Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts

New Series Coming Soon...

"Pochama ni"...coming...in June...

And if you're wondering what this is about...well...this guy has a things for women with a little meat on their bones ^^...ah, yeah...meaty girls rejoice!

Actually, this is a special and thoughtful series, and I'm looking forward to translating it.  Haha! It takes a pretty special first chapter to make me want to take on something of unknown length...

My Manga Purchases for May 2012

Here's what I bought manga-wise this month.

English Language
  • "Oresama Teacher" Volume 8
Japaneses Language
  • "Magnolia" Volume 4 + Drama CD
  • "Tempest" Volumes 1 & 2 by Aniya Yuiji
  • "Hebi to Maria to Otsuki-sama" by Uno Sanae
  • "Unknown" by Shiwase Yuki
  • "Joosama and the White Rabbit" Volume 2 by Oto Hisamu
  • "Paradise Pirates" by Yamaguchi Miyuki (Avoid this one! It's stupidly cliqued.)
  • "Sakura no Himegoto" Volume 1
  • "Wannin" Volume 1 & 2 
  • "Hachimatsu to Batafurai"
  • "Kanojo no Namida ga Yuki dato Shitara"
  • "Ramune Bannouyaku" by Matsuzuki Kou
Electronic English Language
  • Nura Volume 8
  • Blue Exorcist Volume 7
I haven't gotten through all the stuff in Japanese yet, by I can tell you that I didn't like Paradise Pirates and I could only get through the first chapter before I had to put it down.  It's like an old-timey Disney Princess ended up on a jolly pirate ship.  Yuck!

Manga I'm Looking Forward to! "Sakuran: Blossoms Wild"

Here's a title coming from Vertical on July 17th that I'm very much looking forward to.  It's from Moyocco Anno, the same mangaka who wrote/illustrated "Sugar Sugar Rune", but "Sukuran" is a mature title.  Anyhow, since reading series like "Yukarism" and "Oiran Girl", I'd like to see another interpretation of the Japanese courtesan world.  Here's a link to the synopsis (Link)

This book is available for pre-order through Amazon and there's currently a nice little discount.  Here's a link to pre-order through Amazon.

March and April 2012 Manga Purchases

Here's a list of my manga purchases for March and April.  I bought a lot of stuff...heheh...A lot of the stuff I bought in Japanese I'm evaluating for potential future projects.

English Language Manga:
  • "Kamisama Kiss" Volume 8 -- very cute as usual, 4/5
  • "Skip Beat!" Volume 27-- The dangerous sibling play arc continues! There's lots of action in this volume and we get a glimpse in Ren's side. 4/5
  • "Dawn of Arcana" Volume 3 -- It's still plugging along nice. 3.5/5
  • "A Devil and Her Love Song" Volume 2 -- I got tired of the one-dimensional mean girl "gag" and couldn't finish the chapter.  I do not intend to read this series any further. 2/5
Japanese Language Manga
  • "Furachina Sister" ~ Ominbus Edition by Morie Satoshi
  • "Oouso Swing" by Tsujita Ririko
  • "Setsugetsuka" by Morie Satoshi
  • "Megane no Incubus-kun" by Nakano Emiko
  • "Kage ni Saku Hana" by Tomofuji Yuu
  • "Ore to Atashi no Kareshisama" Volume 1
  • "Nobara no Hanayome" Volumes 1 and 2 by Toyota Yuu
  • "Neko no Machi no Ko" by Morie Satoshi
  • "Rex Fabula" Volume 2
  • "Miko Pape" by Saenaki Ryo
  • "Kowairo Henge" by Morie Satoshi
  • "Many" by Tsutsumi Kakeru
  • "Kurogane Girl" Volumes 1 and 2 by Kokoro Matsume
  • "Akagami no Shirayukihimi" Volume 7
  • "Vahlia no Hanamuko"
  • "DN Angel" Volumes 14 and 15
  • "Ouran High School Host Club" Perfect Guide
  • "Baroque Knights" Volume 1
  • "Hana ha Sakura Yori mo Hana no Gotoku" by Sakano Keiko
  • "Ojousama no Untenshu" Volume 2
  • "Kokyuu Days Shichisei Kuni Monogatari" by Sumomo Momo

February 2012 Purchases

Here's a list of my manga purchases from February 2012.

