Manga Catch-Ups + Manga Discoveries + Kuroshitsuji 2 at BT

I totally hope that the complains/rants/whines from people who only like Kuroshitsuji because of Ciel + Sebby will stop already, especially when the second season looks this promising:

(Black Tabloid scan by spacexat)
Ah well, I may take that back, but I'm starting to like this kid more than Ciel... YAY TO THE "BEH!" POSE xD (Ah well, not really a huge Ciel fan in the first place). Sebby's still the best but no complains on a Sebby with glasses. Teehee~ And it looks like the staff did a lot of research for this series (I saw Sherlock Holmes xD) I hope this wouldn't be letting us down ;D

Anywayz, oh my god I read so much manga..... catching up on a number of them yet still checking out a lot of new ones ^^; Here goes.... some of them:

[ CATCHING UP ]

• Shiki 19 - It didn't exactly continue from the evil cliffhanger from the previous chapter =_= Guh. But at least we get to know how Yuuki's doing... and his dad has gone insane? Haha! xD Nice nice. Gimme best friend fanservice next time please~
• Watashi ni xx Shinasai 13-14 - Love quadrangle's an overused shoujo cliche.... but I love this group xD They're all evil, twisted, and daaaaaw in their own way. But... OTP forever! Shigure, I love you xD
• Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen 17 - So older brother from this series is a bastard.... but he's broken so I can't hate him. I also doubt this will have a sad ending. After the flashback on the next chapter, I'm curious on how Johanne's gonna be saved.

[ MANGA DISCOVERIES ]
Back to making batches of five titles ^^; New grouping though: 1 title for each rating~

• (1 Parfait - Horrible) My Barbaric Girlfriend - stop the gender stereotypes!
• (2 Parfaits - Disappointing) Lichti Hikari Club - too disturbing yet story where?
• (3 Parfaits - Satisfactory) Telephatic Wanderers - pretty good.... and if only...
• (4 Parfaits - Good) Demon Flowers - seems fun and promising *_*
• (5 Parfaits - Fantastic) Zanbara - I love it love it love it love it love it. Samurais FTW!

=== My Barbaric Girlfriend (Boku to Kanojo no XX) by MORINAGA Ai
Rude girl and effeminate boy switch bodies and find that it might be a better fit for both of them. Lots of crazy comedy. Nanako Momoi is the belle of high school... as long as she stays quiet. Once she shows her true self, guys' dreams are shattered for she is a true tomboy. Akira Uehara has the looks and brains, but, unfortunately, his personality is so dull it overcasts a shadow, and nobody notices him. One day, Nanako's grandfather comes up with a crazy invention, and Nanako and Akira trade personalities! She's he, and he's she! (Tokyopop)
~~~ [1 volume read] Is this really shoujo? I don't like the idea of it being read by young girls.... it has a character who got excited to do you-know-what and its concept of masculinity and feminity.... oh jeez =_= Stereotypes!!!
The only interesting thing about this is that it seems so true that the main duo are really like born in the wrong gender. Moreover, if this duo won't end up together, the more it has escaped from the shoujo cliche. But aside from those, everthing else here is too stupid or angsty.... or disturbing. And the "female" lead is too pathetic to be true (I also hate the "she makes me suffer yet I can't stop loving her" thing in this series). I can't stand it. Oh my head...

=== Litchi Hikari Club by FURUYA Usamaru
warning: VERY unsuitable to very young readers or those with innocent minds; don't even dare
~~~ [4 chapters read] I can tolerate its intense and mature themes but having too much of that and lacking in story consistency and decent character presentation is just too WTF. And I don't get why the mangaka didn't bother to include the translations of the German words... does he want to brag that he knows German and give his readers a difficult time? =_=
Anyway, I'm alright with evil characters, but high school boys going to that extent is just too much. They have no sense of morality that makes me think that the ancient barbarians are more decent than they are x_x The only thing that makes me want to read more of it is because I'm curious of what they'll do with the beautiful girl... who has finally woken up!

=== Telephatic Wanderers (Nanase) by TSUTSUI Yasutaka and YAMAZAKI Sayaka
Nanase, a beautiful young telepath, returns to her hometown to settle down and lead a quiet life. However, her unique abilities make that impossible--even in the most remote location. Then she meets Norio, an abused little boy with extraordinary powers of his own. Nanase takes him under her wing, and from there they wander...two outsiders traveling from one strange encounter to another. (Tokyopop)
warning: not suitable to very young readers or those with innocent minds
~~~ [1 volume read] Its pretty promising. The female lead here can read minds, and I love how she uses that ability to make others go crazy. This manga has also portrayed that even though telepathy is such a cool power, it could also be pretty inconvinient. It's touching that she felt at ease with people with pure hearts.
Sadly though, for the whole volume, men were all presented as bastards with perverted minds (except for one, because he has medical/mental problems). I mean, come on! Not all men think that way! Even if she's hott, there's gotta be someone who wouldn't think of wanting to f*ck her upon seeing her =_= Jeez...

=== Kuruizaki no Hana (Demon Flowers) by HAKASE Mizuki
Long ago, when Japanese gods descended upon humans, their mixed offspring inherited supernatural powers...and the name "Kuruizaki no Hana." Now, those of the Demon world are rising up to wipe out these offspring - led by the cool and confident assasin, Ushitora. He's worshipped as a deadly professional, but when he falls in love with one such gifted boy, Masato, everything changes. Ushitora betrays his people, instead sacrificing himself to a life on the run, in order to care for Masato and a spirited orphaned girl named Nao.
