Nice healthy list to kick of the new month. I wonder how KoUSA will influence it in the coming months and years? I’ll talk about that when I can.

Everyone go out and pick up the latest OtakuUSA. I should have a long interview with Peepo Choo creator Felipe Smith in there (though I don’t see it mentioned on the site… YIPES!!). What was great about the piece is that we were able to get art right when he was turning it into Kodansha. Chapter one came out right when this mag went to print, so it was almost like a simultaneous news release for a bi-monthly magazine… NICE!

Oh and don’t forget to check out the new site too… HYOUGE FACE!!

Just got the first volume of Mamoru the Shadow Protector and this is yet another great looking DrMaster release. Tall A5 sized with french-flaps and a great print job. The story isn’t too bad either for a bishojo title. Got to hand it to the Doctor, they know how to cure the summertime blues.

Not reading Shin-chan or Shirley then stop reading this site. Fun reading for all ages and demographics, what more do you need!

BROCCOLI INTERNATIONAL USA
Koi Cupid GN Vol 01, $9.99

CURTIS CIRCULATION
Otaku Usa Magazine Jul Aug 2008, $9.99

DARK HORSE
Path Of The Assassin TP Vol 12 Three Foot Battle, $9.95

CMX
Crayon Shinchan GN Vol 03, $7.99
Flat Earth Exchange GN Vol 01, $9.99
Shirley GN Vol 01, $9.99
Steel Fist Riku GN Vol 01, $9.99
Young Magician Vol 12, $9.99

DEL REY MANGA
Dragon Eye GN Vol 05, $10.95
Fairy Tail GN Vol 03, $10.95
Kamichama Karin-Chu GN Vol 01, $10.95
Le Chevalier dEon GN Vol. 05, $10.95
Pumpkin Scissors GN Vol 03, $10.95
Xxxholic GN Vol 12, $10.95

DR MASTER PUBLICATIONS INC
Four Constables Secret Of The Delirium Dagger GN Vol 01, $13.95
Junk GN Vol 07, $9.95
King Of Fighters 2003 TP Vol 05 (of 5)(resolicited), $13.95
Mamoru The Shadow Protector GN Vol 01 (of 3), $9.95

801 MEDIA INC
Devils Secret GN (adult), $15.95
Love Is Like A Hurricane GN Vol 05 (of 5)(adult), $15.95

HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
Avalon High Coronation GN Vol 02 Homecoming, $9.99
Warriors GN Rise Of Scourge, $6.99

ICARUS PUBLISHING
AG Super Erotic Anthology #84 (adult), $4.99

NETCOMICS
100 Percent Perfect Girl GN Vol 06 (of 10), $9.99
Do Whatever You Want GN Vol 03 (of 4), $9.99
Great Catsby Vol 06 GN (of 6)(resolicited), $24.99
Romance Papa GN Vol 03 (of 8), $9.99
Totally Captivated GN Vol 03, $9.99

RANDOM HOUSE
In Odd We Trust GN, $10.95

TOHAN CORPORATION
Cosmode #20, $23.99
Gothic & Lolita Bible Boudoir, $23.99
Hobby Japan #55 (Jul 2008), $12.99
Megami Jun 2008, $14.99
Newtype Jun 2008, $10.99
Replicant #31, $27.99
Robot Vol 10, $37.99

TOKYOPOP
Arcana GN Vol 09 (of 10),$9.99
Atelier Marie And Elie Zarlburg Alchemist GN Vol 04 (of 5), $9.99
Btx GN Vol 15 (of 16), $9.99
CLAMP No Kiseki Magazine Collectible Vol 12 (of 12), $19.99
Fever GN Vol 02 (of 4), $9.99
Fruits Basket GN Vol 20 (of 22), $9.99
Fruits Basket Sticker Collection, $14.99
Get Backers GN Vol 25 (of 39), $9.99
Guardian Hearts GN Vol 01 (of 8), $9.99
Kannazuki No Miko Destiny Of Shrine Maiden GN Vol 02 (of 2), $10.99
Lights Out GN Vol 09 (of 9), $9.99
Mark Of The Succubus GN Vol 03 (of 3), $9.99
Never Give Up GN Vol 08 (of 13), $9.99
Nosatsu Junkie GN Vol 06 (of 11), $9.99
Pick Of The Litter GN Vol 04 (of 6), $9.99
Private School GN Vol 01 (of 2), $10.99
Queens Knight GN Vol 12 (of 17), $9.99
Rave Master GN Vol 29 (of 35), $9.99
Suppli GN Vol 03 (of 6), $10.99
Third GN Vol 02 (of 2), $9.99
Zig Zag GN Vol 03 (of 7), $9.99

VERTICAL INC
Tezuka Dororo GN Vol 02, $13.95

VIZ MEDIA
Black Cat TP Vol 15, $7.99
Claymore TP Vol 12, $7.99
COWA GN Vol 01, $7.99
Gin Tama TP Vol 07, $7.99
Gun Blaze West GN Vol 02, $7.99
High School Debut GN Vol 04, $8.99
Hunter X Hunter TP Vol 21, $7.99
Kurohime TP Vol 06, $7.99
La Corda Doro TP Vol 08, $8.99
Love Com TP Vol 07, $8.99
NANA TP Vol 11, $8.99
Naruto TP Vol 30, $7.95
Prince Of Tennis GN Vol 26, $7.95
Reborn GN Vol 08, $7.99
SA GN Vol 05, $8.99
Shaman King TP Vol 17, $7.95
Shonen Jump August 08, $4.99
Skip Beat TP Vol 13, $8.99
Strawberry 100% TP Vol 05, $7.99
Time Stranger Kyoko GN Vol 01, $8.99
Ultimate Muscle GN Vol 20, $7.95
Yu Yu Hakusho TP Vol 15, $7.95

---

I wonder if Jack will be doing a special on this title in the near future…

Fairy Tail GN Vol 03 - This book is a very well done shonen manga that doesn’t overdo the story but is still fun, sexy and has a lot of charisma. The character development is some of the best I’ve seen in this type of series.