English Paperbacks
  • Oresama Teacher, Volume 7
  • The Earl and The Fairy Volume 1
  • La Corda d'Oro Volume 15
  • Dengeki Daisy, Volume 9
  • Black Bird, Volume 13
  • Stepping on Roses, Volume 7
  • Blue Exorcist, Volume 6
  • Natsume's Book of Friends, Volume 11
  • Otomen, Volume 12
  • A Devil and Her Love Song, Volume 1
  • Kamisama Kiss, Volume 7
  • Library Wars: Love & War, Volume 7
  • Dawn of Arcana, Volume 2
Japanese Paperbacks
  • Seirei Produce Volumes 1 & 2
  • Nanatsu Kururi Volume 1
  • Yuurei Apaato Karinin Volume 3
  • Ao no Rhapsodia

Kuroneko003's English License Wishlist

Have you noticed the serious lack of manga licensing in the US over the past year or so?  It seems like the only titles that have been recently getting licensed are BL, moe, or ancient titles that have already had their runs 10 or 20 years ago.  None of the recently licensed titles, with the exception of "Dawn of Arcana" and "The Earl and Fairy" from Viz's Shojo Beat, line have interested me.  This is pretty sad considering that I have money to spend.  I have no idea what's going on, but it feels like the Japanese publishers are withholding content.  This is a weird way to do business, but it's their business and their choice to leave money on the table. A girl can dream though.  So here's the beginning my US English license wishlist (not including OS titles, because of course I want those licensed):
  • Shitsuji-sama no Okiniiri  (The Fave of Mr. Butler) by Rei Izawa
  • "Hana no Kishi" ("Knight of Flower") by Mai Nishikata
  • "The Midnight Secretary" by Tomu Ohmi
  • "Yanki-kun to Megane-chan" by Miki Yoshi-kawa
  • "Kyou Kara Maoh!" by Tomo Takabayashi and Temari Matsumoto
  • "Migawari Hakushaku no Bouken" by Mimori Seike and Isuzu Shibata
  • "Baroque Knights" by Maki Fujita
  • "Tou Long Merry Rose" by Ritsu Miyako
  • "Corset ni Tsubasa" by Naoko Moto
Some of these I've read and others, I've only flipped through.  These are just the ones off the top of my head.  I'll be working on an ongoing list that I may add a as permanent page on this blog.  What are some of the series that you would like to see licensed in your country?  Please share :)
----------------
Links to other Wishlists:

    December 2011 Manga Purchases

    I meant to do this post earlier, but I hadn't made the time until now.  I'm taking a little break from translating before my brain completely melts.  "Ore to Atashi no Kareshi-sama" is turning out sweeter than I thought it would be.  I'm glad we are picking it up :).

    Here's a list of manga I bought last December.

    English Paperback:
    • "Kamisama Kiss" Volume 6 -- cute and wonderful as usual
    • "Natsume's Book of Friends" Volume 9 & 10 -- little a mini-vacation
    • "Dawn of Arcana" Volume1 -- A new favorite
    Japanese Paperback:
    • "Soredemo Sekai was Utsukushii" Volume 1 (by Shiina Dai) -- prepping to translate after we finish "Fushigi no Maria-kun"
    • "Yukarism" Volume 2
    • "Rex Fabula" Volume 1
    • "Magnolia" Volume 3 + Drama CD
    • "The Devil's Puzzle" -- Me likey!  Hopefully, we can translate this the second half of 2012
    Ipad
    • "Ai Ore" Volume 3 -- couldn't finish.  I'm done with this series.

    Preliminary Plans for 2012

    I'm now crafting plans for 2012.  We will be continuing:
    • Magnolia & Lily
    • Yukarism
    • Seirei Produce
    • Rex Fabula (Bakeneko's Lair)
    • Kemono Kingdom (Bakeneko's Lair)
    • Seigi no Mikata (Bakeneko's Lair)
    • Akagami no Shirayukihime
    • Ore to Atashi no Kareshi-sama
    • The Ghost Apartment Manager
    • Fushigi no Maria-kun (9 Chapters total)
    • Kuro Lala
    • Shiro Lala
    • Servamp (Bakeneko's Lair)
    We will not be taking on any new series of undetermined length unless something from Bisco Hatori or Akane Ogura comes out.  Instead, anything new we take on will be limited to 5 or less volumes (preferably one or two) or a one-shot.  This is to limit the length of our commitment to a series just in case I get a job or get bored with a series.  Here's a list of new series I have for 2012 (All are 1 or 2 volumes):

