Tokkyu!! 20 of 20, Inazuma Eleven 8, Nakayoshi Gress Issue 8 (Elex Media 31 August 2012 manga and mangazine) [UPDATED]

Added Ciuman Dewa volumes 1–5 restocks. You might not think the timing's significant, but it is when you consider that the Kamisama Hajimemashita anime premieres this October in Japan. (Service for those who haven't tried out the Kamisama Hajimemashita manga because of the title. xD)

Tokkyu!! 20 © Komori Yoichi & Kubo Mitsuro/Kodansha [First serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]. Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Hyogo and sea rescue Team Tokkyu!! aren't swept away by the raging flood, but still wave buh-bye, Inazuma Japan is in a big pinch, the curse of a sentient sword continues after an absence of over a year, weddings are still shoujo bliss (especially blissful when they've caught up with the last chapter to have serialized here). That's the only NikBabble™ you're gonna get out of this release because nowhere on teh internets can you find Elex previews. (At least, at the time of writing.)

Oh, but I do ramble on about the NakaGress! Issue 8 pals, specifically the Indonesian Nakayoshi debut — the Host × Katekyo Thank You! For the Nomination or Goshimei Arigato Gozaimasu by Miasa Rin. You might already know Miasa Rin-sensei from the Kodansha Nakayoshi-serialized AKB0048 - Episode 0. [Continued...]

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2012.08.31)

1. Inazuma Eleven vol 8 of 10 by Yabuno Tenya

Inazuma Eleven 「イナズマイレブン」 by Yabuno Tenya Shogakukan Monthly CoroCoro Comic, shounen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2011.02

Awards
Winner, 34th Kodansha Manga Awards (2010) in the Children's category

Related series
Based on LEVEL-5's soccer RPG game, from which an Oriental Light and Magic anime, starring seiyuu Takeuchi Junko as Mark Evans (Endou Mamoru), Nojima Hirofumi as Axel Blaze (Gouenji Shuuya), Yoshino Hiroyuki as Jude Sharp (Yuuto Kidou) and Miyano Mamoru as Shawn Frost (Shirou Fubuki), was also adapted. The TV series premiered 2008.10.05 on TV Tokyo and its sequel, Inazuma Eleven GO, aired episode 14 on 2011.08.03; the Inazuma Eleven: Saikyou Gundan Ogre Shuurai sequel premiered 2010.12.23 in Japan, with Inazuma Eleven GO's movie sequel Inazuma Eleven GO: Kyuukyoku no Kizuna Griffon premiered 2011.12.23.

Alternate Story: Inazuma Eleven Gaidenshuu (one volume per 2011.01)
Sequel: Inazuma Eleven Go (two volumes compiled between 2012.01 and 2012.06, ongoing serialization in Corocoro Comic)

2. Legend of the Cursed Sword (Pageomgi) vol 35 of 37 by Yeo BeopRyong & Park HuiJin

Pageomgi 「파검기」 by Yeo BeopRyong & Park HuiJin Daewon C.I. Comic Champ, sonyun Volume 35 first published in Korea 2008.06

Other languages
English Chronicles of the Cursed Sword (TOKYOPOP: 22 volumes per 2008.08.05, cancelled), German (Egmont Manga & Anime: The Legend of the Sword) and Swedish (B. Wahlströms Bokförlag AB)

3. Tokkyu!! vol 20 of 20 by Komori Yoichi & Kubo Mitsuro [Series Finale]

Tokkyu!! 「トッキュー！！」 by Komori Yoichi & Kubo Mitsuro Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.09

Reissues
Seven bunko volume rereleased from 2010.01 to 2010.07

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz (concluded)

4. V.B. Rose vol 10 of 14 by Hidaka Banri

V.B. Rose 「Ｖ・Ｂ・ローズ」 by Hidaka Banri Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 10 first published in Japan 2007.08

Other languages/serialization
Serialized until chapter 56 in HanaLaLa (discontinued)
English V.B. Rose (TOKYOPOP: 12 volumes per 2011.04), traditional Chinese (Ever Glory Taiwan: V．B．R 絲絨藍玫瑰 14 per 2009.10)

Related
Spun-off from Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai or I Hate You More Than Anyone (13 volumes published in Japan per 2001.09)
The Hana to Yume Comics Special V.B. Rose Illustration Fan Book streeted in Japan 2009.05

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

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

Mangazines (2012.08.31)

• Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 8/2012 (Indonesian Nakayoshi)

Read more »

C0de:Breaker 1 by Kamijyo Akimine, Natsume Yujincho 3, The World God Only Knows 2 (Elex Media manga out nau~) [UPDATED]

Street date: 25 July 2012
Update: Snuck in Shonen Star Issue 13, which apparently streeted on this date.

C0de:Breaker © by Kamijyo Akimine
Kodansha [Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

If you've been reading the Indonesian ShoMagz from cover to cover since 2010—7 April 2010, to be exact—I don't need to pull a NikBabble™ on Kamijyo Akimine's C0de:Breaker. If you haven't, and missed my way back when blurb, recycling it here:

New transfer student Oogami Rei is a Code Breaker, a government assassin with mysterious powers who believes in justice not mercy — even if it means using evil to defeat evil. Highschooler/martial artist Sakurakouji Sakura witnesses Oogami in killing action and decides that as an eye for an eye philosophy leaves the whole world blind, she will stop Rei.

