Two from Vertical and two from Tezuka… And strangely enough I am not going with popular opinion with these two.

アポロの歌
by: 手塚 治虫

Dororo #1

by: Tezuka Osamu

Shonen Gahosha/Vertical/Shounen/Sex Ed - Romance - Rated 18+ - $19.99

The 70’s were a troubled time in Japan as they were across the globe. It was a time of revolution. Whether it was protests against the American military, organizing against Vietnam or a sexual revolution young people were struggling to get their voices heard!

One man, Chikaishi Shogo was struggling with his beliefs about love and romance. Shogo is fighting a one man battle against everything romantic. He hates it! He wants to destroy it! But as he finds himself alone and dives deep into his psyche, he realizes that without love life would be meaningless. And as someone who had a hard time with love, he might not be able to live long with others who embrace love.

どろろ 1
by: 手塚 治虫

Dororo #1
by: Tezuka Osamu

Shogakukan/Vertical/Shounen/adventure-action - Rated 13+ - $13.95

Hyakkimaru has not lived an easy life. He has no arms, no eyes, no ears, no legs, no…. But he has a heart and soul. He can feel the world around him more than the average person. And he can feel the undead as well.

Now Hyakkimaru’s deal with the undead is a personal one. His parts have been given to the gods and Hyakkimaru with his new friend Dororo are out to get what he was born with back! You have only one body and one life, you have to fight for it! Feel me?!

Click on badge to listen download the reviews (43min .mp3).

Up Next… Shoulder a Coffin, Kaze no Hana, TOTO, Honey & Clover

The Guin Saga, Book 1: The Leopard Mask
ISBN: 978-1-934287-05-7
The Guin Saga, Book 2: Warrior in the Wilderness
ISBN: 978-1-932234-81-7
Author: Kaoru Kurimoto
Price: 9.95 each
Vertical, Inc.

                    

review may contain spoilers

Rinda and Remus, the last surviving princess and prince of Parros, ally themselves with Guin, a mysterious leopard-headed warrior, who swears to protect them from the Archduchy of Mongaul. As the three fight to stay free of Mongaul’s black knights, they eventually find themselves trapped in Stafolos Keep where Guin must find a way to keep the twins alive before the evil Black Count Vanon can consume their souls. In the second volume, Guin, the twins, a mercenary and a Sem, are being pursued by more troops from Mongaul. Crossing over into the country of Nospherus, a desert wasteland inhabited by ferocious monsters and deadly ape-men, the five manage to stay ahead of their captors. But their luck is running out, as the white and red knights grow ever closer.

At first, this high fantasy soap opera doesn’t seem that different from any other high fantasy soap opera. Tall, strong, mysterious, yet completely loyal stranger? Check. Strong of heart, weak of body prince/princess/priestess/mystic? Check. Wisecracking sidekick who may or may not be looking out for number one? Check. Forbidding landscape that is possibly more dangerous than the pursuers at our heroes backs? Check. All of the appropriate characters are in place. But the author handles them all in such a way that the characters, particularly Guin, are compelling, the action scenes are exciting, and the twins’ predicament is genuinely interesting. All this, plus a judicious use of cliffhangers, kept me reading what I was afraid was going to be a Japanese version of The Lord of the Rings.

Instead, these books have as much in common with action/adventure stories as they do with high fantasy, and the hybrid works. While the books don’t have the overhanging aura of dark foreboding that is so often found in more “serious” fantasy series, they also don’t slide into the silliness so common in lighter fantasy series like Asprin’s Myth books or Anthony’s Xanth series. The setting is developed quickly, without an intense amount of concentration placed upon world building, and the characters are clearly drawn and easy to remember. The scratchy artwork by Naoyuki Kato doesn’t give much detail as to what the characters or setting look like. Instead, the pictures help direct the mood while allowing the reader’s imagination to fill in the rest.

The translation is almost invisible, with only an occasional awkward word choice.  The typeface used in volume one has a very strange letter g that is weirdly distracting, but the typeface has been changed in volume two, so should not be a problem as the series progresses. These two books are part of the “Marches Episode,” which is five volumes long and sets up a saga that is projected to last at least a hundred volumes. Book four has just been released from Vertical and book five is due out in July 2008.

Sure to appeal to teen readers, these books will also satisfy adult fantasy fans who want an epic story without too much weight or fluff.

It’s award season in Japan. Manga awards are being handed out left and right. CP has word on the Nihon Mangaka Kyokai Awards (we’ll get you covers tonight after the Giants game). Anime! Anime! covers the 2008 Tezuka Awards (images tonight…)

Latest award to be announced is the 32nd Kodansha Awards. Now quite often these publisher awards tend to often promote from within. At times it is hard to tell if they are rewarding quality or quantity. This time the KoSho is giving props to two from Kodansha (though I would picked something besides Shogo Chara!), and one from Shueisha and Shogakukan respectively.

32nd Kodansha Manga Awards

Best Shounen 最強！都立あおい坂高校野球部 by： 田中モトユキ the Strongest! by: Tanaka Motoyuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday / 15+ Vols.	Best Shoujo 君に届け by： 椎名　軽穂 Kimi ni Todoke by: Shiina Karuho Shueisha Margaret / 6+ Vols.
Best Children’s しゅごキャラ！ by： PEACH-PIT Shogo Chara! by: PEACH PIT Kodansha/Del Rey Nakayoshi / 6+ Vols	Best Manga もやしもん by： 石川雅之 Moyashimon by: Ishikawa Masayuki Kodansha Evening / 6+ Vols

The award winners receive a bronze statuette and a 1,000,000円. Awards will be handed out June 20th 6PM at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo.

Winning Series of note:
1- Black Jack (Akita Shoten); Candy Candy
2- Seito Shokun
7- the Pumpkin Wine
8- Akira
9- Okashi na Futari
10- What’s Michael; Yuukan Club (Shueisha)
12- BeBop High School
13- Chibi Maruko-chan (Shueisha)
14- Silent Service
15- Hajime no Ippo; Kacho Shima Kosaku
17- Parasyte; Sailor Moon; 3×3 Eyes
19- Kindaichi Case Files
20- Shota no Sushi
21- Dragon Head
22- GTO; Kodomo no Omocha (Shueisha); Kaiji
23- Peach Girl; Wangan Midnight
24- Guru Guru Pon-chan; Vagabond
25- Love Hina; Fruits Basket (Hakusensha); 20th Century Boys (Shogakukan)
26- Cromartie High School; BECK; Antique Bakery; Zipang
27- Honey & Clover (Shueisha); Tramps Like Us
28- Nodame Cantabile; Basilisk
29- Sugar Sugar Rune; A Perfect Day for Love Letters
30- Kitchen Princess; Air Gear; LIFE; Mushishi
31- Sayonara Zetsubo-sensei; IS ~InterSexual~; Ookiku Furikabutte

italics = not licensed

1
制服少女
Seifuku Shoujo
by: Itou Noizi
Circle: Fuji Tsubo Machine
Category: Original - Uniforms
Price：735円
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: 2008/04/27