    • Ojou-sama no Untenshu (We are soooo close to finishing the first chapter!!!  UGH!!!)
    • Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushi (Shiina Dai)
    • Arashi to Doctor (Shiina Dai)
    • Akuma no Puzzle
    • Gensou Kajin
    • Furou Kyodai
    • Hana-Kimi 2009 and 2011 Tributes
    • Suzu Mousu
    • The Purity Conjuration
    We will continue to have themed one-shot seasons.  This winter, we will finish up Kuro LaLa and Shiro LaLa.  There will also be Hana to Yume Platinum coming in late January with more one-shots from our favorite mangaka.  This spring, we are planning a joint Fairytale one-shot party with The Zero Alliance.  There are a lot of fun one-shots we're currently considering :).

      Your feedback and comments are welcome.  I will add some cover art to this posting when I have time.

      November 2011 Manga Purchases

      I didn't purchase many books in November.  I guess it's because there wasn't a lot manga released.  Anyhow, here's a list of the manga I purchased this past November.

      English Language
      • "Princess Knight" part 1 by Osamu Tezuka -- Old.  This is nice as a historical artifact, but unless you have a young child to read this to or you're a manga scholar, I think you can skip it.
      iPad 
      • "Ai Ore" Volume 3 -- I'm done with this series.  It no longer holds my attention.
      Japanese Language
      • "Hana no Kishi" ("Knight of Flower") Volume 5 by Nishikata Mai -- I was hoping for some extras :(.
      • "Boku to Kanojo no XXX" ("Your and My Secret") Volume 8 by Morinaga Ai -- the series ends very satisfyingly.
      December will be a quite a different story.  Lots of manga was released in December in time for the holiday season.

      Manga Review: "Dawn of Arcana" Volume 1

      The Loving Spoonful:  The first volume of this series is AWESOME!  Nakaba is my girl and Loki is scrumptious.   There's a good mix of action, romance, and biting insults.  Oh, and the pacing is great!  It doesn't get bogged down in explanations or forced sentiments.  This series, so far, has everything I love. 5/5
      ---------------------
      It's been a long time since I've written a manga review, so forgive me if this one turns out to be crappy.  I really don't know where to start on this one.  Let's just say when I bought it, I didn't know what to expect.  Red-haired Princess, obviously brings to mind AnS.   It was a comparison I was ready to make as I read "Dawn of Arcana".  I'd say about 5 or 6 pages into it, I realized that this was no clone or relative of AnS (Actually, it's more along the lines "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen").  This is a truly strong red-haired princess, and her prince, though weak now, is no puss.  After that, AnS flew out of my mind and I was swept away with "Dawn of Arcana".


      First a short summary:   In order to bring peace between warring countries, Princess Nakaba of the northern country of Senan marries Prince Cesear of the Southern country of Belquat.  Princess Nakaba has red-hair, the mark of commoner, which has led her to live a life of ridicule.  Princess Nakaba is accompanied by her faithful servant Loki, a strong part dog, part man bishie.  Of course, the Nakaba and Cesear don't like each other at first and one of their fights, involving a knife and sword, degenerates into dangerous foreplay -- ahem... Heheheh...ah yeah...I don't want to give anymore away, because this is something you have to read and let yourself get carried away with.

      What I like most about this manga is that characters have bite.  They fight and they insult each other and the princess and the prince have a wonderful red hot tension between them.  Cesear wants to be strong and supported and Nakaba has enough strength to share.  But she is vulnerable as well.  Her life hasn't been easy and some sad back-story is revealed in this first volume.  I have the feeling some interesting political intrigue is coming in future volumes.  Oh, and did I mention that Loki is friggin AWESOME! Needless to say, I look forward very much to next volume of this series. 5/5

      Link to purchase "Dawn of Arcana" Volume 1 from the Omari's Sister Amazon store.
      ------------------------------


      Some parting thoughts:  I don't know whether this series opens the door for series like AnS and ZHD to get licensed.  I think in comparison, AnS is bland and I wouldn't put it out now because the comparison is too easy.  Reading something like "Dawn of Arcana" really highlights some of AnS's story and character weaknesses.  ZHD, on the other hand, is similar to "Dawn of Arcana" in premise and character strength, but with less bite.  ZHD has slapstick comedic elements that sets it apart and keep the story from going too dark.  I could see ZHD being a great companion to "Dawn of Arcana". 