Our determined heroine doesn't need to worry about an opportunity window for Rei stoppage becase, having seen what his fatal blue flame does, she's slated to be the next to burn! [From Del Rey's Code:Breaker, Vol. 1 description]

So does our lex talionis vigilante Rei mete out punishment commensurate to the “evil” Sakura committed? You know what to do if you can't stand not knowing. :D

C0de:Breaker runs in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine. The first Japanese tank streeted in October 2008, the 19th came out last week (2012.07.17). As fellow fangirl/TC contributor and resident fan artist baka-girl notes, there's no sign the series is ending any time soon. :D

C0de:Breaker volume 1 compiles C0des (chapters) 1 to 5: Awal mula sang saksi mata, Orang yang tidak termaafkan, Gadis api, Menuju hari esok and Setan yang penuh luka. (For more recent C0des, check out back issues till the newest Shonen Magz, which released two weeks ago.

☞ The C∅DE:BREAKER anime is skedded to premiere this October 2012, with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko (Okumura Rin in Blue Exorcist) as Rei and Hikasa Yōko (Akiyama Mio, K-ON!) as Sakura.

The name "Kamijyo Akimine" shouldn't be unfamiliar to you, not if you've read—or even just saw 'em on book shelves—Samurai Deeper Kyo. Before C0de:Breaker and after SDK, Kamijyo Akimine-sensei worked on Shirogane no Karasu, also serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine.

A handful more Elex titles debut this release (Devil with Flower!), but I preview them after the cut. For now, runner-up DO WANT!

Natsume Yujincho vol 3 (of 14+)
By Midorikawa Yuki

Famous actor slash ghostbuster Natori tracks down his spirit quarry to Natsume's hometown, and since he's already there, invites Natsume to a mini exorcist convention so that our incredibly kind Natsume can meet other people who exercise similar spiritual powers.

But will the meeting really benefit Natsume? Especially when his abilities surpass those of the attendees and he has That. Yujincho.

At any rate, Natsume busies himself per usual returning the names his grandmother trapped in her book and helping the local yokai with their problems. But he has to put his good deeds on hold when a black Nyanko Sensei snatches the Book of Friends! Takashi and the real Nyanko trail the bad cat to a secret yokai meeting deep in the forest. Will they be in time to stop the impostor's wicked plans?! [From VIZ Media's Natsume's Book of Friends, Vol. 3 description]

Fourteen volumes of the first Manga Taishō finalist have been released in Japan as of early July 2012. The fourth Natsume Yujincho anime season also wrapped last March.

The World God Only Knows vol 2 (of 18+)
By Wakaki Tamiki

Since entering into a pact to capture Loose Souls, Keima has had to neglect his beloved bishoujo games. Not only does the Capturing God have to spend time winning the hearts of 3D girls he detests, he also has to fend off a “little sister” who just can't be dissuaded from taking care of him.

The second The World God Only Knows volume covers the Kanon Nakagawa and Shiomiya Shiori arcs—chapters 7 through 16—IDOL BOMB!! · UP TO BOY · Am I Ordinary? · Shining Star (Shonen Sunday title: Single Star) · Ellie SO SWEET · Coupling/With · The Inside and Outside of a Big Wall · Inside of Me...... · Open the Door · The Last Day [*NOT Elex/Shonen Star chapter titles]

The newest The World God Only Knows chapter (newest for Indonesia, that is) is in Shonen Star 12/2012, which streeted 11 July. (If you haven't stumbled on to ShoStar 12 in your fave Gramed yet, check again this week. That thing reportedly shipped in two batches.

And speaking of mangazines—

Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 7/2012 and Shonen Star Issue 13/2012
The latest NakaGress! shines the spotlight on Your Melody by Fukushima Haruka and Arisa by Ando Natsumi. What does Akira really feel for Neiro? And what awaits Tsubasa, imprisoned with a bomb?

Meanwhile, in Shonen Star 13, we bid goodbye to...[Continued...]

Reissues and Restocks
If you missed any of the early bunko or Deluxe reissues of Miuchi Suzue's classic Glass no Kamen, now's your time to complete your collection. Elex restocks DX volumes 1 through 12 this week. Same goes for Watari Chie's horror shoujo manga Aku Hilang (Watashi ga Kieta!) that Elex first published in 1997.

Elex Media manga and manhwa (2012.07.25)

1. Aku Hilang (Watashi ga Kieta!) by Watari Chie (Serial Misteri) – Reissue

Watashi ga Kieta! 「わたしが消えた！」 by Watari Chie Kodansha Betsufure, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 1988.09 First published by Elex in 1997

2. [Premiere] Aria Yearns for The Love (Rensou no Aria) by Mitsuki Miko (Serial Cantik) «Ex-2012.07.18

Rensou no Aria 「恋想のアリア 」 by Mitsuki Miko Shogakukan Sho-Comi, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2008.12

3. [Series Premiere] C0de:Breaker vol 1 of 19+ by Kamijyo Akimine

C0DE:BREAKER 「Ｃ０ＤＥ：ＢＲＥＡＫＥＲ 」 by Kamijyo Akimine Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.10

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English Code:Breaker (Del Rey: two volumes as of 2010.10; discontinued), French (Pika Édition: Code:Breaker Tome 9 shipped 2012.05 • Tome 10 street date: 2012.08.22), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 法外制裁者 17 per 2012.04)

Adaptations
Kinema Citrus' C∅DE:BREAKER anime premieres in October 2012, with seiyuu Okamoto Nobuhiko as Ōgami Rei/Code:06 and Hikasa Yōko as Sakurakōji Sakura.

