwork—and the post practically wrote itself :p NOT! Still the value sets to enumerate.

Rantanplan, Tome 3: Rantanplan otage
© by Morris, Jean Léturgie, Xavier Fauche/Lucky Comics
Published in Indonesia as Rantanplan - Korban Sandera by Elex Media/Level Comics

In Rantanplan: Korban Sandera, escaped prisoner Ransom kidnaps (dognaps?) Rantanplan, and demands 10,000 dollars to release the jail guard dog. Can the prison officers rescue Rantanplan from...whatever fate awaits the pooch Lucky Luke's horse Jolly Jumper disses as one of Nature's great mistakes?

Meanwhile, in the other European comics also streeting this date, Bill's dad's boat explodes in Boule & Bill: Sama Saja and Jojo has to go stay in a dorm while grandma recuperates in the hospital in Jojo: Jojo di Asrama.

I'll try to fill in the manga blurbs sometime before the next batch of Level Comics releases on the 14th. The operative word is try. *sheepish grin* «.:big grin of accomplishment:.

Level Comics manga (2011.12.07)

1. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) vol 19 of 28+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 19 first published in Japan 2006.04

Volume 19 chapters:
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Ichi Maku Kawauso no Su (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Ni Maku Oni no Su (Sono Ichi)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū San Maku Oni no Su (Sono Ni)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Yon Maku Oni no Su (Sono San)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Go Maku Oni no Su (Sono Yon)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Roku Maku Oni no Su (Sono Go)
Dai Hyaku Ni Jū Nana Maku Oni no Su (Sono Roku)

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize

Other languages
English Blade of the Immortal (Dark Horse Comics: 24 volumes per 2011.11.08), French (Casterman: L'habitant de l'infini Tome 26 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 27 street date: 2012.05.02), Italian (Planet Manga), German and Polish (Egmont), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil) and Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Manji) and Satou Rina (Rin) aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

Related
The 小説無限の住人　刃獣異聞/Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon novel written by Ohsako Junichi and illustrated by Samura Hiroaki was published under the KC Novels imprint in 2008.07 and by Dark Horse Comics in 2009.11.

The 艶（あだ）浪　「無限の住人」画集/The Art of Blade of the Immortal illustration book was released 2008.06 in Japan, 2010.06 in North America by Dark Horse.

2. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 86 of 97+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 86 first published in Japan 2008.12

Volume 86 contains:
Round 817: Strange Atmosphere
Round 818: KO Sakura
Round 819: Worse Than a Hard Time
Round 820: Their Fathers
Round 821: Wild Animals Caged
Round 822: Deathmatch in the Corner
Round 823: The Person I've Chased
Round 824: The Unstoppable Punch
Round 825: World Class
Round 826: A Cut Man
[*NOT Level chapter titles]

Awards
Winner, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Related series
Hajime no Ippo Gaiden (one-shot prequel)

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2 Tome 16 per 2011.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 96 per 2011.08)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The 26-episode second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger was telecast from January to June 2009.

3. Sky of Love (Koizora: Setsunai Koi Monogatari) vol 8 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 8 first published in Japan 2009.02

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.

4. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) vol 21 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie (Medical Supervision) Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 21 first published in Japan 2009.09

Awards
Winner, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Seinen/General category

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 18 shipped 2011.10 • Tome 19 street date: 2012.02.08)

Related
My First BIG Special limited edition releases: Iryū Oyasumi (Japan release: 2011.01); Iryū Yōchi (2010.12); Iryū Tokken (2010.11); Iryū sennō (2010.10); Iryū Himitsu Heiki (2010.09); Iryū Sōtei-gai (2007.12); Iryū Hakui (2007.11); Iryū Kyōju no Shishitsu (2007.11); Iryū Kiken na masui (2007.10); Iryū Kango-shi to Isha (2006.06); and Iryū Kanja no Ishi (2006.04)

Adaptations
Three seasons of the live-action adaptation, starring Sakaguchi Kenji (Asada Ryutaro), aired on Fuji TV (Season 1: April to June 2006; Season 2: October to December 2007; Season 3: October to December 2010). The first season won the Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

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

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial*

1. Angel Heart, Vols. 1–5 (of 33) by Hojo Tsukasa [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Harlequin: On the Way to a Wedding... by Ingrid Weaver and Karino Mao [IDR 24,000/set] *
3. Subaru, Vols. 1–10 (of 11) by Soda Masahito [IDR 90,000/set]
4. To Be Beautiful, Vols. 1–6 of 6 by Yorita Miyuki (Kirei ni Naritai!) –Complete– [IDR 54,000/set]
5. Tomo'o, Vols. 1–10 (of 18+) by Oda Tobira (Danchi Tomoo) [IDR 90,000/set]
6. Until Death Do Us Part, Vols. 1–5 (of 15+) by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) [IDR 45,000/set]

Volume tallies represent volume totals in country of origin, which may or may not coincide with Level Comics's latest releases. Level's most recent volumes: Angel Heart 11 (released 2011.10.26); Tomo'o 12 (7.06); and Until Death Do Us Part 9 (11.16). Subaru concluded with the release of finale volume 11 in December 2010.
*Comprises four books or three other Harlequin titles in addition to On the Way to a Wedding

European comics/BDs (2011.12.07)

1. Boule & Bill: Sama Saja (Boule et Bill, Tome 1: Tel Boule, Tel Bill) by Jean Roba (Dupuis)
2. Jojo: Jojo di Asrama (Jojo, Tome 12: Jojo au pensionnat) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
3. Rantanplan: Korban Sandera (Rantanplan, Tome 3: Rantanplan otage) by Morris, Jean Léturgie, Xavier Fauche (Lucky Comics)

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