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Howdy, and welcome to another Diamond Previews manga highlights! Looking for some good titles to pre-order? Sit back, relax, and let me do the work for you. All product descriptions are from Previews unless otherwise noted.

Kris’s Pull List:

Robert Jordan’s New Spring, by Robert Jordan and Chuck Dixon, with art by Mike Miller and Harvey Tolibao. “In the years before his death, Robert Jordan worked closely with Chuck Dixon on the graphic adaptation of New Spring. The eight issues tell the story of the search for the infant Dragon Reborn and of the adventures of Moiraine Damodred, a young Aes Sedai, and Lan Mandragoran, the uncrowned king of a long-dead nation. Adapted by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by artists Mike Miller and Harvey Tolibao, New Spring with its developmental art, script pages, and correspondence between Jordan and Dixon, will delight any of Robert Jordan’s millions of readers.” January 2011, $24.99 (or $16.49 if you pre-order from Amazon), from Tor Books.

Grand Guignol Orchestra, vol. 2, by Kaori Yuki. “Now that Lucille and the musicians know what they are up against (the zombie-esque Guignols!), they have to figure out how to stop them! Kaori Yuki’s new epic adventure offers up not one but two new storylines to savor with ‘The Queen and the Jester’ and the title story, ‘Tragédie Lyrique.’ Is the orchestra any closer to stopping the Guignol infestation?” February 2011, $9.99, from Viz Media.

The Story of Saiunkoku, vol. 2, original story by Sai Yukino, art by Kairi Yura. “After realizing Ryuki has been faking his ignorance, an enraged Shurei demands to be sent home immediately. Ryuki then locks Shurei in her room, unaware he has now put his consort in great danger…” February 2011, $9.99, from Viz Media.

Black Bird, vol. 7, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. “Misao knows her relationship with Kyo is dangerous, but she’s used to being the one in peril! Will she be able to stand it when the tables are turns and Kyo is threatened?” February 2011, $9.99, from Viz Media.

Black Butler volume 4, by Yana Toboso. “Ciel, Sebastian, and Lau investigate a case where British citizens returning from India are attacked, stripped, and hung upside down outside Indian pubs in London. They are helped by the Indian Prince Soma and his butler Agni who are searching for Soma’s servant Meena. Although Agni is human, he is on par with Sebastian’s fighting skills. Their quest will take them into the home of Lord West and pit them against the villain in a curry contest.” January 2011, $11.99 (Booo, Yen Press had a price hike, it seems), from Yen Press.

Black Butler Season 1 DVD, from FUNimation. Part 1 of the first Black Butler anime series, containing the first 12 episodes of the 24-episode season. January 2011, $64.99 (which is ridiculous, so shop around; I caught a Right Stuf online sale and got it for $38.99).

From Digital Manga Publishing:

Blue Sheep Reverie vol. 3, by Makoto Tateno. “In the city called Dawn is a man named ‘Night.’ Every evening Kai is embraced by the ‘Iron Lahti,’ – opening himself to him. In a fierce battle, Kai falls into his enemy’s trap and demands his body in exchange for release. While Kai and Lati’s relationship deepens, a man name[d] Saria walks in between them to stir up events and [a] ripple of drama is about to unfold…” January 2011, $12.95, on their Juné line.

Kizuna Deluxe Edition vol. 2, by Kazuma Kodaka. “No matter how hard they try, unfortunate events and unwanted troubles always seem to follow Ranmaru and Kei. Just when they thought they got over one hurdle, Ranmaru’s grandfather asks him to come back to the dojo to train to become a kendo fighter once again. While over on the other side of the Shinjuku city, Kei witnesses a drug trade involving Kai.” January 2011, $19.95, on their Juné line.

From TOKYOPOP:

Maria Holic volume 6, by Minari Endou. “It’s Sachi’s birthday, and everyone has a thoughtful present for her…except Kanako. At the last minute, Mariya swaps out Kanako’s lame gift with a book of photos from Kanako’s personal collection. And family secrets are revealed when Kanako’s sister pays a visit to the school.” February 2011, $10.99.

Lives volume 1, by Masayuki Taguchi. “After a meteor shower devastates much of Japan, it results in a most unexpected and horrifying side-effect — some people have been transformed into vicious, man-eating monsters! Thrown into this nightmare is the beautiful Kyoka, who finds herself transported to a mysterious jungle, populated by these blood-thirsty creatures!” February 2011, $12.99.

Deadman Wonderland volume 4, by Jinsei Kataoka, with art by Kazuma Kondou. “The week of the annual government inspection is at hand, and everyone has big, big plans! Ganta has fallen in with the resistance group ‘Scar Chain’ who are counting on him to help make their escape plan a smashing success — but is he up to the task?” February 2011, $10.99.

From Udon Entertainment:

Valkyria Chronicles: Design Archive. “In Valkyria Chronicles, SEGA’s critically acclaimed tactical RPG, Welkin and the members of the 7th Platoon struggle fo freedom as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Valkyria Chronicles: Design Archive takes you behind the scenes, showcasing the gorgeous artwork of this truly epic world. The book features 400 pages of character designs, vehicle and weapon designs, maps of promotional art, all accompanied by detailed background information and creator commentary.” February 2011, $49.99.