4. [Series Premiere] Devil with Flower (Hana to Akuma) vol 1 of 10 by Oto Hisamu

Hana to Akuma 「花と悪魔」 by Oto Hisamu Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 1 (chapters 1–5) first published in Japan 2008.02

Other languages
French (Marvel Panini France: La fleur du démon Tome 9 shipped 2012.07.18), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 花與惡魔 10 per 2011.09)

Adaptations
The Hana to Akuma drama CD (release date: N/A) features seiyuu Kamiya Hiroshi as Vivi, Kanda Akemi as Hana, Ono Daisuke (Velten) and Suzumura Kenichi (Klaus).

5. [Series Premiere] Divine Puzzle (Kamisama no Puzzle) vol 1 of 3+ by Uchida Masahiro, Kimoto Shinji «Ex-2012.03.21

Kamisama no Puzzle 「神様のパズル」 by Uchida Masahiro, Kimoto Shinji Flex Comix FlexComix Next, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2008.06

Related series
Based on Kimoto Shinji's 2002 Komatsu Sakyo Award Grand Prize recipient science fiction novel Kamisama no Puzzle (published 2002.11), which was also adapted into a movie in June 2008.

6. [Premiere] Doraemon Movie: Nobita dalam Perang Luar Angkasa (Nobita no uchuu sho-senso) by Fujiko F. Fujio

Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no uchuu sho-senso Anime Shinsō Kanzenban 「映画ドラえもん　のび太の宇宙小戦争　アニメ・新装完全版」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics Anime-ban, kodomo First published in Japan 2004.04

Related
Based on the sixth Doraemon: Nobita's Little Star Wars (Doraemon: Nobita no uchuu sho-senso) movie, which premiered on 16 March 1985 in Japan.

7. I Hate You More Than Anyone (Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai) vol 11 of 13 by Hidaka Banri

Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai 「世界でいちばん大嫌い」 by Hidaka Banri AKA Akiyoshi Family Series 5 Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 11 first published in Japan 2001.04

Reissues
Reissued in Hana to Yume Comics Special kanzenban (seven volumes from 2012.02 to 2012.05)

Related series
Akiyoshi Family Series 1–4 (Pacar 365 Hari, For Endless Love, Stay the Same, Let Me Hear the Lyric), Oki ni Mesu Mama? (one volume sequel released 2010.09) and Tenshi 1/2 Houteishiki (alternate story; two volumes as of 2012.02, ongoing serialization in Hana to Yume)

A Hidaka Banri artbook, Hitsuji no Namida/Sekai de Ichiban Daikirai Hidaka Banri Gashuu, was released 2004.03.

Other languages
English I Hate You More Than Anyone (CMX: nine volumes per 2010.03; cancelled)

8. [Series Premiere] Kashiwagi Next to Me (Tonari no Kashiwagi-san) vol 1 of 4+ by Shimotsuki Kinusa

Tonari no Kashiwagi-san 「となりの柏木さん」 by Shimotsuki Kinusa Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara Forward, seinen Volume 1 first published in Japan 2010.04

9. Natsume Yujincho vol 3 of 14+ by Midorikawa Yuki

Natsume Yuujinchou 「夏目友人帳」 by Midorikawa Yuki Hakusensha LaLa DX, then LaLa (starting 2008), shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2007.02

Awards
First Manga Taishō finalist (2008)

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian HanaLaLa (only until chapter 9 [ex-volume 9] in Issue 55/2010)
English Natsume's Book of Friends (VIZ Media: 12 volumes as of 2012.07.03 • volume 13 street date: 2012.12.04), French (Delcourt: Le Pacte des Yôkai Tome 12 shipped 2012.04 • Tome 13 street date: 2012.08.22), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 妖怪連絡簿 12 released 2011.12)

Adaptations
Adapted into anime by Brains Base, featuring seiyuu Kamiya Hiroshi as Natsume Takashi and Inoue Kazuhiko as Nyanko-sensei. Thirteen episodes of Natsume Yūjin-Chō aired between July and September 2008; the second Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō season, also 13 episodes, aired from January to March 2009. The third 13-episode Natsume Yūjin-Chō San anime premiered 4 July and ended 27 September 2011. The fourth season Natsume Yūjin-chō Shi premiered 2 January 2012. It, too, spans 13 episodes, the 13th airing 26 March 2012.

Also adapted into audio drama, the drama CDs given away with LaLa issues: LaLa Treasure Drama CD (2007.10); LaLa Excellent Drama CD (2008.11); and LaLa Double Premiere Drama CD (2009.05). Another drama CD comes as a furoku in the September 2011 issue.

Related
The Natsume Yujincho Official Fan Book - Natsume and Friends was released 5 January 2009 and a notebook reproduction of Natsume Yujincho—Nyanko-sensei Yūjinchō Natsume Yūjin-chō Kōshiki Nyan Book—was published 3 July of the same year.

