The Ghost Apartment Manager Chapter 9

It's been about 6 months since we released the last chapter of this series.  I think it just got lost in the shuffle.  This is actually one of the easier series to translate and clean, so there really is no excuse other than it slipped through the cracks. We should have chapter 10 ready in July soon after our month long anniversary celebration :).

In this chapter we begin to explore Crook's past.  He's as emo as he looks and it's pretty sad.  I don't want to say too much about this chapter because it's a good read.

On to the chapter!


Link to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 9: (PDF)

Next up!  Due to Diablo III and my inability to put it down, Magnolia Chp 22 is the only release I'll guarantee before the end of the month.  June, though, will be an exciting month.  We are planning on having a one-shot party for our 3-year anniversary.  We'll also mix in some of our regular series, but my hope is that we will be able to release the rest of the Kuro Lala and Shiro Lala one-shots we've been working on.  If all goes as planned, there should be a release at least once every 2-days.

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 8

It's been over 3 months since we've released a chapter of "The Ghost Apartment Manager".  I'm sorry to the fans and myself.  This is a special series and I think it's probably our most underrated series.  If you've never read this series, I suggest you give it a try.  The first chapter is really depressing, but once you get past it, the fun begins.

In this chapter we begin Crook's arc.  The chapters following this are beautifully drawn.  I expect Crook's arc will have a lot of emotional impact.  We also learn some more about Leo's death.  I have this awful feeling that Leo committed suicide or was murdered T_T.  I feel so bad that Sekka is holding some candle that Leo can be revived.

Anyhow...on to the link!


Link to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 8: (PDF

Next up...hahaha!  A bunch of stuff is swirling around the closest to being done is the one-shot "Komugi to Sekai no Ryouri-kun", but I can't say that will be the next release.  Please check the release schedule to see where we at with the releases on deck this month.

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 7

This chapter bids a final farewell to Kyariko, raises questions about Leon's true natural and status, and deals with Sekka's emotions around Kyariko's passing.  It's a nice transition to next ghost's arc and as usual, the story thoughtfully and delicately deals with Sekka.  He's such a sweet boy.  Onto the link!

Link to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 7:  (PDF)

My Thoughts on the Chapter:

I love that mangaka manages to make Sekka a full fledged emotional character without making him effeminate or super-aggressive.  I completely understand why he became at shut-in.  It can happen to sensitive people.  Anyhow, Sekka is opening up to the other ghosts and he's seems to understand his duty as a medium to help the ghosts pass on.  I wonder, though, when Sekka will start making friends in the living world.  Sure he's made a connection with Hashimoto, but that's not the same as making a connection with someone his own age.  I don't think Leo can pass on until Sekka becomes a full member of the living world. Anyhow, I really like Sekka and I'm cheering him on!

Leo -- he's in danger, but what is the danger and what's truly going on with Leo.  Did he know the ooze creatures would come after Sekka before he invited Sekka to live with him?  What would happen if the ooze creatures captured Sekka?  Why can Sekka see ghosts? Is there something about Leo's death that sets his ghost up for a crueler fate than the rest of the ghosts in this story.

This series is currently at chapter 11.  Next up is Crook, and I promise a lot of 2D crushed on Crook/Sekka and there's some LOVELY color artwork coming our way too :).
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Next up is "The Scarecrow of Oz" Chapter 4!


Also a reminder: Follow our releases on Twitter @OmarissisterRel

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 6

 

This chapter closes out Kyariko's story arc.  I like they way this student teacher relationship is closed our, even though it's bitter sweet.  For those folks who were bugged by Kyariko, she'll only appear now in the flashback.  I'm currently mulling over chapter 7.  Volume 2 of this series isn't scheduled to be released until mid-September.  The image quality of chapter 7 and chapter 8 from my copies of Princess magazine is dramatically lower than the other chapters from the books and the previous magazines.  However chapters 9 - 11 have high quality.  Should we wait for the tankoubon and put out chapter 7 in October or should we keep going and use what we've got?

Links to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 6:  (PDF)

Next up is the surprise one-shot:  "Akuma ni Itsukushimi no Te wo" ("The Hands the Demon Adored").  After that is a double release of "The Scarecrow of Oz" chapters 3 and 4.

I will put my thoughts on the chapter in the comments section later.

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 5

The zip for this chapter is watermarked with the same big and annoying watermarks on "Junketsu + Kareshi" chapter 9.  It seems that some folks haven't gotten the message, so I have have to resume the watermarking.  The PDF is clean, though.  Those of you viewing the PDF on a mobile device or a tablet will not notice any degradation in image quality, however, some of you with PC's connected to high resolution monitors will notice a decrease in image quality.

