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Well, the year is almost over! This is the last Diamond Previews catalog of the year: December 2010 Previews. Once again I have combed the pages to find the best and most interesting manga (and related) items inside, doing the hard stuff for you. The items in this edition will be released between February and May of 2011. All quoted product descriptions are from Previews (or Adult Previews, as the case may be) unless otherwise noted.

Kris’s Pull List:

Honey Colored Pancakes, by Keiko Kinoshita. “An irresistibly gorgeous and charming guy, Sougo is unemployed and he has no place to stay. One day, he meets Chiharu, a pastry chef, and says to him ‘I promise, I’ll behave…can I stay with you for a while?’ ‘You can stay at my place until you find your own,’ said Chiharu. He asks Sougo to help him around the house but Sougo is domestically challenged – he has no idea how to do anything. That’s because he’s a popular celebrity, he’s used to being pampered. Sougo felt bad not being able to contribute – he says ‘Let me at least show you how to have fun in the bedroom.’ Chiharu genuinely cares for Sougo – he wanted […] him to get back on his feet, but he’s insulted when he was offered sex. A simple living arrangement is about to take a very wrong turn..!” From Digital Manga Publishing, February 2011, $12.95, on their Juné imprint.

Gunslinger Girl Omnibus volume 1, by Yu Aida. “After Henrietta barely survives the savage murder of her family, Italy’s Social Welfare Agency takes her in and repairs her injuries using the latest in cybernetic technology. All traces of Henrietta’s past are wiped from her mind as she becomes one of the Agency’s most lethal assassins. Despite her programming, Henrietta is troubled by fragmented memories. Her handler Jose must keep her feelings in check and ensure that she stays on mission; a task made all the more difficult by Henrietta’s striking resemblance to Jose’s late younger sister. Collects the first three volumes, newly re-translated.” (Originally licensed by ADV.) From Seven Seas Entertainment, February 2011, $15.99.

From Dark Horse:

Oh My Goddess! Volume 38, by Kosuke Fujishima. “Chrono’s crusade to recover the remaining piece of the music program runs into a demonic obstacle – Velsper. And speaking of demons, when Hild drops in by surprise on Keiichi’s birthday, it’s not to give best wishes… It’s because there’s been a coup in hell!” April 2011, $10.99.

Vampire Hunter D volume 16: Tryant’s Stars Part 1 and 2, by Hideyuki Kikuchi, illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano. “In this chilling adventure, Vampire Hunter D has been dispatched to vanquish the ancient vampiric Noble, Count Braujou, guardian of an ancient buried treasure. But when a mysterious object crashes into the earth, destroying half of the northern Frontier, D faces an even more terrifying opponent – the renegade vampire Valcua, the Ultimate Noble! Having been exiled to outer space, Valcua took his entire kingdom of strange and deadly creatures with him, and swore that when the time was right they would return to have their revenge. Unfortunately for D, that time is now…” April 2011, $14.99.

From Bandai Entertainment:

Gurren Lagann GN vol. 6, by Kotaro Mori. “An older Simon and Yoko lead Team Dai-Gurren as new conflicts arise to challenge humanity’s claim to the surface!” (Rescheduled from August Previews.) March 2011, $10.99.

Lucky Star volume 1 GN, by Kagami Yoshimizu. “From the studio that brought you The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya! When eating a chocolate cornet which end to you begin with, the top or the bottom? Which side is the top and which is the bottom? For that matter, what is a chocolate cornet? The proper way to eat pastries is only one of the many every day occurrences explored by the girls of Ms. Kuroi’s class. Meet Konata, an athletic and intelligent girl too dedicated to her favorite primetime television shows to pay attention to Ms. Kuroi’s lessons!” (Relisting.) $10.99.

Also From Digital Manga Publishing:

Finder 3: One Wing in the Viewfinder, by Ayano Yamane. “Fei Long, the Chinese crime lord goes to Japan hoping to lure Akihito, a freelance photographer into his twisted web of conspiracy and sex. But when his friends fall prey to Fei Long’s diabolical schemes, Akhito has only one person he can turn to for help; the person he despises more than anyone else – the Yakuza boss Asami, who once made Akihito his sex slave. How will Asami respond to Akihito? Will he help him? And if he does, what is it going to cost him? What kind of new humiliations are in store for him…?” February 2011, $13.95, on their Juné imprint.

Right Here, Right Now vol. 2, by Souya Himawari. “At the war’s hight, Takakage and Mizuo once again cross paths. The two embrace, profess their unending love for each other, and swear mutual oaths…but there is talk of Takakage getting married. With their personal crisis and the war ripping apart the nation, how will the two men be able to stay connected?” February 2011, $12.95, on their Juné imprint.

Kabuki vol. 3, by Yukari Hashida. “Do you believe in reincarnation? A warrior prince, Kounosuke Kuga – he’s strong, beautiful and confident. And a faithful servant, Kageya. When will they realize that they are meant for each other again, for the first time?” February 2011, $12.95, on their Juné imprint.