From Vertical Inc.:

Tezuka’s Black Jack volume 15, by Osamu Tezuka. “A rich medical drama that mixes mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, and a dash of humor with a fascinating main character, a notorious world-traveling scalpel-for-hire, Black Jack is recognized as manga master Osamu Tezuka’s third most-famous series. Like Hugh Laurie’s titular doctor in House, MD, Black Jack performs medical miracles, through his enigmatic nature makes the medical industry question his true motive.” March 2011, $16.95.

Also From Viz Media:

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, vol. 13, by Naoki Urasawa. “The Friend is dead. As the news spreads around the world, the members of the Friends’ executive committee are faced with a dilemma: Is it all over, or will the events predicted in the New Book of Prophecy still be carried out?” February 2011, $12.99.

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan vol. 1, by Hiroshi Shiibashi. “While the day belongs to humans, the night belongs to yokai, supernatural creatures that thrive on human fear. Caught between these worlds in Rikuo Nura. He’s three-quarters human, but his grandfather is none other than Nurarihyon, the supreme commander of the Nura clan, a powerful yokai consortium.” February 2011, $9.99.

Death Note Black Edition I, by Tsugumi Ohba, with art by Takeshi Obata. “Contains volumes 1 and 2, exclusive color pages and a larger premium trim size. A great way for new readers to enjoy the series, and a must-have for any Death Note collector.” Available now, $14.99.

Bakuman, vol. 3, by Tsugumi Ohba, with art by Takeshi Obata. “Losing to manga genius Eiji Nizuma, Moritaka and Akito make it their mission to beat this rival — even going so far as to ignore their editor’s wishes! But will this decision ultimately help or harm their cause?” February 2011, $9.99.

Hikaru no Go, vol. 22, by Yumi Hotta, with art by Takeshi Obata. From Amazon: “The Hokuto Cup games are about to begin, and Hikaru gets caught up in some misunderstandings that make it difficult for him to concentrate on go. In the first match between Japan and China he starts out poorly and seems well on the way to a resounding defeat. Only by getting a tight grip on himself can he possibly make a showing, but that’s far easier said than done!” January 2011, $9.99.

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, vol. 7, by Karuho Shiina. From Amazon: “After an eventful Christmas with her classmates, Sawako is super excited when Chizu and Ayane invite her to come with them to the shrine on New Year’s Eve, which happens to be her birthday. But what she doesn’t count on is her friends’ birthday surprise–to get her to go alone with Kazehaya-kun!” February 2011, $9.99.

Maoh: Juvenile Remix, vol. 4, by Megumi Osuga. From Amazon: “As Inukai reveals his dark ambitions for the city, Ando is more determined than ever to fight back in any way he can. But when he discovers that his power comes with a painful side effect, how will he respond?” February 2011, $9.99.

Also From Yen Press:

High School of the Dead volume 1, by Daisuke Sato, with art by Shouji Sato. “Hot girls, high school, and zombies — it’s the teen boy trifecta! A mysterious illness is spreading rapidly through the halls of Fujimi High School. In a matter of hours, the campus is transformed from a place of learning into a hive of nightmares, as the infected students collapse and [are] reborn as flesh-hungry zombies! Only a handful of students escape the initial outbreak, but how long can Takashi and the other students hope to survive when the whole school[-]maybe the whole town-is out for their blood?” January 2011, $13.99.

Pandora Hearts volume 4, by Jun Mochizuki. From Amazon: “As Oz Vessalius and his valet, Gilbert, are reunited with their dear Uncle Oscar, they fail to notice an alienated Alice lost in thought stumbling right into the lurking Xerxes Break. Before Alice can take heed of Break’s warning of a trap set by the Cheshire Cat – a powerful, extraordinary chain – she and Break are spirited away to Cheshire’s lair, where both danger and fragments of Alice’s past reside. With Sharon’s help, Oz and Gil find a way to enter the sealed dimension of memories, but not only do their allies await them there, so too does the man from Alice’s earlier memory! Does he hold the key to the truth about Oz’s ‘sin’?” January 2011, $11.99.

From Chronicle Books:

See/Saw: Connections Between Japanese Art Then & Now, by Ivan Vartanian and Kyoko Wada. “This accessible and zesty volume explores the origins of Japanese pop art. Comparisons between the art of Japan past and present reveal how current artists – whom we think of as being primarily manga- or anime-influenced – are in fact constantly borrowing from the traditional forms and techniques of Japan.” March 2011, $27.50.

Misc.:

Neon Genesis Evangelion Ani*Statues: Shikinami Asuka ~Ballerina~ & Rei Ayanami ~Ballerina~ from Kotobukiya. Rei and Asuka try their hand at ballet. Rei sits 4 1/2″ tall while Asuka stands about 9″ tall. Rei looks fantastic, and the statue fits her figure and personality rather well, but it’s much harder to buy Asuka as having the grace and patience for a dance style like ballet. With her spunky and fiery personality, she doesn’t really look right in a dainty tutu. March 2011, $74.99 each.

That’s all for now! See you next month! Or just come back on Friday for some Yen Press reviews.

Kris
kristin@comicattack.net
@girlg33k_Kris