On to the chapter!  This chapter continues the Kyariko arc.  In it we learn why she's still bound to Earth, but we don't find out what closure she wants so she can move on to the next world.  Of course Kyariko is in love with one of her male teachers, but the story of her crush is told thoughtfully so I'm not foaming at the mouth in anger over the matter.

Links to the "Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 5:  (Zip -- watermarked) (PDF -- not watermarked, viewable on mobiles and tablets)

I don't have deep thoughts to add about this chapter.  It's nice gentle read, with a quick dirty zinger, and a bit of a shock at the end.  As usual, the side characters are very funny and Sekka seems to be getting some nice lesons about life.

Next up!
Next up is "Blue Rhapsodia" by Akane Ogura!  Please look forward to it!

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 4

 

Yep! We do have two releases today!  I hope you all will take the time to read both "Yukarism" and "The Ghost Apartment Manager".  "The Ghost Apartment Manager" isn't typical shoujo, but I hope if you've never read the series you will give it try, because it is a series with lots of heart and humor.  Here's a link to the first chapter. 

Chapter 4 involves dealing with the death of a pet.  It may cause a few of you to sniffle.  Personally, I always get a little misty whenever I see guys of any age cry.  Anyhow, like the previous chapters of GAM, Sekka is a downer while the ghosts around him are rambunctious and funny.

Links to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 4:  (Zip) (PDF -- for mobile and tablets)

Spoiler Alert!  Spoilers Ahead!

My Thoughts on the chapter:

I'm very worried about Sekka.  It seems that he's slipping back toward his shut-in tendencies.  It's also clear to me that Sekka is a character who is suffering from depression.  I wonder whether his thinking about tomorrow not coming is a little suicidal?  Hopefully, the ghosts will pull him out of that funk, though, I imagine people who are actually diagnosed depressed would tell me that it's not that simple.

Kago and his dogs are funny!  This dogs seems really likeable and friendly.  I normally don't like dogs, but when they are happy like this, I can tolerate them.

Sekka's situation -- he seems pretty much resigned that his own life isn't worth him living, but at least for now he's thinking about helping somebody else instead of being a 100% self-absorbed depressive navel gazer.  I hope now that he's agree to being possessed that some part of his consciousness remains present so he can experience "life".

Looking Ahead:  I've peeked ahead to the next few chapters and, of course, Kiyariko's regret has to do with unresolved feelings for a teacher.  Boo!!!  This is, of course, complicated because Sekka and teacher are male (let the hilarity and misunderstandings ensue...).  It looks as though the story line is handled with care, so although I hate this kind of plot line, I'm willing to give Fujieda-sensei the chance to play it through.

Speaking of Fujieda Toru, I'm reading her other series "Dragon Girl".  It's about a girl, Rinna, who wants to follow in her father's footsteps by joining a cheering squad at a specific school.  The first volume isn't all that spectacular, but once the drama gets started, it's quite compelling.  It's available from Yen Press in two omnibus collections.  Here are links to get more information about the books and to make a purchases.
Dragon Girl Omnibus 1 (Volumes 1 - 3)
Dragon Girl Omnibus 2 (Volume 4 - 6)
Both omnibus collections are currently on sale through Amazon.
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Next up!
Next up is the one-shot "3 Hearts" followed by our Halloween in May surprise one-shot "Twelve O'clock Bell Rings".  After that is the long awaited resumption of "Junketsu + Kareshi".

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 3

 

Here is the third installment of "The Ghost Apartment Manager".  In this chapter three new fun characters are introduced and immediately begin to torment poor Sekka.  Haha!  The apartment is getting more rambunctious ;p.  This is also the beginning of the first story arc which revolves around the female character Kiyariko.  

Links to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 3:  (Zip) (PDF)

Spoiler Alert! Spoilers Ahead!

My thoughts on the chapter:

Turtle Symbolism -- an anonymous reader wrote about turtle symbolism in a comment for "Kemono Kingdom: Zoo".  Considering that a turtle character has been introduced in this series, I think I should share that reader's comment now.

As for your question, the series lacks a reptile, but it also lacks a slightly crazy old person who is wise but uses that to take advantage of everyone.

Considering giant tortoises and tuataras are both reptiles and can both live extremely long times, easily over 100 years, either would be a good choice for such a character. It would certainly provide a lot of comedy opportunities.