~~~ [1 chapter read] I thought this wouldn't be my type because of all the pink and the flower and Demon no Ororon disappointed me so much. But what a surprise! This one seems to be pretty good! How Ushitora decided to take Masato was quite fast/rushed, but it's still very cute and interesting~ Ororon hadn't entertained me this much.... so hopefully this won't disappoint ^^

=== Zanbara! by KATAGIRI Ikumi
Ichiyo and Akehiko (both 15 years old) have been brought up in an amicable environment at a prosperous restaurant in Japan. They live a safe, happy life, but, as was the norm in feudal Japan, they train at the local dojo with determination to become strong. The times are turbulent, and violence brims the streets of nineteenth century Japan. Under such conditions the boys will have to learn what it means to wield a sword, to take someone’s life and understand the precarious life of living by the sword.
~~~ [6 chapters read] Best friends. Samurai. Zerosum WARD. Katagiri Ikumi. I'm not surprised that I fully enjoyed this one xD It's fantastic, I love it!
This has been a nice story of two boys growing up and starting to face the real danger in the samurai world. They may be strong yet they're not the best. The series acknowledges that our characters are still boys. No shounen cliche wherein the teens are always better for some reason.
There's a lot of action and a mix of politics. The comedy made this more fun xD And it looks like there'll be an interesting twist on our adopted main character.... which will hopefully be revealed soon!

Durarara!! - Episode 23

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Evil cliffhanger deswfnerjoglsiegjtsgnfkwoifjergsldkn;waiofnd;esjf;nergnre T_T

[ IZAYA'S PLANS GETTING LEAKED ]

Saki and Simon's friend knowing each other is one of the things I really don't expect. And it seems to me that Saki told about Izaya's plans and make Simon stop him? I hope that's true.... that would be romantic~
And the other person who is leaking Izaya's plans (just dunno to who) is none other than his sexy secretary: Namie. I thought she only gives a damn when it concerns Seiji.... so if it's true that she's trying to stop Izaya's plan getting worse (which appears to be because she was in panic mode when Izaya was showing signs of suspicion)... then it looks like Namie isn't as cruel as she seemed to be in the beginning. But ah well, no way Izaya's gonna fire her. (She's still under him in vilume 7 after all) and notice that Izaya actually likes company or having someone to talk with?? He loooooooves sharing his geniusly evil plans~

[ DESPICABLE BASTARD THAT FANGURLS CAN'T HATE ]

He's the bastard who started and is behind all the bad stuff in this mess. Other people know, and he admits it himself.
It's really really very easy to hate him. Especially if he's a real person. He enjoys other people's suffering so much that you can doubt that he might be a devil wearing a human disguise.
But in fiction, an evil character with good looks, genius brain, and great combat skills (whoever dares to combat Shizuo and made a scratch on him is great) is irresistable xD Much more is he is amusing or simply crack.... oh god he's rich of that. Haha! Yay to decorating the chessboard with my own rules!

[ MOST ADORABLE MAD DOCTOR EVER ]

Shinra doesn't only dare to say bad comments to Izaya right on his face (Izaya just goes "Oooh... I'm butthurt~"), but even to Shizuo as well. But he's not exempted to Shizuo's anger so he's quick in doing his self-defense against him: apologizing xD (while with Izaya he'll say that he doesn't mean it the bad way. EXCEPT if he said something bad to Izaya because Izaya said something mean about Celty).
It's also so cute when he tries to run and.... get tired xD Hahahahaha! I think this has been the second time. Non-athletic characters should stay non-athletic. You're adorable and awesome in your own way~

[ BADASS EVEN WHEN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED ]

He goes to Shinra's place after being shot because he can. He even had a late realization on what injury he had. And Shinra must've had an easy time on treating him.... since he doesn't need to worry about his patient being in pain. It doesn't seem that anaesthesia was given.... reminds me of the dissection on Celty.... maybe if it was Shizuo he wouldn't be feeling anything.... making him even more numb than a supernatural being. Whoa.... SHIZUO ARE YOU HUMAN??? xD
Human or not.... you're badass in whatever you do and in whatever situation. w00t!
Addition to the badassness is that he STILL doesn't remember Anri's name. Pretty girl with big boobs don't mean much to him. No hott chick gets special treatment. Awesome. (He doesn't remember people while Izaya remembers everyone. How opposite these two are....)

[ SHIZUO JUNIOR.... ALMOST ]

Masaomi: Thanks for the weapon, asshole.

Aside from Shizuo, there's another youth in the series who has dyed his hair and is very very very very BADASS. It was many against one, and that battle reminded me of Gokusen... haha! The difference though, Masaomi actually gets injured. But he acts as if he doesn't feel anything. Almost so Shizuo, right? Hehe.
However, Masaomi has bigger limits compare to Shizuo. If he's badly injured, he's badly injured. Even if he's so kickass, his body knows its limits. He really shouldn't have gone there alone.... especially with that revelation that all those people were his former enemies! No wonder they aren't that obedient to him. But at least they know how to fear him~ Yay Masaomi!
