xxxHOLiC 14, X Blade 7, Perfect Girl Evolution 26 (Level Comics 12 October 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

belatedly magicks previous MinimaList into present NikBabble™

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

Sunako and Kyouhei should be all over each other, especially after Sunako presents Kyouhei with a haramaki (belly band), but what's this? Sunako's chasing after the science teacher!? She haunts the science room and our three other bishounen look askance at the white lab-coated, bespectacled teach and suspect...dire things. As for Kyouhei...

If you want to know whether Kyouhei will just stand back or clobber the teach in the latest Perfect Girl Evolution, GET! :D

Perfect Girl Evolution 26 compiles Parts 104 through 107: Crying Out Love in the Science Room or Shouting Love In The Middle Of The Cooking Room Biarkan Aku Berendam di Onsen (Once Again, The Great Hot Bath) Tiap Hari di Restoran (Everyday Restaurant) and My Lovely N-110 (My Beloved N-110). [English title equivalents excerpted from Wiki]

Twenty-nine Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge tankou have been released in Japan as of 13 September 2011.

I preview DO WANT! xxxHOLiC 14 and X Blade 7 after the release list.

New Level titles
Level launches the seinen manga Misaki No.1!! by Fujisaki Masato (Wild Life manga-ka) and the European comic (ROMIC)/bande dessinée Lanfeust of Troy by Arleston & Tarquin. Scroll down for previews.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.10.12)

1. Blue Seal (Ao no Fuuin [Bunko]) vol 4 of 7 by Shinohara Chie

Ao no Fuuin 「蒼の封印　(小学館文庫)」 by Shinohara Chie Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Bunko volume 4 first published in Japan 1999.05 (originally published in 11 tankoubon from 1992.04 to 1994.12)

Adaptations
Audio drama CD released by Shogakukan in May 1993 and light novels written by Yamamoto Natsumi and illustrated by Shinohara Chie, published under the KSS Comic Novels imprint (three volumes from September to December 1998)

2. Giant Killing vol 8 of 21+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2008.11

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.

3. Hellsing vol 10 of 10 by Hirano Kohta [Finale]

Hellsing 「ＨＥＬＬＳＩＮＧ」 by Hirano Kohta Shonen Gahosha Young King Ours, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 86-95) first published in Japan 2009.03

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

Related series
Hellsing: The Dawn (prequel; serialized in Young King Ours special editions, six chapters as at 2008.09, on hiatus) and Crossfire (three-chapter side story)

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Gonzo aired on Fuji TV from October 2001 to January 2002, starring seiyuu Nakata Jouji (Alucard), Orikasa Fumiko (Seras Victoria) and Sakakibara Yoshiko (Sir Integra Hellsing). A Hellsing Ultimate OAV (starring the same voice cast) premiered in Japan in January 2006. The first four episodes were produced by Satelight, fifth onwards by Madhouse. Hellsing VIII premiered 27 July 2011, while Hellsing IX is slated for an early 2012 release, along with the first episode of The Dawn.

A Crossfire drama CD has also been released.

4. [Series Premiere] Misaki No.1!! vol 1 of 2+ by Fujisaki Masato

Misaki Number One!! 「美咲ナンバーワン！！」 by Fujisaki Masato Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits and Monthly Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 1 (chapters 1-9) first published in Japan 2008.09

Adaptations
Ten episodes of the live-action Misaki Number One!! renzoku aired on NTV between 12 January to 16 March 2011 with Karina as Tennoji Misaki.

5. Perfect Girl Evolution (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge) vol 26 of 29+ by Hayakawa Tomoko

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 「ヤマトナデシコ七変化」 by Hayakawa Tomoko Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 26 (Parts 104-107) first published in Japan 2010.06

Other languages
English The Wallflower (Del Rey until volumes 22/23/24 [per 2010.10]; Kodansha Comics [starting volume 25]: 26 volumes per 2011.09.27 • volume 27 street date: 2011.11.22) and Chuang Yi (as My Fair Lady; volume 26 per 2011.02), French (Pika Édition: Yamato Nadeshiko Tome 15 shipped 2011.08.24 • Tome 16 street date: 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.

6. The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) vol 13 of 43+ 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.

7. Shattered Knife (Oboreru Knife) vol 10 of 12+ by George Asakura

Oboreru Knife 「溺れるナイフ」 by George Asakura Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2010.06

8. X Blade vol 7 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.07

Related series
XBlade Cross (sequel, volume 2 street date: 2011.11.09)

9. xxxHOLiC vol 14 of 19 by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 14: Sono Negai ga Tsuyokereba Tsuyoi Hodo, ano Ko to Tomo ni Mirai mo Kawaru. (chapters 85-91) first published in Japan 2009.02

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 17 volumes 17 per 2011.09.13 • volume 18 street date: 2011.12.13), French (PIKA Édition: Tome 18 shipped 2011.06 • Tome 19 street date: 2011.10.19), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06, bundled with volumes 14 and 15). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, released 9 March 2011 with the limited edition manga volume 19.