10. The World God Only Knows (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) vol 2 of 18+ by Wakaki Tamiki

Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai 「神のみぞ知るセカイ」 by Wakaki Tamiki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 2 (chapters 7–16) first published in Japan 2008.10

Serializations/Other languages
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
French (Kana: Que sa volonté soit faite Tome 7 shipped 2012.06), Korean 신만이 아는 세계 (Haksan), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 只有神知道的世界 (13) per 2012.04), German (Egmont Manga & Anime: The World God Only Knows Band 5 released 2012.05 • Band 6 street date: 2012.09)

Related
One-shot prototype Koishite!? Kami-sama!!, which first appeared in Weekly Shonen Sunday's Issue 32 of 2007.
Side story: Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai novels written by Arisawa Mamizu and illustrated by Wakaki Tamiki, first serialized in Gagaga. The first volume, Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai - Kami to Akuma to Tenshi (The World God Only Knows—God and the Devil and an Angel), was published under the GAGAGA Bunko label in 2009.05.20; the second volume Inori to Noroi to Kiseki (The World God Only Knows 2 Prayer and Curse and Miracle) was released in 2010.05.18 (two volumes, complete).

Adaptations
An OAV prologue (Flag.0) was bundled together with manga volume 10, released 2010.07.17. Manglobe's 12-episode anime adaptation aired between October and December 2010. Seiyuu Shimono Hiro and Itō Kanae reprised their roles as Katsuragi Keima and Elysia de Lute Ima in the second season, also 12 episodes long, which aired from April to June 2011. A second OAV (Four People and an Idol) was bundled together with manga volume 14 (2011.09.16).

11. [Series Premiere] You Are So Cool vol 1 of 6 by Lee YoungHee «Ex-2012.07.11

You Are So Cool 「넌 너무 멋져」 by Lee YoungHee Seoul Cultural Publishers soonjung Volume 1 first published in Korea 2002.09

Other languages
English You're So Cool (Ice Kunion, later absorbed by Yen Press: six volumes released as of 2010.03)

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

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial* (2012.07.25)

1. Croket, Vols. 1–10 of 15 by Kashimoto Manavu (Korokke!) [IDR 80,000/set]
2. Croket, Vols. 11–15 of 15 by Kashimoto Manavu [IDR 40,000/set]
3. Harlem Beat Until Dawn, Vols. 1–3 (of 5) by Takashima Kazusa (Harlem Beat wa Yoake made) [IDR 24,000/set]
4. Imaginary Beasts, Vols. 1–10 of 14 by Akino Matsuri (Genjuu no Seiza) [IDR 80,000/set]
5. Imaginary Beasts, Vols. 11–14 of 14 by Akino Matsuri [IDR 32,000/set]
6. Jungle Boy, Vols. 1–8 of 8 by Nakamura Rie [IDR 64,000/set] (Complete)
7. Kaiser Z, Vols. 1–10 of 16 by Uno Hiroshi (Tenkuu no Hasha Z) [IDR 80,000/set]
8. Kaiser Z, Vols. 11–16 of 16 by Uno Hiroshi [IDR 48,000/set]
9. SORA: The Wingless Duck, Vols. 1–10 (of 34+) by Hinata Takeshi (Ahiru no Sora) [IDR 80,000/set]
10. SORA: The Wingless Duck, Vols. 11–15 by Hinata Takeshi [IDR 40,000/set]

*Volume tallies represent totals in country of origin, which may not coincide with Elex Media's latest releases. Elex's most recent volume Harlem Beat Until Dawn 3 released 2009.06.24 (finale volume 5 shipped August 2008 in Japan) and SORA: The Wingless Duck vol 19 released 2011.03.16 (latest Ahiru no Sora 34 streeted in February 2012).

Mangazines (2012.03.21)

1. Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 07/2012 (Indonesian Nakayoshi) «Ex-2012.07.18
2. Shonen Star Issue 13/2012 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)

Note: Shonen Star Issue 12/2012 also streets on this date in selected areas.

Read more »

Arakure The Wild Ones 6, Sky Blue Square 2, Maid in Love by Touma Rei (Elex Media 20 June 2012 manga) [UPDATED]

Also, Tokkyu!! 18, in a three-way tie for top DO WANT! with Arakure 6 and the second Sky Blue Square. Had to lead with Touma Rei's one-volume Maid in Love (originally Tsukushite Agemasu ex-Cheese!) because it's the only one with a big enuf cover. Additionally, along with Topeng Kaca: Bersatunya Dua Jiwa 1—Glass no Kamen volume 47—Maid in Love has been waiting for official release since last week.

I'll do my Ganbaruzo! best to fill in the NikBabble™ for this Elex shopping list but warning you nau that chances are Very High that I might not be able to. Me and RL are still in negotiations :p «Update: I yielded some, RL conceded the rest, hence...

Tsukushite Agemasu © Touma Rei/Shogakukan
[First serialized in Cheese!]
Published in Indonesia as Maid in Love by Elex Media

Yuzuko and her gal pals make plans to try out a nearby café famous for its maid and butler wait staff — who treat customers as if they were rich heirs or heiresses if not out-and-out royalty. But on the way, Yuzuko runs afoul of a thug and is forced to flee for dear life. Fortunately, a beautiful maid comes to her rescue and makes Yuzuko's heart go thumpity-thump...!?

