Update: Removed NakaGress! 02/2012 from this list; it's postponed to the 22nd.
Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi/Shueisha
[Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media
Naruto inherits Minato and Kushina's resolve and grows stronger. With his new Kyubi-controlling powers, he succeeds in rooting Kisame from within Samehada.
Kisame attempts to flee with valuable intelligence on Akatsuki...does he escape?
So after a month's postponement, here's Naruto volume 54, originally sub-titled Heiwa e no kakehashi
(The Bridge to Peace), which compiles chapters 505 through 514: Nine-Tails Chakra, Opened!!,
Guy vs. Kisame!!,
A False Existence...!!,
How a Shinobi Dies,
The Bridge to Peace,
An Unexpected Forbidden Technique!!,
We'll All Go Home,
The Truth About Zetsu!!,
Kabuto vs. Tsuchikage!!
and Kabuto's Scheme!!
[*NOT Elex chapter titles].
Meanwhile, the even more patience-s–t–r–e–t–c–h–i–n—g Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle—I don't know how peeps could've born the one-year-and-four-months-wait if TRC didn't also serialize in Shonen Magz—asks: All this for a “dream”?
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle vol 18 of 28
By CLAMP
Sakura secures the payment for the Dimension Witch to reveal Fei Wang Reed's sweeping, fiendish scheme. Each memory, each counteraction gains a new measure of complexity, and despite realizing that they're playing right into Fei Wang Reed's hands, Sakura and companions persist on their chosen path...to the country of ‘Infinity’.
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle volume 18: Subete wa Yume no tame!?
(Everything was for the sake of “Dreams”!?) collects Chapitre 133 to 140: The Journey's Path,
The One and Only,
The Criss-crossing Future,
The Knights on the Game Board,
The Shoulder the Princess Leans on,
The Long Lineage,
The Girl in the Maze
and The Victory with No Joy
[*NOT Elex chapter titles].
New Elex titles
Magical Iroha by Inoue Kazurou
After a brief Shonen Star stint, Inoue Kazurou's Mahou no Iroha! incarnates into tankou.
Gloomy and unpopular middle-schooler Naoki finds his life of video games and ecchi books upended by the arrival of Iroha, a magical girl from the future, who brings Bad, BAD tidings: In the future, Naoki will establish a kingdom and be executed for his dismal adolescent life!
What's Iroha's stake in blabbing the future to our Loser Protagonist Naoki? She's his daughter.
Mahou no Iroha! debuted in 2009 in Shonen Sunday Super; three volumes were collected and released from April 2010 to March 2011. You won't be a stranger to the name "Inoue Kazurou" if you've read Love & Collage (Ai Kora), Midori's Days (Midori no Hibi) or most recently, Undead. [Continued after the release list...]
Elex Media manga and manhwa (2012.02.14)
- Absolute Peace Strategy (Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen) vol 4 of 4 by Ogura Akane [Finale]
- Aoba Bicycle Shop (Namiki Bashidoori: Aoba Jitenshaten) vol 2 of 20 by Miyao Gaku
- Arakure - The Wild Ones (Arakure) vol 3 of 10 by Fujiwara Kiyo
- Doraemon vol 14 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Right-to-left edition)
- Godhand Teru vol 35 of 61 by Yamamoto Kazuki
- [Series Premiere] Magical Iroha (Mahou no Iroha!) vol 1 of 3 by Inoue Kazurou
- Metal Fight Beyblade vol 6 of 10+ by Adachi Takafumi
- Mokke vol 7 of 9 by Kumakura Takatoshi
- More a Flower than a Flower (Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku) vol 3 of 9+ by Narita Minako
- Naruto vol 54 of 59+ by Kishimoto Masashi «Ex-2012.01.18
- Slam Dunk Deluxe (Slam Dunk Kanzenban) vol 4 of 24 by Inoue Takehiko
- Summer Storm! (Natsu no Arashi!) vol 7 of 8 by Kobayashi Jin
- Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle vol 18 of 28 by CLAMP
- The Tyr Chronicles (Tireujeongi) vol 11 of 11 by Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo [Finale]
- Yozakura Quartet (Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~) vol 3 of 11+ by Yasuda Suzuhito
 | Namiki Bashidoori: Aoba Jitenshaten |
Reissues
Released in 12 Shonen Gahosha Bunko volumes from 2009.10 to 2010.12
Related series
Sequel: Aoba Jitenshaten (18 volumes per 2011.10; volume 19 street date: 2012.02.29, ongoing)
 | Arakure 「アラクレ」 by Fujiwara Kiyo |
Other languages
English Wild Ones (VIZ Media: 10 volumes), French (Editions 12 bis: Arakure: Princesse Yakuza Tome 6 per 2010.10)
 | Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio |
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 2011.10.28, 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
 | GodHand Teru 「ゴッドハンド輝」 |
Awards/Recognitions
Nominee, the first Keitai Comic Taishō/Mobile Phone Comic Award (along with Ghost Sweeper Mikami by Shiina Takashi, Itazura na Kiss by Tada Kaoru, The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi and 16 other manga titles)
Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li 天生妙手 vol. 58 released 2012.01)
Adaptations
Live-action adaptation starring Hiraoka Yuta (Mahigashi Teru) aired on TBS from 11 April to 16 May 2009.
