T'is the season of hectic—I need a holiday from the holidays—but I managed to sneak away to post this MinimaList. Artwork and NikBabble™ when I can next snatch another time window. Update: Snatched enuf albeit very, VERY belated
Nodame Cantabile © by Ninomiya Tomoko/Kodansha
[First serialized in Kiss]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo
Even if Chiaki is still wrasslin' with White Rose until the last dress rehearsal, on D-Day, the performance stuns the audience with perfection. Chiaki, too, gets a sweet surprise smack in the middle of The Magic Flute opera.
But what about Nodame?
Well, just like Chiaki, Nodame, too, receives a delightful gift in the Nodame Cantabile finale, which means everyone who invested in our couple and the kooky cast supporting them can close their personal Nodame Cantabile chapter with goony grins and/or satisfied sighs :) (Telor Ceplok contributor Lina-chan in the comments gives the finale a 9 of 10 ♥ and deems it a Must-Have in your manga library.)
Two titles tied for the first runner-up DO WANT! — Yakitate!! Japan vol 25 and Yozakura Quartet vol 2. Find their previews below the release list.
Mangazines
Shonen Star 23/2011 ☆ Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi
Dr. Koto Shinryoujo
© Yamada Takatoshi
Shogakukan
[Young Sunday Comics]
In the latest chapter of Yamada Takatoshi's Dr. Koto —
Dr. Koto's guilt over having neglected his family melts after he calls his mom and she tells him she doesn't blame him at all. The mood on Koshiki island, too, lightens. In contrast to the levity, Nurse Hoshino's attitude changes, after she discovers a lump in her chest...
These serials also run in the Indonesian Shonen Sunday: ARAGO by Arai Takahiro, Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl, The World God Only Knows by Wakaki Tamiki, Alice in Borderland by Aso Haro, Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato, Magi by Ohtaka Shinobu, Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow, Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho and My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun.
(Still waiting on the premieres of Arakawa Hiromu's Silver Spoon and Mitsuda Takuya's Buyuden.)
Collecting the tankou? Reminding most recently released volumes: Dr. Koto 8 (2011.11.02), Detektif Conan 64 (10.26), Kekkaishi 10 (10.19), Wild Life 20 (9.28), My First Mr. Akuno 5 (8.15) and Defense Devil 5 (8.10).
The next issue of Shonen Star streets on the 4th of January 2012.
Elex Media manga and manhwa (2011.12.28)
- Beck vol 30 of 34 by Harold Sakuishi
- Bride of the Water God (Habaek-eui Shinbu) vol 7 of 16+ by Yun MiKyung
- The Dog's Magical Touch (Himitsu no Wantacchi) vol 2 of 3 by Anisaki Yuna
- More a Flower than a Flower (Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku) vol 2 of 9+ by Narita Minako
- New Kobochan (Shin Kobo-chan) vol 13 of 22+ by Ueda Masashi
- Nodame Cantabile vol 25 of 25: Encore Opera Edition by Ninomiya Tomoko [Finale]
- A Tale of The Cat Painter (Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi) vol 2 of 4+ by Nagao Maru
- Yakitate!! Japan vol 25 of 26 by Hashiguchi Takashi
- Yozakura Quartet (Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~) vol 2 of 11+ by Yasuda Suzuhito
 | Habaek-eui Shinbu 「하백의 신부」 |
Other languages/serializations
English Bride of the Water God (Dark Horse: nine volumes per 2011.11.01 • volume 10 street date: 2012.01.31), French L'épouse du dieu de l'eau (Editions Clair de Lune: Tome 5 shipped 2011.08 • Tome 6 street date: 2012.01.19)
 | Himitsu no Wantacchi 「ヒミツのわんタッチ」 by Anisaki Yuna |
 | Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku |
 | Shin Kobo-chan 「新コボちゃん」 |
 | Nodame Cantabile 「のだめカンタービレ」 |
Awards
Best Shoujo Manga, 2004 Kodansha Manga Awards
Other languages
English Nodame Cantabile (Del Rey: 16 volumes per 2009.07), French (Pika Édition: Tome 13 shipped 2011.08), traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 交響情人夢 25 released 2011.01)
Related
The Nodame Illustrations collection was released in Japan 2011.04.