Maybe Pea can join him…

Fairy Tail GN Vol 03 - As with Jack, I’m curious about this series. It has just started in Indonesia and so far it looked promising with a lot of potential (and characters to remember). Mashima-sensei art has matured so no question on that. Bottom line, buy it! ^_^

Is it me or are Khursten’s picks becoming more and more fujoshi by the week?

This week, I’m recommending the newest fujoshi haven running in Jump, Reborn! Vol. 8. This series is very interesting and gives ample fanservice to fujoshis and curious readers. The author, perhaps a fujoshi herself, knows how to handle a plethora of young and agile boys without making them too gay and still keeping them in character for the story. As a fujoshi though, the characters are amusing. You’ve got dorky ukes, clumsy semes, and puppy ribas. I wouldn’t wonder if fujoshis just nosebleed with the endless possibilities in this series.

That aside, Gintama should also get some fujoshi loving too… Elizabeth x Katsura, anyone?

Resident fujoshi reviewer Julie chimes in with a title that has shounen ai tinges…

Dropping in for a few seconds before heading out to Anime Expo – My picks for this week are Flat Earth Exchange, because it has a nifty title and a really cool cover, and Shirley, because I hope it’s the next best thing to Emma.

While fujoshi wannabe Erin goes with an Otome pick…

Whoa! I thought Suppli got delayed. Will it really come out this week… REALLY?

I got my Otaku USA issue 7 last week at the local Kinukuniya looking for an issue of Morning 2. I did not find Morning 2… maybe this week?

I’m reading Cowa and it is the cutest thing ever. Toriyama + Werekoala = cute hijinks. Perhaps not as cute as Koi Cupid, I think my eye got a cavity just looking at the cover.

Brian… Fujoshi, otome, cosplayer, goth(no loli?)… I honestly cannot tell anymore. Otaku freak is what I want to call him but I am still waiting for a FotNS review to confirm that…

Nice big list this week. There are actually quite a few on there that I want but….

I’m totally getting Suppli this week. I was a little skeptical when I came into this series but after volume 2 I decided it is just too good to pass up. If you’re tired of all the teen-oriented romantic comedies on the shelves do yourself a favor and give this one a shot. Its look at work and love from a more mature and realistic perspective is just what I’ve been wanting lately. Please don’t drop this one Tokyopop!

But that doesn’t mean I’ll completely forget maids. I’m grabbing Shirley this week too. After following up Emma the 13 year old Shirley has some big shoes to fill…I’m not sure how it will pan out but I’ll give it a go.

Kakudo manga master Jarred drops his IRON FIST OF MANGA…

With a title like “Steel Fist Riku”, that just screams instant buy. I haven’t even read the premise or anything from CMX, but I already have about 8 different scenarios running in my head. (If you want to know what they are, you’ll have to pay me)

Of course, I applied the same illogic to Noodle Fighter Miki and that didn’t work out so well. Still trying to burn away the horrible memories with hard alcohol and black markers due to that mistake.

And Eva, on location in SoCal, closes this one out with a wrap-up of what else is MC good! She also shares info on ALA…

Howdy from Anaheim. Many of my favorites are coming out this week, so it’s hard to choose just one. I’m looking forward to Shirley from CMX. Even if it’s only half as good as Emma, it’ll still be better than many other books. Pumpkin Scissors from Del Rey continues to be a must read. And Vertical’s books are always beautifully produced, so Dororo will get a look, despite Ed’s lukewarm review. (Sadly, I could find none of these titles at ALA. Random House had all of the graphic novels tucked into a corner that was very difficult to find. Once found, the sales reps appeared to have very little knowledge about the books they’re now distributing and kept having to scurry off to find the answers to fairly basic questions. Which is really too bad, as down the aisle a ways, the graphic novel pavilion was busy and the reps were in fine form. Random House really doesn’t get it if they still think manga is “a growing market.” Um, guys? It’s grown.)

But my pick will be Nana from VIZ. The story of Nana O. and Hatchi is a wonderfully compelling melodrama that continues to rise above expectations. I can’t wait to read this one!

So Jack was been on hiatus for a while. Every MangaCaster is permitted his time of, no worries they all come back (looks at the inactivity from ErinF). I know this because the crew have manga hearts. Their arteries are filled with ink and tone. Their minds are designed to read in panels and our discussions are usually shared through dialog bubbles.

Jack isn’t an otaku. He’s a manga specialist. And every year Jack Tse discovers a manga that shakes him to the core. These manga have motivated him to move the mountains and the heavens in order to show his appreciation. Some of you may remember his Love Roma extravaganza which collected recordings and quotes from some of the mangaspheres brightest. This year another Del Rey property inspired the creation of yet another Jack Tse production special.

Let it be known that My Heavenly Hockey Club is Jack’s Best for 2007, with his MMHC Showcase Special… Bears, food, travel and all around laziness abound in what could be Del Rey’s funniest title yet (I’d say Nodame is more entertaining but yeah even a Morinaga-hater like myself cannot deny how entertaining this series is).

極楽青春ホッケー部 by: 森永あい

My Heavenly Hockey Club by: Morinaga Ai

Rated: 13+

Price: $10.95

Del Rey/Kodansha - shoujo/comedy

May Contain Spoilers
Click on badge to listen download the show (12min .mp3).

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Not sure if I missed this last week, but I don’t think this news has hit the greater mangasphere yet… But Dark Horse editor Phillip Simon revealed that Jarred Pine favorite Endo Hiroki’s EDEN will continue next year with a release scheduled for Feb 2009. Nice way to say Dark Horse loves you! Now go pre-order the book dammit!!

Check out the forum post…

Hello, friends — just popping in to confirm that our (direct market comic book store) on-sale date for EDEN volume 11 is February 4, 2009! Kumar’s well into translating this volume, and I’ll post again when it’s time to let your local comic book retailer know that it’s orderin’ time!

Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting EDEN — I’ll be here fighting to keep it endless.

Best,
-Philip

Hmm, sure doesn’t seem like Kodansha is pulling this license… WOOF!

