Bambino! Secondo 5, Dark Edge 5, March Story 2 (Level Comics manga out nau~)

Street date: 7 August 2012, Tuesday, not Wednesday, the first of a two-part manga release before the Idul Fitri holiday break.

I'll get to Most Wanted Bambino! Secondo in a moment (read: I don't have a big enuf Bambino! Secondo 5 cover, so it's not the lead pix). First, let's take a look at the Lady in the Box (Dark Edge volume 5):

Dark Edge © Aikawa Yu
MediaWorks [First serialized in Dengeki Comic Gao!]
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics

Takagi Kuro volunteers to take Nishiwaki Rui's place, trusting that his friends will soon bust him out of the coffin. Unfortunately for Kuro, they all forget about his existence, save for Ise who hatches up a plan with Tsuchiya and Sato to get Kuro out. What Ise doesn't know is the the two teachers have their own agenda...

Seems cognitive dissonant to segue to pasta after Nosferatu and zombies, but... *sheepish grin*

Bambino! Secondo vol 5 (of 11+)
By Sekiya Tetsuji

Ban's hard trudge pays off. He finally manages to track down the legendary Yokohama waiter who agrees to return to active restaurant duty on Ban's insistence. But can the legend's magic save Legare?

Eleven Bambino! Secondo volumes have been collected in Japan as of June 2012; the 12th streets on 28 September.

I should've back-to-backed this next DO WANT! with Dark Edge 5, but... *sheepish grin, the sequel*

March Story vol 2 (of 4+)
By Kim HyungMin & Yang KyungIl

During an Ill exorcism mission, March meets fellow hunter Belma, but wishes she didn't. Belma's weapon Scarecrow, capable of producing illusions to entrap Ill, turns on March. Not only that, even Belma believes March is an Ill, and an inevitable clash ensues.

Meanwhile, the real Ill target is...

...getting away?

You can revisit the March Story premise, if you missed it when it debuted. I gave the first March Story a grade of 8 of 10♡, equivalent to an A-. I wonder what the second volume would get?

Level Comics manga (2012.08.07)

1. Ami Non Stop vol 6 of 12 by Kitagawa Miyuki

Ami! Nonstop 「亜未！ノンストップ」 by Kitagawa Miyuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 6 first published in Japan 1994.08

Reissues
Rereleased in six volumes under the Flower Comics Deluxe label from 2001.05 to 1993.09

2. Bambino! Secondo vol 5 of 11+ by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! Secondo 「バンビ～ノ！ＳＥＣＯＮＤＯ」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2010.10

Related series
Prequel: Bambino! (15 volumes)

3. Basara vol 22 of 27 by Tamura Yumi

Basara 「ＢＡＳＡＲＡ」 by Tamura Yumi Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo Volume 22 first published in Japan 1998.01

Awards
38th Shogakukan Manga Awardee in the Shoujo category

Other versions/languages
Rereleased in 16 bunko volumes (2002.03 to 2002.10)
English Basara (VIZ Media: 27 volumes), French (Kana: 27 volumes), German (EMA: 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.

4. Dark Edge vol 5 of 15 by Aikawa Yu «Ex-2012.07.25

Dark Edge 「ＤＡＲＫ　ＥＤＧＥ」 by Aikawa Yu MediaWorks Dengeki Comic Gao!, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.02

Other languages
English Dark Edge (ComicsOne then DrMaster: 10 volumes per 2009.03.03)

5. Exit vol 7 of 12+ by Fujita Takami

Exit 「ＥＸＩＴ」 by Fujita Takami Gentosha Birz Comics Girls Collection, shoujo Volume 7 published in Japan 2003.05

Earlier editions
Volumes 1–5 published between 1998.08 and 1999.06 under Sony Magazines Comics Kimi to Boku (KB) Collection imprint

6. Giant Killing vol 14 of 24+ by Tsujitomo & Tsunamoto Masaya

Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ　ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 by Tsujitomo and Tsunamoto Masaya Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 14 first published in Japan 2010.04

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.