Related
Sequel: GodHand Teru - Kamigami no Souheki (debuted in Issue 2012/8 of Weekly Shonen Magazine)
Godhand Teru novels (15 volumes as at 2009.01)
Godhand Teru Complete Dictionary (2010.03); Godhand Teru Valhalla Perfect Guide (2010.03)
 | Mahou no Iroha! 「魔法のいろは！」 |
Serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (concluded)
 | Metal Fight Beyblade |
Volume 6 chapters:
24. Special Move, Not Acceptable!!
25. Perseus: Black Despair!!
26. Euro Battle, the Perfect Conclusion!!
SP. Beyblade VS The Sun: Sol Blaze, the Scorching-hot Invader
[*NOT Elex chapter titles]
Other languages
English Metal Fight Beyblade (Chuang Yi Singapore: five volumes as of 2011.11)
Adaptations
Tatsunoko Pro, Synergy SP and Nelvana collaborated on a Metal Fight Beyblade anime adaptation. Fifty-one episodes comprising Season 1 and the follow-up Battle Bladers aired on TV Tokyo from April 2009 to March 2010.
The Metal Fight Beyblade VS the Sun - The Movie: Sol Blaze, the Scorching-hot Invader animated feature premiered in Japan in August 2010.
 | Mokke 「もっけ」 by Kumakura Takatoshi |
 | Hana Yori mo Hana no Gotoku |
 | Naruto 「ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－」 |
Awards/Accomplishments
The American volume 7 won the 2006 Quill Award in the graphic novel category. Manga sales have topped 100 million copies in Japan, with over 89 million sold globally. Naruto is the #1 bestselling manga in Indonesia, with upwards of one million copies sold nationwide.
Other languages
English Naruto (VIZ Media: 54 volumes per 2012.01 • volume 55 street date: 2012.03.06; serialized in Shonen Jump USA), French (Kana: Tome 54 shipped 2011.11.04 • Tome 55 street date: 2012.03.16), Spanish (Ediciones Glénat Spain: latest edition #56; Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico; LARP Editores Argentina), Catalan (Glénat: latest volume #50), German (Carlsen Comics: Band 54 ships 2012.02.28; serialized in Banzai!), Dutch (Kana), Russian (Comix-ART), Polish (Japonica Polonica Fantastica), Swedish (Bonnier Carlsen; serialized in Shonen Jump Sweden), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: NARUTO火影忍者 58 released 2011.12) and simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi Singapore: 火影忍者 #57 per 2011.09)
Adaptations
Studio Pierrot and Aniplex's 220-episode anime co-production, based on manga volumes 1-27, aired from October 2002 to February 2007 in Japan. Seiyuu Takeuchi Junko, Nakamura Chie and Sugiyama Noriaki returned in their roles as Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke in the sequel (manga volume 28 onwards) that premiered February 2007 on TV Tokyo. Naruto Shippūden is still ongoing (episode 250 airs 2012.02.16).
At least five OAVs, eight films and three light novels have also been released:
OAVS: Find the Crimson Four-leaf Clover! (2003) · Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2004) · Konoha Sports Festival (2004.08) · Finally a clash! Jonin VS Genin!! Indiscriminate grand melee tournament meeting!! (2005.12) · Naruto: The Cross Roads (2010).
A short OAV was also included within the DVD Naruto x UT Original DVD
(shipped 2011.01.01).