2
巨乳限定.
Oppai Limited
by: Fuku Daada
Circle: Kensou Ogawa
Category: HatsuKoi Limited
Price: 630円
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: 2008/04/27

3
ひだまり☆わはー
Hidamari Wahaa
by: Eretto
Circle: Ustura Uraraka
Category: 4-panel manga - Hidamari Sketch
Price：630円
Age Rating: 14+
Release Date: 2008/04/27

4
詩織外伝 いい旅夢気分 SCENE4
Shori Gaiden Ii Ryomu Kibun Scene 4
by: Aizawa Hiroshi
Circle: High Risk Revolution
Category: Dating Simulation
Price: 840円
Age Rating: 18+
Release DatE: 2008/04/27

5
霊樹の末裔
Reiko no Matsurei
by: Misnon the Great Misnon Blue
Circle: Ore-tachi no Misnon Ichizoku
Category: Light Novel - Rental Magica
Price: 525円
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: 2008/04/27

6
ら・リル・れろ Chu
la Riru Lelu Chu
by: Mr.RED-RUM
Circle: Doronuma Kyodai
Category: Various
Price: 630円
Age Rating:
Release Date: 2008/05/04

7
邪神

by: Erect Sawaru
Circle: Erect Touch
Category: Samurai Spirits
Price：735円
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: 2008/04/27

8
IDOL NAVIG@TOR

by: Haritama Hiroki
Circle: Studio NBall
Category: idolM@ster
Price：630円
Release Date: 2008/05/01

9
制服楽園22
Uniform Heaven 22
by: Nakajima Yuka
Circle: Digital Lover
Category: Original - Uniforms
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 735円
Release Date: 2008/04/27

10
ASL

by: Senya Chabo
Circle: Alpha Lila
Category: Original - Futanari
Price：630円
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: 2008/05/04

1
NARUTO 42

by: 岸本 斉史
(Kishimoto Masashi)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-874512-4
Publisher: Shueisha/Viz
Release Date: 2008/05/02

2
WORST 20

by: 高橋 ヒロシ
(Takahashi Hiroshi)
Price: 420
ISBN: 4-253-20236-5
Publisher: Akita Shoten
Release Date: 2008/05/08

3
CLAYMORE 14

by: 八木 教広
(Yagi Norihiro)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-874516-7
Publisher: Shueisha/Viz
Release Date: 2008/05/02

4
To LOVEる 9
To Love-ru 9
by: 矢吹 健太朗
(Yabuki Kentarou)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-874514-0
Publisher: Shueisha
Release Date: 2008/05/02

5
エンジェル・ハート 26
Angel Heart 26
by: 北条 司
(Hojo Tsukasa)
Price: 530
ISBN: 4-10-771397-0
Publisher: Coamix
Release Date: 2008/05/09

6
STEEL BALL RUN 15

by: 荒木 飛呂彦
(Araki Hirohiko)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-874518-3
Publisher: Shueisha
Release Date: 2008/05/02

7
会長はメイド様! 5
Kaicho wa Maid-sama 5
by:藤原 ヒロ
(Fujiwara Hiro)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-592-18435-1
Publisher: Hakusensha
Release Date: 2008/05/02

8
頭文字D 37
Initial D 37
by: しげの 秀一
(Shigeno Shuuichi)
Price: 550
ISBN: 4-06-361664-9
Publisher: Kodansha/TOKYOPOP
Release Date: 2008/04/28

9
キスよりも早く 3
Kiss yori Hayaku 3
by: 田中 メカ
(Tanaka Meca)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-592-18473-4
Publisher: Hakusensha
Release Date: 2008/05/02

10
初恋限定。 2
Hatsuko Limited. 2
by: 河下 水希
(Kawashita Mizuki)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-874515-9
Publisher: Shueisha
Release Date: 2008/05/02

continue reading "Weekly Taiyosha Manga Rankings ~ May 12, 2008"

Got a cryptic email from MangaCast reader M over the weekend. Basically it went like this…

KUBO is Coming!

Three words with an emphasis on the Kubo? Now Kujo is former NHL goaltender Curtis Joseph. NYPD Lt. Detective Kojak was originally played by Telly Savalas (the 2005 remake had Ving Rhames take the lead role). KOBO is Ohta Kazushi’s novel/manga imprint for Kodansha.

So who or what is KUBO? And where is this KUBO going?

I have an idea but I wanted to consult the crew first. Here’s what they had to say…

Khursten: A big giant Nipa Hut (we call that ‘Kubo’ here in the Philippines) will be invading the US?

Okay… that was pathetic, but this obviously means one thing right? I know John Jakala would be most thrilled with this news. lol.
Brian: I have no idea what that means so I turned to the mighty internet for an answer. After some serious research it obviously refers to the Kubo Gap and Viz’s plan to increase their energies thus widening their gap in comparison to other companies. I foresee them becoming metallic and possibly magnetic in the near future which will give them mighty Magneto-like powers to further their plans of world domination.

It’ll give them the ability to release more obscure manga for the hundred or so people out there that would read them and not worry about sales.

Jarred: Good. Maybe he’ll finally pay up on those gambling debts he owes me.

Just because you get me wasted on Devil Killer, or whatever it was called (you know I can read/speak Japanese!!), and take me to some back alley mahjong table, doesn’t mean you can just take my moneywithout paying it back. You need help man. And I’ll help you get it, just as soon as I get back what’s mine.

Erin: I hope that Kubo is the localized name for Oishinbo the Gourmet, or that Kubo is the protagonist in the wine manga Drops of God, or a cute bacteria nickname in Moyashimon Tales of Agriculture! But I doubt it…

Eva:  Well, I don’t know that I know, I just suspect that I know.  I got an email a few weeks ago from a woman I’d done some work for asking me who Kubo is and if he’s, like, famous or something.  I did a little dance of squee, then replied that, yeah, he’s kinda well known.

… So basically I can only assume that Kaiji the gambler will be bringing his friends from Japan  Agriculture to play a round of the World Series of Poker in a Nipa Hut in San Diego.

Sign me up! I want front row seats to that!