1
×××HOLiC 13

by: CLAMP

Price: 560
ISBN: 4-06-375510-X
Publisher: Kodansha/Del Rey
Release Date: 2008/06/23

2
花より男子37
Boys over Flowers 37
by: 神尾葉子
(Kamio Youko)
Price: 410
ISBN: 4-08-846305-6
Publsiher: Shueisha/Viz
Release Date: 2008/06/25

3
咲 4
Saki 4
by: 小林 立
(Kobayashi Ritz)
Price: 540
ISBN: 4-7575-2316-5
Publisher: SquareEnix
Release Date: 2008/06/25

4
ひぐらしのなく頃に解・罪滅し編4
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Ato TsumiHoboroshi 4
by: 鈴羅木 かりん
(Suzuraki Karin)
Price: 620
ISBN: 4-7575-2307-6
Publishe: Square Enix
Release Date: 2008/06/21

5
ヴィンランド・サガ 6
Vinland Saga 6
by: 幸村 誠
(Yukimura Makoto)
Price: 590
ISBN: 4-06-314510-7
Publisher: Kodansha
Release Date: 2008/06/23

6
ひぐらしのなく頃に解・目明し編4
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Ato MeAkashi Arc 4
by: 方條 ゆとり
(Houjo Yutori)
Price: 590
ISBN: 4-7575-2308-4
Publisher: SquareEnix
RElease Date: 2008/06/21

7
ソウルイーター12
Soul Eater 12
by: 大久保篤
(Okubo Atsushi)
Price: 420
ISBN: 4-7575-2300-9
Publisher: SquareEnix/Yen Press
Release Date: 2008/06/21

8
すもももももも・~地上最強のヨメ~10
SumomomoMomomo 10
by: 大高 忍
(Oohashi Shinobu)
Price: 540
ISBN: 4-7575-2314-9
Publisher: SquareEnix/Yen Press
Release Date: 2008/06/25

9
ラブやん 10
Love Yan 10
by: 田丸 浩史
(Tamaru Hiroshi)
Price: 540
ISBN: 4-06-314514-X
Publisher: Kodansha
Release Date: 2008/06/23

10
無限の住人 23
Blade of the Immortal 23
by: 沙村 広明
(Samura Hiroaki)
Price: 540
SIBN: 4-06-314509-3
Publisher: Kodansha/Del Rey
Release Date: 2008/06/23

continue reading "Weekly Taiyosha Manga Rankings ~ June 30, 2008"

Last year DMP owned the Long Beach Convention Center’s dealers room. They took over the south side with a huge display/store/booth presenting their various lines and giving fans a chance to meet editors face to face. I expect this year to have more of the same but now they’ll be there with Kikuchi Hideyuki. Yeah the creator of Vampire Hunter D! Ohhh!

I was asked by DMP’s Rachel to interview Kikuchi. Hopefully we will lock down a date in the coming days… (mangacast.at.gmail.com)

Meet the creators of Vampire Hunter D!!!
It’s time for Anime Expo and DMP has some really great events over the weekend!

Anime Expo 2008

Things are busy here over at Digital Manga Publishing with Anime Expo this week. Be sure to check out all the DMP programming this weekend:

DMP Presents: Hideyuki Kikuchi and Saiko Takaki!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
2:00-3:00pm
WS1

The most famous vampire hunter comes to life in Digital MangaPublishing’s release of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D. This famous novel series has spawned 2 full length movies and word on the street is a live action film might be in the works!

The creators of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D are coming to Anime Expo to meet YOU! Kikuchi-sensei’s credits are long and wide including: A Wind Named Amnesia, Wicked City and Demon Beast Shinjuku. Saiko Takaki, an illustrator, was hand picked by Kikuchi himself tobring his most famous character to life in DMP’s manga adaptation.
Swing by to have all your questions answered, hear some insider information on future volumes and have a chance to win a dinner date for you and a friend with this duo.

For more information on the dinner date, stop by the DMP booth (#510) before the panel!

Hideyuki Kikuchi and Saiko Takaki Autograph Sessions
Saturday, July 5, 2008
1:00-2:00pm
Booth #510

Sunday, July 6, 2008
1:00-2:00pm
Booth #510

Bring your Vampire Hunter D related material and have it autographed by the masters! Kikuchi-sensei will also be signing his other novels and works.

DMP Industry Panel
Friday, July 4, 2008
4:00-5:00pm
LP 2

Digital Manga Publishing’s main imprint is adding a line of titles at new low prices! Find out what is in store for 2008 and 2009. Giveaways and great prizes are a given. So come with questions and be prepared to have a blast! But for questions about our yaoi imprint come to our panel later in the night! >_<

June Manga and 801 Media Inc Industry Panel
Friday, July 4, 2008
8:30-9:30pm
LP 3

The editors of June Manga and the mascots of 801 Media are back! Join Tomo-chan, 801-chan, a token bishie or two and the rest as they discuss all the exciting things in store for fujoshi across the country. Exciting title announcements, awesome prizes, pictures from Pop Japan Travel’s Fujoshi Tour and the usually silliness are guaranteed.

So bring your id (just in case of age restrictions) and sense of humor. You will be handsomely rewarded.

Hope to see you at Anime Expo. Be sure to swing by the DMP Booth (#510) for great freebies and excellent deals on books!

SF and comics a match made in heaven, or Canada. Street Fighter turns 20 this year and with the latest edition to the franchise coming this summer SF fever is possibly as hot as it has ever been. UDON’s artists are burning with SF fever and they want to continue to show their undying appreciation with a Prelude issue of their new Street Fight Remix series.

Expect a new challenger… I mean the Remix to start this August.

RYU, KEN, AND CHUN-LI RETURN TO COMICS WITH STREET FIGHTER® REMIX #0
New Street Fighter® Comics Launch with Special Prelude Issue

Toronto, ON
June 30, 2008

– Street Fighter® is back! After a nearly two-year absence from monthly comics, UDON is bringing Capcom®’s Street Fighter video game franchise back to the four-color page. The new Street Fighter comics begin this August with Street Fighter® Remix #0, a one-shot prelude issue featuring three all-new stories, each of which leads into a new UDON comic book series.

The first of these stories is Street Fighter® II Turbo, with art by the ultra-dynamic Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz (Sinbad: Rogue of Mars). Continuing UDON’s core Street Fighter storyline begun in the studio’s previous Street Fighter and Street Fighter II comics, Turbo brings the world’s fiercest fighters together for what might be the most important tournament of their lives. And with M. Bison running the show, you know the stakes will be high!