      As for AnS, I've been thinking a lot about it lately.  I'm glad the pirate arc is over.  I thought pirates would be cool, but it felt to me as though Sorata didn't have the same love of pirate romance as other mangaka.  AnS is much better when it sticks to character interactions and slice-of-life themes.  That said, I'm happy AnS has returned to the spirit of its earlier chapters, and I look forward to the deepening of Zen and Shirayuki's bond.


      Gentle Shoujo Halloween Manga Recommendations

      I've been listening to podcasts and reading various manga critics' blogs and this week's popular theme is Halloween manga.  Unfortunately, most of the title mentioned are just sick, literary, or sick and literary.  Who the hell wants to read a bunch of highbrow manga with graphic violence perpetrated on humans and animals!? And since when has Halloween, other than the movies, been associated with serial killers!? 
      Ugh...so...I decided to make my own list of Halloween manga for us folks who prefer gentle shoujo manga with a little bit of the spooky and the supernatural.  Here it goes!

      Available in Print
      1. "Recipe for Gertrude" by Nari Kusakawa
      2. "Sugar Sugar Rune" by Moyoco Anno
      3. "Black Butler" by Yana Toboso
      4. "Chibi Vampire" by Yuna Kagesaki
      5. "Shinjuku Kiss" by Kazuko Higashiyama
      6. "Ghost Hunt" (there's an anime series too)
      7. "XXXholic" by Clamp
      From Omari's Sister's Archives!
      1. "The Ghost Apartment Manager"
      2. "The Scarecrow of Oz"
      3. "Furou Kyoudai"
      What are some of your favorite manga series to read during Halloween?  Please leave a comment with your recommendation.

      Art Of Cosplay


      Cosplay  is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi. Favorite sources include manga, anime, tokusatsu, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.
      Cosplay is basically describing a performing-art behavior of self-rigging out as a character with corresponding costume, accessories and/or parameters. Cosplaying is another way of fan art, is a mixture of skills as sewing, makeup and even weapons construction or wig styling, usually the cosplay itself becomes a masterpiece of work that costs even months to be made.
      Cosplay is the art of dressing up as your favorite Japanese animation ( anime ) or video game character.  Cosplay is a popular trend started in Japan that has made its way to the US. The art of cosplay is more than just a great costume. Capturing the true spirit and personality of the character is the ultimate goal. Most characters have a signature move or stance that they are identified by. It is very important to learn that stance and to be able to execute it properly. 













      One-Shot: "3 Hearts" by Ichinose Kaoru

      I love stories with handsome rogues, mysterious women, moonlit nights, and stolen treasure.  Ah, yes, the romance of it all is the best and, in my humble opinion, this one-shot delivers.  Sigh...I would love this one-shot to be translated into a live action or animated movie.  It would be so beautiful!

      Don't have many deep thoughts about this one-shots.  It's just a confections to enjoy.  I do wonder whether calling the main character "Jin Tonic" is a little bit of call back to "King of Bandits Jing".  In that series all the "Jing Girls" were named after mixed drinks.  I love that series and the follow on series "Twilight Tales".  Those series are out of print in English, but it you ever do find a complete set, I highly recommend reading the series.

      Update 05/19/2011:  Small Edits from Lakshmi that don't impact story.  Also added a note about reading Tarot cards (reversed "Wheel of Fortune" = very bad luck -- Thanks to Zuu for that bit of information.)
      Links to "3 Hearts": (Zip) (PDF -- mobiles and tablets)

      Silver Lunar, who did a wonderful job cleaning and redrawing some of the pages, made a nice parody of the title page:
      Hahaha!  It really does look like cover art for a Final Fantasy game :).  Thanks, Silver Lunar for the giggle.

      Next Up!
      I think I've kept you all waiting long enough.  I was planning to release "Twelve O'Clock Bells Rings" first, but I will get to work on "Junketsu + Kareshi"chapter 9 tomorrow.

      Going to Book Off -- Taking Purchase Requests for May 18th!