Adaptations
Adapted into an award-winning live-action TV series starring Ueno Juri (Nodame) and Tamaki Hiroshi (Chiaki Shinichi) that aired from October to December 2006 on Fuji TV, followed by a four-hour sequel TV special, Nodame Cantabile New Year's Special in Europe (4-5 January 2008), and two live-action movies: Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Zen-Pen (Japan premiere: 2009.12.19) and Nodame Cantabile Saishū Gakushō Kou-Hen (2010.04.17).
The first season of the Nodame Cantabile anime aired in Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block from January to June 2007. The 11-episode second season Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter ran from October to December 2008. An OAV was bundled with the limited edition manga volume 22 released 10 August 2009. The third season Nodame Cantabile: Finale aired from January to March 2010. Seiyuu Kawasumi Ayako and Seki Tomokazu played protagonists Nodame and Chiaki in all three seasons.
 | Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi |
Other languages
English Edo Nekoe Jubei Otogizoshi (JManga)
 | Yakitate!! Japan 「焼きたて！！ジャぱん」 |
Awards
Best Shounen Manga, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Arakawa Hiromu's Fullmetal Alchemist)
Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)
English Yakitate!! Japan (VIZ Media: 26 volumes per 2011.04), French (Delcourt/Akata; Yakitate Ja-Pan !! un pain c'est tout tome 26 per 2010.01), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Spain), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 新鮮出爐﹗日式麵包王 26 released 2007.06)
Adaptations
Sunrise's 69-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Kobayashi Yumiko as Azuma Kazuma aired from October 2004 to March 2006 on TV Tokyo.
 | Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~ |
Other languages
English Yozakura Quartet (Del Rey: five volumes per 2009.09), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan: 夜櫻四重奏 (10) released 2011.12.09)
Adaptations
A 12-episode anime produced by Nomad, starring seiyuu Kaji Yuuki (Hiizumi Akina), Fukuen Misato (Yarizakura Hime), Fujita Saki (Nanami Ao) and
Sawashiro Miyuki (Isone Kotoha), aired from October to December 2008, followed by the Yozakura Quartet ~Hoshi no Umi~ OAVs (three DVDs released between October 2010 and September 2011)
Related
Shooting Star Carnaval Side: Yozakura Quarter Yasuda Suzuhito Illustrations artbook (published in Japan 2011.06)
[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]
Postponed title(s)
The Knight in the Area vol 2 (pending new street date)
Magazines (2011.12.28)
- Shonen Star Issue 23/2011 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)
¹ Sources: Elex STO 28 December 2011 (release schedule) and Komikologi and Gramedia Shop (artwork and synopses, unless indicated otherwise).
² All manga and manhwa are priced at IDR 16,500 each except 4-koma New Kobochan 13 (IDR 15,000). Shonen Star 23/2011 retails for IDR 30,000/issue.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).
Do Want!
Yakitate!! Japan vol 25 of 26
By Hashiguchi Takashi
Azuma and Kawachi duke it out, trying to get their hands on the ancient Daruma flour.
Though he's played the fool all along, Kawachi picks up a handy skill that just might give his creation the edge over his old friend's dutiful dough,
shares VIZ Media's Yakitate!! Japan, Vol. 25 synops.
Meanwhile, Elex recommends the penultimate Yakitate!! Japan as a Don't miss this! not only for the Azuma/Kawachi battle, but also for the Super H!! Tsukino Azusagawa
extra comic/gaiden.
Can't wait for the last volume? Then check out back issues of Shonen Star.
Yozakura Quartet vol 2 of 11+
By Yasuda Suzuhito
Why is Sakurashin such a hotbed of youkai activity, more so than any other city in the world? Would you believe the spirits converge on the town so that they can go home? One family is tasked with this all-important duty — Akina's family, Clan Hiizumi.
Eleven Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~ have been compiled in Japan as of November 2011.
Featured ongoing series
Bride of the Water God vol 7 of 16+
By Yun MiKyung
Habaek, with Yowa, finally arrives at the Imperial palace. A light shines on Habaek, Nakbin and Hooye's shared past, Habaek's first meeting with Nakbin and how Nakbin came to be a sacrifice to and bride of Habaek.