Next up, UDON makes its first venture into the world of Street Fighter® III in a story drawn by Joe Ng (Transformers, Red Sonja). Featuring a whole new cast of characters including burly pro-wrestler Alex, the towering giant Hugo, and sexy she-ninja Ibuki, Street Fighter III fast-forwards to several years after the Street Fighter tournament. Plus, alongside the original Street Fighter III cast, you’ll also find out what some classic Street Fighter characters are up to in this new Street Fighter era.

The final Remix story is a lead-in to the 4-issue Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li mini-series, focusing on the early exploits of Street Fighter’s loveliest female fighter. Long time UDON artist Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends: Sakura, Robotech) brings to life the adventures of a young Chun-Li, freshly recruited into the ranks of Interpol. The series will reveal for the first time the tragic events that sent Chun-Li on a collision course with the evil Shadaloo organization, as well as fill in the histories of several other important Street Fighter characters.

Between the upcoming live-action Street Fighter™: Legend of Chun-Li film and the new Street Fighter® IV and Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix video games, this fan-favorite fighting game property has never been hotter. Street Fighter’s 20th anniversary begins with the comics, as Street Fighter Remix #0 arrives at comic shops everywhere August 27, 2008.

STREET FIGHTER REMIX #0
Release Date: August 27, 2008

32pp
Full Colour
$3.95 US
Diamond #: JUN084287

熱病 by: 日下孝秋

Feverish by: Takaaki Kusaka

Rated: 18+

Price: $12.95

June - BL/Romance/Drama

Review May Contain Spoilers

Feverish follows the romantic ups and downs of two couples, starting with Chihiro and Kensei. Chihiro is a pretty boy, and he works as an escort. He’s the object of adoration and he has a group of loyal customers, but he’s in love with Kensei, and has been for years. Kensei is a hard working waiter, and so far, he’s kept his feelings out of the weird relationship with the pushy Chihiro. When Chihiro turns on the heat, will Kensei remain immune to his charms?

While the chapters featuring Chihiro and Kensei were diverting, they didn’t really have the strength to suck me in and keep me hooked to their story. I didn’t like the scheming Chihiro, despite the fact that his infatuation for Kensei seemed genuine. He just came across as a spoiled brat who always put himself ahead of others. I started to feel a little sorry for Kensei and how he was going to be stuck with this selfish guy and his manipulative tricks for the rest of his life.

Next up was the self absorbed Yoh and the object of his affection, Ari. Yoh is a model, and he thinks the world pretty much revolves around him. He’s also into collecting silver, and when he learns of a talented silversmith, he’s eager to add to his collection. There’s a catch, though - Ari only sells his works to people he likes. Hmmm. Somehow I think the two of them are going to have a few personality conflicts before everything is said and done.

Yoh was another annoying character with some traits similar Chihiro, though he did grow on me by the end of the book. He even develops a bit of a conscious and feels bad for how he treated Ari. I thought this was a captivating tale, right up to when Ari’s tragic background is hashed out, and then it sort of fell apart. His life-altering event wasn’t convincing, and it seemed a little silly, rendering the rest of the tale less than effective.

The art was pretty to look at, especially Ari and Kaoru with their long, flowing locks of hair. The cover is very striking - I love the textures and the hues as Yoh and Ari share an embrace. The illustrations maintained a high level of drama, focusing on expressions and body language as the characters traveled the perilous path to love and understanding. Well, Chihiro just resorted to his secret weapon to get Kensei’s attention, but I’ll leave that for you to discover.

Bonus chapters at the end tied the couples together and added some humorous moments to the book. Feverish doesn’t set any milestones and it’s fairly forgettable, but it was fun while it lasted.

AX is next week, so I’ll see you guys in two weeks!

Grade: C+

This review was written by Julie for the MangaCast. Please drop by the Manga Maniac Cafe and check out the menu. There’s always tasty reviews on display!

Review copy provided by June

Anime Expo is only days away now. I’ve got my airline tix, my work schedule and am working on my dinner schedule. Manga once again has a strong presence at this major anime con and I believe I should be able to get a few audio clips to share with you all.

Anime Expo 2008
the West Coasts Largest Anime Con

Los Angeles Convention Center
July 3-6
http://www.anime-expo.org/
Schedule PDF

Thursday, July 3

16:00~17:00
Manga: Ultimate Publisher Showdown 2008
Hosted by Jason Thomspon

Location: LACC Room 411
(Open to Press and Industry only)

The American manga industry is still going strong, but what’s next? Will OEL, manhwa and digital delivery change the future? What about the shakeups and magazine cancellations sweeping the manga industry in Japan? Join America’s premiere manga publishers for a no-holds-barred discussion.

18:00~19:30
Anime and Manga in Academia

Location: LACC 515A

Quiet first day but with Jason’s Pub Showdown I would expect the editors/publishers present would need a day or two off. I hope the showdown is more of a throwdown like last year’s. The battles between niche and mainstream were intriguing. With pubs struggling and the industry clearly in a correction phase, I wonder which direction the conversation is going to go in this time.

Manga in academia… Geh, I guess. The occasional thesis on manga is cool, but occasionally I feel that academic reports is based too much on theoretical analysis instead of fact and investigative research. And I say that because I’ve been guilty of this…

Friday, July 4

10:30~11:30
Technology, Entertainment and Licensing

Location: LACC 411

The stage is being set for massive change in technology, electronic entertainment and licensing. New technologies, such as BluRay, have been disrupting current business models and are creating entirely new ones in their place. Mobile operators have aggressively pursued services and channels, including games and programs, to boost data spending.

Cross-licensing, synchronized releases of products, combined with marketing plans designed to leverage shared audiences, are rewriting the way companies market properties, drive revenues and, most importantly, work in partnerships with others. Mobile entertainment, product development, and electronic entertainment executives discuss how their interests and
objectives dovetail with those of the anime and manga industries.