 

異国色恋浪漫譚 by: やまねあやの

A Foreign Love Affair by: Ayano Yamane

Rated:  18+

Price:  $15.95

801 Media - BL/Romance/Drama

Review May Contain Spoilers

Yay, it’s been a while since there’s been a new 801 Media release.  Once again, we have a beautifully packaged book, with a striking dust jacket and a full color illustration featuring characters from “The Love Guide,” a bonus short included in the volume.  The cover is quite lovely, with Ranmaru dressed in a provocatively disheveled kimono and fundoshi, and the dashing Al in his crisp uniform.  Ah, all that eye candy.

“A Foreign Love Affair” finds our hot-tempered hero, Ranmaru, on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, newly married to Kaoru.  Their’s is an arranged marriage, and neither party is especially thrilled with the nuptials.  Kaoru has been forced to marry a younger man, which grinds on her nerves, and Ranmaru, the third underboss of a yakuza family, isn’t any happier with the union.  The two fight during their first moments alone as man and wife, and Ranmaru finds himself thrown out of their stateroom.  Bummer, dude!  It’s supposed to be your honeymoon!

Into the picture steps Al, a handsome, drool worthy stranger intoxicated by all things Japanese.  Before Ranmaru realizes what’s in store for him, he and Al share a passionate moment in Al’s cabin.  It’s only while they are disembarking that Ranmaru learns that Al is the captain of the ship!  Wow! Seems that Ranmaru received a little extra hospitality from the captain!

The characters in “A Foreign Love Affair” are fun and keep up a snappy stream of dialog.  Ranmaru, with his insistence on dressing in his kimono, seems a little old-fashioned, and his attraction to another male just sets him off in a tail spin.  He’s not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but that doesn’t stop Al from becoming smitten with the temperamental young man.  When the two are together, fireworks explode, and when they are apart, Ranmaru always manages to get himself into one scrape after another.  Good thing that Al is unflappable and able to rush to Ranmaru’s aid.

The secondary characters, Kauro and Gondoh, bring more comedic relief to the cast.  Kauro is bitter about having to marry the younger Ranmaru, but nothing sets her teeth on edge quite like being referred to as “Big Sis.”  To her, the words might as well be “Old Hag,” they get her that upset.  She and Ranmaru have nothing in common, other than the ability to hurl insults at each other.   Gondoh is Ranmaru’s rival from childhood, and he’s in love with Kaoru.  Yet another battle lost to Ranmura, the lucky groom!  Gondoh turned out to be a very likeable character, helping to save Ranmaru from the huge mess he’s managed to fall into.

I loved the fast pacing and the heated exchanges between Ranmaru and Al, but thought the rescue subplot was more than a little ridiculous.  It did give Al a wonderful opportunity to arrive on the scene like a debonair secret agent, descending from a helicopter to save his beloved.  The illustrations are gorgeous and allowed me to ignore some of the more outlandish story elements.

Also included was the much tamer “The Love Guide,” about a matchmaker and a reluctant bachelor.  Takaoka, the hopeless bachelor, is a scientist more at home with his lab rats than with people.  Serizawa is his earnest matchmaker, and the young man is determined to find the perfect match for his client.  Does it matter if Serizawa ends up being his perfect match?  Cute story with habitually escaping rats - who could resist?

Grade: B

This review was written by Julie for the MangaCast. Please drop by the Manga Maniac Cafe and check out the menu.  There’s always tasty reviews on display!

Review copy provided by 801 Media

2 Luck Stealer 4 by: Kazu Hajime / Luck Stealer(1) - かずはじめ 460円
2 YuGiOh GX 3 by: Kageyama Naoyuki / 遊戯王GX(3) - 影山なおゆき 410円
2 Hatsuko Limited. 2 by: Kawashita Mizuki / 初恋限定。(2) - 河下水希 410円
2 NARUTO 42 by: Kishimoto Masashi / -ナルト-(42) - 岸本斉史 410円
2 PSYREN 1 by: Iwashiro Toshiaki / -サイレン-(1) - 岩代俊明 410円
2 Ninku 2nd Stage 5 by: Kiriyama Kouji / 忍空-SECONDSTAGE(5) - 桐山光侍 410円
2 Steel Ball Run 15 by: Araki Hirohiko / スティールボールラン(15) - 荒木飛呂彦 410円
2 TegamiBachi 4 by: Asada Hiroyuki / テガミバチ(4) - 浅田弘幸 460円
2 K.O.Sen 1 by: Murase Katsutoshi / K.O.SEN(1) - 村瀬克俊 410円
2 Claymore 14 by: Yagi Norihiro / CLAYMORE(14) - 八木教広 410円
2 Boku no Watashi no Yuushagaku 4 by: Asou Shuuichi / ぼくのわたしの勇者学(4) - 麻生周一 410円
2 Dragonootsu by: Kinoshita Satoshi / ドラゴノーツ - 木下聡志 500円
2 To LOVEru 9 by: Yabuki Kentaro / とらぶる(9) - 矢吹健太朗 410円
2 Muddy 1 by: Aimoto Sho / MUDDY(1) - 藍本松 410円
2 Keita no Aji 1 by: Hashimoto Kozou / 慶太の味(1) - 橋本狐蔵 540円
2 Kirara no Shigoto World Battle 1 by: Hashimoto Kozou / きららの仕事 (1) - 橋本狐蔵 540円
2 Que Sera Sera 2 by: Tamakoshi Hirouki / ケ・セラ・セラ(2) - 玉越博幸 550円
2 Kimera Final Chronicle 2 by: Ogata Tei / キメラ ファイナルクロニクル(2) - 緒方てい 630円
2 JIN 11 by: Muragami Motoka / 仁(11) - 村上もとか 540円
2 Ou-sama no ShitateYa 18 by: Oogawara Tooru / 王様の仕立て屋(18) - 大河原遁 540円
2 Bartender 11 by: Nagatomo Kenshi / バーテンダー(11) - 長友健篩 540円
2 Dog Hunting 2 by: Noguchi Takashi / 狗ハンティング(3) - 野口賢 630円
2 81 Diver 7 by: Shibata Yokusaru / ハチワンダイバー(7) - 柴田ヨクサル 540円
15 Hikaru no Su he by: Eban Fumi / 光の巣へ - えばんふみ 410円
15 Gentlemen’s Alliance 10 by: Tanemura Arina / 紳士同盟クロス(10) - 種村有菜 410円
15 Bitou Lolipop 4 by: Iketana Rikako / 微糖ロリポップ(4) - 池谷理香子 410円
15 NANA 19 by: Yazawa Ai / ナナ(19) - 矢沢あい 410円
19 Oide yo Doubutsu Byoin! 3 by: Tarasawa Michi / おいでよ動物病院!(3) - たらさわみち 480円
19 Kanojo ni OTeAge by: Hara Noriko / 彼女にお手あげ - 原のり子 480円
19 Ie Biyori by: Nishimura Hiro / 家日和 - 西村拓 590円
19 Tama-chan House 3 by: Toozaka Mieko / たまちゃんハウス(3) - 逢坂みえこ 420円
19 Pure Maple Pancake 3 by: Shiomori Keiko / ピュア メイプル パンケーキ(3) - 塩森恵子 420円
19 Roundabout 2 by: Watanabe Peko / ラウンダバウト(2) - 渡辺ペコ 580円
19 REAL CLOTHES 4 by: Makimura Satoru / Real Clothes(4) - 槇村さとる 420円
19 Taiyou no Makibaoo 4 by: Tsuno Maru / たいようのマキバオー(4) - つの丸 540円
19 Cloth Road 6 by: OKAMA / CLOTH ROAD(6) - Okama 650円
19 Hideyoshi de Gozaru!! 2 by: Tanaka Kanako / 秀吉でごザル!!(2) - たなかかなこ 590円
19 YAOU 21 by: Inoue Noriyoshi / 夜王 (21) - 井上紀良 590円
19 TOUGH 20 by: Saruwatari Tetsuya / タフ(20) - 猿渡哲也 540円
19 Gantz 23 by: Oku Hiroya / GANTZ(23) - 奥浩哉 650円
19 Juujika no Majitsushi 2 by: Okazaku Kei / 十字架の魔術師(2) - 岡崎圭 590円
19 SIDOOH 13 by: Takahashi Tsutomu / -士道-(13) - 高橋ツトム 690円
19 InuBaka 14 by: Sakuragi Setsuya / いぬばか(14) - 桜木雪弥 540円
19 Noel no Kimochi 1 by: Yamahana Noriyuki / ノエルの気持ち(1) - 山花典之 540円
19 Somalier 6 by: Matsuda Katsunori / ソムリエール(6) - 松田勝法 540円
19 Gabai Saga no Gabai Baa-chan 6 by: Ishikawa Saburou / がばい佐賀のがばいばあちゃん(6) - 石川サブロウ 540円
19 Dr Kenji Morohashi 3 by: Noda Shigeru / Dr.検事モロハシ(3) - 能田茂 540円
19 Countach 12 by: Umezawa Haruto / カウンタック(12) - 梅澤春人 540円
19 Mobius Gear 1 by: Rikdo Kouji / メビウスギア(1) - 六道神士 630円
19 Labrador 1 by: Wada Laggio / ラブラドール(1) - 和田ラヂオ 630円
23 Koihana! Koi Se yo Hanabi 2 by: Nanaji Nagamu / コイバナ!恋せよ花火(2) - ななじ眺 410円円)
23 Five 9 by: Furukawa Shiori / ファイブ(9) - ふるかわしおり 410円
23 UsoUso Toki by: Minamoto Naomi / うそうそ時 - 源なお美 410円
23 Crimson HERO 13 by: Takanashi Mitsuba / 紅色HERO(13) - 高梨みつば 410円
23 CLOVER 20 by: Chiya Toriko / クローバー(20) - 稚野鳥子 410円
23 Tokimeki Gakuen Ouji-gumi by: Nakahara Aya / ときめき学園・王子組 - 中原アヤ 410円
23 Akuma to Love Song 4 by: Momomori Miyoshi / 悪魔とラブソング(4) - 桃森ミヨシ 410円
23 Sweet Mission 7 by: Fujii Asami / スイートミッション(7) - 藤井明美 410円
23 Bokura wa Itsumo 1 by: Fujimiya Ayu / 僕らはいつも(1) - 藤宮あゆ 410円