      I will be heading up to my local Mitsuwa Marketplace (Sanseido Books) and Book Off this week (Wednesday or Thursday).  If you have any requests for used English or Japanese manga or new Japanese manga books or magazines, please send me an e-mail and I can arrange to purchase and ship those materials to you.  Please use the "contact" link at the top of this blog to send me an e-mail.  Here are the shipping cost estimates:

      Small Priority Flat rate (up to 2 books): $5.95 US/$8-$10 (7 - 14-day International Airmail)
      Medium Priority Flat rate (up to 10 - 14 books depending on thickness): $10.95 US/ ~$35 International

      Magazines:  It's best to purchase 2 or 3 to take advantage of the flat rate priority shipper.  The minimum shipping on a magazine will be $10.95 because they are so thick.  That being the case, you may as well spread that $10.95 across 2 or 3 magazines or perhaps buy some books.

      There are other shipping methods that balance time and cost.  Just tell me what you want and I can accommodate you.

      All transactions will be handled through Paypal.

      "Yukarism" Chapter 5

      At last! Here's Yukarism chapter 5!  First off I would like to thank Ichigo Stars for some amazing redrawing gymnastics on the title page.  My socks have been completely knocked off by her skill.  I would also like to thank Suzume for her amazing redrawing skills as well.  Suzume has been working really hard to develop her Photoshop skills and I must say that she totally shredded the learning curve by getting this good so quickly.  

      Oh!  And we've got some new people helping out with the Proofreading and QC!  Please welcome Chibi Anime Freak and Anime Lover.

      A little warning about this chapter:  They get to nitty-gritty of Yuumurasaki's profession, prostitution, in this chapter.  There is no nudity, but it is quite clear what's going.  Actually, the scene is quite hilarious...but still I feel the need to warn readers.

      Links to "Yukarism" chapter 5:  (Zip) (PDF -- for mobile and tablets)

      Spoiler Alert!  Spoiler's Ahead!
      Kuroneko003 and Kuma-chan's discussion about "Yukarism" chapter 5:
      [Kuma-chan]: Man, I know nothing will happen but it's still funny to see Yuumurasaki and Shizuka!
      [K3]: That was hilarious!
      [Kuma-chan] I mean, they're both guys now so it's awkward but they seem to have a strange kinda friendship in the Edo period.
      [K3]: Are you sure about that?  I think Mahoro is actually Shizuka and  Satomi is Kazuma.  Shizuka seems more worried about general security, whereas Mahoro is somewhat possessive.   There's also the explanation of why Satomi lost his job -- excessive loyalty.  Oh!  And Yukari said Satomi's vibe didn't match Shizuka's.   I also think the snakey hair is the indication of some sort of mystical ability.
      [Kuma-chan]:  I'd like to see more of Kazuma though.
      [K3]:  I wonder now that Mahoro is feeling dizzy, will she too also start traveling to the Edo period when she falls asleep.
      -------------
      [Kuma-cha]:  I have to ask, why do you think he's being misled? It's not that I don't agree with you, I'm just curious to know your thoughts. I was thinking that the new guy might have hidden skills like Shizuka and Mahoro is protective and possessive of Yukari like Kazuma was of Yuumurasaki. But we might all be misled as you are suggesting.
      [K3]:  Sorry, but this may come out as incoherent babble...Mainly, my feeling is that Satomi's personality is more calm and subservient like Kazuma's and Mahoro seems more hot-blooded and passionate like Shizuka.  Honestly, Shizuka is a nutty fan of Yuumurasaki.  He's pays ridiculous amounts of money for her company. It's in the way they talk and their facial expressions.  For example, Mahoro's demand that Satomi leave mirrors the demand Shizuka made in chapter 3.    Also, there are visual cues like hair color.  More and anything, Satomi's continuous mumbling to himself about how carefree Yukari is about security and his general benignly servile attitude scream Kazuma to me.  While Mahoro's fangirling, hot-temper, possessiveness, and need for Yukari not to think that she's a bother seems more Shizuka-like.
      ----------------
      [Kuma-chan]:  I think I'd have to agree with your reasoning there with the Mahoro/Shizuka + Satomi/Kazuma thing. I kinda based my initial decision upon what I observed on the surface but their personalities are pretty important eh. And yeah, the 'get outta here' stuff is quite a parallel. I didn't even pick up on that. Doh! But I have to wonder, are Shizuka and Yuumurasaki actually lovers? Or does he just pay all that money for her company, and nothing more? 
      [K3]:  He's a customer.  Whether it goes beyond that, I guess we'll find out.
      [Kuma-chan]:  And this gender switch business is disturbing. Unless Kazuma isn't a love interest for Yuumurasaki.
      [K3]:  I don't think he was.  He seems more like a good friend.  Though, if Kazuma did love Yuukurasaki, it doesn't mean it translates into the present.
      [K3]:  I don't think we have to worry about anything explicitly same sex.  Betsuhana is VERY tame.
      [Kuma-chan]: Which would be strange because he's a handsome guy who's so close to her. Makes you wonder about the direction of the plot.
      [K3]: If Mahoro is Shizuka, then the question becomes whether he's crazy and killed Yuumurasaki and will Mahoro become jealous in the present day and kill Yukari.  I'm hoping it is like that because then the basic plot would be a lot like a movie I love called "Dead Again".  In that movie we are led to believe that the husband killed his wife out of jealousy and that they are reincarnated and brought together again so the same fate can befall them.  The woman is an artist in her present life and is obsessed with scissors, the weapon used to kill the wife in the couple's previous life.  The guy is a private detective.  The twist at the end, though, is that the man in present life was actually the wife.  Oh, how I love that movie!
      [Kuma-chan]:  Yeah, Kazuma might be a good friend who dies protecting Yuumurasaki. But I don't think the past will repeat itself. First, we don't even know if Shizuka actually killed the people in Yoshiwara. I'm willing to bet it was an enemy, perhaps of Shizuka since he seems to work for high ranked people. That scroll covered in incantations might have been an attempt by Shizuka to protect Yuumurasaki but it might have been too late. While he is scary and says things like "I can end your life" etc. I don't think he'd kill her. He seems interested in her because she's the only one that doesn't fear him and I guess she's like his friend. Though he throws money at her she doesn't seem to be acting all obedient around him and just trying to please him. She's herself. But Yukari's got himself in a nice pickle this chapter. XD As for the history not repeating itself part: I think whatever went wrong in the past will be fixed by Yukari in the present. I don't think he'll change history (though he might be able to?!) but I think he won't let the same mistake happen again in the present.
      -------
      Hahaha!  I guess we'll have to see in later chapters whether any of this speculation comes true :).
      Next up!
      Next up is "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 4