What are they looking for from their alliance with the growing industry? How do anime and manga enhance their own brands? Where are the untapped opportunities for collaboration? Are there efforts to develop original and unique Intellectual Properties through early collaboration? How are these other industries enhancing their profits by maximizing their relationship with the anime and manga industries? As the success of each entertainment silo begins to depend increasingly gains of others, knowing how our potential partners think can only translate into better business opportunities for all.

11:00~12:00
Aurora Publishing
One Year Birthday Party!

Location: LACC 515A

Celebrate Aurora Pub’s first year anniversary with their crew and their readers!

12:00~13:00
Viz Media Anime & Manga Panel

Location: LACC 502A

13:00~14:00
Dark Horse 20th Anniversary Panel

Location: LACC 502A

16:00~17:00
Aimee Steinberger’s Japan Ai

Location: LACC 515A

17:00~18:00
DMP Books

Location: LACC 502A

18:30~19:30
Wendy Pini’s “Masque of the Red Death”

Location: LACC 515A
18+ only: Please Provide ID

20:30-21:30
June Manga & 801 Media

Location: LACC 515A
18+ only: Please Provide ID

The editors of June Manga and the mascots of 801 Media Inc. are back!

Join Tomo-chan, 801-chan, a token bishie or two and the rest as they discuss all the exciting things in store for fujoshi across the country. Exciting title announcements, awesome prizes, pictures from Pop Japan Travel’s Fujoshi Tour and the usually silliness are guaranteed.

Sex, boys and boys having sex with other boys are the only topics of discussion allowed.

Oh there are going to be fireworks on this Fourth! Masque, Aimee, bishies, Shounen Jump, josei birthdays, anniversaries and digital distribution… Hold on let me catch my breathe… (cough) Long day and there should be at least a few announcements (looks at June/801 and Aurora)

Saturday, July 5

10:00~11:00
Tokyopop

Location: 502A

11:00~12:00
Go! Comi

Location: 515A

11:30~12:30
Manga as High Art: Self Defense for the Otaku

Location: LACC 304

15:30~16:30
Broccoli Books

Location: LACC 515A

Fun talk & give-aways. Come and join us!

17:30~18:30
CMX: Manga for the Masses

Location: LACC 502A

21:00~22:00
le Peruggine: Winter Demon

Location: LACC 515A
16+ only

Another long day but in my opinion a more entertaining day. Broccoli on the schedule always guarantees an entertaining and informative look at the industry. Go! Comi always seems to put on a good show. I’m hoping they bring a few surprises (BTW, I was pleasantly surprised by Kamisama Kazoku). Oh and if you happen to be around at 5:30p you might see me on the CMX panel… I might ask you for a ride to the airport.

Sunday, July 6

11:00~12:00
COSMODE

Location: LACC 515A

12:30~13:30
An Introduction to Romance Manga

Location: LACC 411
16+ only

Cosmode!!! And uh, umm well time to go home. See you at SDCC!!

Manga Pubs in the Dealers Room… Go say hi and buy some books!
Aurora Publishing, Inc.
Bandai Entertainment
Broccoli Books
Dark Horse Comics
DC Comics / CMX
Digital Manga Inc.
DrMaster Publications
Go! Comi
Manga University
Media Blasters
Netcomics
Otaku USA Magazine
Udon Entertainment
Yaoi Press

ABRAMS
MANGA SHAKESPEARE JULIUS CAESAR GN SRP: $9.95
MANGA SHAKESPEARE MACBETH GN SRP: $9.95

Anime Works
EIKEN GN VOL 11 (MR) SRP: $10.99
STRAWBERRY CHAN GN VOL 02 SUPER COOL LIFE (MR) SRP: $11.99

Antarctic Press
FAR WEST PKT MANGA TP VOL 01 (MR) SRP: $14.95
GOLD DIGGER ANNUAL 2008 SRP: $4.50
GOLD DIGGER II PKT MANGA TP VOL 05 ) SRP: $14.95
GOLD DIGGER TIFFANY & CHARLOTTE #4 (OF 4) SRP: $3.50
LAND OF OZ MANGA #4 (OF SRP: $2.99
NINJA HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2008 SRP: $4.50
PIRATES VS NINJAS ANNUAL 2008 SRP: $3.50

Aurora
HITOHIRA GN VOL 01 (OF 4) (C: 0-1-2) SRP: $10.95

Bandai Ent
CODE GEASS NOVEL STAGE 0 ENTRANCE SRP: $8.99
GHOST SLAYERS AYASHI GN VOL 01 SRP: $9.99

Broccoli Books
DISGAEA 2 GN VOL 03 SRP: $9.99
NUI GN VOL 02 SRP: $9.99

CMX
ASTRAL PROJECT VOL 01 (MR) SRP: $12.99
SUIHELIBE VOL 01 SRP: $9.99
CRAYON SHINCHAN VOL 05 (MR) SRP: $7.99
BATMAN DEATH MASK COLLECTED EDITION SRP: $9.99
DOROTHEA VOL 03 (MR) SRP: $12.99
GON VOL 06 SRP: $5.99
I HATE YOU MORE THAN ANYONE VOL 06 SRP: $9.99
KIICHI AND THE MAGIC BOOKS VOL 03 SRP: $9.99
TEARS OF A LAMB VOL 04 SRP: $9.99

Dark Horse
BLOOD PLUS GN VOL 04 SRP: $10.95
BLOOD PLUS NOVEL VOL 03 BOY MEETS GIRL SRP: $8.95
APPLESEED TP VOL 04 PROMETHEAN BALANCE 3RD ED (RES) SRP: $14.95
BERSERK TP VOL 26 (MR) SRP: $13.95
TRIGUN MAXIMUM TP VOL 13 DOUBLE DUEL SRP: $9.95

Del Rey
FAIRY TAIL GN VOL 04 SRP: $10.95
GACHA GACHA NEXT REVOLUTION GN VOL 08 (MR) SRP: $12.95
KAGETORA GN VOL 11 SRP: $10.95
KAMICHAMA KARIN-CHU GN VOL 02 SRP: $10.95
MY HEAVENLY HOCKEY CLUB GN VOL 06 SRP: $10.95
PASTEL GN VOL 12 (MR) SRP: $10.95
PHOENIX WRIGHT ACE ATTORNEY GN VOL 01 SRP: $14.95 *** NOTE PRICE
SUGAR SUGAR RUNE GN VOL 08 SRP: $10.95
SUZUKA GN VOL 09 (MR) SRP: $13.95
WALLFLOWER GN VOL 17 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) SRP: $10.95