Apparently, Yuzuko had insulted the bruiser after her, and the beauteous Maid (in Love??) who saves her is none other than the high school hottie Itsuki. Or so sez Baka-Updates Manga in its Tsukushite Agemasu description.

Aside from the title story, Maid in Love contains side stories When Fireworks End and My Hysteric Girl. [*NOT Elex titles]

✏ Other Touma Rei manga
Before publishing Maid in Love or Tsukushite Agemasu, Elex introed Touma Rei-sensei through her collab with TAKUYA-sensei, the game-based Hoshiiro no Okurimono released here as Star Color Present. But she is prolly most famous for the droolicious Reimei no Arcana, also serialized in Cheese!. (Nine Reimei no Arcana tankou have been compiled in Japan as of January this year; JP volume 10 streets next week, on 26 June. Level publishes the popular series as Dawn of the Arcana; latest volume 6 released mid-April.)

Not yet licensed, I don't think, are S no Yuiitsu M no Zettai (JP release: 2007.08) and Boku wa Kiss de Uso wo Tsuku (two Cheese! Flower Comics tankou compiled between September and December 2008).

Touma Rei-sensei also illustrated Otome Nadeshiko Love Diary, the light novel series written by Miyama Kunoe and published under Shogakukan's FCα Lululu Novels label (two volumes released from November 2011 to January 2012).

Moar doki doki shoujo manga goodness —

Arakure: The Wild Ones vol 6 of 10
By Fujiwara Kiyo

Sachie's new teacher Chigusa-sensei turns out to be a childhood playmate known for being a crybaby, who was forced to transfer schools because of little Sachie. Teach Chigusa hasn't forgotten the affront and plans to take revenge on Sachie and Igarashi — who have a secret they would *die* to keep under wraps.

I will stop you, whatever it takes! But can Igarashi protect Sachie (and himself) from Chigusa-sensei's predations?

Arakure: The Wild Ones volume 6 compiles chapters 28 to 33.

Moar previews after the release list.

Mangazines: Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 6/2012
Kikuta Michiyo's Layer & Rayer debuts, and Animal Official by Fukushima Haruka and Ogawa & Team Saito by Sakyo resume in the latest NakaGress. [Continued...]

Elex Media manga (2012.06.20)

1. Aoba Bicycle Shop (Namiki Bashidoori: Aoba Jitenshaten) vol 6 of 20 by Miyao Gaku

Namiki Bashidoori: Aoba Jitenshaten 「並木橋通りアオバ自転車店」 by Miyao Gaku AKA Aoba Bicycle Shop on Namikibashi Street Shonen Gahosha Young King, seinen Volume 6 first published in Japan 2002.08

Reissues/Related series
Released in 12 Shonen Gahosha Bunko volumes from 2009.10 to 2010.12
Sequel: Aoba Jitenshaten (20 volumes as of 2012.06.08)

2. Arakure: The Wild Ones (Arakure) vol 6 of 10 by Fujiwara Kiyo

Arakure 「アラクレ」 by Fujiwara Kiyo Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 6 (chapters 28–33) first published in Japan 2007.11

Other languages
English Wild Ones (VIZ Media: 10 volumes), French (Editions 12 bis: Arakure: Princesse Yakuza Tome 6 per 2010.10)

3. Crows vol 24 of 26 by Takahashi Hiroshi

Crows 「クローズ」 by Takahashi Hiroshi AKA Crows: Busou Sensen Reimeihen Akita Shoten Monthly Shounen Champion, shounen Volume 24 first published in Japan 1997.09

Related series
Main story: Crows Gaiden (three volumes: 1, 2 (Sono Go no Crows) and 3 (Zoku - Crows Gaiden))
Sequel: Worst (29 volumes as of 2012.05)
Spin-offs: Crows Zero (nine volumes per 2010.08); Crows Gaiden: Linda Linda (two volumes); Suzuran Danshi Koukou Nyuugaku Annai (one volume)

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

4. Eyes for Photography (Hitomi no Photograph) vol 2 of 3+ by GUNP (Mori Kohichiro × Sakura Akami)

Hitomi no Photograph Their fresh photograph life 「瞳のフォトグラフ　Ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｆｒｅｓｈ　ｐｈｏｔｏｇｒａｐｈ　ｌｉｆｅ」 by GUNP (Mori Kohichiro × Sakura Akami) Softbank Creative FlexComix Blood, shounen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2009.11

5. Kungfu Boy vol 14 of 18 Premium (Tekken Chinmi [Bunko]) by Maekawa Takeshi

Tekken Chinmi 「鉄拳チンミ　(講談社漫画文庫)」 by Maekawa Takeshi AKA Ironfist Chinmi Kodansha Manga Bunko, shounen Bunko volume 14 first published in Japan 2003.01

Awards
1987 Kodansha Manga Awardee for the Shounen Category

Related series
Sequels: New Kungfu Boy (Shin Tekken Chinmi; 20 volumes), Kungfu Boy Legends (Tekken Chinmi Legends; volume 13 released in Japan 2012.03); serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz, ongoing and side story Tekken Chinmi Gaiden (3 volumes per 2010.04; serialized in Shonen Magz; Volume 3: Chinmi Other Story: Chinmi & Shie Fan published by Elex Media in 2011.06)

6. [Premiere] Maid in Love (Tsukushite Agemasu) by Touma Rei «Ex-2011.06.13

Tsukushite Agemasu 「つくしてあげます」 by Touma Rei Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo This volume first published in Japan 2007.11