      Buy My Used Manga!

      Update!

      I have set up Paypal you can buy the books as a set from me directly and save on shipping.  Please use the Amazon Store link to see what I've got in stock.  If you want to buy a set of books, please send me an e-mail l via the "contact" link at the top of the blog and we'll make an arrangement.  If you want to buy one or two volumes, then it's best to use Amazon. *Wow I was tired when I first wrote this update.  I'm sorry about the previous illiterate babble*
      --------------------------
      I'm cleaning my shelves again to make room for new manga!  I've put some of my manga selection up for sale on my Amazon Marketplace store, "Manga4Sale".  All the books are lightly used and most of them look brand new.  Here's what's for sale:
      • Ai Ore! Volume 1 (Just Added!) -- Sold!
      • Mistress Fortune
      • Mixed Vegetables Volumes 4 - 8 -- Sold!
      • Tail of the Moon Volumes 1 - 15 --Sold!
      • The Lizard Prince Volume 1 -- Sold!
      I've done my best to price them decently and if you buy 3 or more, I can give you a discount on the shipping.  Just send me an e-mail to let me know about purchase so I know your a regular reader of this blog.

      Here's a link to my store:  Link

      Please Do Not Upload Omari's Sister's Projects

      Do not force me to do something draconian!

      I can't believe I have to say this again x2.  Please do not upload our projects to ANY of the manga aggregation websites.  Do not strip the credits pages from our work and upload them.  Do not claim that the work comes from another group and upload them.

      It is not fair to have a manga aggregation website profit from work they didn't do.  They don't share their profits with the original artist or the group that did the translation.

      My Manga Collection

      In response to Angelanime, here are pictures of my manga collection.  I have too much manga to write out a list. (I also hope you now understand why I want electronic manga):


      My collection is divided into two rooms.  I've sold off at least 300 volumes over the past 3 or 4 years to make room for my constantly evolving collection.  Haha!  As you can see, I'm almost out of shelf space again ;p.