Deux
KISS ALL THE BOYS GN VOL 03 (OF 3) (A) SRP: $12.95
MISTER MISTRESS GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (A) SRP: $12.95
OH MY GOD GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $12.95

DMP Books
RED ANGEL GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $12.95

DrMaster Books
FOUR CONSTABLES SECRET DELIRIUM DAGGER GN VOL 02 SRP: $13.95
MAMORU THE SHADOW PROTECTOR GN VOL 02 (OF 3) SRP: $9.95
NEPHYLYM GN VOL 01 SRP: $9.95

801 Media
FALLING INTO LOVE GN (A) SRP: $15.95

Go! Comi
CY BELIEVERS GN VOL 04 (OF 4) (MR) SRP: $10.99
KAMISAMA KAZOKU GN VOL 03 (OF 5) (MR) SRP: $10.99
SONG OF THE HANGING SKY GN VOL 02 (OF 3) (MR) SRP: $10.99
THREE IN LOVE GN VOL 02 (OF 5) (MR) SRP: $10.99
ULTIMATE VENUS GN VOL 03 (OF 5) (MR) SRP: $10.99

Icarus
AQUA BLESS GN (A) SRP: $19.95
A G SUPER EROTIC ANTHOLOGY #91 (A) SRP: $4.99
A G SUPER EROTIC ANTHOLOGY #92 (A) SRP: $4.99
A G SUPER EROTIC ANTHOLOGY MEGA BUNDLE #11 (A) SRP: $18.00

June
PASSIONATE THEORY GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
SHY INTENTIONS GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
TOTAL SURRENDER GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
YOU MAKE MY HEAD SPIN GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
GOD OF DOGS GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
KABUKI GN VOL 01 (OF 4) FLOWER (MR) SRP: $12.95
MILLENNIUM DARLING 2006 GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
PATHOS GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $12.95
ROMANTIC ILLUSIONS GN (MR) SRP: $12.95
SUNFLOWER GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $12.95
TOMORROWS ULTERIOR MOTIVES GN VOL 02 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $12.95

Kiity Press
CRIMSON SPELL GN VOL 02 (A) SRP: $11.99

NETOCMICS
100 PERCENT PERFECT GIRL GN VOL 07 (OF 10) SRP: $9.99

PICTUREBOX
TRAVEL SRP: $19.95

Seven Seas
AFRO SAMURAI SC VOL 01 (OF 2) (MR) SRP: $10.99
AVALON WEB OF MAGIC NOVEL VOL 05 SPELLSINGER SRP: $5.95
VAMP LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01 SRP: $7.95

TOKYOPOP
FATE STAY NIGHT GN VOL 01 (OF 5) SRP: $9.99
GHOSTBUSTERS GN SRP: $10.99
DOT HACK SIGN GU GN VOL 03 (OF 4) SRP: $9.99
DOT HACK XXXX GN VOL 02 (OF 2) SRP: $9.99
WARCRAFT LEGENDS GN VOL 02 (OF 5) SRP: $10.99
BATTLE ROYALE ULTIMATE ED HC VOL 04 (OF 5) (MR) SRP: $24.99
DRAMACON ULTIMATE ED HC SRP: $19.99
FRUITS BASKET 18 MONTH PLANNER SRP: $12.99
GOTH NOVEL OF HORROR SRP: $12.99
KYO KARA MAOH GN VOL 01 (OF 3) SRP: $9.99
9 LIVES GN VOL 01 (OF 3) SRP: $9.99
ELEMENTAL GELADE GN VOL 09 (OF 13) SRP: $9.99
INITIAL D GN VOL 32 (OF 36) SRP: $9.99
MISSILE HAPPY GN VOL 04 (OF 5) SRP: $9.99
SILVER DIAMOND GN VOL 02 SRP: $9.99
VB ROSE GN VOL 04 (OF 11) SRP: $9.99

udon
APPLE ANTHOLOGY GN VOL 02 (MR) SRP: $34.95
MAGICAL JXR GN VOL 04 SRP: $11.95
STREET FIGHTER TRIBUTE TP SRP: $39.99

Vertical
TEZUKAS BLACK JACK PX HC VOL 01 SRP: $24.95

Viz Media
SHOJO BEAT NOV 08 SRP: $5.99
SHONEN JUMP NOV 08 SRP: $4.99
NARUTO COLLECTOR MAGAZINE #6 SRP: $9.99
UZUMAKI GN VOL 01 2ND ED (MR) SRP: $9.99
BLEACH SOULS OFFICIAL CHARACTER BOOK SRP: $14.99
ART OF BLEACH HC SRP: $19.99
SOLANIN GN SRP: $17.99
REAL GN VOL 02 SRP: $12.99
NAOKI URASAWAS MONSTER TP VOL 17 SRP: $9.99
BLACK LAGOON GN VOL 02 (MR) SRP: $12.99
VAGABOND TP VOL 28 (MR) SRP: $9.95
RUROUNI KENSHIN VIZBIG ED GN VOL 04 (OF 9) SRP: $17.99
LEGEND OF ZELDA GN VOL 01 SRP: $7.99
DRAGON BALL Z COLLECTORS ED HC VOL 01 SRP: $19.99
DRAGON BALL COLLECTORS ED HC VOL 01 SRP: $19.99
DRAGON DRIVE TP VOL 10 SRP: $7.99
HIKARU NO GO TP VOL 13 SRP: $7.99
HOSHIN ENGI TP VOL 09 SRP: $7.99
KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC TP VOL 24 SRP: $7.95
MUHYO ROJIS BUREAU SUPER INVEST TP VOL 07 SRP: $7.99
ONE PIECE TP VOL 19 SRP: $7.95
DEATH NOTE BOX SET SRP: $99.99
NORA LAST CHRONICLE OF DEVILDOM GN VOL 01 SRP: $7.99
ROSARIO VAMPIRE GN VOL 03 SRP: $7.99
RAL OMEGA GRAD GN VOL 02 SRP: $7.99
EYESHIELD 21 TP VOL 22 SRP: $7.99
REBORN GN VOL 09 SRP: $7.99
STRAWBERRY 100 % TP VOL 06 SRP: $7.99
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST TP VOL 17 SRP: $9.99
ONE POUND GOSPEL GN VOL 03 2ND ED SRP: $9.99
INU YASHA TP VOL 35 SRP: $8.95
GIMMICK GN VOL 03 SRP: $9.99
INUBAKA CRAZY FOR DOGS TP VOL 11 SRP: $9.99
LAW OF UEKI TP VOL 14 SRP: $9.99
NIGHTMARE INSPECTOR YUMEKUI KENBUN GN VOL 04 SRP: $9.99
O PARTS HUNTER TP VOL 12 SRP: $9.99
ZATCH BELL GN VOL 21 SRP: $9.99
BLANK SLATE GN VOL 01 SRP: $8.99
TIME STRANGER KYOKO GN VOL 02 SRP: $8.99
TAIL OF THE MOON TP VOL 13 SRP: $8.99
ART OF FULL MOON HC SRP: $19.99
BABY & ME GN VOL 10 SRP: $8.99
BEAUTY POP TP VOL 09 SRP: $8.99
CRIMSON HERO TP VOL 09 SRP: $8.99
LA CORDA DORO TP VOL 09 SRP: $8.99
RED RIVER GN VOL 23 SRP: $9.99