7. March Story vol 2 of 4+ by Kim HyungMin & Yang KyungIl

March Story 「ＭＡＲＣＨ　ＳＴＯＲＹ」 by Kim HyungMin & Yang KyungIl Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.12

Other languages
English March Story (VIZ Media: three volumes as of 2011.10 • volume 4 street date: 2012.10.16), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: MARCH STORY獵魔荒世錄 (04) released 2012.07.18

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

European comics/BDs (2012.08.07)

• Suske & Wiske: Texas Rangers (Suske en Wiske 125: De Texasrakkers) by Willy Vandersteen

Read more »

ILIAD 11, Homunculus 12, Yugo in Yokohama - Yokosuka 1 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji (Level Comics manga out nau~) [UPDATED]

Street date: 11 July 2012
SFX: Hosh...hosh...Whoosh! *lobs Level shopping list at Telor Ceplok*
Update: Retroactive NikBabble™, Week 2.02

Yugo - Yokohama Yokosuka-hen © Akana Shu & Makari Shinji / Kodansha [Serialized in Evening]. Published in Indonesia as Yugo The Negotiator in Yokohama - Yokosuka by Level Comics

Yugo's latest commission takes him deep into the Marunouchi Project, a covert civilian venture that aims to secure nuclear superpower status for Japan. The Japanese government receives information that China has learned of the nuke scheme.

Can Yugo convince the Chinese that the Marunouchi Project doesn't and has never existed?

Yugo in Yokohama - Yokosuka volume 1 opens the fifth Yugo II side story Yokohama Yokosuka-hen, after Yugo - Shimokita Peninsula (Yugo: Shimokita Hantou-hen), Yugo in Tsushima, Kitakyushu (Yugo: Kitakyushu Tsushima-hen), Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima (Yugo: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen) and Yugo in Osaka (Yugo: Osaka-hen).

After this—well, after Yokohama - Yokosuka volume 2 neway—is another two-volumer, Yugo: Toyako Summit-hen. As for what comes after Toyako Summit-hen...I'll get to that when Level releases its version. :)

Elsewhere, the quest for Solomon's Jar continues in:
Iliad vol 11 of 15
By Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku:

Thanks to the ruler of Medina of Tétouan, Iriya and Rocca reach the labyrinth beneath the city. Fearing for their safety, Yuri sends a bodyguard after them, little suspecting that the supposed protector is actually an assassin!

Moar manga previews after the jump.

Level Comics manga (2012.07.11)

1. Ami Non Stop vol 5 of 12 by Kitagawa Miyuki

Ami! Nonstop 「亜未！ノンストップ」 by Kitagawa Miyuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 5 first published in Japan 1994.06

Reissues
Rereleased in six volumes under the Flower Comics Deluxe imprint from 2001.05 to 1993.09

2. Birdy The Mighty (Tetsuwan Birdy) vol 3 of 20 by Yuuki Masami

Tetsuwan Birdy 「鉄腕バーディー」 by Yuuki Masami AKA Tetsuwan Birdy (II) Shogakukan Young Sunday then Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2003.12

Volume 3 contains chapters 22–23: The Third Power (7–8) and 24–32: The Child of Quarter (1–9) + Raku ga ki manga Mahō no doji-kko ondīnu extra

Related series
Adapted from the original Tetsuwan Birdy serialized in Shonen Sunday Super between 1985 and 1988 (one volume per 1996.07 [discontinued]; two-volume Shonen Sunday Comics Visual Selection reprint from 1996.12 to 1997.04)
Sequel: Tetsuwan Birdy Evolution (11 volumes as of 2012.04, volume 12 street date: 2012.08.30, serialized in Big Comic Spirits)

Other languages
French (Pika Édition: Tetsuwan Birdy, Tome 11 per 2010.07)

Adaptations
Madhouse's Birdy the Mighty OAV (1996.07.25, four episodes) starring seiyuu Mitsuishi Kotono as Birdy and Iwanaga Tetsuya as Tsutomu, and A-1 Pictures' anime: Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode (2008.07.04–2008.09.29, 13 episodes) starring Chiba Saeko as Birdy and Irino Miyu as Tsutomu, Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode Season 2 (2009.01.09–2009.05.28, 12 episodes) and Birdy the Mighty Decode: The Cipher OAV (2009.07.22, one episode)

3. Homunculus vol 12 of 15 by Yamamoto Hideo

Homunculus 「 ホムンクルス 」 by Yamamoto Hideo Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 12 first published in Japan 2010.02