Lina-chan again comes through with a snap review of Bride of the Water God 7, giving the thumbs up to the slow reveal of secrets and the (expected) beautiful artwork. She gives volume 7 an 8 of 10 ♥ and recommends it as a GET!
Sixteen Habaek-eui Shinbu volumes have been released in Korea as of November 2011.
More a Flower than a Flower vol 2 of 9+
By Narita Minako
Kento devotes himself to his Noh training, especially in perfecting Shite (main character) acting. Calm Kento transforms once he dons the Noh mask — ghosts, the elderly, goddesses — he performs them all, and performs them well.
So what challenges can he expect?
Nine Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku tankou have been published in Japan as of July 2011.
Other 28 December 2011 highlights
- Beck vol 30 by Harold Sakuishi: Who has heard of Eddie Lee's last song, and can rumors that some Japanese are in the know propel Mongolian Chop Squad to the top?
- The Dog's Magical Touch vol 2 by Anisaki Yuna: Once Nuu paws the medallion Mao wears, the grade-schooler transforms into a 17-y.o. for seven minutes. More than enough time for her to confess to idol Hayato. But Hayato's sister suspects that Mao is not who she pretends to be.*
- New Kobochan vol 13 by Ueda Masashi: Cute and adorable story about Kobo and his family!
- A Tale of The Cat Painter vol 2 by Nagao Maru: Builder Sasuke and his fat cat Kuro live in Nekocho Nagaya with Jube and the rest. Right now, Sasuke is working on a rich merchant's warehouse and falls in love with the merchant's daughter who won't give him the time of day. One rainy night, rats overrun the merchant's house, but don't dare enter just one place. Why? And how to get rid of these rats?
*I have this beef about The Dog's Magical Touch volume 2: What. Ever. Happened. To. Jin!!? (The senior high-schooler Mao was crushing on in the first volume.)
Still not enuf? Here are the other 28 December 2011 manga
Level Comics: Soul Eater 13 · Yugo in Tokyo - Tanegashima by Akana Shu & Makari Shinji · Giant Killing 10 · Red Eyes 15 · Leonard: Jenius Selamanya
m&c!: Dawn Aria 8 · Mail Girlfriend 2 · Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil · Monika dan Kawan-kawan: Putri Duyung di Taman Bermain Monika · Pedang Maha Dewa 4: Amazing Weapons - The Lost Blade 5 · The Flavor of Love by Taamo · Images of You 2 · Love Drops by Konno Risa · Yummy Love Cafe by Washio Mie · Cherry Issue 60/2011
Iamque opus exegi,
~Niki C. DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography
disclaimer
Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.
other invaluable resources
Baka-Updates Manga · 7net Shopping · Amazon Japan · Wikipedia · ANN · manaworld.com · Angelzon.com (selected covers)
BECK 「ＢＥＣＫ」 by Harold Sakuishi
Kodansha Monthly Shonen Magazine, shounen
Volume 30 first published in Japan 2007.06
Awards
Winner, 2002 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category (tied with Nonaka Eiji's Cromartie High School)
Serializations/Other languages
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English BECK:Mongolian Chop Squad (TOKYOPOP: till volume 12), French (Akata/Delcourt: 34 volumes per 2010.03), Italian (Dynit), German (Tokyopop Germany; lapsed) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)
Adaptations
Anime adaptation (till manga volume 11) by Madhouse featuring seiyuu Namikawa Daisuke (Tanaka Yukio/Koyuki), Ueno Yuuma (Minami Ryuusuke) and Saiki Miho (Minami Maho). Twenty-six episodes aired from October 2004 to March 2005 on TV Tokyo.
A BECK live-action film directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, starring Mizushima Hiro (Ryuusuke) and Satoh Takeru (Koyuki), premiered 4 September 2010 in Japan.
Related
Guidebooks: BECK The Guidebook Complete Edition (Japan release: 2010.08); BECK Live! -Festival & Movie Guide- (2010.07); BECK At Last 33 1/3 (2008.10); BECK Music Guide (2005.10); BECK Volume 00 The Guidebook (2004.03); BECK Volume 0 The Guidebook (2002.11)