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

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

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

At least four official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17) · xxxHolic Complete Book (2011.03.17)

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

Box sets AKA Paket Komik *Harga Spesial* (2011.10.12)

1. Exit, Vols. 1-5 (of 12+) by Fujita Takami [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Glass Chair, Vols. 1-6 (of 8) by Nakamura Mariko (Garasu no Isu) [IDR 54,000/set]
3. Gun Smith Cats, Vols. 1-8 of 8 by Sonoda Kenichi –Complete– [IDR 72,000/set]
4. Nanase Fire Investigator, Vols. 1-5 (of 7) by Hashimoto Izo & Ichikawa Tomoshige (Kasai Chousakan Nanase) [IDR 45,000]

Note: Volume tallies represent Japanese volume totals, not (necessarily) Level Comics' latest release. Most recent Level volumes: Exit vol 6 (per 8.18), Glass Chair vol 8 [Finale] (8.18) and Nanase Fire Investigator vol 5 (2010.09.22)

European comics/BDs (2011.10.12)

1. [Series Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Gading Magohamoth (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 1: L'ivoire du Magohamoth) by Christophe Arleston, Didier Tarquin (Soleil) «Ex-9.22
2. [Premiere] Lanfeust of Troy - Thanos Si Pengacau (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 2: Thanos l'incongru) by Arleston & Tarquin (Soleil)

Postponed title(s) and new tentative street date(s)
Yakari - Kemarahan Langit by Derib & Job (postponed to 10.26)

Read more »

Bloody Monday 4, xxxHOLiC 13, Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 4 (Level Comics 18 May 2011 manga)

Bloody Monday © Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji/Kodansha
[First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

During interrogation, Orihara Maya offers to barter coordinates to Terrorist HQ for freedom. Fujimaru agrees, and with Hosho and Kano, heads for the location Maya specifies. En route, Fujimaru lucks on to a clue about the THIRD-i spy, but a thin line separates friend from foe. [Additions from Chuang Yi's Bloody Monday: Season 1, Vol. 4 synopsis]

Sez Level's Bloody Monday editor Adisti-san: Excitement ratchets as, despite the revelation of the THIRD-i spy's identity, the terrorists' moves remain unpredictable.

xxxHOLiC 13 of 19 by CLAMP

People beat up “Liar!” Kohane on national TV, but the exorcist's suffering isn't enough to make her mother back off. Watanuki tries to intervene, but Kohane's mom, believing Watanuki responsible for Kohane's loss of powers, decides to... [Additions from PIKA Édition's xxxHOLIC, tome 13 summary]

What happened to Watanuki? How will Kohane-chan's torment end? See xxxHOLIC 13 for answers.

Oh Butterfly Oh Flower 4 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

The pervy guy who stole a kiss from Choko was none other than the company president! Choko has several bones to pick with the goukon-crashing prez, the utmost of which is his monopolizing Masayuki. Worse, he isn't even through toying with Choko; he forces her to become his 24/7 private secretary, threatening to destroy Masayuki should she refuse.

So, of course, it's Chaa-chan to milady's rescue!

Domoto, I love you ♡.
(That's not Choko speaking; it's president Yanagi *sweatdrop*)

Volume 4 of the LMAO! office romance Oh Butterfly Oh Flower compiles chapters 16 through 20: Before Winter Comes, Dance of the Butterfly, Dance of the Flower.... Sleeping Beauty, Valentine Crisis and Beside You... [*NOT Level's chapter titles; Serenus-Dreamers × Aerandria translations]

New Level manga: Escape Express by Shinohara Chie

Natsumi stumbles onto a crime scene on her way home. The investigating officers are keeping a lid on the case, forcing the news reporter to observe from afar. But instead of staying hidden from all eyes, Natsumi bumps into the alleged murder suspect, Satoru.

[Natsumi and Satoru]
From Toubou Kyuukou © Shinohara Chie/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia as Escape Express by Level Comics

Satoru claims he's innocent and he and Natsumi head to Switzerland in pursuit of the real perp, contributes Baka-Updates Manga in its Toubou Kyuukou description.

Gushes editor Nickyta-san: A new manga from Shinohara Chie — with an unexpected ending! (If I were Natsumi, I wouldn't want the story to end :D) You know Shinohara Chie-sensei, right? She's only responsible for Red River, which Level also publishes. (Volume 7 is slated for a 25 May release.)

