Level babbled a lot, too; I'm just following the standard. *straight face*
Otoyome-Gatari © Mori Kaoru/Enterbrain
[Serialized in Fellows!]
Published in Indonesia as The Bride's Stories by Elex Media
Bambino!, you already won an award, so give way to The Bride's Stories, nominated for the fourth Manga Taisho awards. The series (which lost to Umino Chika's March comes in like a lion by 20 points) premieres 11 May.
Married couple Karluk Ayhan and Amira Hargal are separated in age by eight years: Amira is 20 years old and Karluk, 12. They live together with Karluk's family. Their harmonious relationship is disturbed by Amira's brother and cousin who descend upon the couple, intending to take Amira home.
What's behind their decision?
Not that Mori Kaoru-sensei needs any more hyping (*cough*Emma*cough*), but if name-dropping alone doesn't convince, editor Lenny-san rapturizes over this tribal historical romance, her favorite comic right now >.<
for the Amira × Karluk thweetness she claims induces melting, gripping inter-clan conflict and Awesome! super-detailed art. (See the preview on the right. Don't you agree that that such ornateness, also evident on the cover, is delish? There's more 19th century Silk Road/Central Eurasian/Persian pretties, but you will have to visit Level's fesbuk for further droolage.)
And moar more: the hero(ine) or the eponymous Bride is a consummate archer and rider. Aside from Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, Older Female Younger Male,
Baka-Updates Manga associates the seinen manga with Mono no Aware
—what Wiki describes as the awareness of the transience of things, and wistfulness at their passing
—the term first applied to the literary classic Genji Monogatari. I personally think The Bride's Stories radiates the same vibes as Red River, and I'm not the only one to think so.
☆ I preview the other debut—Karakuri Circus by Fujita Kazuhiro—an equally intriguing new series (how would you like it if death awaits should you fail to make people laugh?) After The Cut. Why? Because Bene!
tied with The Bride's Stories as #1 GET!
Bambino! 11 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji
Ban is promoted pasta chief of a Trattoria Baccanale branch. Before he can take up his new post, however, he and Asuka first have to train at a restaurant owned by Chef Tekkan's buddy in New York. They get to the Big Apple safely, but minutes from landing are cheated out of hundreds of dollars. Furthermore, largely monolingual Ban becomes the butt of jokes and pranks by the other staff.
Editor Sina-san highlights the b(^o^)d
charm point of this here Bambino! tank: non-English fluent, first-timer Ban's “interesting times” in New York and how he deals.
Level Comics manga (2011.05.11)
- Bambino! 11 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji
- [Series Premiere] The Bride's Stories (Otoyome-Gatari) 1 of 2+ by Mori Kaoru
- Giant Killing 3 of 19+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo
- Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 10 of 14 by Koyama Yukari
- Homunculus 10 of 15 by Yamamoto Hideo
- Ice Forest 6 of 9+ by Saito Chiho
- Jio 15 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi
- [Series Premiere] Karakuri Circus 1 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro
- Psychometrist Eiji (Psychometrer Eiji) 20 of 25 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi
- Shadow Skill 3 of 7+ by Okada Megumu
 | Otoyome-Gatari 「乙嫁語り」 by Mori Kaoru |
Awards
Nominee, 4th Manga Taisho awards (2011), along with I am a Hero by Hanazawa Kengo; March comes in like a lion by Umino Chika (award winner); Hana no Zubora-Meshi by Kusumi Masayuki, Mizusawa Etsuko; Un chocolatier de l'amour perdu by Mizushiro Setona and eight other manga
Other languages
English A Bride's Story (Yen Press: volume 1 per 2011.05.31 • volume 2 street date: 2011.10.25) and traditional Chinese (Kadokawa Media Taiwan: 姊嫁物語 2 per 2010.10)
 | Giant Killing 「ＧＩＡＮＴ ＫＩＬＬＩＮＧ」 |
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.
 | 1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari |
 | Homunculus 「 ホムンクルス 」 by Yamamoto Hideo |
 | Ice Forest 「 アイスフォレスト 」 by Saito Chiho |
 | Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi |
Volume 15 chapters:
57. Break In!
58. Everyone's Fight
59. Magic Trick
60. Miko's Truth
*NOT Level Comics' titles
Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)
 | Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 |
 | Psychometrer Eiji 「サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ」 |
Other languages
French Psychometrer Eiji (Kana/Dargaud: 25 volumes), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore 感应少年 Eiji: 25 volumes), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)
Reissues
Re-released in 12 bunko volumes (2003.06 to 2003.11)
Adaptations
The live-action renzoku alternatively known as Simply Psychic ran for two seasons on NTV (January to March 1997 and October to December 1999). A one-episode, 45-minute anime OAV Eiji was released in August 1990.