But well, Masaomi's not superhuman like Shizuo... at least not yet. He needs help!

[ THANKS FOR TRYING MY DEAR ]

Simon tried to talk him out of it. Masaomi's compliments and other change-the-topic strategies didn't work.
It looks like Simon already knew about Masaomi being part of the Yellow Scarves..... for a peace-loving guy, he's aware of the chaos and many dark secrets of the town.
It was so sweet that he asked Celty to save him. (I assume there might be a reason why he can't help out himself.... well, he always does that during the Shizuo and Izaya quarellings, hehe)

[ MAIN CHARACTER'S THE SAVIOR ]

Celty (to Mikado): There's no such thing as a normal person.
I love what she said~

Anywayz, the big events in the series doesn't always have to focus on the main character or the main character's problems. In DRRR!!, our main character is the one who connects the characters who play a big role on the big issue and solves the issue. Thank you Celty for making them get this done already once and for all! They finally meet and know everyone's secrets! =D

[ NEXT EPISODE ]

I don't think I'm gonna like this episode because according to spoilers, a certain character will be leaving for a while. *sigh*

My Thoughts on "Rescanlation"

I am aware of the recent news regarding scanlations but I'd still support the fan activity for various reasons and I hope that OpenManga would indeed be a very good alternative to address this issue.

For this post I'll be focusing on things in regards to the act of rescanlation in general. What triggered me to do this post isn't just because of the recent issue, but also because of some problems I've encountered.

===== ABOUT RESCANLATION
I am not sure if there's actually a term called "rescanlation", but I believe it's an activity that people in the manga fandom are already aware of ;D From the prefix, one could tell that it just means "scanlating again".

Anyway, there are four forms of rescanlation that I know:
Type 1 - Scanlating a particular chapter/oneshot/whatever that is already done by another group again
Example: Scanlator A scanlated Title A from Japanese to English, then later Scanlator B will also scanlate Title A from Japanese to English
Type 2 - Scanlating a particular chapter/oneshot/whatever that is already done by another group but in a different language
Example: Scanlator A scanlated Title A from Japanese to English then later Scanlator B scanlates Title A from English to Spanish
Type 3 - Scanlating a particular chapter/oneshot/whatever that is already done by another group and is also being scanlated to another language by a different group again in the same second language
Example: Scanlator A scanlated Title A from Japanese to English, then later Scanlator B scanlates Title A from English to Spanish, then afterwards Scanlator C also scanlates Title A from English to Spanish
Type 4 - Scanlating a particular chapter/oneshot/whatever that is already licensed by an actual publisher of the same language
Example: Publisher A licenses Title A to English but Scanlator A still scanlates Title A despite that.

===IMPORTANT NOTE!
"Rescanlation" is different from "Continuing Scanlations". Rescanlation scanlates the same chapter again while the other one continues from where the present scanlations or current licensed materials have left off. To be specific, they are the following:
Continuer 1 - Scanlator A is scanlating Title A and is currently in Chapter 3. However, it's so delayed and the latest chapter is already in Chapter 20. So Scanlator B scanlates Title A starting from Chapter 4 onwards.
Continuer 2 - Scanlator A is scanlating Title A and is currently in Chapter 3. However, Scanlator A suddenly dropped Title A. So Scanlator B scanlates Title A starting from Chapter 4 onwards.
Continuer 3 - Publisher A has licensed Title A and has released until Volume 3. However, it's so delayed and the latest volume is already in Volume 20. So Scanlator A scanlates Title A starting from Volume 4 onwards.
Continuer 4 - Publisher A has licensed Title A and has released until Volume 3. However, Publisher A suddenly cancels/discontinues Title A. So Scanlator A scanlates Title A starting from Volume 4 onwards.

I am fully supportive to all the types of continuing scanlations mentioned. With rescanlations, I also highly support Type 2, but for the rest.... however....

===== RESCANLATION TYPE 1 (Duplicate Scanlation Release) and RESCANLATION TYPE 3 (Duplicate Non-Original/Source Scanlation Release)

I honestly don't see the point in this if the two groups could do the scanlation with outputs of the same quality and speed anyway, much more if the second group (the one that did the duplicate) did a worse job on it!

Instead of making separate group releases, why not work together? Or, just give the project to the group who has more time for it! You guys love the same series, so may that series unite you, not divide you. Scanlation made by fans isn't supposed to be business or competition in the first place! It's no popularity contest either.

Besides, there are TONS of alternative manga projects out there that are begging to be acknowledged. There are already a lot of unscanlated titles that I could think of even from just two of my favorite magazines alone (See this post for the list I'm talking about).

So what if the group is doing what you want to scanlate? They are already spreading the love so please pay attention to those titles that aren't given any love instead. I believe most of the scanlators appreciate more than one manga title, even if they're extremely obsessed with a particular manga (such as the Narutards or the like).

HOWEVER, there are actually rescanlations of this type that are acceptable, in my opinion. Like for instance, if the first group who had done the release did a poor job on it (Guilty of this are usually the speed groups), a rescanlation of the chapter in better quality will certainly be a blessing. I don't actually consider the editing as a big deal, but decent translations matter! At least proofread them damnit! A simple typo or mistranslation could change the meaning of the original text, and wrong interpretation from fans SUCK. Translations are that crucial.