From Fantagraphics:

Wandering Son: Book One, by Shimura Takako. “Shuichi and his friend Yoshino have happy homes, loving families, and are well-liked by their 5th-grade classmates. But they share a secret that complicates a time of life that is awkward for anyone: Shuichi is a boy who wants to be a girl, and Yoshino is a girl who wants to be a boy. Written and drawn by one of today’s most critically acclaimed creators of manga, Shimura portrays Shuishi and Yoshino’s very private journey with affection, sensitivity, [and] gentle humor. Wandering Son is a sophisticated work of literary manga translated with rare skill and sensitivity by veteran translator and comics scholar Matt Thorn.” March 2011, $19.99.

Also From Seven Seas Entertainment:

Amnesia Labyrinth volume 1, by Nagaru Tanigawa, with art by Natsumi Kohane. “From the author of the acclaimed Haruhi Suzumiya series comes a new offbeat tale of murder and twisted love! When high school student Souji Kushiki returns home from summer vacation, he finds that his sisters Harumi, Youko and Saki have changed. Their strangely clingy behavior borders on the inappropriate and bizarre, yet Souji just brushes off their mysterious conduct at first. However, when Souji arrives at school the next day, he learns that, during the summer, three students were murdered by an unknown culprit. Are the victims linked, and could Souji’s sisters have anything to do with the murders?” February 2011,$10.99.

Toradora! volume 1, by Yuyuko Takemiya, with art by Zekkyo. “Ryuji Takasu has learned the hard way that appearances can be deceiving. Despite his inwardly sweet personality, his unintentionally sharp gaze and aggressive features give him the air of a delinquent thug, putting his chances of making friends, let alone a girlfriend, next to zero. Just when he thinks the stars are aligned in his favor, he unwittingly crosses the most feared girl in school, Taiga Aisaku, making her [into] his arch enemy! Can this school year possibly get any worse?” March 2011, $10.99.

From Tokyopop:

Crimson Snow, by Hori Tomoki. “An in-depth boys’ love story revolving around Japanese traditions and the underworld – and how two opposing forces find their true self. Kazuma, a yakuza, is shot and saved by the heir of a tea ceremony family, Shibata Yukihiro. Yukihiro, the illegitmate son, never allowed himself to ask for anything, but Kazuma is the only one that Yukihiro wants to protect even though the burden that Kazuma carries is too dangerous. What should they do?” $14.99, on their BLU imprint.

Pavane for a Dead Girl volume 1, by Koge Donbo. “Sagami is a violin prodigy who’s entered into an ominous contract. With the help of a mysterious brooch he must attempt to make 12 different girls fall in love with him. When they do, he will attain a magical ‘tear’ – consequently consigning the girls to a horrible fate.” March 2011, $10.99.

Clean-Freak Fully-Equipped volume 1, by Touya Tobina. “Due to a terrifying experience from his childhood, Sata Senda has become a compulsive cleanliness freak. It’s gotten so bad that he always carries anti-bacterial spray and wears germ masks, not allowing any personal contact! After being foced to attend a school trip, Sata arrives completely wrapped in a protective suit! Way to keep a low-profile, kid.” March 2011, $10.99.

Butterfly volume 1, by Yu Aikawa. “In this creepy mystery, a guy who despises ghosts, lucky charms, and all things related to the occult – including anyone who is interested in the supernatural – is unexpectedly kissed by a girl at school one day. Afterward, she informs him that she’s going to ‘buy’ him – in order to wipe out every ghost in the world! Say what?!” March 2011, $10.99.

From Udon Entertainment:

Tony’s Artworks From Shining World, by Tony Taka. “Featuring the stunning designs of renowned Japanese pinup artist Tony Taka, Tony’s Artwork From Shining World collects the beautiful artwork behind SEGA’s Shining Tears and Shining Winds games. The book features over 200 pages of the gorgeous full page pinups and character designs from the Shining series, plus multiple interviews with the master himself, Tonya Taka.” March 2011, $39.99.

Monster Hunter Illustrations, by CAPCOM. “Beloved by fans the world over, the Monster Hunter series takes players on an epic quest to hunt or capture the most dangerous and fantastic monsters imaginable. Monster Hunter Illustrations collects the unparalleled artwork behind this landmark series. Inside you’ll find hundreds of designs for characters, monsters, armor, weapons, and more, plus tons of rough drawing and sketch work.” March 2011, $39.99.

From Viz Media:

Detroit Metal City, vol. 8, by Kiminori Wakasugi. “By all appearances, Soichi Negishi is a sweet, well-mannered boy who likes Swedish pop music, trendy boutiques, and all things fashionable. But at the same time he’s also Krauser II, front man for Detroit Metal City, an indie death metal band whose popularity increases by the day. Once the DMC makeup goes on and Soichi takes the stage, his natural talent as a death metal god can’t help but flourish. Is this the band he’s truly destined to be in?” March 2011, $12.99.

Neon Genesis Evangelion, vol. 12, by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. “Government forces, directed by SEELE have penetrated NERV and are heading for the command center. Outside, Asuka hurls Unit-02 against a relentless assault by mass-produced Evas.” March 2011, $9.99.