4. Iliad vol 11 of 15 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku

ILIAD 「イリヤッド～入矢堂見聞録～」 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 11 (eight episodes/chapters 81–88) first published in Japan in 2006.07

5. Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta) vol 13 of 14 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 13 first published in Japan 2011.12

Other languages
German (Egmont Manga & Anime: Lebe deine Liebe Band 13 released 2012.07.12), French (Marvel Panini France: A Romantic Love Story Tome 13 shipped 2012.07.04 • Tome 14 street date: 2012.10.10)

Adaptations
The Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta ~ Kare to Kanojo to Aitsu no Himitsu light novel written by Takase Yunoka was released under the Flower Comics Lululu novels label on 2011.07.26.

Related
The official Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta Koushiki Fanbook (JP release: 2011.07)

6. [Premiere] Yugo The Negotiator in Yokohama - Yokosuka (Yugo - Yokohama Yokosuka-hen) vol 1 of 2 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji

Yugo: Yokohama Yokosuka-hen 「勇午　横浜・横須賀編 」 by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji Kodansha Evening, seinen Volume 1 of 2 first published in Japan 2008.01

Related series
The first volume of Yugo: Yokohama Yokosuka-hen (JP volume 2 of 2 released 2008.02), 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: Tokyo Tanegashima-hen (2006.03), released as Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima; Yugo: Osaka-hen (V1 2006.10 – V2: 2007.02.23), released as Yugo in Osaka (two volumes); 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, ongoing)
Main story: Yugo (22 volumes)

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

Postponed titles
Air Gear 30, Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale 8 and Soul Eater 17. Pending new tentative street dates.

European comics/BDs (2012.07.11)

1. Rantanplan: Godfather (Rantanplan, Tome 2: Le Parrain) by Morris, X. Fauche, J. Léturgie
2. Robin: Rumahku Istanaku (Robin Dubois, Tome 3: Ça va chez vous?) by Turk & De Groot
3. Tanguy & Laverdure: Misi Kutub Utara (Tanguy et Laverdure, Tome 7: Cap zéro) by Charlier & Uderzo

Read more »

Until Death Do Us Part 11, Lost Man 11, Red River 13 (Level Comics manga out nau~)

Street date: 13 June 2012
The official sked re-incorporates March Story volume 1 by Kim HyungMin & Yang KyungIl within, despite the thing debuting last week. Still mentioning it this list, but if you want teh preview (and my 8 of 10 ♡ snap review), go »here.

Lost Man © Kusaba Michiteru/Shogakukan [Serialized in Big Comic Spirits] · Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori © Shinohara Chie/Shogakukan [First serialized in Sho-Comi] · Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made © Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S/Square Enix [Serialized in Young Gangan]. Published in Indonesia as Lost Man, Red River and Until Death Do Us Part by Level Comics

Top Level DO WANT! this week is Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S' Until Death Do Us Part volume 11, in which A Certain Praetorian cameos (well, not just a cameo :p):

Mamoru struggles to cut through Wiseman's minions, what with teh boss having analyzed Mamoru's fighting style and feeding his underlings the info. Fortunately, Komura's henchmen—who want in on the action—take Mamoru's bait. Mamoru corners Komura, but is intercepted by the man nicknamed The Shield of Aegis!

Aegis' guest appearance explains the connection Baka-Updates Manga and Wiki drew between Aegis in the Dark (Yami no Aegis) and alternate story Until Death Do Us Part. (UDDUP also crosses over with Takashige Hiroshi-sensei's Alcbane (Daiba Tatsumi, anyone?) and and is an alternate story to Jesus, which stars a high-profile assassin from the same duo that collabed on Aegis in the Dark.)

For a change of pace and capitalizing on the Euro fever—

Lost Man vol 11 (of 16+)
By Kusaba Michiteru

Man U flies to Spain for a showdown with Real Madrid, currently ranked first in the Champions League group stage. Real ace Saule scores the first goal, prompting the Simpson-Matsumoto twosome to renew attack.

Sixteen Lost Man tankou have been compiled as of 30 May 2012; the 17th streets in Japan on 29 June.