Another is that.... there are... pretty complicated issues on why some groups who work on the same thing can't merge. There are various reasons (and good ones) but I don't want to delve much into this thing. Let's just let this reality explain that: you can't satisfy everyone, nor can you get along with everybody. Yeah, it kinda contradicts to what I wish to happen, but... ah well, it's hard to understand humans. *as if she's not human xD* On this cases it appears to be better to go separate ways than have a ridiculous war x_x

===== RESCANLATION TYPE 4 (Scanlating Licensed Titles)

This is something that isn't supposed to be done nor supported at all. In the first place, scanlation is done commonly because the official version of it in your langauge isn't available. So if they're there now, then why bother? Besides, supporting the legal publishers support the mangaka as well. We love our favorite mangaka, right? So let's buy their works!

HOWEVER, there are cases that make this type of rescanlation acceptable, in my opinion. Like for instance, believe it or not, it's actually a reality that some legal publishers do a horrible job on their releases. They're so bad that you can mistaken the fanmade versions as the professionally-made items. For me that's just.... so WRONG T_T They do it as a job after all; while scanlators are just doing these during their free time! T_T

Another concern is that a licensed series don't exactly reach many parts of the globe, much more if it's something unpopular. Or if they do, they are usually much more delayed on countries outside the publisher's domain. So if people on the US are already frustrated on the delays of the English licensed manga, what more to people outside it (who depend on the US releases) who are more affected by those delays? T_T Most fans are impatient; you don't need to be a genius analyst to realize that!

Lastly, there's also this issue of a licensed manga being TOO EXPENSIVE! The prices are seriously OUTRAGEOUS! How could I listen to their excuses if other puilishers managed to publish decent manga on an affordable price???!!! If there's a will, there's a way. Please think of your consumers before the money. More money will certainly come if you know how to please your consumers.

===== RESCANLATION TYPE 2 (Scanlating a Scanlation to a Different Language) and CREDIT + DISTRIBUTION ISSUES

Now THIS is something to be highly encouraged (provided that the manga isn't available to the second scanlator's language either). The English scanlations are usually the basis of the non-English ones. Even if English is like the universal language, not everyone understands English. If there are fans who could reach out to those poor souls that can't understand neither English nor Japanese, they should be highly supported! =D

English scanlators usually, if not always, approve when non-English scanlators ask them to use their releases to rescanlate the series to a different language. JUST ASK. Scanlators give out their contact details, or you can simply visit their website and read their FAQ section. Each group have different conditions when rescanlating their projects, so please respect those.

You may wonder: "Why do I have to ask permission from scanlation groups that consist of fans when they didn't even ask permission from the original publishers either anyway? WHAT GAVE THEM THE RIGHT?"

I don't actually know if there are other people who had thought of that. I don't want to go into the issue of "asking permission from publishers" thing (Don't wanna go off-topic and make this post even longer), but I think this could be one of the possible answers to that question: IT'S BECAUSE THE CREDITS MATTER

I think it's safe to assume that two of the main reasons why many scanlators want permission when it comes to using their scans is because they want to check if proper credits were given and to be sure that you're not doing it for profit. Who wouldn't feel bad if other people take the credit on what you worked hard for? Much worse if the thief is even earning money from your work that is meant to be for free!

I believe many of you have already heard of the sites that make their members pay for manga downloads done by scanlators who do them for free. There are also these aggregators that host scanlations for online reading for free but gain money from the ads that appear on every single page (and thanks to that, one of them even made it to Google's top sites). And of course, they don't ask permission at all (some do though). This angers both scanlators and legal publishers (scanlators aren't as bothered with the later though).

And one of the most infuriating things that I've encountered that is related to the crediting thing is that: a certain non-English group scanlated an English scanlated series to their own language BUT credited MANGAFOX for it.

WHAT KINDS OF IDIOTS ARE THESE???? The credits page of the scanlators IS IN the release that they've used. They translated it even (It was a joke joke credits page though wherein the names of the scanlators were used like they're part of the story). MangaFox even mentions that they are NOT to be credited for it, and the name of the scanlator is mentioned on the manga's index page. And since they were able to translate it, then someone in their group could translate for them if they don't understand English! That makes the language barrier not an excuse. SO HOW DID THIS STUPIDITY EXIST???? FREAKIN' HOW????!!!! Only thank MangaFox for the hosting (which most scanlators didn't ask for). ONLY THAT.

And yes, I am NOT kidding. There was such a group (and I believe there are more) and there is evidence. I don't want to be specific to avoid direct bashing (I don't wanna waste time on arguments). BUT YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, SO JUST QUIT IT! DON'T DO IT! EVER! (And of course, not only non-English groups are guilty of this. Well, I believe there are still English readers who thank MangaFox (and the like) for scanlations that aren't by MF's [MangaFox has a scanlation group if you don't know yet. So if it's by that group, then thank MF; if not, DON'T EVER])

So please please please please please ask permission or at least do the credits appropriately ^^;

Alright, those are my opinions regarding this activity. I'm not saying I'm right, so whether you agree with me or not, naturally I'm not gonna say whether you're right or wrong either. Opinions differ. Reasons differ. I'm just sharing mine. But I could also be wrong on some points or might've made wrong assumptions, so feel free to correct me but please don't be rude to me. Thanks.