Asahi Shinbun
7 Furusato wa Midori 2 by: Yoshigawa Utata / 故郷は緑(2) - 吉川うたた 630円
7 Arashi no Destiny 3rd Stage #3 by: Takashiro Kana / 嵐のデスティニィ third stage(3) - 高城可奈 609円
30 Rakudai Ninja Rantaro 43 by: Amako Soubee / 落第忍者乱太郎(43) - 尼子騒兵衛 540円

Ascii-MediaWorks
27 HaniKam by: Katsura Asuka / ハニカム - 桂明日香 578円
27 Library Wars SPITFIRE! by: Furotori Yayoi / 図書館戦争SPITFIRE! - ふる鳥弥生 578円
27 Elyse 4 by: Kamiya Yuu / エアリセ(4) - 榎宮祐 599円
27 DegiPara 3 by: Takagi Nobuyoshi / でじぱら(3) - 高木信孝 630円
27 Shiage ni Tate Ari 2 by: Konnoya Kiyoshi / 仕上げに殺陣あり(2) - 今ノ夜きよし 599円
27 InuKami 6 by: Matsuzawa Mari / いぬかみっ(6) - 松沢まり 578円
27 Hyakume no Kishi 2 by: Murasaki Kutsu / 百目の騎士(2) - 村崎久都 599円
27 Marriage Royal 2 by: Natsuki Koko / マリッジロワイヤル(2) - 奈月ここ 599円

Bungei Shunju
19 74 by: Saitou Takawo / 鬼平犯科帳(74) - さいとうたかを 599円

Bakuya Shobo
9 Hana no Keiji, Fuyu Sonata, Evangelion de Utsu nara Kataneba by: Hideaki / 花の慶次 冬ソナ エヴァで打つなら勝たねば - ひであき 650円

CAPCOM
31 Groove’ Dragon 1 by: Kuori Chimaki / Groove’n Dragon(1) - 久織ちまき 735円

Coamix
9 Brave Story 20 by: Ono Yoichiro / ブレイブストーリー 新説(20) - 小野洋一郎 530円
9 Rikon Dokyo 2 by: Kashiwaya Kokko / 離婚同居(2) - 柏屋コッコ 530円
9 Angel Heart 26 by: Hojo Tsukasa / エンジェルハート(26) - 北条司 530円

enterbrain!
1 Cross Break 4 by: Duo Brand. / クロス×ブレイク(4) - DUO BRAND. 819円
1 Bakumatsu Renka Hanayagi Kenshiden 1 by: 幕末恋華 花柳剣士伝(1) - 黒百合姫 651円
1 Yanase-san-chi no Kyodai by: Mikuni Hadime / ヤナセさんちの兄弟 - 三国ハヂメ 651円
1 Reverse/End 3 by: Sumiyoshi Bunko / リバース/エンド(3) - 住吉文子 819円
26 Ginga Takuhaibin Maguro 3 by: Oohinata Gou / 銀河宅配便マグロ(3) - おおひなたごう 714円
26 Ii Denshi 8 by: Mizushina Takayuki / いい電子(8) - みずしな孝之 998円
26 Soil 7 by: Kaneko Atsushi / SOIL(7) - カネコ・アツシ 798円
26 Avec Punch 2 by: Time Ryosuke / アベックパンチ(2) - タイム涼介 714円
26 Manga Gokudo 2 by: Karazawa Nawoki / まんが極道(2) - 唐沢なをき 693円
31 Angel Profile by: Yuuki Azusa / エンジェルプロファイル - ゆうきあずさ 651円
31 Fortune Planet 1 by: Sakuma Chiyo / フォーチュンプラネット(1) - 佐久間智代 651円
31 Netsuai Every Day by: Sugai Aya / 熱愛エヴリデイ - 須貝あや 651円