Bleach, vol. 34, by Tite Kubo. “To Ichigo’s surprise, his childlike friend Nel Tu reverts to her true form to shield her human protectors. And yet, an unforeseen turn of events leaves Nel and everyone at the mercy of the enemy, who is a heartbeat away from exterminating them. What hope is there for Ichigo and his friends now?” March 2011, $9.99.

Oresama Teacher, vol. 1, by Izumi Tsubaki. “Mafuyu is the no-nonsense, take-charge and hard-hitting leader of her high school gang. But when she gets expelled for being a delinquent, her mother, fed up with her daughter’s wayward ways, sends Mafuyu to an isolated school far off in the country.” March 2011, $9.99.

From Vertical Inc.:

7 Billion Needles volume 3, by Nobuaki Tadano. “A modern homage to a golden age sci-fi novel, 7 Billion Needles mixes drama, action, mystery, and intergalactic intrigue, with a strong-willed by aloof main character, a teenage girl with a habit of always wearing headphones. After surviving her showdown with the intergalactic terrorist Maelstrom, Hikaru attempts to return to society with the peace of mind that mankind is now safe. But her very reality may be torn asunder as she no longer has one alien lifeform living in her bloodstream – now there are two!” February 2011, $10.95.

Chi’s Sweet Home volume 5, by Kanata Konami. “Chi and the Yamadas have moved into their new home where pets of all kinds are welcome. The new environment immediately has the family of five thriving. More space and more freedom allows them to expand their horizons, and Chi takes full advantage of it. With so many more furry friends o associate with, she decides to explore the neighborhood. So long as she can trace her scent back home, little Chi’s feline adventures have no limits!” February 2011, $13.95.

MISC:

CLAMP in America SC, by CLAMP, with Shaenon Garrity. “CLAMP is one of the most recognizable names in manga in the United States, and this indispensable, full-color fan book shows how they got that way! CLAMP fans will go nuts for this book! With an emphasis on the Japanese creators’ roots and their effect on the growth of the American manga market, no guide like this has ever been published before. Like many manga creators, CLAMP rarely grants media access, and this guide will provide a unique look at the world these superstar creators. The book will contain over 300 pieces of art selected by the author and CLAMP themselves.” (Rescheduled from December 2009 Previews.) From Del Rey, February 2011, $27.99.

Final Fantasy XIV: Stuffed Moogle Kuplu Kopo. “Adventure awaits in Square-Enix’s new online role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV. Moogles (also known as ‘Moguri,’ a combination of the Japanese words for mole and bat) are commonly appearing creatures that appear throughout many of the Square-Enix worlds and games, including the final Fantasy series, Chocobo, and the Kingdom Hearts series. This fun Moogle plush is a cute little companion with bat wings that stands 12 ½” tall!” March 2011, $24.99.

Final Fantasy Creatures ~ Kai~ Set Volume 3. “The Final Fantasy Creatures ~Kai~ series delivers a set of 4 mini-statues that display incredible detailing and craftsmanship. These fearsome eidolons from Square Enix’s best-selling Final Fantasy XIII are certain to enthrall fans of the game and figure collectors alike. Monsters include Odin, Shiva: Styria & Nix, Hecatoncheir, and Alexander. Each mini-statue stands roughly 4” tall.” May 2011, $39.99.

Chobits: The Complete DVD Box Set. “In the near future, personal computers take the form of toys figures, animals or even people, called Persocons. Hideki Motosuwa is a poor student who failed his entrance exams to get into college. Like everyone, he wants a Persocon for himself, but cannot afford one. One day, while passing a building, he finds a Persocon in a trash heap. However, his new find doesn’t seem to be like the others he’s heard about. As Hideki learns more about his Persocon, he finds that she is not of any known type, and most likely some sort of homemade model. He also learns of the rumor of the ‘Chobits’, Persocons with the ability to think for themselves. What is this mysterious persocom and why was she in the trash?” From FUNimation, February 2011, $49.99 DVD, $54.99 Blu-Ray.

Dirty Pair: The Original TV Series Collection Part 2 DVD. “For Kei and Yuri, no two missions are ever the same. As the WWWA’s top Trouble Consultants, they take on all sorts of odd jobs, like chasing down treasure in high-tech ruins, fighting off political assassins, even avenging the death of a plaster statue! In the end, only one things’ for sure: Anything that stands between these two and victory is certain to be destroyed! 3-disc set features episodes 14-26, finishing the series.” From Right Stuf, February 2011, $49.99.

Vampire Knight: The Complete Series DVD. “Yuki Cross is a first-year student at Cross Academy. As a member of the Disciplinary Committee, her duty is to keep the infatuated Day Class students from chasing the beautiful Night Class students, all while performing the important task of protecting the secret of the Night Class, that all members of the Night Class are, in fact, vampires! The Night Class was intended to end a long history of conflict by promoting a peaceful coexistence between human beings and vampires. As Guardians, Yuki and her childhood friend Zero are tasked with protecting the coexistence of the Day Class and the Night class. Unlike Zero, who sees the vampires as enemies, Yuki believes vampires and humans can coexist.” From Viz Media, January 2011, $49.99.

Happy pre-ordering!

Kris
kristin@comicattack.net
@girlg33k_Kris