(Extra: LOLz, this article is such a fun excuse to post pictures of some of my favorite twins xD Mwahahaha! They're also doubles after all xD Hahahaha! )

Manga Project Suggestions: Comic Zero-Sum and Zero-Sum WARD

There are soooooooo many interesting manga out there which deserve a bigger fandom. However, since they're not available in English, people who don't understand Japanese (which is the majority) can't appreciate them ;_;

I thought of coming up with lists of titles that seem good to me at first impression and that should be scanlated/licensed to English as soon as possible in my opinion. It could be by magazine, publisher, genre, or whatever grouping I have thought of. My tastes are so varied (like I love almost any freakin' genre) so most likely a reader would encounter something in these list that may be to his/her liking; unless you're only into the explicitly perverted and disturbing types (you know what I mean), or other stuff that don't make me hyper, ahahaha. (Oneshots are not included by the way... they are too difficult to research ^^;)

(He is Prince Hector from +C: Sword and Cornett. He's my top favorite Zero-Sum character along with Archangel Michael from 07-Ghost. For some reason my top favorite characters from such excellent series don't get much exposure/role.... probably because they're just too awesome that they might take away the main character's spotlight xD Mwahahahaha!)

I'll start with titles that are serialized under the magazines Comic Zero-Sum and Zero-Sum WARD, where most of my favorites are published in. They're both under Ichijinsha, so a really huge thanks to this company for publishing the works of such awesome mangaka *_*

(UPDATE: Thanks to cheezy and Anonymous for the new info *_*)

[ MANGA THAT NEED YOUR LOVE A.S.A.-NOW! ]
These are like my top recommendations ;D I've seen a chapter or more of these in RAW at least.
Sometimes, you could tell if a series seems good or interesting by just looking at the artwork. And well, even if I don't know much Japanese, actions in comics can sometimes already tell what the characters are feeling, doing, or trying to say ;D

Akumazeruma - MIFUNE Asato (B-U Info) An extremely normal boy meets a demon while looking for a missing cat. (Baka Updates) Manga with demons will always get my attention.... much more if there are angels too (they're the ones I love more)! And the "extremely normal" boy won't be that normal anymore once he gets into a contract with that demon, and his other form is bloody awesome~

A Presto - Tomine Naruse & Takato Shiina (B-U Info) A-presto follows the lives of two young men with the story skipping between their adulthood and childhood memories. The series isn't just about childhood friends talking about the past. There's something interesting that had happened in their pasts (because there's teenhood and choldhood)~ It's fun and lighthearted with a mix of supernatural and horror xD I love the twist in this series~ For me this is sort of a mix of Tenkyuugi (childhood best buds), Tousei (supernatural horror), and Makai (demonology + fun). How could this be not my type??? xD

Aruosumente - Aki (B-U Info) It had something to do with magicians/sages. Aki fans like me will certainly enjoy another fantasy series from this mangaka ;D (And I think I saw twins *_*)

Frozen Apple - AOTSUKI Yuzu (B-U Info) Snow White, a maiden who lives in the woods with the 7 dwarfs, suddenly decides to open a “dwarf café”! She has the support from 3 of her dwarf friends, and the Prince. Amidst the busy atmosphere of the café and making nice with the Prince (and putting up with his fetish for all things miniature), Snow White has a rival, Rosé, the owner of another café - “The Red Hood.” This 4-koma manga of fairy tale parody is light-hearted, funny and too cute to boot! [6gatsu] I CANNOT IGNORE FAIRY TALE PARODIES xD Especially enjoyable ones! And this looks very cute and funny indeed!!!! (Come to think of it, my favorite shoujo series is based on Snow White.... my favorite oneshots that's based on a fairy tale is also Snow White... so I think my favorite Fairy Tale parody would be the same xD)

Fukigen na Meitantei Division-0 - WATANABE Mizuki (B-U Info) While taking a trip to a deserted island, Yuki, Eiji and Ryousuke were abandoned on the island. The three of them ended up in a building on the island, and got to know the mysterious people in that building. However, something seems strange about these people...(Yukihito) I AM A HUGE SUCKER FOR DETECTIVES xD It's awesome and cute at the same time! They're no longer in an island on the chapter I've seen though, but I think form the cover alone it's already so obvious how good it seems xD Hahahaha!

Goulart Knights - Sion (B-U Info) A team of four bishonen with the ability to use “Chalice,” the source of humanity, to defend the earth from mysterious creatures known as “Archons.” (Anime Nation?) Medieval fantasy references are always my thing.... but the character design really turns me off =_= (THEY'RE SO GHEY) But, the story has potential (there's something inside our shota main character. And it's even going to be having its anime adaptation soon~ Oh yeah, the characters are based on actual seiyuus.... not the super popular ones though, but still, signign seiyuus are cool~

Inferno - RINO Miki (B-U Info) After causing the destruction of his parents, the protagonist only lives for the sake of his younger sister and avoids other people. However a mysterious stranger appears that calls him his master and life changed forever from this point. (Baka Updates) It seems good and I really really like the title but it didn't turn out to be the way I expected it to be.... not that it's a bad thing. If you read Undertaker Riddle, they're sorta similar.... just less the BL, more the seriousness, same angsty stuff and meeting with a supernatural stranger stuff. It seems really serious.... almost boring, but I can't hate characters who loves his sister and friends xD It may appear cliche, but seems to have potential~

Inorihime wa Sora ni Warau - KAEDE Tooru & MIZUTANI Yuzu (B-U Info) Inorihime, Maritza, the noble existence who inherits the “Inori no Uta” [Prayer Song]. At a single chance encounter, she is captivated by Prince Azurite, despite their meeting being forbidden. The two of them are exposed to cruel fate… Now, the love that dwells in their hearts, an unseen door opens! (Baka Updates) I want to dismiss this as "Bah! Another reverse harem crap!" but.... there are bishies!!!! xD the story seems interesting.... and the song thing reminded me of Utahime. And as if I could ignore stories with princes, fufufufu.