Gakken
28 ChoSensuikan Shuugeki 1 by: Hosoi Takashi / 超潜水艦出撃(1) - 細井雄二 1,000円
Gentosha
24 Sengoku Zombie 1 by: Yokoyama Jin / 戦国ゾンビ(1) - 横山仁 620円
24 LIVE 3 by: Shitou Ryouko / LIVE(3) - 市東亮子 945円
24 LIVE 4 by: Shitou Ryouko / LIVE(4) - 市東亮子 945円
24 Itoshi no Niina 2 by: Ikuemi Jun / いとしのニーナ(2) - いくえみ綾 840円

Green Arrow
26 Bu Kake by: Matsuyama Seiji / ぶっ☆かけ - 松山せいじ 580円

Ichijinsha
9 Cynthia the Mission 8 by: Takatou Rui / CYNTHIA THE MISSION(8) - 高遠るい 580円
9 Oni Gokko 3 by: Kuromasa Shisei / 鬼ごっこ(3) - 黒柾志西 580円
9 GyakuShuu! Pappara-dai 3 by: Matsuzawa Natsuki / 逆襲!パッパラ隊(3) - 松沢夏樹 580円
22 Nyanko to Kaizer 1 by: Tamatsuki Maya / にゃんことカイザー(1) - 珠月まや 840円
22 Hanikami Biyori by: Dennou Ouwadan / はにかみ日和 - 電脳桜蛙団 840円
24 Shiritsu Sairyou Koukou ChoNouriku-bu 6 by: Ishida Akira / 私立彩陵高校超能力部(6) - 石田あきら 580円
24 Baku 3 by: Bikke / BAKU(3) - びっけ 580円
24 Shuushuu Taishitsu 2 by: Yoneyama Setsuko / 収集体質(2) - よねやませつこ 580円
24 07-Ghost 6 by: Amemiya Yuki / 07-GHOST(6) - 雨宮由樹 580円
24 di[e]ce 2 by: Yamamoto Kana / ダイス(2) - 山本佳奈 580円

JigyonoNipponsha
8 Ogata Katsumi Shinrei File 9 by: Yamamoto Mayuri / 緒方克巳心霊ファイル(9) - 山本まゆり 560円
29 Kami-ing Dooru 1 by: Azuma Yuki / かみingど〜る(1) - あずまゆき 600円
29 Johanbo 1 by: Fukushima Masami / 女犯坊(1) - ふくしま政美 560円
29 Furin Hakusho 3rd Season by: Higashi Katsumi / 不倫白書 サードシーズン - 東克美 560円

JIVE
7 Montorihito Tsuki no Tsubasa 2 by: Tachibana Yuu / モントリヒト 月の翼(2) - 橘由宇 590円
7 Tamashi Hime 2 by: Tsurugi Yasuyuki / 魂☆姫(2) - 剣康之 590円
7 Jinzou Ningen Kattysack 2 by: Ogata Tei / 人造人間カティサーク(2) - 緒方てい 590円

Kaguara Shuppan
9 Akai Kutsu by: Sasaki Misuzu / 赤い靴 - 佐々木みすず 480円
16 Dare ni mo Iwanai by: Mikuni Hadime / だれにもいわない - 三国ハヂメ 480円
16 Natsu no Aijin by: Sugimoto Farina / 夏の愛人 - 杉本ふぁりな 530円

Killtime Communication
1 Freezing 2 by: Lim DalYoung / フリージング(2) - 金光鉉+林達永 580円
30 Rose Mari 1 by: Urase Shioji / ローズ×マリー(1) - 浦瀬しおじ 580円
30 Honou no Inferno 2 by: Lim DalYoung / 炎のインフェルノ(2) - 金光鉉+林達永 580円
30 Unbalance Unbalance x2 #2 by: Lim DalYoung/ アンバランス×2(2) - 李秀顯+林達永 580円

Kindai Eigasha
1 Kiwate Hoshiino by: Hisawa Yumi / さわってほしいの - ひさわゆみ 440円
1 Konna Tokoro de Going ni by: Shitsuda Nao / こんなところでゴーインに - 実田ナオ 450円

LEED
27 Yanagi Hyogosuke 6 by: Tomi Shinzou / 柳生兵庫助(6) - とみ新蔵 550円
27 Shihon Taiheiki 3 by: Okamura Kenji / 私本 太平記(3) - 岡村賢二 550円
27 Yanagi Juubei, Shisu 3 by: Ishikawa Ken / 柳生十兵衛、死す(3) - 石川賢 680円

Ohta Shuppan
15 Sennen Gahou by: Kyou Machiko / センネン画報 - 今日マチ子 1,260円
15 Kihyku Seisou 1 by: Kari Sumako / 幾百星霜(1) - 雁須磨子 1,000円
15 Hotta 3 by: Yamamoto Naoki / HOTTA(3) - 山本直樹 1,000円

Shinshokan
1 Love Kyon 17 by: Park SoHi / らぶきょん (17) - パク・ソヒ 714円
31 Tenshi Norito 5 by: Kusanagi Toshiki / 天使祝詞(5) - くさなぎ俊祈 557円
31 Parm 31 by: Kemonogi Yasei / パーム(31) - 獣木野生 557円
31 Maho Tsukai no Musume 6 by: Nasu Yukie / 魔法使いの娘(6) - 那州雪絵 557円

Shobunsha
13 Prism Love by: Yukarikawa Yumiya / Prism Love - ゆかりがわ弓夜 590円
27 Etchi Switch by: Utsugi Sakuko / えっち・スイッチ - 空木朔子 590円

Shodensha
8 Honjitsu no Neko Jijou 6 by: Iwamichi Sakura /本日の猫事情(6) - いわみちさくら 680円
17 Usagi Drop 4 by: Unida Yumi / うさぎドロップ(4) - 宇仁田ゆみ 980円
31 Chihiro ni Saku Hana by: Akino Matsuri / 千尋に咲く花 - 秋乃茉莉 630円
31 Angelic Rune 2 by: Tateno Makoto / エンジェリック・ルーン(2) - 立野真琴 630円