7. Sky Blue Square (Sorairo Square) vol 2 of 4 by Sou

Sorairo Square 「空色スクエア。」 by Sou Houbunsha Manga Time Kirara Forward, seinen Volume 2 first published in Japan 2010.02

Other languages
French (Bamboo Editions: Un carré de ciel bleu, four volumes as of 2011.10)

8. Slam Dunk Deluxe vol 8 of 24 by Inoue Takehiko

Slam Dunk (Kanzenban) 「ＳＬＡＭ　ＤＵＮＫ　完全版」 by Inoue Takehiko Shueisha Jump Comics Deluxe, shounen Kanzenban volume 8 first published in Japan 2001.06

Related series
Slam Dunk tankoubon (31 volumes, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
Kaede Purple (1998 one-shot Slam Dunk alternate story)

Awards
Winner, 40th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages (Tankoubon release)
Indonesian (Elex Media, 31 volumes), English Slam Dunk (Gutsoon! Entertainment [2003–2004; Dropped]; VIZ Media: from 2008 – 22 volumes as of 2012.06.05 • volume 23 street date: 2012.08.07; Chuang Yi Singapore: 31 volumes; and Summit Media Publishing Philippines), French (Kana: 31 volumes), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa and Grupo Editorial Vid México), German (Planet Manga), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil), traditional Chinese (Da Ran Culture Enterprise Co., Ltd. (forfeited); Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Adaptations
Toei Animation's 101-episode anime TV series adapting manga volumes 1–22 aired from October 1993 to March 1996 in Japan, starring seiyuu Kusao Takeshi (Sakuragi Hanamichi), Hiramatsu Akiko (Akagi Haruko), Midorikawa Hikaru (Rukawa Kaede), Yanada Kiyoyuki (Akagi Takenori), Okiayu Ryotaro (Mitsui Hisashi) and Shioya Yoku (Miyagi Ryouta). At least five anime film sequels were also produced: Slam Dunk (Japan premiere: 1994.03.12), Slam Dunk: Zenkoku Seiha da! Sakuragi Hanamichi (1994.07.09), Slam Dunk: Shōhoku Saidai no Kiki! Moero Sakuragi Hanamichi (1995.03.04) and Slam Dunk: Hoero Basketman Tamashii! Hanamichi to Rukawa no Atsuki Natsu (1995.07.15)

9. Smash! vol 10 of 18 by Saki Kaori

Smash! 「スマッシュ！」 by Saki Kaori Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 10 first published in Japan 2008.09

10. Tokkyu!! vol 18 of 20 by Komori Yoichi & Kubo Mitsuro

Tokkyu!! 「トッキュー！！」 by Komori Yoichi & Kubo Mitsuro Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 18 first published in Japan 2008.03

Reissues
Seven bunko volume rereleased from 2010.01 to 2010.07

Serializations
Indonesian Shonen Magz

11. Topeng Kaca vol 24 of 24+ Deluxe (Glass no Kamen [Bunko]) by Miuchi Suzue

Glass no Kamen 「ガラスの仮面　白泉社文庫」 by Miuchi Suzue Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Bunko volume 24 first published in Japan 2010.01

Related
Glass no Kamen tankoubon (48 volumes per 2012.02.25 in Japan), released in Indonesia as Topeng Kaca, Topeng Kaca: Bidadari Merah, Topeng Kaca: Dua Akoya and Topeng Kaca: Bersatunya Dua Jiwa (volume 1 street date: 20 June 2012)

The Glass Mask Comic Fanbook was released in Japan 2010.09 under the Hana to Yume Comics Special label.

Adaptations
Three anime series and two live-action drama seasons

12. [Premiere] Topeng Kaca: Bersatunya Dua Jiwa (Glass no Kamen) vol 1 (of 2+) by Miuchi Suzue «Ex-2011.06.13

Glass no Kamen 「ガラスの仮面」 by Miuchi Suzue Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 47 first published in Japan 2011.07

Related
Rereleased in bunko (24 volumes as at 2010.01, ongoing; Indonesian release as Topeng Kaca Deluxe)

Other languages/serializations
Italian (Editions Star Comics; serialized in Orion) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan and Hong Kong)

Adaptations
At least three Glass no Kamen anime adaptations have been produced: The first by Eiken, spanning 23 episodes, aired between April and September 1984 on Japan's NTV. Seiyuu Katsuki Masako voiced Kitajima Maya, Matsushima Minori as Maya's rival Himekawa Ayumi, Nakanishi Taeko as Maya's mentor Tsukikage Chigusa and Nozawa Nachi as businessman Hayami Masumi.

TMS Entertainment produced the next anime, a three-episode OAV Garasu no Kamen: Sen no Kamen wo Motsu Shōjo (Glass Mask: The Girl Who Wears A Thousand Masks), released December 1998. The OAV retelling of the first three manga arcs featured a different voice cast: Ogata Megumi (Maya), Matsui Naoko (Ayumi), Toda Keiko (Tsukikage) and Kosugi Juurouta (Hayami).

TMS remade the series in 2005, this time casting Kobayashi Sanae, Yajima Akiko, Fujita Toshiko and Morikawa Toshiyuki as Maya, Ayumi, Tsukikage and Hayami, with the 1984 anime Maya returning as Ayumi's mother, Himekawa Utako. Fifty-one episodes aired between April 2005 and March 2006 on TV Tokyo.