Level Comics manga (2012.06.13)

1. Ami Non Stop vol 4 of 12 by Kitagawa Miyuki

Ami! Nonstop 「亜未！ノンストップ」 by Kitagawa Miyuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 4 first published in Japan 1994.03

Reissues
Rereleased in six volumes under the Flower Comics Deluxe label from 2001.05 to 1993.09

2. Have A Good Night (Shima Shima) vol 4 of 12 by Yamazaki Sayaka

Shima Shima 「シマシマ」 by Yamazaki Sayaka Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2009.03

Adaptations
The 10-episode live-action Shima Shima aired on TBS from April to June 2011, starring Yada Akiko as Houkigi Shio, Miura Shohei as Tamabuki Gai, Kikuta Daisuke as Futaba Ran, Suzuki Katsuhiro as Hayashida Rindou and Fukushi Sota as Makomo Shuuji.

3. Lost Man vol 11 of 16+ 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 11 first published in Japan 2011.02

4. March Story vol 1 of 4+ by Kim HyungMin & Yang KyungIl »Released 2012.06.06
5. Red River (Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) vol 13 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 13 (chapters 29–31 and Illustration Gallery) first published in Japan 1998.05

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 Taiwan)

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).

6. Until Death Do Us Part (Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made) vol 11 of 17+ by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S

Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made 「死がふたりを分かつまで」 by Takashige Hiroshi & DOUBLE-S Square Enix Young Gangan, seinen Volume 11 (Parts 85–92) first published in Japan 2010.02

Other languages
French (Ki-oon: Jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare Tome 15 shipped 2012.01 • Tome 16 street date: 2012.08.23), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 終極感應 15 per 2012.02), Korean (Haksan: 죽음이 두 사람을 갈라놓을 때까지 14 released 2012.01), English Until Death Do Us Part (Yen Press: one volume as of 2012.05.29 • volume 2 street date: 2012.09.25)

Related Series
Alcbane (three volumes, Adapted From), Jesus (13 volumes, alternate story), Yami no Aegis AKA Aegis in the Dark (26 volumes, alternate story) [Info from Baka-Updates Manga]

7. Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy (Kachuu Hana) vol 11 of 16+ by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji

Kachuu Hana 「華中華」 by Nishi Yuuji & Hikino Shinji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2010.04

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

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

European comics/BDs (2012.06.13)

• Jojo: Cerita di Balik Benda (Jojo, Tome 13: Une pagaille de Dieu le père) by André Geerts

Read more »

XBlade 12 of 12, Judge 2, Mars 2 (Level Comics 9 May 2012 manga)

Also, Descendants of Darkness vol 9. No, your eyes don't deceive you; Descendants of Darkness IS back. (Yami no Matsuei only came out of its December 2002 hiatus and resumed serialization in Hana to Yume in September 2011.) Look for volume 9's preview after the release list.

Mars © Souryo Fuyumi/Kodansha
[First serialized in Betsufure]
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics

Kira and Rei grow closer, but Kira has yet to complete the mother and child painting she promised Rei, fearing that whatever bond ties them together will unravel when she gives it to him.

Before Kira knows it, Rei's senpai wins a competition with a painting that resembles Kira's mother and child WIP. Rei's reaction opens the door to a sealed, painful past...

Level wanted to hype Mars 2, so I'm obliging. At any rate, Souryo Fuyumi's Mars DID tie with the First Runner-up DO WANT! Judge and was only one vote away (at the time of writing) from most popular GET! X Blade.

Judge vol 2 (of 4+)
By Tonogai Yoshiki

The first Judge (judgment) is over and it looks like everyone chose to follow Hiro's instructions on how to cheat death by choosing themselves. Another area, previously barred, unlocks. But just as everyone splits up for some much-needed rest, a scream resounds...

Four (and Seven Deadly Sins) Judge volumes have been published in Japan as of November 2011; the fifth is expected to street on 22 May.

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

As Sanae and Shinozuka search for Kazunari, he phones and orders Sanae to meet him at the park. But when Sanae reaches the appointed place, only corpses await.

What happened to Kazunari?

X Blade volume 12 spans chapters 46 to 49 [info from this summary and review]. If you haven't had your fill of X Blade by chapter 49, I suggest you poke Level for the sequel (pretty sure it's already licensed). Three XBlade Cross volumes have already streeted in Japan as of March 2012.