      "Pika Ichi" Chapter 6

      "Pika Ichi" returns!  I'm glad I took a break from the series.  It allowed me to gain some perspective on the series and to see the next three chapters before deciding to continue the series.  Make no mistake, this series continues to defy logic.  Apparently adults do not exist in this story's world so it's basically like "Lord of the Flies".  By the way, I hated the book "Lord of the Flies".  For the most part senselessly violent children don't settle well with me.  Still, I like Tarou, Hanako, and Manaka and I'm curious about Dougen and Misono so I will continue this series to see the character study.

      Links to "Pika Ichi" chapter 6: (Zip) (PDF)

      Spoiler Alert! Spoilers Ahead!
      My Thoughts on the Chapter--

      In order to tolerate this series I've had to trick my brain into thinking that adults don't exist in this the world of this story.  If a child is witnessed being kidnapped, any sensible person would call the police and Manaka and Tarou should have contacted Hanako's parent's immediately.  With respect to Hanako's injuries, one of them should have called for an ambulance and reported an assault and attempted murder.  SERIOUSLY!  None of this makes any sense.  And what about Hanako's parents?  Surely they care that their daughter has been severely beaten by her classmates.

      I've looked at chapter 7 and 8, and what follows with Dougen makes no sense.  There is no forgiveness or association with somebody who leaves anybody to be severely beaten after finding out that offense for which the beating was ordered did not happen.  As far as I'm concerned, since Dougen didn't call off the other students at that moment, there is no redemption for his character. SERIOUSLY!  The same goes for that pop-tart Ibuki.  She's deserving of a bitch-slap at the very least.

      Okay...all of this said, I'm still interested the main characters and I want to understand an inconsistency that comes up in Dougen's past in chapter 8.  The rest of the stuff in the story senseless garbage and the only way any of this would make sense is if Dougen is somehow the Devil's spawn -- I mean this literally supernatural powers and all -- and he's trying to opposed his evil destiny using Hanako as his saviour.  If Dougen were the Devil's spawn, then that would be AWESOME and all would be forgiven.

      Next up is "Pika Ichi" Chapter 7 followed by the extras from the 4th volume of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen".

      With respect to on-going series that we have been releasing soon after the Japanese release, I have no news yet on how the earthquake will impact them.  What I do know is that national-wide, Japan is suffering from a power storage and manufacturing in general has been limited because there isn't enough power.  Also there is major infrastructure damage in the Kanto region.  I don't know whether printing is impacted or whether printing can be done in Southern Japan for the time being.  Anyhow...my feeling is there will be delays in the magazine shipments, so please don't expect "Magnolia", "J+K", or "Zoo" to be release early in April.  I will let you all know for sure what's going on when I find out for myself.  If the magazines are indeed delayed, then I will back fill with chapters of the new series, catch up on neglected series, and release one-shots until the magazines arrive. My first indication of a possible delay will be if Hana to Yume Issue 8 doesn't arrive on March 18th or 19th.

      March At Omari's Sister

      Phew!  February was fast and furious!  I hope all of you had a great Valentine's Day filled with candy and fun.  I'd like to thank all of the Omari's Sister volunteers for a highly productive month and for all their hard work.  We've really stepped up our game and I'm proud that we've been able to produce some gorgeous releases :).  Cookies for everyone!

      Onto March! I completed my jury duty service.  I wasn't selected for a jury, but still it was a worthwhile experience and I'm proud to do my service as a US citizen.

      I received Aria 4 today and "Pika Ichi" continues to improve.  Something pretty neat pops up at the end of chapter 8, so I'm pumped up again about the series :).  Magnolia chapter 8 is WOW!!!  I haven't stopped internally squealing since I saw it this afternoon.  J+K Chapter 8 is filled with yummy Aki drawings and we get deeper into the matter of Kana's brother Masayuki.  There's lots of good stuff this month from Aria.  Aria also starts more new series this month and next month.  I wish we could do more...but, we are swamped.

      I've decided to take a break from Orange Chocolate for a few months.  We will resume the series in June.   I'm sorry to all you OC fans out there, but the break is needed to refresh my perspective on the series so I can give you the best translation I can.  I can say, though, after the sports festival arc, the story does get back on track.  It's just that right now I can't handle the next two chapters of the sports festival arc.

      Here's what we have planned for March:
      • Magnolia Chp 8
      • J+K Chp 8
      • Pika Ichi Chp 6 and 7
      • One Shot: Vahlia's Bridegroom (joint with The Zero Alliance)
      • Akagami no Shirayukihime Chp 23
      • Yukarism Chp 3
      • One-Shot: World's End Garden

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