Yaoi Press
DARK PRINCE GN VOL 03 (OF 3) (A) SRP: $12.95

Yen Press
YEN PLUS MAGAZINE #3 OCT 2008 SRP: $8.99
CHOCOLAT GN VOL 06 (RES) SRP: $10.99
SPIRAL BONDS OF REASONING TP VOL 05 SRP: $10.99

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cancellations:
1- Lateness
3- Cancelled by Previews
4- Cancelled by Publisher

June
SWEET WHISPER GN 4

Infinity
CHIBIMONO VOL 1 GN 1
KISS FOR MY PRINCE GN VOL 03 1
NOW VOL 4 GN 1
SWEETY GN VOL 03 1
ZERO VOL 4 GN 1

NETCOMICS
OPERATION LIBERATE MEN GN VOL 04 3

Whew. Hi Mangacast readers! Brian here. Finally settling into summer mode here and thanks to finally finding an internship I’ve got a nice little train commute. Not much goes better with a early morning train ride than some coffee and a manga which means its time for me to get back into the saddle, so to speak. That and this huge pile of review manga is making me feel guilty…but you aren’t here to hear about me. On with the manga!

Two flowers for the Dragon by Nari Kusakawa

Rated: T for mild violence and suggestive situations.

Price: $9.99

Published by CMX in the U.S., originally by Hakusensha, Inc in Japan.

Shojo romance

Review my contain spoilers and is based on a copy provided by the publisher.

The heroine of the story is Shakuya, princess of the Dragon Clan. She has the ability to transform into a dragon, control water and lightning, and is everything a fantasy shojo story princess should be. Energetic, cute, slightly headstrong, tomboyish and able to take care of herself; except for when she needs to be saved by her dashing fiancee. Actually, make that fiancees. You see, when she was young she was promised to a man named Lucien but one day he disappeared in the desert that surrounding their oasis town. After waiting a little while for him to return she was eventually promised to another man, Kuwan.

The story kicks off with Lucien suddenly coming back. His excuse for being gone so long? Our good friend Amnesia. He just figured out that this tattoo on his hand (matching one on Shakuya) meant that he was engaged to the princess of the Dragon Clan. Now with two fiances, Shakuya’s mom does what any good parent would do. She holds a contest for her daughter’s heart! Shakuya has a tattoo on either hand. One is of a rose and represents her engagement to Lucien and the other, a bellflower, to Kuwan. Due to her dragon blood these tattoos grow as her love for the person deepens. The contest is whoever can make their tattoo grow the most during the following year will win her hand in marriage.

Kuwan, the dark haired, down to earth, gruff but attentive and caring type has a head start but that isn’t going to stop Lucien. He is your shojo style playboy. A blond haired, charismatic, teasing jerk who lays it on thick and basically begins forcing his way back into Shakuya’s life. She wants to hate him, but can’t resist his charms. All the while, her servants and townspeople immediately fall into rabid fangirl mode over either one of the suitors. Let the betting begin!

While reading Two Flowers the story was light and entertaining but I kept thinking “Haven’t I read this before?” As the story moved along the characters followed their archetype a little too well. I was generally able to guess what was going to happen next so there were very few surprises. Another problem was a lack of prolonged suspense. Each time Shakuya got into a pinch she would either turn into a dragon and blast her way out or one of her suitors would show up and rescue her in a grand romantic fashion. The book does end with a little cliffhanger so this problem may be remedied in later volumes.

That isn’t to say that this is a bad book. The story is fairly well paced, rarely confusing, and the artwork strikes a nice balance between stylized and detailed. It doesn’t forge new grounds, but not everything out there can. The book is rated T for mild violence and suggestive situations and I think its appropriate for the younger audience in that spectrum. Parents would want to check out the second chapter to make their own conclusions. It features a sword tournament that develops some complications. The ’situations’ in this volume are limited to some (tame) bath scenes with Shakuya and Lucien running around turning on his charms. It runs in Lala magazine along side Vampire Knight and Ouran but I think is a bit tamer than those two to give you an idea.

Long story short? I found this volume to to be entertaining but fairly standard story with a little twist and the potential to get better. Young readers, people new to the genre, or fans of Nari Kusakawa’s other book Palette of 12 Secret Colors will probably find this to be a good read. We’re just getting to know the characters so its always hard to tell with only the first volume of this kind of story.

Macross and doujinshi… Saddens me. Macross and doujin music… I’d line up for it right now!

Rankings provided by Toranoana.