Films: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004.08) · Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005.08) · Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006.08) · Naruto Shippūden (2007.08) · Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds (2008.08) · Naruto Shippūden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009.08) · Naruto Shippūden 4: The Lost Tower (2010.07), Naruto Shippūden 5: Blood Prison (2011.07.30)
Three light novels written by Kusakabe Masatoshi: Naruto: Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood (2002.12) · Naruto: Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2003.12) · Adaptation of the first Naruto movie (2004.08)
Jump J Books also released Kishimoto Masashi- and Higashiyama Akira's Naruto Dokonjo Ninden, an autobiographical novel left by Jiraiya,
in the same month as the Gekijouban Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower novelization (2010.08)
Related
So far, eight movie-based manga: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004.08), Great Clash! The Illusionary Ruins at the Depths of the Earth (2005.08), Great Excitement! The Animal Riot of Crescent Moon Island (2006.08), Naruto: Shippūden: the Movie (2007.08), Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds (2008.08), Naruto Shippūden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009.08), Naruto Shippūden 4: The Lost Tower (2010.08) and Naruto Shippūden 5: Blood Prison (2011.07)
 | Slam Dunk (Kanzenban) |
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 - 20 volumes per 2012.02.07 • volume 21 street date: 2012.04.03; and 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)
 | Natsu no Arashi! 「夏のあらし！」 |
Other languages
Traditional Chinese 夏日風暴 (Tong Li Taiwan).
Adaptations
SHAFT's 13-episode anime adaptation aired in Japan from April through June 2009, starring seiyuu Sanpei Yuko (Yasaka Hajime) and Shiraishi Ryoko (Arashiyama Sayoko AKA “Arashi”). A 13-episode sequel Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chū ran from October to December 2009.
 | Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE 「ツバサ」 |
Serializations/Other languages
Indonesian Shonen Magz (ongoing)
English Tsubasa (Del Rey: 28 volumes per 2010.11 and Chuang Yi Singapore: 28 volumes), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 28 volumes), traditional Chinese (Tong Li), Thai (Vibulkij Publishing), French (Pika Édition: 28 volumes per 2010.12), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain and Grupo Editorial Vid Mexico), Italian (Star Comics), German (EMA), Portuguese (JBC)
Related
Cardcaptor Sakura (alternate story) and xxxHOLiC (side story), among many others from the CLAMP portfolio
Adaptations
The manga was adapted into anime by Bee Train. Fifty-two episodes, starring seiyuu Irino Miyu as Syaoran, Makino Yui as Sakura, Namikawa Daisuke as Fay, Kikuchi Mika as Mokona, and Inada Tetsu as Kurogane aired for two seasons in 2005 (April-October) and 2006 (April to November) in Japan. One movie and five OAVs animated by Production I.G were also released: Tsubasa Chronicle the Movie: The Princess of the Country of Birdcages (2005.08.20) Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations (2007.11 to 2008.03, three episodes) and Tsubasa: Shunraiki (2009.03 to 2009.05, two episodes bundled with manga volumes 26 and 27)
Anime-based Drama CDs have also been released under the banner The Matinée of the Palace. The first, subtitled Chapter.1 ~Coral, the City on the Water~
, released December 2005. Chapter.2 ~Impossible Goal~
followed in February 2006. The final CD, Chapter.3 ~Unspeakable Lines~
, released in March 2006. Additionally, a spin-off series, Private High School Holitsuba, consisting of four CDs were released from 2006 to 2009.
Related
At least two anime fanbooks, three artbooks, two character guides and two OST guidebooks have been published between 2005 and 2009.
 | Tireujeongi 「티르전기」 |
 | 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)
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.]
¹ Sources: Elex STO 15 February 2012 (release schedule) and Komikologi and Gramedia Shop (artwork and synopses, unless indicated otherwise).
² All manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each except Slam Dunk Deluxe 4 (IDR 20,000/volume).
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).
Magical Iroha - continued
Other Inoue Kazurou manga
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Inoue Kazurou's anthology of Shonen Sunday shorts Aoi Destruction! AKA Inoue Kazurou Tanpenshū Aoi DESTRUCTION (Japan release: 2007.04) ever released here. For sure, his latest Ane Comi hasn't; the ecchi seinen manga is ongoing serialization in Hakusensha's Young Animal Island magazine (Jets Comics volume 1 published February 2011).