Wani Books
24 Arano no Jouki Musume 4 by: Asari Yoshitoo / 荒野の蒸気娘(4) - あさりよしとお 945円
24 Keitai Princess 1 by: Yashirogawa Takashi / ケータイ☆プリンセス(1) - 屋代川隆史 609円

Shogakukan
2 Hikari no Sora 29 by: Kazama Eiji / ひかりの空(29) - かざま鋭二 550円
2 Rainbow 20 by: Kakizaki Masasumi / RAINBOW(20) - 柿崎正澄 540円
2 Ikigami 5 by: Mase Motaki / イキガミ(5) - 間瀬元朗 540円
2 Mogura no Uta 12 by: Takahashi Noboru / 土竜の唄(12) - 高橋のぼる 540円
2 the School of Water Business 19 by: Inoguma Shinobu / 都立水商(19) - 猪熊しのぶ 540円
2 Cherry Syndrome 7 by: Kitazaki Hiro / さくらんぼシンドローム(7) - 北崎拓 540円
16 Golden Age 8 by: Samukawa Kazuyuki / GOLDEN AGE(8) - 寒川一之 420円
16 Meteodo 4 by: Shii Haruka / メテオド(4) - 四位晴果 420円
16 Kenichi the Strongest Disciple 29 by: Matsuena Shun / 史上最強の弟子ケンイチ(29) - 松江名俊 420円
16 DarenShan 8 by: Arai Takahiro / ダレンシャン(8) - 新井隆広 420円
16 Ocha ni Gosu. 4 by: Nishimori / お茶にごす(4) - 西森博之 420円
16 Maoh 4 by: Oosuga Megumi / 魔王(4) - 大須賀めぐみ 420円
16 Lost Brain 1 by: Ootani Akira / LOST+BRAIN(1) - 大谷アキラ 420円
16 MAJOR 67 by: Manda Tatsuya / メジャー(67) - 満田拓也 420円
16 Konkou Bancho 2 by: Suzuki Ou / 金剛番長(2) - 鈴木央 420円
19 Shin Hoeru Pen 10 by: Shimamoto Kazuhiko / 新吼えろペン(10) - 島本和彦 580円
19 Girls-saurus DX 9 by: Kusonogi Kei / ガールズザウルスDX(9) - 楠桂 560円
26 Nemurene Shinju 3 by: Yoshida Mayumi / 眠れぬ真珠(3) - 吉田まゆみ 550円
26 Kanaria by: Yoshimura Asami / カナリア 吉村明美 780円
26 Hokago Orange 3 by: Kumagai Anko / 放課後オレンジ(3) - くまがい杏子 420円
26 Tsugu Anastasia Club by: Saitou Chiho / 続アナスタシア倶楽部 - さいとうちほ 420円
26 〜SEX Friend〜 by: Watanabe Shiho / 愛想人 - わたなべ志穂 420円
26 Love Noise 2 by: Usami Maki / 恋*音(2) - 宇佐美真紀 420円
26 Bara no Kusari 1 by: Osakabe Mashin / 薔薇の鎖(1) - 刑部真芯 420円
26 Otoko no Ko wa Hachimitsu by: Sakurada Hina / 男の子はハチミツ - 桜田雛 420円
26 Triple Honey by: Yamada Riko / トリプル☆ハニー - 山中リコ 420円
26 Clash by: Mamura Mio / クラッシュ☆ - 真村ミオ 420円
26 24 Colors by: Chiba Kozue / 24COLORS - 千葉コズエ 420円
26 Uwasa no Tsubasa-kun 8 by: Ikeyamada Gou / うわさの翠くん(8) - 池山田剛 420円
26 Country House he Youkoso 2 by: Amane Yuuko / カントリーハウスへようこそ(2) - 天音佑湖 420円
26 KazeHikaru 24 yb: Watanabe / 風光る(24) - 渡辺多恵子 420円
26 Kannou Shosetsu Gaiden by: Fujii Mitsuru / 官能小説外伝 - 藤井みつる 420円
26 Koi Shitagari no Blue 2 by: Fujiwara Yoshiko / 恋したがりのブルー(2) - 藤原よしこ 420円
26 UbuKawa 2 by: Doumoto Nao / ウブかわ (2) - 堂本奈央 420円
26 Love Knife by: Mitsuki Miko / ラブナイフ - 蜜樹みこ 420円
26 Otona no Shoumei by: Washio Mie / オトナの証明 - 鷲尾美枝 420円
28 Uchuu no Ou by: Sasaki Ken / うちゅうの王 - 佐々木健 520円
28 Dorabase 15 by: Mugiwara Shintarou / ドラベース (15) - むぎわらしんたろう 410円
28 Tsuruze! Kamesuke-kun by: Mugiwara Shintarou / つるぜ!カメスケくん - むぎわらしんたろう 410円
28 Pokemon DP 4 by: Ihara Shigekatsu / ポケモンDP(4) - 伊原しげかつ 410円
28 Saru Getchu 4 by: Goto Hideki / サルゲッチュ(4) - 後藤英貴 410円
28 Ore da yo! Wario da yo!! 2 by: Sawada Yukio / オレだよ!ワリオだよ!!(2) - 沢田ユキオ 410円
28 CrossGame 22 by: Adachi Mitsuru / クロスゲーム(12) - あだち充 420円
30 Koi wa Onna no Inochi no Hana yo by: Abiko Marie / 恋は女の命の花よ - 安彦麻理絵 900円
30 the New - Say Hello to BlackJack 4 by: Satou Shubou / 新ブラックジャックによろしく(4) - 佐藤秀峰 580円
30 Koi no Pudding 5 by: Shinotsuka Hiromu / 恋するプリン(5) - 篠塚ひろむ 420円
30 Tamagotchi Town Hyper 2 by: Kagari Junko / たまごっちタウンはいぱー(2) - かがり淳 630円
30 Kokoro Scramble by: Nanajima Kana / ココロスクランブル - 七島佳那 420円
30 Anta nante by: Sugiyama Miwako / アンタなんてお断り! - 杉山美和子 420円
30 Tezouro by: Ono Natsume / テゾーロ - オノ・ナツメ 790円
30 Dien Bien Phu 3 by: Nishijima Daisuke / ディエンビエンフー(3) - 西島大介 780円
30 Danshin Hanabi 5 by: Iwashige Takashi / 単身花日(5) - いわしげ孝 540円
30 Bambino! 12 by: Sekiya Tetsuji / バンビ〜ノ!(12) - せきやてつじ 540円
30 Tsukijii Ougashi Sandai-me 23 by: Hashimoto Mitsuo / 築地魚河岸三代目(23) - はしもとみつお 540円
30 Maitsuki To-san 2 by: Hiramatsu Minoru / 毎月父さん(2) - ヒラマツミノル 540円
30 Oishinbo 102 by: Hanasaki Akira / 美味しんぼ(102) - 花咲アキラ 540円
30 Like Shooting Stars in the Starlight 32 by: Hirokane Kenshi / 黄昏流星群(32) - 弘兼憲史 540円
30 Denpa no Shiro 6 by: Hosono Fujihiko / 電波の城(6) - 細野不二彦 540円
30 Lucky 1 by: Murakami Katsura by: ラッキー(1) - 村上かつら 580円
30 Maihime Diva 5 by: Ooishi Tomoya / 舞姫 ディーヴァ(5) - 大石知征 540円
30 LORD 12 by: Ikegami Ryouichi / 覇 (12) - 池上遼一 550円
30 Animal JOE 1 by: Fujisawa Tooru / アニマルJOE(1) - 藤沢とおる 540円
30 Team Medical Dragon 17 by: Nogisaka Tarou / 医龍(17) - 乃木坂太郎 540円
30 Halleluya 5 by: Noujou Junichi / アレルヤ(5) - 能條純一 540円
30 Edo Tsuri Hyakkei Burari Hakkan by: Kazetanuki Ken / 江戸釣百景 ぶらり百竿(2) - 風狸けん 540円
30 Oishinbo a la Carte 42 by: Hanasaki Akira / 美味しんぼア・ラ・カルト(42) - 花咲アキラ 580円
30 Oishinbo a la Carte 43 by: Hanasaki Akira / 美味しんぼア・ラ・カルト(43) - 花咲アキラ 580円