The live-action version adapting the first 38 manga volumes ran for two seasons on TV Asahi (Season 1: July to September 1997, 11 episodes; Season 2: April to June 1998, 12 episodes), with the Season 1 episode 12 airing on 30 September 1999 (the Special Ending). The TV drama Seasons 1-2 cast comprised Adachi Yumi as Maya, Matsumoto Megumi as Ayumi, Nogiwa Yoko as Tsukikage and Tanabe Seiichi as Hayami. All reprised their roles for the Special Ending except Ayumi's actor (replaced by Nakamura Aimi).

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Mangazines (2012.06.20)

• Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 6/2012 (Indonesian Nakayoshi)

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Otomen 12, The Knight in the Area 7, Kekkaishi 15 (Elex Media 30 May 2012 manga)

Slam Dunk Deluxe volume 7 and Twinkle Stars 3 tie with Kekkaishi 15 as the first runner-up DO WANT! (Yes, Otomen 12 and The Knight in the Area 7 share the Most Wanted distinction.)

Otomen © Kanno Aya/Hakusensha
[Serialized in Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media

Asuka's mom wreaks havoc at the (oto)men-only cake workshop Asuka attends, sending the displaced Viola owner living with Asuka while shop renovations proceed. Asuka's new roomie reminds him so much of...dad!?

W00t! The wait is over! Grab Asuka-chan when Otomen 12 streets this Wednesday. As for me, I don't think I can be patient for—hopefully not—another one-year-and-three months for Otomen volume 13 that (VIZ Media shares) has Ryo coaching a high school judo team, but women aren't allowed at that school! She finds a way around this obstacle, but the real challenge comes when she finds herself facing off against...Asuka?! (Kyaaa~ Kyaaa~)

The Knight in the Area vol 7 (of 30+)
By Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya

The inter-high match kicks off and already, two concessions in a row? A rapid change formation combined with team spirit spark a chemical reaction that surprises even Eno High. Target the first victory!

Thirty Area no Kishi tankou have been compiled in Japan as of March 2012. The 31st streets on 15 June.

From soccer, we turn to some basketball that fast breaks in after a two-week delay—

Slam Dunk Deluxe vol 7 of 24
By Inoue Takehiko

The referee tosses the jump ball, and the inter-high basketball games pitting schools from all over the province against each other get underway. Shohoku's first opponent is the daunting Miuradai team. Sakuragi lands a shot at a free throw, but nerves don't allow him to shoot — until the clock runs out. There would've gone the chance to up Shohoku's score, but for Rukawa who comes through and allows Shohoku to advance to the next round.

Moar previews of ongoing series behind the Read More... cut.

Mangazines: Nakayoshi Gress! 5/2012 and Shonen Star 9/2012
Wednesday shines the spotlight on Haruru from Toriumi Pedoro's Love is the Devil in the latest NakaGress!, while The World God Only Knows' Keima “conquers”—who will it be this time?—in the newest ShoStar. Scroll down for deets.

Elex Media manga (2012.05.30)

1. Doraemon vol 16 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Right-to-left edition)

Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio Shogakukan Tentoumushi Comics, kodomo Volume 16 first published in Japan 1978.12 Premiered in Indonesia in left-to-right format (vintage ca. 1994)

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

Related series
Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 23 volumes as at 2011.10, ongoing) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)

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

2. Kariage kun vol 50 of 51+ by Ueda Masashi

Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi Futabasha Action Comics, seinen Volume 50 first published in Japan 2011.06

Awards
Ueda Masashi received the 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982) for Kariage-kun, Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun, along with Suzuki Yamato for Ai MY Tenrankai.

Related series
Sequels: Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen (JP release: 2004.01), Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen (2004.04) and Heinetsu no Salaryman Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen (2004.06) and Chotto ecchina Kariage kun PINK and and Chotto kagekina Kariage kun BLACK and Kariage-kun Best Selection (published 2010.12 (PINK and BLACK) and 2011.01 (Best Selection) for the 30th anniversary)

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

3. Kekkaishi vol 15 of 35 by Tanabe Yellow

Kekkaishi 「結界師」 by Tanabe Yellow Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 15 (chapters 135–144) first published in Japan 2007.01

Awards
Winner, 52nd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Shounen category

Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
English Kekkaishi (VIZ Media: 31 volumes as of 2012.04 • volume 32 street date: 2012.06.12), French (PIKA Édition: Tome 28 shipped 2012.02 • Tome 29 street date: 2012.06.13), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 18 released 2011.11 • Band 19 street date: 2012.07.03), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: 结界师 #35 released 2011.11), traditional Chinese (Rightman Publishing Limited Hong Kong and Tong Li Taiwan), Italian (Planet Manga), Malaysian (PCM Comics), Korean (Bookbox), Spanish (Editorial Ivrea Spain), Vietnamese (Kim Dong)

Adaptations
Sunrise's 52-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Yoshino Hiroyuki (Sumimura Yoshimori) and Saitou Rie (Yukimura Tokine), aired in Japan from October 2006 to February 2008. The anime aired on Animax Asia from 15 February to 27 April 2011.