Giant tortoises are zoo staples, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Tuataras like to sunbathe and have a third "eye" (light-sensitive patch) on top of their heads that could provide for some interesting mechanics in the story.

Old man Kame is very cute, but I wonder what his true condition is.

Dog-man and guitar guy are fun.  I look forward to seeing more of them in future chapters.

I don't trust Leon, yet.  And this chapter deepened my suspicions about him and his intentions.  What is he protecting Sekka from?  Is it in general or is he protecting Sekka from something specific?  Why does Sekka see ghosts?  Is he perhaps close to death himself?  Or has Leon known all along that Sekka is weak against ghosts?

The next chapter is a flashback to Sekka's childhood and his pet bird.  It looks like it will be a poignant chapter, so you may want to prepare some facial tissues.

Next up is "Kemono Kingdom: Zoo" Chapter 4!  I'm excited to see what baby Panda's all about -- Hee!

Tip to all:  the TV show "Being Human" is lots of fun.  I'm currently watching the American version of series on Hulu.

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Staff Affected by the Earthquake

In a note in Princess 5 Fujieda-sensei explains that she and her assistants were affected by the earthquake on March 11th and so, therefore, "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 8 will be delayed until Princess 6 releases in early May.

The first panel is them on 3/11.  The earthquake happened while they were working.  They hid under there desks while the bookcases were falling.  Panel two is them the next night, which they apparently they spent at a school.  It's warmer than they thought, but they think it will be cold in the morning.  Notice the little cat in the bottom corner of the panel.

I'm glad Fujieda-sensei, her assistants, and the cat are well.

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 2

 

Here is "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 2.  This is another introductory chapter.  In chapter 3, things really get started with the introduction of a lot of characters and the general story mechanic.  I think many of you will be surprised by the route the story will take because it seems so low key now.  For now though, Sekka and his interactions with the two ghosts are lots of fun.

Links to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 2:  (Zip) (PDF)

Spoiler Alert! Spoilers Ahead!

My Thoughts on the Chapter:

I really felt for Leo in this chapter.  It's hard to come to terms with the death of a child and it's kinda neat to see it from the child's side.  As a ghost, it's tough for the child to deal with missing childhood and the best parts of growing up in high school.  Leo probably would have been a popular guy and enjoyed school.  It's sad that he won't get to fully experience it.  I'm happy that he has Sekka to live vicariously through, though, it's a pity that Sekka is a shut-in.  Hopefully Leo will push him toward a more fulfilling high school experience.  Leo's methods, though, are a little devilish.  There is a little strangeness about Leo.  He seems a little possessive of Sekka, but I wonder whether it's an attention thing or whether it's over-protection.  Leo seems to really regret his own death and perhaps he wants to make sure Sekka doesn't die too.

Souichi -- He's nice comic relief, though, I would have never guessed that he was a player ;p.  Hahaha!  I had to pause and laugh for a few minutes after translating the page where Souichi tells the story of his death.  He's so proud of it.

Up next is our winter-to-spring transition one-shot "World End Garden" follow by a SURPRISE if I have time to get it out before Aria 5 arrives ^^ -- Heheh! *Grinz*

Series Debut: "The Ghost Apartment Manager"

 

"The Ghost Apartment Manager" is a little different project than we usually take on.  This series is about the friendship between two male protagonists and involves a bit of tragedy.  And now for the links:

Links to "The Ghost Apartment Manager" Chapter 1: (Zip) (PDF)

My Thoughts on the Chapter:

What attracted me to the story is the relationship between the two boys.  Sekka is obviously emotionally stoppered and Leo seems to be one of those shallow happy-go-lucky guys with lots of acquaintances.  Why are they friends? And how will they proceed in the situation they currently find themselves in.  This is a story about life and death and learning to live.  There's a lot of truth in this series as well as a lot fun and humor.  I look forward to continuing this series monthly.  Oh, and please feel free to give us some feedback on the series debut.

Next up is "The Devil Mansion's Teacher".  

Other Announcements:

• We are postponing "The Scarecrow of Oz" series until the tankouban are released.  The image quality from "Hana to Yume" magazine is too poor to reasonably work with.  My cleaners' time is precious and I don't think we would be doing the series justice by putting out something that only looks decent.  I expect the first volume to be released sometime this spring.
• I am compiling one-shots for the spring and summer.  I've found a lot of one-shots from some of our favorite artists and hope to bring you as many as we reasonably can without compromising our series.