Kingin Sunako - Akanatsu (B-U Info) I had been informed that the characters seemed to be based on real life people, Bashou (a poet) and Kasane (a girl who inspired one of Bashou's poems). We don't get much manga that are based on poets or poems ;D Poetry and I aren't exactly friends, but I love literature~ And the events there seem really interesting (there are magic, swordfights, and blood xD Nice nice)

Majyo Rin - YONEYAMA Setsuko (B-U Info) “Kouichi, Marry Me!” That is the wish of Rinko, the descendant of a pure blooded witch family. The customs of her family forbids the matrimony between a witch and a human, however Rinko refuses to abide by that tradition since she fears witchcraft. Instead of resorting to violent measures, the elder of the family agrees to let the “cupid” do its work. The cupid, Rui, informs Rinko that in order for both sides of this conflict to come to an agreement, Rinko must meet the groom candidates that the elder prepared for her, or else she will lose everything, including her beloved, Kouichi. For Kouichi’s sake, Rinko agrees to this and begins to face a long line of groom candidates that await her! [Mamo] IT'S SO CRACK FUNNY I AM AMUSED xD There are like... magical girl transformations that are so WTF xD Hahahahahaha! And at least this is reverse harem with a leading girl who has firmly decided on who she likes~ I've aso heard that despite its silliness, recent events had been doing good! Waaaa! I'm so curious about this xD

M, comicer - MIZUHARA Kenta (B-U Info) Apparently, "M" seems to stand for "Millionaire". It's a 4koma comedy and... from the chapter I've seen, it looks like it consists of rich looking young people on a party. It looks very funny xD I'm very curios about it~

Ogamiya Yokochou Tenmatsuki - MIYAMOTO Fukusuke (B-U Info) Shoutaro left his house and now stays at his uncle's house. His new neighborhood is known as "Ogamiya Yokochou" and lots of different exorcists lives in that area. Shoutaro, however, can't feel nor see them at all. One day, a spirit gets attached to Shoutaro and his uncle has no choice but to drive it away. And to complicate things further, the spirit was a product of an experiment by the 3 old exorcists in the neighborhood... [dareka] Oh just when could I ignore interesting looking series that deal with spirits and exoscists xD I don't think it'll get that popular though because its art style is not what the majority considers as "pretty" but it looks good.... funny even! Oh I wish it'll be given some attention.

Planetary* - SAKURA Maro (B-U Info) The Planet Group is formed of powerful families that represent each planet in our solar system and the central Sun Family. Midori is the eldest son of the Earth Family, who is just now entering his high school life in the Planetary Academy. Other than his family name, however, Midori has little going for him. He doesn't get good grades and is shy and socially awkward. His low self-esteem isn't helped by the general disdain his father and younger brother openly show towards him. All they want is for him to not further "dirty" the family name, by staying silent and not standing out in public. But at his new high school, Midori is surprised by the kindness of the other Planet children, particularly Yuudai Jupiter, who takes Midori under his wing on the first day. Will attending the Planetary Academy mark the beginning of a change in Midori's life, or is there no hope for him after all? (Baka Updates) The premise is actually very very very interesting but the main character turned me off too much for being such a pathetic loser. You suck, I get it, but don't angst/sulk or lower yourself about it in almost every single panel you appear =_= But anyway, if I ignore him, the story has potential and the other characters seem nice enough. Its oneshot in one of the Arcana Anthologies was entertaining anyway, so I think this could be really enjoyable too =D

Tramp - FUJIWARA Yuu (B-U Info) This series deals about pirates and playing cards (as in heart, diamond, spade, club). The cards are called Legendary Cards, which are famous among pirates. People who have a heart, club, spade or diamond mark on their body are said to be descendants of legendary pirates, as well as the clue to finding the treasure left by those pirates. The descendants mentioned are our main characters, and our leading guy is Alto, a "club", who irnically is a very unlucky person. The blue haired guy in the first volume cover is Gio, who is the captan of a ship that Alto boarded (and he's the "spade"). My favorite I think would be either Daria (who is "diamond") or his brother Dyna (which I hope is his twin xD) because he's a prince~ Fufufufufufufu.... Thanks to Yukihito and b1px for spoiling me about this xD But anyway, I really really wish someone would do this *_*

My top favorite from this list would be A Presto!!!!! TRAMP is a close second~ Next to those two would be Fukigen na Meitantei, Majyorin, Frozen Apple, and Akumazeruma.That's it for my top 6~

Special Note 1: I only listed those that aren't scanlated yet.... or at least according to Baka Updates. I also won't be including those that are already in the "Future Projects" list of scanlation groups, and also those that have news of being licensed. Please inform me if there's already a group planning to work on any of these (or if they're already out in English and I just didn't know) so I can remove them, ehehehe.