BTW, the X Blade manga isn't the only Level series to wrap this street date. BD Lanfeust of Troy does, too, in Makhluk Luar Biasa AKA Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 8: La bête fabuleuse that reveals the ultimate fate of Eckmul.

Level Comics manga (2012.05.09)

1. Ami Non Stop vol 3 of 12 by Kitagawa Miyuki

Ami! Nonstop 「亜未！ノンストップ」 by Kitagawa Miyuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 1993.12

Reissues
Rereleased in six volumes under the Flower Comics Deluxe label from 2001.05 to 1993.09

2. Descendants of Darkness (Yami no Matsuei) vol 9 of 12+ by Matsushita Yoko

Yami no Matsuei 「闇の末裔」 by Matsushita Yoko Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 9 first published in Japan 2000.07

Other languages/serializations
English Descendants of Darkness: Yami no Matsuei (VIZ Media: 11 volumes as of 2006.05), French (Editions Tonkam: Les Descendants des Ténèbres Tome 12 shipped 2012.02.22; serialized in Magnolia), Italian (Editions Star Comics; serialized in Kappa Extra), German (Carlsen Comics: Yami no Matsuei: Erben der Dunkelheit Band 11 released 2004.09), Polish (Waneko: Ostatni synowie ciemności Tom 12 per 2012.02.15), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 闇之末裔 12 released 2010.05.14)

Adaptations
The 13-episode anime adaptation by J.C. Staff aired on WOWOW from 2000.10.02 to 2001.06.24, featuring seiyuu Asano Mayumi as Kurosaki Hisoka, Miki Shinichiro as Tsuzuki Asato and Hayami Sho as Dr. Muraki Kazutaka.

Related
Matsushita Yoko Character Book ~Yami no Matsuei~ (published by Hakusensha in August 1999) and the Matsushita Yoko Sketchbook ~Yami no Matsuei~ (JP: 2000.11)

3. Judge vol 2 of 4+ by Tonogai Yoshiki

Judge 「ＪＵＤＧＥ」 by Tonogai Yoshiki Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.12

Related
Prequel: Doubt (four volumes)

4. Mars vol 2 of 15 by Souryo Fuyumi

Mars 「ＭＡＲＳ」 by Souryo Fuyumi Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 1996.09

Reissues
Reissued in eight Kodansha Manga Bunko volumes from 2006.10 to 2007.01

Related series
Prequel: Mars Gaiden Namae no nai uma (one volume per 1999.12). AKA MARS: Horse With No Name

Other languages
English MARS (TOKYOPOP: 15 Volumes), French (Marvel Panini France, 15 volumes per 2005.06), Italian (Editions Star Comics; serialized in Amici), German (Planet Manga: Band 15 per 2003.10 and Band 16 (Mars Gaiden) released 2003.12), Polish (Waneko)

Adaptations
A 21-episode Taiwanese live-action adaptation, MARS (戰神 / Zhànshén MARS), starring Vic Zhou as Chen Ling & Sheng (Kashino Rei & Sei) and Barbie Hsu as Han Qi Luo (Aso Kira), aired on the Chinese Television System network in 2004-2005. The TV series won the Favorite Drama of the Year award at the 40th Annual 2005 Golden Bell Awards.

5. Pet Shop of Horrors vol 2 of 10 by Akino Matsuri

PetShop of Horrors 「Ｐｅｔｓｈｏｐ　ｏｆ　Ｈｏｒｒｏｒｓ」 by Akino Matsuri Ohzora Shuppan Missy Comics DX, josei Volume 2 first published in Japan 1995.09

Related series
Reissued in seven bunkoban by Asahi Sonorama (Sonorama Comic Bunko, 2007.10)
Sequel: Shin Pet Shop of Horrors (10 of 10 ASAHI Comics volumes as at 2012.03, complete); AKA Pet Shop of Horrors: Tokyo (English)

Other languages
English Pet Shop of Horrors (TOKYOPOP: 10 volumes); traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 10 恐怖寵物店 volumes), Russian (Comics Factory), German (Tokyopop Germany, 10 volumes)

Adaptations
Four-episode Pet Shop of Horrors anime produced by Madhouse aired from 1–22 March 1999 on TBS. Seiyuu Onosaka Masaya and Seki Toshihiko voiced Leon Orcot and Count D.