 | Shadow Skill 「ＳＨＡＤＯＷ ＳＫＩＬＬ」 |
Adaptations
Studio DEEN's 26-episode anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Matsuoka Akio (Gau Ban) and Hayashibara Megumi (Elle Lagu), aired in Japan from July to December 1998. Four OAVs preceded the series (four episodes released between 1995 and 1996).
[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]
European comics/ROMICs (2011.05.11)
- Boule & Bill - Kau Ingat, Bill? by Roba
- Jojo - Louis Gendut Operasi by André Geerts
- [New] Tanguy & Laverdure - Demi Kehormatan by Charlier, Uderzo
- [Series Premiere] Tanguy & Laverdure - Pendidikan Para Elang by Charlier, Uderzo
- Yakari - Yakari dan Pagar Api by Derib & Job
¹ Sources: Elex STO 11 May 2011 (release schedule), Level Comics (artwork and synopses), Gramedia Shop and Angelzon.com (covers and synopses).
² All manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Shadow Skill 3 (IDR 24,000/volume, up from previous IDR 21,500). All ROMICs retail for IDR 30,000/volume.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).
New Level titles continued
Karakuri Circus 1 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro
Kato Narumi suffers from Zonapha syndrome, a rare disease that proves fatal if he fails to people laugh. Meanwhile, Masaru is in danger of losing his life to automata masters after his 18 billion yen inheritance. Shirogane is a puppet master assigned to bodyguard Masaru. By chance, Narumi helps Masaru and in doing so, meets Shirogane.
Sums up Wiki: The story centers around three main characters, Masaru Saiga, Narumi Kato, and Shirogane (Eleanor) and combines the settings of a circus, alchemy, and karakuri into one story filled with mystery and action.
Baka-Updates Manga users abridge the v—e—r—y long series with Acrobats, Acrobatic Girl, Bodyguard, Circus, Inheritance, Inhuman strength, Puppet, Puppet Master, Unrealistic Fighting, Young Male Protagonist
tags. Level editor Nickyta-san thumbs-ups the ex-Shonen Sunday manga as unique, singling out Shirogane's puppet weapon Arlequin as really cool!!
Karakuri Circus volume 1 compiles chapters 1 through 8: Opening Bell,
Shirogane,
Fight against Puruchinerura,
Narumi goes mad,
Narumi at home,
Promise,
Kidnap group
and Escape.
[*NOT Level's titles]
Manga-ka Fujita Kazuhiro's primary claim to fame is the Shogakukan Manga Awardee Ushio to Tora, as I noted over on the Elex where Fujita-sensei's Moonlight Act debuts.
Featured
Giant Killing 3 of 19+ by Tsunamoto Masaya & Tsujitomo
Fresh from the match with Tokyo Victory, Tatsumi attends a league press conference. There, Tatsumi doesn't hesitate to (over)share his plans of having poor, weak ETU take on and defeat the big boys. His shocking ‘war declaration’ sparks hope in many, but can Tatsumi live up to his words?
Excitement galore!
enthuses editor Nickyta-san of this Giant Killing volume, as Tatsumi reveals his coaching genius in the pre-season match against Tokyo Victory.
Ice Forest 6 of 9+ by Saito Chiho
After taking in new students, Boris orders Yulia to cease training Yukino and Romain, replacing her with former world-class ice dancer Toramanov. But while practicing alongside John and Laetitia, Yukino collides with John and suffers an injury. Saddled with a bum knee, Yukino fears having to sit out the next ice dance match.
Editor Sina-san gets to the ♡ heart of Ice Forest 6: The Yukino, Romain and Ikki love triangle is getting hotter!! \(^o^)/
Shadow Skill 3 of 7+ by Okada Megumu
Attacks against Kuruda escalate. Not many know that the barrage is only a diversion, meant to cover up the assault on the palace. The power of the Kuruda Sevaar knights is severely tested by one very tough opponent. Does this spell the end to the “Invincible Kuruda Sevaar” legend?
Editor Sina-san draws your attention to the exciting battle scenes between Kuruda and a new formidable foe b(^o^)d.