Escape Express also contains the Missing city short in addition to the Escape Express cover story. And speaking of covers, based on Level's cover art, this volume appears to be the 2008 Flower Comics Alpha reissue. (Toubou Kyuukou was first published in 1996 under the Flower Comic Special imprint and then again in 2002 as a bunko. Different covers.)

☆ Teh other debuting series is a BD—Peyo's Johan & Pirlouit, the sword-and-sorcery tale of medieval page Johan and his dwarf sidekick Pirlouit, prolly most famous for introducing the Smurfs. (The blue-skinned critters actually debuted there.) Level double launches Johan & Pirlouit's Seruling Enam Smurf and Malam Para Penyihir.

Speaking of Smurfs, Smurf - Smurf Kecil, part of the Histoires des Schtroumpfs (Les p'tits Schtroumpfs et le Schtroumpf robot) also streets, introducing four new characters, promises editor Niken.

Level Comics manga (2011.05.18)

1. 3x3 Eyes 40 of 40 by Takada Yuzo [Finale]

3×3 EYES 「３×３ＥＹＥＳ」 by Takada Yuzo Kodansha Weekly Young Magazine, seinen Volume 40 first published in Japan 2002.11

Other languages
English 3x3 Eyes (Dark Horse Comics; till volume 8), Korean (Young Movie Comics), French (PIKA Édition; 40 volumes), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini Comics; dropped), Italian (Editions Star Comics) and German 3x3 Augen (Carlsen Comics)

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1993 Kodansha Manga Awards

Adaptations
Two anime OAVs starring seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji (Fujii Yakumo) and Hayashibara Megumi (Ayanokouji Pai)

2. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 10 of 17 by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 10 (chapters 66-72) first published in Japan 2005.12

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

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

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

3. Bloody Monday 4 of 11 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji

Bloody Monday 「ブラッディ・マンデイ」 by Ryumon Ryou & Megumi Kouji Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 4 first published in 2008.02

Other languages
English Bloody Monday: Season 1 (Chuang Yi: volume 8 per 2010.08 and Kodansha Comics: Bloody Monday volume 1 street date: 2011.08.23), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 11 volumes, concluded), traditional Chinese 血色星期一 (Tong Li Taiwan; 11 volumes) and French (PIKA Édition: five volumes per 2011.05.04 • Tome 6 street date: 2011.06.29)

Related series
Bloody Monday Season 2 - Zetsubou no Kou (sequel, AKA Bloody Monday Season 2 ~Pandora no Hako~, eight volumes as at 2011.05.17)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku aired from October through December 2008 on TBS, followed by a second season, Bloody Monday Season2 ~Pandora no Hako~ (January to March 2010, nine episodes). Actor/singer Miura Haruma returned as protagonist Fujimaru Takagi/Falcon in the sequel.

4. Cesare: The Creator of Destruction (CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto) 5 of 8+ by Souryo Fuyumi

CESARE: Il Creatore che ha distrutto 「チェーザレ　破壊の創造者」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2008.07

5. [Premiere] Escape Express (Toubou Kyuukou) by Shinohara Chie

Toubou Kyuukou 「逃亡急行」 by Shinohara Chie Shogakukan Flower Comics Alpha, shoujo This anthology first published in Japan 2008.11

Related
Earlier released Toubou Kyuukou anthologies (one published under the Flower Comic Special imprint, 1996.05 and as Shogakukan Bunko: 2002.08)

6. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 82 of 95+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 82 first published in Japan 2007.12

Volume 82 chapters:
Round 778: Malfunctioning Machine
Round 779: Other Than Boxing
Round 780: Two Things To Remember
Round 781: These Fists Aren't Heavy
Round 782: Insane Connection
Round 783: Magic Punch
Round 784: Counterattack vs. Counterattack
Round 785: Preparing to Enter the Ring
Round 786: Another Trick
Round 787: I Can See!!
*NOT Level chapter titles

Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards

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

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs tome 12 per 2011.05.12 • Tome 13 street date: 2011.06.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)

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 second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (26 episodes) was telecast from January to June 2009.