1
パチュリーってばおまーせさん!
Pachouli is so Precious!
by: Eretto
Category: doujin soft - Touhou Project
Circle: Utsura Uraraka
Age Rating: 16+
Price: 450円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

2
OUR PRINCESS

by: Shinano Yura
Category: Card Games - Quiz Magic Academy
Circle: FANTASY WIND
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 1050円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

3
C

by: 東雲Maiki
Category: Various
Circle: Gakuenn Hanimokuo
Age Rating: 18+
PRice 1470円
Release Date: 2008/06/17

4
もんはんのえろほん4+G
MonHun no EroHon 4+G
by: Onitsuki Aruchu
Category: Video Games - Monster Hunter
Circle: Udonya
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 840円
Release Date: 2008/06/27

5
制服楽園23
Seifuku Rakuen 23
by: Nakajima Yuka
Category: Original - Uniforms
Circle: Digital Lover
Age Rating: 18+
PRice 735円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

6
エロサムX
EroSam X
by: Onome Shin
Category: Video Game - Metroid
Circle: Freaks
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 735円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

7
G級地獄
G-Level Hell
by: Ousha 王者之風
Category: Video Game - Monster Hunter
Circle: Riizu Koubyo
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 578円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

8
セーラーマリナーズ完全版
Sailor Mariners Complete Collection
by: Ryou-kun yo
Category: Sailor Moon
Circle: Hinouhe Family
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 683円
Release Date: 2008/06/15

9

サキさんの欲望
Saki-san no Yokubo
by: lit.
Category: manga - Hayate the Combat Butler!
Circle: bolze.
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 735円
Release Date: 2008/04/27

10
DELICIOUS KLEIN+BERRY

by: Sarori Gatame
Category: Anime - Macross
Circle: Dragon Kitchen
Age Rating: 18+
Price: 441円
Release Date: 2007/06/15

A little early if you ask me (I mean AX hasn’t even started yet), but Del Rey has released Mashima Hiro’s SDCC schedule. Panel, autograph session and more to participate in and enjoy over the weekend in San Deigo.

Hmm kinda makes me think Del Rey and Kodansha still have a good thing going.

Del Rey Manga Announces Manga-Ka

Hiro Mashima’s Comic-Con International Schedule

New York, NY – June 27, 2008 – Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today plans for popular Fairy Tail manga creator Hiro Mashima’s first-ever US convention appearance at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. During his appearance at the convention, which takes place from Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, Hiro Mashima will be featured on a panel hosted by Del Rey Manga. Mashima will also meet with fans at two separate signing events.

Mashima made his US debut with the series Rave Master, which made him one of the most popular manga artists in America. Mashima’s second series, Fairy Tail, was one of the most highly anticipated Del Rey Manga launches this year. In a show of support and admiration of Mashima’s work, Del Rey Manga launched the first two volumes of Mashima’s Fairy Tail at the same time in March 2008.

Del Rey Manga Presents: Hiro Mashima

Saturday, July 26, 2008

2:30-3:30 PM

Room 10, San Diego Convention Center

Join Hiro Mashima, Dallas Middaugh, Associate Publisher of Del Rey Manga, and Del Rey Manga’s Director of Licensing and Acquisitions Mutsumi Miyazaki for a conversation on Mashima’s latest creation, Fairy Tail.

Signings with Hiro Mashima:

Friday, July 25, 2008

2:30-3:30 PM

Del Rey Booth (#1128), San Diego Convention Center

Saturday, July 26, 2008

4:30-6:30 PM

Official Autographing Area 1, San Diego Convention Center

*All signings with Hiro Mashima will be ticketed events. Tickets will be limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets will be distributed at the Comic Cellar booth. Convention goers who purchase a copy of any of the first three volumes of Fairy Tail from the Comics Cellar booth will receive a ticket to one signing, limited to one ticket per customer. Mashima will be signing exclusive copies of Fairy Tail shikishi boards specially created for his San Diego convention appearance.

ABOUT KODANSHA LTD.:

Kodansha is the largest trade book and magazine publisher in Japan. Founded in 1909, the company by virtue of its long history, the quality of its publishing, and its established network of sales and marketing is regarded as the trade book market leader in the publishing business in Japan. Moreover, Kodansha has been recognized as the leading publisher with a mission to introduce Japan through its publishing business.

ABOUT DEL REY MANGA:

Del Rey Books (http://www.delreybooks.com) was founded in 1977 as an imprint of Ballantine Books, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, under the guidance of the renowned Judy-Lynn del Rey and her husband, Lester del Rey. Del Rey publishes the best of modern fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. Ballantine Books is an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, which is a publishing group of Random House, Inc, the U.S. publishing company of Random House, the trade book publishing division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s leading international media companies. In 2004 it expanded by launching Del Rey Manga (www.delreymanga.com), which has grown to be a major force in the U.S. graphic-novel field. Bestselling titles include Tsubasa, Negima, xxxHolic, and The Wallflower.

これが私の御主人様 2
by: まっつー & 椿あす

He’s My Master 2
by: Mattsu & Tsubaki Asu

SquareEnix/Seven Seas/Shounen/Gag-Moe - Rated 16+ - $9.99

With his mansion a war zone swamp with gator and volunteer military corps, Yoshitaka thought a change of scenery would do him and his maids good. Now it was already a hoot making those skimpy maid outfits for Izumi, Mitsuki and Anna, making bathing suits is almost too much! And what about custom yukata for summer festival season! Ahh yeah, a change of clothes… I mean scenery is what Yoshitaka and Pochi needed… Wait Pochi?! What is that weird gator doing with all those people around?

風ノ華 1
by: 巳蔦汐生 & 太田 顕喜

Kaze no Hana #1
by: Mizta Ushio & Oota Akiyoshi

MediaWorks/Yen Press/Seinen/action-comedy - Rated 16+ - $10.95

Momoka lost her memories a while back. She also lost her parents around the same time. But she has been given a second chance. People who knew Momoka have called on her to join them in Mitsurugi.

Now the rural life should mean quiet days and lots of time with friends. Momoka is spending time with her new friends all right, but everytime she goes out she seems to find herself caught in the middle of a battle between gods! It is a war for the world between monsters and the warriors that contain them, and Momoka has been given a sword to contain those monsters… Will she ever remember how to use it?

Click on badge to listen download the reviews (40min .mp3).

Up Next… TOTO, Kamisama Kazoku, Devil Princess, MPD Psycho, EDEN, MBQ

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