We are talking about shoujo! But we are not reading shoujo… Manga about girls!

Oh and if anyone has news on ADV’s manga plans let us know. I haven’t seen a listing for Gunslinger Girls 7 or an actual volume Yotsuba 6 yet. Are they still in business? Did they began working on PiQ and drop the rest of the publishing? Seriously we are halfway through Diamond’s distribution year and zilch.

女子高生 #1
by: 大島永遠

High School Girls #9
by: Oshima Towa

Futabasha/DrMaster/Seinen/Bishojo Comedy - Rated 18+ - $9.99

The girls are in Okinawa and even though they all have a year left in their high school careers their story is about to come to a conclusion. New friendships will be made on the beaches and castles around Naha. And when the girls figure out that school life is only temporary they decide to kick off their last year of having fun together with a bang! Thanks for all the memories Hottie and Macho! It was a blast!

ガンスリンガー·ガール 6
by: 相田 裕

Gunslinger Girls #6
by: Aida Yu

MediaWorks/ADV Manga/MediaMix/action-thriller - Rated 16+ - $9.95

The GsGs have been a great success. But they are far from perfect. They have a tendency to breakdown, physically and mentally. And then there are issues with the relationships that the girls have with their fratello. Then there is that little problem with them acting almost too aggressively. So what is the Italian government to do?

They create a new version… a better, cheaper, stronger and more mature version. So long moe, hello lolita!

Click on badge to listen download the reviews (38min .mp3).

Up Next… Doror. Apollo’s Song, Shoulder a Coffin, TOTO!

So nice to have a big list again. Not sure why half the crew aren’t her to appreciate it, though.

Gonna do some pimpin’ just because we can and as wotaku we have no shame… Get the latest Otaku USA if you haven’t yet! Experience the Fruits of Love -a look at the Peach Girl anime - by our Erin. I am honestly uncertain about that anime, even after testing out the Peach Girl Drinking Game (trademark Otaku USA and Erin F.).

I got a chance to dig into the underbelly of unlicensed manga again with a look at my hero Fukomoto Nobuyuki and the rise of gambling manga. The stakes were raised when moe elements were introduced to those comics 3 years ago and now artists and their pubs are cashing in! …Let’s see cocktail manga, gambling manga… Where do I go next? I promised a Japanese gag mangaka friend of mine I’d do fishing, but I think I’ll be holding off on that until issue 8.

And finally Jason Thompson got to interview a prince of fanservice - Matsuyama Seiji, creator of Eiken. I thought Eiken was on Jason’s top worst list? Either way prepare to experience one of “the most forthcoming interviews with a mangaka ever!” (I kinda liked my interview with Shimoku Kio but hey…) And possibly more T&A than has ever been seen in the magazine. Hmm, I wonder what Eiken tastes like?

On the manga front, EDEN returns. After you get your copy of Otaku USA, buy a copy of EDEN. Crayon Shinchan doesn’t need my help to sell copies, but for some reason Kinokuniya Manhattan didn’t know Nodame Cantabile was available in English?! Not reading Nodame, then you don’t understand this blog. Color of Rage will likely be the best manga present you could buy Daryl Surat this year (or a collection of OFFERED also by Koike).

Not sure if I should be shocked or joyed to see an Infinity title on the list. Chun Rhang 5 is now available in non-eBook format.

ADV
PiQ Magazine #3 (June 2008), $6.99

ANTARCTIC PRESS
Gold Digger #96, $2.99
Gold Digger Sourcebook #17, $3.95
Oz the Manga Pocket Manga TP Vol 01 (AA), $14.95
Pirates Vs Ninjas TP Vol 02 Up The Ante, $15.95

CHRONICLE BOOKS
Yoshitomo Nara Lonesome Puppy HC, $17.99

DARK HORSE
Black Magic 2nd Edition TP, $14.95
Color Of Rage TP Vol 1, $14.95
Eden Its An Endless World TP Vol 10, $12.95
Oh My Goddess Rtl TP Vol 29, $10.95

CMX
Crayon Shinchan Vol 2 TP, $7.99
Kiichi And The Magic Books Vol 01, $9.99

DEL REY MANGA
Hell Girl GN Vol 02, $10.95
Kitchen Princess GN Vol 06, $10.95
Nodame Cantabile GN Vol 13, $10.95

DH PUBLISHING
Case Closed Casebook Essential Guide SC, $11.95
Japans Bar Girls Bare All HC, $15.00
Nana Essentials Ultimate Fanbook SC, $11.95
Tsubasa Chronicle Factbook SC, $11.95

DR MASTER PUBLICATIONS INC
Dark Edge TP Vol 7, $9.95
King Of Fighters Art Book SC, $21.95
Puri Puri GN Vol 05, $9.95

INFINITY STUDIOS
Chun Rhang Yhur Jhun GN Vol 5, $10.95

JAPANIME
Kanji De Manga Special Edition Yoji-Jukugo, $9.99

NETCOMICS
Great Catsby GN Vol 6 , $19.99
June GN Vol 2 (of 10), $9.99

SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Aoi House Omnibus TP, $10.99