The rest of the ongoing manga
- Half an Apple 10 by Koyama Yukari:
I'm not afraid to start over. Whether in love or work, new hope springs.
(Growing dependence on Amano and a shocking confession from a now estranged from his wife Shindo, oh my.) - Homunculus 10 by Yamamoto Hideo: Manabu analyzes Susumu's self projection, but Susumu feels it's actually Manabu's own. More disconcerting is how Susumu doesn't actually remember his past, which prompts a search for his lost memories.
- Jio 15 by Kishimoto Seishi: Jio and his friends manage to sneak into the Stea government's HQ, but soon face off against the guards. Can Jio save Ruby?
- Psychometrist Eiji 20 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi: Eiji and his sister return home to Shitamachi for a festival, only to learn that a land speculator is terrorizing their beloved town.
European comics (ROMICs): Tanguy & Laverdure premieres
L'École des Aigles
© Charlier, Uderzo/
Dargaud
Published in Indonesia as
Pendidikan Para Elang
by Elex Media/Level Comics
Tanguy & Laverdure, the adventures of French Air Force aces Michel Tanguy and Ernest Laverdure, premieres this week. Level double launches volumes 1 and 2 of the bande dessinée series created by Jean-Michel Charlier and Albert Uderzo (Astérix): Pendidikan Para Elang (Les Aventures de Tanguy et Laverdure Tome 1: L'École des Aigles) and Demi Kehormatan (Les Aventures de Tanguy et Laverdure Tome 2: Pour l'Honneur des Cocardes).
In Petualangan Tanguy & Laverdure: Pendidikan Para Elang, Michel Tanguy and his friend and co-pilot Laverdure have just joined a squadron of French fighter pilots stationed at the Morocco Mèknes base. The flight school buddies run into problems from the first day, thanks to Laverdure's frivolity. But no one doubts their flight skills, so they are assigned to Captain Darnier's Squadron 1, where they meet Saint Hélier, a lone wolf pilot overshadowed by his famous father.
Meanwhile, in Petualangan Tanguy & Laverdure: Demi Kehormatan, Tanguy and Laverdure find St. Hélier and the lost warhead at the bottom of a canyon. They hide in a cave, waiting for help to arrive. Unfortunately, enemy army paratroopers sniff them out, forcing a gun battle that only ceases upon reinforcements' arrival. The wounded St. Hélier is rushed to hospital. Can Tanguy and Laverdure get back to base, and what really happened to St. Hélier?
Also streeting with Tanguy & Laverdure are:
- Boule & Bill - Kau Ingat, Bill? (Boule et Bill, Tome 6: Tu te rappelles, Bill?) by Roba: Papa doesn't know what he's getting into when he takes Bill and Boule on a beach vacation.
- Jojo - Louis Gendut Operasi (Jojo 3: On opère Gros-Louis) by André Geerts: Fat Louis makes the acquiantance of an
Invisible Man
while in hospital for eye surgery. - Yakari - Yakari dan Pagar Api (Yakari, Tome 19: La barrière de feu) by Derib + Job sees the wholesale rustling of Yakari's tribe's horses. Fortunately, Yakari's pony Little Thunder evades capture and helps Yakari and the Sioux warriors to track down the thieves.
Still not enuf? Check out these other 11 May 2011 manga and manhwa
- Elex Media: C.M.B. 15 · Detektif Conan 61 · Library War: Love & War 3 · Topeng Kaca 11 Deluxe · Wild Life 16 · Dragon Ball, Volumes 1-10, 11-20 and 21 to 30 box sets · Dream Eater Merry 1 by Ushiki Yoshitaka · V.B. Rose 6 · Godhand Teru 32 · Princess Resurrection 1 by Mitsunaga Yasunori · Moonlight Act 1 by Fujita Kazuhiro · Mokke 2 · New Kobochan 5 · Ogawa and Team Saito 6 · Legend of the Cursed Sword 34
- m&c!: Idol Shopping 8 · Female Wolf's Boy 16 of 17 · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 12 · Pudding in Love 1 by Shinozuka Hiromu · Meet the Banchou 5 · Out Code 2 · Prince X Princess 2 of 2
Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography who reminds you to still pray for and support Japan
other invaluable resources
Baka-Updates Manga · Wikipedia · 7net Shopping · ANN · Amazon France
Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji
Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen
Volume 11 (chapters 110-120) first published in Japan 2008.02
Awards
Best Seinen/General Manga, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)
Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; six volumes per 2011.02.26)
Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.