6. X Blade vol 12 of 12 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi [Finale]

XBlade 「ＸＢＬＡＤＥ」 by Ida Tatsuhiko & Shiki Satoshi Kodansha Shonen Sirius, shounen Volume 12 (chapters 46–49) first published in Japan 2011.02

Related series
Sequel: XBlade Cross (three volumes as of 2012.03.09, ongoing)

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

European comics/BDs (2012.05.09)

1. Lanfeust of Troy: Makhluk Luar Biasa (Lanfeust de Troy, Tome 8: La bête fabuleuse) by Arleston & Tarquin [Finale]
2. Smurf: Mama Smurfin (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 28: La grande schtroumpfette) by Peyo

Read more »

The Black Swindler 17, The Drops of God 11, Bambino Secondo 1 by Sekiya Tetsuji (Level Comics 4 April 2012 manga)

☞ Reiterating: Comic prices have gone up↑ as of April 2012. For Level titles, from IDR 18,500 to IDR 20,000/volume. Bunko edition Blue Seal now carries an IDR 24,000 price tag.

Bambino! Secondo © Sekiya Tetsuji/Shogakukan
[Serialized in Big Comic Spirits]
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics

After a challenging internship at the Trattoria Baccanale Roppongi, Shogo Ban has been entrusted the position of pasta chef at the newly-opened branch, Yokohama Legare. To say he stands on a new battlefield is no understatement. Opening day brings typhoon-like chaos and Ban still has trouble adjusting to having assistants, not to mention leaving behind his loved ones.

Can Ban cope? asks Level, tongue in cheek, I'm imagining. (It has only been hyping Bambino! Secondo from the time prequel Bambino! wrapped — and that was some four months ago).

Like its predecessor, Bambino! Secondo also serializes in Big Comic Spirits, and as of March this year, has been compiled in 10 tankou.

Aside from Bambino! and Bambino! Secondo, Sekiya Tetsuji is also credited with the seinen manga Django!, first serialized in Morning (two volumes published between March and April 2001), and Oudoumon (two volumes published by Takeshobo's Kindai Mahjong Comics from February to July 2003).

I babble about the other Level manga debut—Ayamine Rando's Demons, Exorcism, Student Council Holy Talker—after the release list. For nau, top DO WANT!

The Black Swindler vol 17 of 20
By Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosaki's case reunites the Swindler of Swindlers with an old school friend, a once—and apparently, future—fraud victim.

The Black Swindler volume 17 compiles two cases in chapters 175 to 179 and 180 to 185.

The Drops of God vol 11 of 32+
By Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

The Third Apostle poses problems not only for inexperienced Shizuku, but even Tomine whose confidence is at an all time high from partnering with Loulan. Both guess wrong, prompting Robert Doi to deem both unworthy of Yutaka's wine legacy and threatening to strip their inheritance if they fail to identify the Third Apostle within three days.

Who will win the rematch? (Obviously) the answer lies in The Drops of God volume 11.

Thirty-two Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu tankou have been published in Japan as of February 2012; the 33rd is set for a 23 May 2012 release.

Level Comics manga (2012.04.04)

1. Ami Non Stop vol 2 of 12 by Kitagawa Miyuki

Ami! Nonstop 「亜未！ノンストップ」 by Kitagawa Miyuki Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Volume 2 first published in Japan 1993.06

Reissues
Rereleased in six volumes under the Flower Comics Deluxe label from 2001.05 to 1993.09

2. [Series Premiere] Bambino! Secondo vol 1 of 10+ by Sekiya Tetsuji

Bambino! Secondo 「バンビ～ノ！ＳＥＣＯＮＤＯ」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2009.08

Related series
Prequel: Bambino! (15 volumes)

3. The Black Swindler (Kurosagi) vol 17 of 20 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi

Kurosagi 「クロサギ」 by Kuromaru & Natsuhara Takeshi Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 17 (chapters 175–179 and 180–185) first published in Japan 2008.02

Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (2007), along with Sekiya Tetsuji's Bambino!