Featured series
Absolute Peace Strategy vol 4 of 4
By Ogura Akane
Prince Johanne and Princess Euda finally walk down the aisle, unaware that tragedy follows on the heels of the wedding and threatens the fragile peace between the warring kingdoms of Meteora and Cannan.
The final Absolute Peace Strategy collects chapters 15 to 19 plus an omake.
Slam Dunk Deluxe vol 4 of 24
By Inoue Takehiko
Tension ratchets as the Ryonan and Shohoku friendship match turns serious. With only a few points separating the scores, captain Akagi is injured, forcing Sakuragi to sub. As the clock ticks the last two minutes of second half, Rukawa re-enters the game. Can the powerful Shohoku 'double team' of Rukawa and Sakuragi capture the win?
The Tyr Chronicles vol 11 of 11
By Ra InSoo & Son ChangHo
Tyr is crestfallen over his older brother Roky having joined the Black Circle. Moreover, Ygg now lies in ruins, after Tyr's battle against the demon Worringnum. Can Tyr still save the brother he has searched for all this time?
Yozakura Quartet vol 3 of 11+
By Yasuda Suzuhito
A mysterious old man attacks Hime and Akina. Not only can he create monsters, he can even render all the youkai in Sakurashin powerless. Who is he and why does he know so much about the town and the Hiizumi clan's duty?
Other 15 February 2012 highlights
- Aoba Bicycle Shop vol 2 by Miyao Gaku: Musashi, a kendo dojo heir who'd rather practice anything but kendo, becomes intrigued by street jumping. With the BMX bike he bought from the Aoba Bicycle Shop, he covertly practices street jumps. But will his father allow him to continue neglecting the dojo and his duty?
- Arakure - The Wild Ones vol 3 by Fujiwara Kiyo: Sachie is kidnapped! But why does the kidnapper contact only Rakuto from the entire Asagi group? What ties Rakuto to the perp?
- Doraemon vol 14 by Fujiko F. Fujio: Nobita wants more national holidays on the calendar, so he persuades Doraemon into creating a “Lazy Day” — in which everyone gives in to his or her inner lazybones. But on the day itself, Nobita could just about die of boredom...maybe this wasn't such a good idea?
- GodHand Teru vol 35 by Yamamoto Kazuki: After seeing Mahigashi Kosuke, Teru's father, performing a surgery on video, Valhalla's director changes his plans for Teru and lines up Valhalla's best and brightest as Teru's mentors. What exactly is the director planning?
- Metal Fight Beyblade vol 6 by Adachi Takafumi: Ginga and friends advance to the quarter-finals of the Japan Beyblade World Congress to clash with the European rep Julius Caesar who manipulates Gravity Perseus. In the face of Victory at any price! Julius, Ginga's anger explodes!
- Mokke vol 7 by Kumakura Takatoshi: In her new school, Shizuru makes friends with a student possessing similar powers and others who are oblivious of spirits.
- More a Flower than a Flower vol 3 by Narita Minako: Kento lands a challenging role in the Noh drama Futari Shizuka. Challenging not only because Kento will have to muster his entire artistic arsenal, but also because he performs alongside a senior he dislikes.
- Summer Storm! vol 7 by Kobayashi Jin: Hajime and Arashi are trapped in the past because of Hajime's injury. While they puzzle over how to return to the present, someone approaches them. Are Hajime and Arashi in danger?
Still not enuf? Here are the other 15 February 2012 manga and manhwa
Level Comics: Ceres: A Heaven's Fairy Tale 4 · Air Gear 26 · Gurren Lagann 4 · Hotaru's Light 15 of 15 · Go-On! 4 of 4 · Lanfeust of Troy: Getaran Peramal · Smurf: Kekacauan di Desa Smurf · Smurf Bendahara · Smurf dan Krawakakrwa
m&c!: Gamaran 3 · My Lovely Class Leader 8 · Full House: Love Continues 4 · Meet the Banchou 10 · Cherry: Love Special Edition
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 · Angelzon.com (More a Flower Than a Flower and Summer Storm! covers)
Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen 「絶対平和大作戦」
by Ogura Akane
Hakusensha LaLa DX, shoujo
Volume 4 (chapters 15–19 + omake) first published in Japan 2011.02