Special Note 2: Sai no Kami by UEDA Shinsyu and Shirogane no Ou by AOTO Takane were supposed to be included in this category/section but I spotted them being future projects of Storm in Heaven ;D So let's just wait~ Let's wish for Shirogane no Ou -fenrir craft- when the prequel gets finished at least.
Update 1: I've seen the wonderful news that Bokura no Kiseki is one of Bliss' future projects! *_* HOORAY! And then Dai Daiboshi will be taken care of by Dragon Voice xD YIPEE!
Updated Special Note 3: For those who want to scanlate A Presto and/or Inferno, I have the first chapter so please contact me if you want the scans xD

[ MANGA THAT ALSO SEEM GOOD ]
These are titles wherein I have no idea about (because I haven't seen a chapter at least, nor are there much information about them aside from the title and the mangaka) but they seem to be good either because of the mangaka, the volume covers, the title, and so on. Hopefully more stuff about these would be out soon.

(I thought this is a new ZeroSum series but turned out to be a novel (thanks cheezy!) Anyway, this one has a male and female in early western outfit fighting side by side. Strong females and swordfights.... enough to make me very curious about it~ Not to mention the art's pretty *_*)

Anime Tenchou B' Tenchou Kouhosei - MAZAKI Haruka
I'm fond of series with a group of guy friends, hehe.
ASB - KOSUGI Mayu
Teh covers look cool~
Baku - Bikke
I love Bikke's arcana oneshots and Ame Nochi Hare *_*
Baresuta Never Give Up! - TAKAMURA Kooji & NANJOU Tsugumi
Hopefully not reverse harem but... well, there are bishies xD
Black Dust Portion - SERIKAWA Mame
I've heard there are quite a number of negative reviews on this but... Serikawa Mame's oneshots in Arcana had been enjoyable for me.
Capricious Bullet - ASADA Yasuka
I like Asada Yasuka's Arcana works~ This may be as good~
Club Crime - RINNO Miki
The title intrigued me... ehehehe
Chronos - Deep - AIKAWA Yu
I actually saw its first chapter but I only browsed it quick so I don't remember much. Since I don't remember, it might not have striked me but.... maybe I missed something.
Death Scythe - Akujin Kari - SAWADA Shou
The title is cool and the art seems awesome. Hehe
Gakuran - SHINDO Arashi
Shindo Arashi's works in Arcana had been enjoyable for me~
Gin'iro Anseriumu - MIZUHARA Kenta
I like M Comicer so possibly this is as fun~
God Animal - NANKIN Gureko
It looks really really awesome!!!! And I l'm fond of stories involving gods and stuff~ Maybe it's something like Haigakura =D
Harizuki Kagerou Enshimonogatari - TAKASATO Shiina & IWASAKI Minako
It reminded me so much of Kesshou Monogatari xD
Luwon - MINAMISAWA Hishika
The covers look really really really cool *_*
Meikai-Banashi - RINO Miki
They seem to be in a palace... so that may mean there's a prince or a king... I'm in xD
Monochrome Garden - YUMEJI Kou
Art seems nice and I like the title xD
Nejimaki no Niwa - KAYASE Shiki
I love Kayase Shiki's works~ I would most likely enjoy this one.
News Parade - KUMETA Natsuo
I looooooove Bokura no Kiseki and Kumeta Natsuo's oneshots in Arcana, so possibly this would be pretty good as well~
Nokkin - Gunjou
Gunjou's works seem promising. Too bad this mangaka isn't given much love by scanlators.
Shima Shima - Gunjou
The same with Nokkin.
Tindharia no Tane - FUJIMURA Ayumi
IT LOOKS VERY COOL that I find it strange that this mangaka's works aren't that popular yet. I looooove Fjimura Ayumi's works in mangaka, I certainly hope her actually series is as good or even better *_*
Tsuki Fushuku Shiyashiya - SHII Takako
The cover had attracted me somehow... ehehehe

[ MANGA THAT MIGHT BE GOOD BUT.... ]
These are titles I have seen but didn't get me that interested.... though it might be because they're the type that could be appreciated if you know exactly what they're saying and what's going on. So I can't dismiss these as trash as early as from just my first impression, ehehehe.

(I thought this is a new ZeroSum series but turned out to be a novel (thanks cheezy!) Anyway, this made me think of Narnia because of the lion xD And the art looks really really pretty *_* I wonder what this is about...)

Ai ni Toshi no Sanante - IGARASHI Ran
The premise is certainly unique (the girl is more interested in an old dude than the bishie) but.... I dunno. I didn't find it exciting...
Hakushakuke Goyoutashi - SHINOHARA Kana
It looks fun and interesting.... but it didn't make me laugh or get intrigued o_O
Kisshou 7 - MATSUMOTO Ao
I was told that the gods here got reincarnated as humans... but teenage humans??? And all in the same school? Puh-lease....
Mahou Tsukai Yousei Senmon Magic Star Gakuin Triple Star - MINAMISAWA Hishika
I don't get it....
Mahoutsukai no Neko - KIKUTA Yui
I hate cats and this looks so BL =_= But I saw twins in the first chapter.... so I think I only like that chapter... ahahaha...