7. Jepang Tenggelam! (Nihon Chinbotsu) 13 of 15 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko

Nihon Chinbotsu 「日本沈没」 by Komatsu Sakyou, Ishiki Tokihiko AKA Japan Falling, Japan Sinks Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 13 (chapters 104-112) first published in Japan 2008.11

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

8. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 9 of 11+ by Miyasaka Kaho

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 「僕達は知ってしまった」 by Miyasaka Kaho AKA We Experienced the Affair Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2010.04

9. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) 8 of 12+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 8 first published in Japan 2009.07

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 11 per 2011.02)

10. Oh Butterfly Oh Flower (Chou yo Hana yo) 4 of 8 by Yoshihara Yuki

Chou yo Hana yo 「蝶よ花よ」 by Yoshihara Yuki Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei Volume 4 (chapters 16-20) first published in Japan 2007.05

Other languages
English Butterflies, Flowers (VIZ Media: six volumes per 2011.03.01 • volume 7 street date: 2011.06.07), French (Soleil Ma petite maîtresse tome 8 released 2010.05) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

11. xxxHOLiC 13 of 19 by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 13: Hon no Sasai na Deai de mo, Kokoro to Karada mo Kawatte iku. (chapters 80-84) first published in Japan 2008.06

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2010.10 • volume 17 street date: 2011.09.13), French (PIKA Édition; tome 17 shipped 2011.01 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.06.15), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

Adaptations
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06, bundled with volumes 14 and 15). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17. A second xxxHolic Rō OAD, xxxHolic: Rō Adayume, is scheduled for March 2011 release with manga volume 19.

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

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

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

At least four official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17) · xxxHolic Complete Book (2011.03.17)

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

European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.18)

1. Cubitus - Warisan Pastaga (Cubitus, tome 35: L'héritage du Pastaga) by Dupa
2. [Premiere] Johan & Pirlouit - Seruling Enam Smurf (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 9: La flûte à six Schtroumpfs) by Peyo
3. [Premiere] Johan & Pirlouit - Malam Para Penyihir (Johan et Pirlouit, tome 5: Magie et exotisme) by Peyo
4. Lucky Luke - Pony Express (Lucky Luke, tome 28: Le Pony Express) by Morris, X. Fauche & J. Léturgie
5. Smurf - Smurf Kecil dan Smurf Robot (Les p'tits Schtroumpfs et le Schtroumpf robot, tome 13) by Peyo

Read more »

xxxHOLiC 12, The Drops of God 3, Strange Tales of Tokyo 4 of 4 (Level Comics 16 March 2011 manga)

Update Blog regular KiRai-san reports (see comment below) that she got xxxHOLiC 12 last week. Keeping it here per the Elex STO 16 March 2011

Also, Smart is sexy Atty. Makoto Narita returns—still running, I presume—in The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita volume 4. (Sankyuu~ freakenari-san for the delish snap profiling. Another tweep—wenzara-san—is actually my first Makoto Narita evangelist ^^)

But before we go rejoicing about teh Level manga for tomorrow, let's #prayforJapan and/or do something more today to help the people hardest hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami.

The Drops of God's Agi Tadashi-sensei—actually the brother and sister team Kibayashi Shin and Yuko—have checked in safe, according to ANN. Means Ando Yuma (Psychometrer Eiji); Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files); Aoki Yuya (Get Backers); Ryuumon Ryou (Bloody Monday series); Arimori Jōji (Asobotto Senki Gokū); and Igano Hiroaki (Area no kishi) are also safe (Kibayashi Shin-sensei also writes under these pseudonyms). ANN has no word on Okimoto Shu-sensei yet.

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu © Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu/
Kodansha [Serialized in Morning]
Published in Indonesia as The Drops of God by Elex Media/Level Comics

Shizuku decides to help Mr. Watanuki whose restaurant teeters on bankruptcy, following a scathing critique from Tomine. He looks into why Tomine found fault with Watanuki's place, but evidently, Tomine just made a reservation. Can Shizuku manage to pleasantly surprise Tomine on his revisit with his ‘marriage’? Check out The Drops of God 3 for answers.

Shining the spotlight on a different Watanuki —

xxxHOLiC 12 of 19+ by CLAMP

Since meeting Sakura, Watanuki has been dreaming more often; the frequency escalates to the extent he can no longer distinguish between dream and reality. What is actually happening?

(The second Syaoran :D)

CLAMP have also reported in safe post the quake and tsunami.

New Level titles: XBlade by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade © Ida Tatsuhiko
& Shiki Satoshi/
Kodansha [Shonen Sirius]

Level rolls outs X Blade, a post-apocalyptic action drama serialized in Shonen Sirius. Given current events, you can understand that it was a little hard translating the summary. (I apologize to those who are feeling sensitive and give you leave to skip the blurb below.)

Four years ago, Haru survived the mysterious disaster that hit Tokyo and took away his family. These days, Haru lives a relatively normal life with friends Sanae and Kazunari.