SOVEREIGN
Otaku USA #6 (June 2008), $9.99

TOKYOPOP
Adventures Of Duan Surk Novel Vol 04 (Of 11) Opal Of Ice & Snow, $10.99
Archlord GN Vol 05 (of 6), $9.99
Brave Story GN Vol 04 (of 6), $9.99
Cherry Juice GN Vol 03 (of 4), $9.99
Chronicles Of The Cursed Sword GN Vol 20 (of 27), $9.99
CLAMP No Kiseki Magazine Collectible Vol 11 (of 12), $19.99
Fantamir GN Vol 03 (of 3), $9.99
Gatcha Gacha GN Vol 07 (of 7), $9.99
Good Luck GN Vol 05 (of 5), $9.99
Good Witch of the West GN Vol 06 (of 6), $9.99
Heavenshield GN Vol 01 (of 3), $10.99
Initial D GN Vol 30 (of 35), $9.99
Kannazuki No Miko Destiny Of Shrine Maiden GN Vol 01 (of 2), $10.99
Kindaichi Case Files GN Vol 17 (of 27), $9.99
King Of Thorn GN Vol 04 (of 6), $9.99
Knockout Makers GN Vol 02 (of 3), $9.99
Little Queen GN Vol 06 (of 8), $9.99
Monochrome Factor GN Vol 02 (of 4), $9.99
Queens Knight GN Vol 11 (of 17), $9.99
Rhysmyth GN Vol 02 (of 2), $9.99
Sakura Taisen GN Vol 07 (of 7), $9.99
Satisfaction Guaranteed GN Vol 07 (of 9), $9.99
Short Sunzen GN Vol 02 (of 5), $9.99

VIZ MEDIA
Absolute Boyfriend GN Vol 06, $8.99
Black Cat TP Vol 14, $7.99
BODY GN Vol 01, $8.99
Crimson Hero TP Vol 08, $8.99
D Gray Man GN Vol 09, $7.99
Dr Slump TP Vol 15, $7.99
Fairy Cube GN Vol 01, $8.99
Gin Tama TP Vol 06, $7.99
High School Debut GN Vol 03, $8.99
Hikaru No Go TP Vol 12, $7.95
Hunter X Hunter TP Vol 20, $7.99
Kaze Hikaru GN Vol 09, $8.99
Kurohime TP Vol 05, $7.99
Love Com TP Vol 06, $8.99
NANA TP Vol 10, $8.99
Naruto TP Vol 29, $7.95
Prince Of Tennis GN Vol 25, $7.95
Sa GN Vol 04, $8.99
Sand Chronicles GN Vol. 02, $8.99
Shaman King TP Vol 16, $7.95
Shonen Jump June 08, $4.99
Skip Beat TP Vol 12, $8.99
Whistle TP Vol 19, $7.99

---

Even if the participation is not quite at maximum power, Julie isn’t going to pooh-pooh this list.

D Gray Man GN Vol 09 - After initially pooh-poohing this series, I have allowed myself to get sucked into another shounen action/adventure title. Love the art.

There are half a dozen other VIZ titles that I’ll be catching up on, but I’ll only mention NANA and Sand Chronicles. Or maybe that should be Skip Beat! and Love*Com? Oh, well, doesn’t matter, I love them all!

Erin calls out for some pimping! See no shame…!

OMG Color of Rage is out!! I’ve been totally stoked about this title since Carl Horn pimped it at AWA last year. According to Otaku USA magazine it’s “Not Koike’s strongest work” but still…!

Also Sand Chronicles! OMG! Am I the only person in North America who can be simultaneously stoked about both titles?!

Nodame is not selling well enough here! We are clearly not pimping hard enough. Let’s pimp harder, everyone!

And Khursten decides to give her support to Noda Megumi! Slobs unite!

Oh what a lovely week. :3 After a couple of quiet weeks, here they come with one big blow.

I believe my job for this list is to remind everybody to grab their copy of Nodame 13! You just can’t get enough of this nattou and hijiki fanatic! I should probably add Chiaki too since this volume was pretty much all him too. That aside, is that Eden 10 I see? :3 I’m really excited about this and I know what I’ll be reading after I read through a slew of shoujo and crack from Viz.

Shinsengumi… Seriously Eva? I want to see you cosplay that. I mean the lead in that one manga is, right?

Ah, it’s time for my latest date with the Shinsengumi. Gin Tama and Kaze Hikaru, please. And for something completely different, add in Hikaru no Go. And Nana. And Sand Chronicles. And King of Thorn.

Yes it is a good week Pea. And good-bye rent check money…
This is a good week, isn’t it? Goodbye, paycheck. Hello, manga!

In that case I’ll pick something that ends Absolute Boyfriend 06. Possibly this is not the concluding volume that every fans anticipated, but it’s a good closure to the series. And now that we can see Night in real life (read: currently aired dorama) I’m not complaining.

And something that starts Fairy Cube. Dark, gloomy, and twisted as ever from YUKI Kaori it has promising storyline, too bad it’s only 3 volumes.

Not sure how I missed this… Or why I didn’t get the PR but the nets are buzzing with
news of a new title from Go! Comi - 07-Ghost.

I had never heard of the title before today, so I will leave the details to the PR found at Go! Comi’s site. Brigid at the MangaBlog has details about an active following and scans.

GO! COMI TO PUBLISH 07-GHOST

Los Angeles, CA
May 5 2008

-Manga publisher Go! Comi announced today that they will be publishing one of the most hotly-anticipated new manga series, 07-Ghost.

Set in a gothic fantasy world, 07-Ghost tells the story of Teito, a former slave who is now pursued by the forces of the Barsburg Empire because of his exceptional ability to use a form of magic called Zaiphon. Teito’s discovery of his true nature and his subsequent quest for revenge involve him in the affairs of the Gods themselves, as he finds himself at the center of the conflict between Verloren, the God of Death, and the mysterious “beings of light” sent by Heaven to oppose him: the Seven Ghosts.

“We’re thrilled to be presenting this incredible series in the U.S.,” said Go! Comi Creative Director Audry Taylor. “With its amazing artwork, exciting characters, and engrossing story, 07-Ghost is truly a cut above. It appeals to all types of manga fans across the board.” Taylor added, “We’ve actually had many fans request that we license this series. They know we’ll give 07-Ghost the same level of excellence that got us nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Presentation of Japanese Material last year, with the finest translation and the highest production values.”

07-Ghost was originally published by Ichijinsha in Zero Sum Magazine. There are currently six volumes, and the series is still running. A drama CD based on the series was recently released in Japan. Go! Comi’s edition of Volume One will be published in January.

Go! Comi

07-GHOST by: 雨宮　由樹/市原　ゆき乃 07 Ghost by: Amemiya / Ichihara Ichijinsha / ZeroSum Comics Josei?? / 5+ Vols