Pikapika Kachiku - RINNO Miki
Even though the leading girl is the type I hate (she got kidnapped for more than 50 times o_O it's like uselessness is part of her profile), I really don't like the idea of women being chained like that and treated like animals =_=
Shuushuu Taishitsu - YONEYAMA Setsuko
I have mixed feelings on this.... it looks interesting and meh at the same time x_x I dunno.... it looks like the usual spirit hunting thing but later you see stuff that don't seem like the usual. Or maybe it's because the one I saw is the last chapter... that's why I'm so lost xD Hahaha!
Todoroki High School Book Committees - D. Kissan
It doesn't look as cool as the cover.... nor has it been as entertaining as I expected.... or maybe that's just what I think.

[ MANGA THAT I DON'T THINK WILL EVER BE TO MY LIKING ]
This section isn't exactly appropriate for this list, but my little research on checking out every single Zero-Sum title that isn't translated yet (that I could find) won't be used in full xD Haha! And besides, there aren't much of those anywayz, so might as well mention them at least:

Ada Senki - TSUTSUMI Shouko, Animal Family! - NANKIN Gureko, Gakuyaura - MAGAMI Guriko, Gemeinschaft - YASHIROU Saeki, Mato-chan - YUUKI Shinichi, Shippuu Karen Jinrai Komusume! - TACHIBANA Ayun, Sonyo Monyo - Tatsuneko, and Strange Plus - MIKAWA Verno.

Durarara!! - Episode 22

(ROAR TO GAME CONSOLES IF YOU'RE LOSING xD)
This episode is actually amazing and fun like usual.... except that the parts that make me wanna scream or curse characters just doubled x_x

[ WOW: DOLLARS WORKING TOGETHER ]

It looks like some recurring minor characters took part on the "rescuing Anri" thing, and interestingly they turned out to be Dollars members! I guess that comparing the three gangs, Dollars is still the most incredible. Even those who aren't capable of combat can take part in doing big missions. The members are pretty balanced, for some are ordinary while the others are so badass in their own way ^_^ When you watch how the Dollars act, it reminds you of the wonder of people working together ^_^

[ HELL YEAH: BADASS SHIZU-CHAN ]

Amusingly, the one who finished the mission is the person who's actually so pissed with the messages he has been receiving xD Bwahahahahhaa!
Just when is a scene of Shizu-chan kicking ass isn't awesome? xD His growls and evil glares are so much fun too. Haha!

[ LOL: SHINRA COULDN'T BE TRUSTED ]

Oh Celty! I love it that she's worried about Shinra's weird pervertedness xD Come to think of it, Anri isn't an ordinary woman, like Celty.
But don't worry Celty, he's only perverted towards you! xD Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!

[ UGH: MASAOMI IS NOT OKAY ]

(WAAAAHH!! HE'S CRYING ;_;)

Anri.... I believe you could have seen the obvious that Masaomi is not doing okay. Yet you don't provide him the answers that could make him calm down and even left him with a slap.
How could he be okay after that???!! Well, he knows he wasn't being himself and he's not being very nice. BUT STILL!!!!!
Anri, at least your Saika problems have been resolved. His started because of he thought you were in danger.
And damnit Mikado, why are you not responding to Masaomi during the time he needs you the most????!!!!

[ WTF: MIKADO ISN'T EITHER ]

But come to think of it, Mikado isn't okay either. But he could've at least set aside his problems for the time being because he hasn't been in contact with his best friend for a long time after all.
YOU BOYS!!!!!!! T_T
And about Mikado closing Dollars, I honestly didn't get his reason for it.... especially after the successful rescuing Anri mission.
Thank goodness Celty has thought of making Mikado meet Anri (and possibly make him reveal his being a founder of Dollars as well) so some matters would at least be cleared up once and for all.
You two.... please help Masaomi. He's more lost and broken than the two of you right now. Please help Masaomi. ......Masaomi *teary*.... waaaaaaahhh....

[ GRR: JUST DIE HORODA ]

Oh crap, Masaomi is already making me so emotional and the episode just had to end with a shot Shizu-chan. DAMN YOU BASTARD HORODA!!! EVEN IZAYA-KUN DIDN'T GO THAT FAR!!!!
Come to think of it, he has something to do with Masaomi's problems as well T_T
DIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But hhhmmm... I've realized that... putting Izaya aside, the villain that had managed to do big damages on the main characters situation is a weak and cowardly Horoda o_O He may be just Izaya's pawn, but for a big villain, he's not even a major character... nothing close to possessing any extraordinary skills either. I mean, he's the "villain of the episode" type of character.... the type that you won't see again or that won't ever be able to do that life threatening to major characters.... just an extra.... in other words, trash. I find it pretty incredible how Narita-sensei used this typical despicable extremely minor character. *applause*

[ NEXT EPISODE ]

(I like the hat of the dude on the left.... reminded me of Firo's hat xD Hehe)
I just hope the next episode will resolve some things between the trio.... at least with Mikado and Anri for the meantime. Together they can help out Masaomi.
But more importantly.... WHAT HAPPENED TO SHIZU-CHAN DAMNIT!!!!!

[ EXTRA ]

Oh I miss their happy moments....
By the way, I've updated the OP and ED Post with the ED single songs~ ON/OFF really rock~ Enjoy =D
That page is so messed up though..... *lazy to fix right now*