Related
An official TV animation guide book (released 2006.12 under the Shonen Sunday Comics Special imprint) and two official strategy guides for Wii and Nintendo DS (Wonderlife Special: 2007.06 (Nintendo DS), 2007.11 (Wii))

4. The Knight in the Area (Area no Kishi) vol 7 of 30+ by Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya

Area no Kishi 「エリアの騎士」 by Igano Hiroaki & Tsukiyama Kaya Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 7 first published in Japan 2007.09

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 足球騎士 26 released 2012.04)

Adaptations
Shin-Ei Animation's The Knight in the Area anime adaptation premiered 7 January 2012 with seiyuu Fukuyama Jun as Aizawa Suguru, Itou Shizuka as Mishima Nana and Sanpei Yuko as Aizawa Kakeru. Episode 21 aired 26 May 2012.

5. New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) vol 18 of 23+ by Ueda Masashi

Shin Kobo-chan 「新コボちゃん」 by Ueda Masashi Houbunsha Manga Time Comics, seinen/4-koma Volume 18 first published in Japan 2010.07

6. Otomen vol 12 of 15+ by Kanno Aya

Otomen 「オトメン（乙男） 」by Kanno Aya Hakusensha Bessatsu Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 12 first published in Japan 2011.02

Other languages
English Otomen (VIZ Media: 12 volumes as of 2012.02 • volume 13 street date: 2012.09.04 and Chuang Yi Singapore: volume 13 per 2012.02), French (Delcourt: Tome 13 released 2012.03), German (Carlsen Verlag: Band 11 ships 2012.07.31), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 粉紅系男孩 12 per 2012.01)

Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Okada Masaki (Asuka) and Kaho (Ryo) aired on Fuji TV from 1 August to 3 November 2009.

7. Slam Dunk Deluxe (Slam Dunk Kanzenban) vol 7 of 24 by Inoue Takehiko «Ex-2012.05.16

Slam Dunk (Kanzenban) 「ＳＬＡＭ　ＤＵＮＫ　完全版」 by Inoue Takehiko Shueisha Jump Comics Deluxe, shounen Kanzenban volume 7 first published in Japan 2001.06

Related series
Slam Dunk tankoubon (31 volumes, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
Kaede Purple (1998 one-shot Slam Dunk alternate story)

Awards
Winner, 40th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Other languages (Tankoubon release)
Indonesian (Elex Media, 31 volumes), English Slam Dunk (Gutsoon! Entertainment [2003–2004; Dropped]; VIZ Media: from 2008 – 21 volumes as of 2012.04 • volume 22 street date: 2012.06.05; Chuang Yi Singapore: 31 volumes; and Summit Media Publishing Philippines), French (Kana: 31 volumes), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa and Grupo Editorial Vid México), German (Planet Manga), Portuguese (Conrad Brazil), traditional Chinese (Da Ran Culture Enterprise Co., Ltd. (forfeited); Sharp Point Press Taiwan)

Adaptations
Toei Animation's 101-episode anime TV series adapting manga volumes 1–22 aired from October 1993 to March 1996 in Japan, starring seiyuu Kusao Takeshi (Sakuragi Hanamichi), Hiramatsu Akiko (Akagi Haruko), Midorikawa Hikaru (Rukawa Kaede), Yanada Kiyoyuki (Akagi Takenori), Okiayu Ryotaro (Mitsui Hisashi) and Shioya Yoku (Miyagi Ryouta). At least five anime film sequels were also produced: Slam Dunk (Japan premiere: 1994.03.12), Slam Dunk: Zenkoku Seiha da! Sakuragi Hanamichi (1994.07.09), Slam Dunk: Shōhoku Saidai no Kiki! Moero Sakuragi Hanamichi (1995.03.04) and Slam Dunk: Hoero Basketman Tamashii! Hanamichi to Rukawa no Atsuki Natsu (1995.07.15)

8. Twinkle Stars (Hoshi wa Utau) vol 3 of 11 by Takaya Natsuki

Hoshi wa Utau 「星は歌う」 by Takaya Natsuki Hakusensha Hana to Yume, shoujo Volume 3 (chapters 12–17) first published in Japan 2008.09

Other languages/serializations
Serialized until chapter 7 in the Indonesian HanaLaLa [discontinued])
English and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: English Twinkle Stars volume 7 per 2012.02; 星歌恋曲 #6 per 2010.06), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 11 星歌戀曲 volumes as of 2012.02), French (Delcourt Twinkle Stars: Le Chant des Etoiles Tome 11 per 2011.11), German (Carlsen Comics: Twinkle Stars Band 4 shipped 2012.03 • Band 5 street date: 2012.08.28), Italian Le stelle cantano (Panini Comics) and Spanish La melodía de las estrellas (Norma Editorial Spain)

Adaptations
Geneon Entertainment's Hoshi wa Utau drama CD, starring seiyuu Tomatsu Haruka (Shiina Sakuya), Kondo Takashi (Aoi Chihiro) and Takahashi Hiroki (Miyako Kanade), released 2010.02 in Japan.

9. X-Zone vol 4 of 4 by Aoki Takao [Finale]

X-Zone 「世にも奇怪な物語　Ｘゾーン」 by Aoki Takao Shogakukan Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic Special, shounen Volume 4 first published in Japan 2010.08

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Mangazines (2012.05.30)

1. Nakayoshi Gress! Issue 05/2012 (Indonesian Nakayoshi)
2. Shonen Star Issue 09/2012 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)

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