But Haru's new normalcy is replaced by violence when he finds himself pursued by a pack of MIBs. At the height of the chase, Haru lucks into a venerable sword — one that takes the form of a young girl, Mana.

But was it really luck that led Haru to the sentient weapon?

[Additions from Baka-Updates Manga's XBlade description]

Wondering why X Blade 1 retails for IDR 20,000? Prolly because of the color pages. (Seeing Shiki Satoshi-sensei's name attached to this shounen manga reminds me that I've yet to finish the also swords Kamikaze >.<)

More previews below the list.

Level Comics manga and manhua (2011.03.16)

1. Angel Heart 5 of 33 by Hojo Tsukasa

Angel Heart 「エンジェル・ハート」 by Hojo Tsukasa Shinchosha (Coamix) Comic Bunch, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2002.11

Related series
City Hunter (Adapted from; 35 of 35 volumes), Angel Heart 2nd Season (sequel; one volume per 2011.03.19)

Other languages
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. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) 3 of 28+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu AKA Les Gouttes de Dieu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.08

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

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu tome 17 shipped 2011.02.16 • tome 18 street date: 2011.04.20), traditional Chinese 神之水滴 (Sharp Point Press Taiwan), English Drops of God (Vertical: volume 1 street date: 2011.09.13)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV. Another adaptation, Korean, starring Bae Yong Joon (Winter Sonata) has been greenlit but delayed.

3. The Fugitive Lawyer Makoto Narita (Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto) 4 of 6 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki

Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto 「逃亡弁護士　成田誠」 by Takada Yu & Go Hideki (Natsuhara Takeshi) Shogakukan Young Sunday (until July 2008 before moving to Big Comic Spirits), seinen Volume 4 (chapters 33-43) first published in Japan 2008.06

Related series
Shin Toubou Bengoshi Narita Makoto (sequel by Okamoto Sou; three volumes as at 2011.04.28)

Adaptations
A live-action adaptation, Toubou Bengoshi, starring Kamiji Yusuke (Tsutsumoto Shoji, Crows ZERO live-action movies) aired from July to September 2010 on Fuji TV.

4. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) 7 of 10 by Miyasaka Kaho

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 「僕達は知ってしまった」 by Miyasaka Kaho AKA We Experienced the Affair Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 7 first published in Japan 2009.08

5. Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 19 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi

Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 19 first published in Japan 1999.10

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)

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

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

6. Strange Tales of Tokyo (Toukei Ibun) 4 of 4 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi [Finale]

Toukei Ibun 「東亰異聞」 by Kajiwara Niki & Ono Fuyumi Gentousha Comic Birz, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2003.09

Reissues
Re-released in two volumes under the Birz Comics Special imprint (2008.03)

7. X Blade 1 of 12+ by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2007.03

8. xxxHOLiC 12 of 19+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「×××ＨＯＬｉＣ」 by CLAMP AKA xxxHolic Rō (starting volume 16) Kodansha Young Magazine (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2010.06), seinen Volume 12: Atashi no Negai....ne. (chapters 73-79) first published in Japan 2007.10

Other languages
English xxxHOLiC (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2010.10 • volume 17 street date: 2011.09.13), French (Pika Édition; tome 17 shipped 2011.01.19), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (Egmont), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen), Portuguese (JBC Brazil)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Level Comics European comics/BDs (2011.03.16)

• Boule & Bill - Bwoufallo, Bill? by Roba

Read more »

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

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

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

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

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

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

And speaking of upcoming encounters —

Half an Apple 5 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

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

Genius Family Company 5 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

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

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

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

Level Comics manga (2010.12.15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Haruka 17 v10 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognitions
Jury Recommended Work for Story Manga, 12th Japan Media Arts Festival

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

Adaptations
Live-action renzoku starring Ishihara Satomi (Misora Aoi) aired on Fuji TV from January to March 2006, followed by a special in September the same year.

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

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

7. xxxHOLiC 11 of 18+ by CLAMP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Level Comics European comics (2010.12.15)

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

¹ Sources: Elex STO 15 December 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Genius Family Company (SRP: IDR 29,500), as well as Haruka 17 vol. 10 and Restore Garage 251 vol. 11 (IDR 19,500 each) and Yakari dan Monster Danau (IDR 30,000).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).

Previews continued

Haruka 17 Vol. 10 of 19 by Yamazaki Sayaka

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

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

Last Inning 7 of 27+ Nakahara Yu, Kamio Ryu

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

Nurse Aoi 17 of 32+ by Koshino Ryo

Are you content to let the situation stand?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography

disclaimer

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

related monthly schedule(s)

December 2010
Premiering Bloody Monday by Megumi Kouji & Ryumon Ryou

other invaluable resources

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

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