Related
Sequel: Shin Kurosagi (14 volumes as of 2012.03.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action renzoku starring Yamashita Tomohisa (Kurosaki) and Horikita Maki (Yoshikawa Tsurara) aired on TBS from April to June 2006. A movie starring the same leads premiered in Japan on 8 March 2008.

4. Blue Seal (Ao no Fuuin [Bunko]) vol 6 of 7 by Shinohara Chie

Ao no Fuuin 「蒼の封印　(小学館文庫)」 by Shinohara Chie AKA The seal on deep blue Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo Bunko volume 6 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)

5. The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku) vol 11 of 32+ by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu

Kami no Shizuku: Les Gouttes de Dieu 「神の雫」 by Agi Tadashi & Okimoto Shu Kodansha Morning, seinen Volume 11 first published in Japan 2007.05

Awards
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; 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)

Other languages
French (Glénat: Les Gouttes de Dieu Tome 22 shipped 2012.02 • Tome 23 street date: 2012.05.09), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 神之水滴 30 per 2011.12), English Drops of God (Vertical: three volumes as of 2012.03.27 • volume 4 street date: 2012.06.12)

Adaptations
A live-action renzoku starring Kamenashi Kazuya as Kanzaki Shizuku aired from January to March 2009 in Japan on NTV.

6. GTO vol 7 of 25 by Fujisawa Toru

GTO 「ＧＴＯ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 7 (Lessons 51-59) first published in Japan 1998.06

Awards
Winner, 1998 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages
Bilingual Japanese/English (Kodansha International, three volumes per 1999.12), English GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (TOKYOPOP: 25 volumes), French (PIKA Édition: 25 volumes), Italian (Dynamic Italia), German (EMA), Polish (Waneko), Swedish (Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB; serialized in Manga Mania), traditional Chinese (Tong Li)

Related series
Prequels Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 volumes) and Bad Company (one volume) and sequel GTO Shonan 14 Days (nine volumes as at 2011.11, concluded)

Adaptations
A live-action GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka TV series, starring Sorimachi Takashi (Onizuka Eikichi) and Matsushima Nanako (Fuyutsuki Azusa) telecast from July to September 1998 on Fuji TV and Kansai TV, followed by GTO Drama Special (1999.08.28) and GTO: The Movie (1999) and Studio Pierrot's 43-episode Great Teacher Onizuka anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Takagi Wataru as Onizuka that aired between June 1999 and September 2000.

7. GTO Shonan 14 Days vol 5 of 9 by Fujisawa Toru

GTO Shonan 14 Days 「ＧＴＯ　ＳＨＯＮＡＮ　１４ＤＡＹＳ」 by Fujisawa Toru Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2010.10

Related series
Prequels: Shounan Junaigumi! AKA GTO: The Early Years (31 of 31 volumes); Bad Company (1 of 1 volume); and GTO (25 of 25 volumes)

Other languages
Simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: volume 4 per 2010.10), English GTO 14 Days in Shonan (Vertical: two volumes as of 2012.03.27 • volume 3 street date: 2012.05.29)

8. [Series Premiere] Holy Talker vol 1 of 6+ by Ayamine Rando

Holy Talker 「ホーリートーカー」 by Ayamine Rando Kodansha Shonen Rival, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.09

Adaptations
A Holy Talker drama CD was bundled with the limited edition volume 4 released 2009.07 with Kamakari Kenta as Takayama Renga and Suzumura Kenichi as Amakusa Chitose.

9. Onsen Paradise (Kirikiritei no Braun Sensei) vol 5 of 9 by Kikuchi Shota

Kirikiritei no Braun Sensei 「きりきり亭のぶら雲先生」 by Kikuchi Shota Gentosha Birz Comics Deluxe, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2001.01

Related
Sequel: Kirikiri Teishujin (two volumes per 2010.12, ongoing)

Reissues
Re-released in four bunko volumes from 2009.03 to 2009.07

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European comics/BDs (2012.04.04)

1. Agatha Christie: The Secret Adversary Musuh Dalam Selimut (Agatha Christie, Tome 5: Mister Brown) by Francois Riviere, Frank Leclercq (Heupe Sarl-Emmanuel Proust Editions)
2. Smurf: Kekacauan di Desa Smurf (Les Schtroumpfs, Tome 21: On ne schtroumpfe pas le progrès) by Peyo (Le Lombard)

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