Added on November 16, 2015  Lesley Aeschliman  featured , Kodansha Comics , manga , News , One Peace Books

New Manga Releases for the Week of November 17, 2015

This week sees new manga releases from Kodansha Comics, One Peace Books, Seven Seas Entertainment, VIZ Media, and Yen Press.

My “Pick of the Week” goes to Yen Press’ release of Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun Volume 1.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun Volume 1 by Izumi Tsubaki
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99 Get it for $9.53 from Amazon!

To the eyes of classmate Chiyo Sakura, high school student Umetarou Nozaki – brawny of build and brusque of tongue – is a dreamboat. When Chiyo finally works up the courage to tell Nozaki how she feels about him, she knows rejection is on the table, but getting recruited as a mangaka’s assistant? Never in a million years. As Chiyo quickly discovers, Nozaki-kun, the boy of Chiyo’s dreams, is a hugely popular shoujo manga artist. But for someone who makes a living drawing sweet girly romances, Nozaki-kun is a little slow on the uptake when it comes to matters of the heart in reality. And so Chiyo’s daily life of manga making and heartache begins.

The other new releases coming out this week are:

Ani-Imo Volume 5 by Haruko Kurumatani
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Quite by accident, Youta and Hikaru have finally returned to their original bodies. It should be a happy event, but just because they’ve reverted back to normal doesn’t mean their brother-sister relationship can so easily return to the way it once was. Hikaru is adamant not to lose the momentum she’s gained over the past few weeks, but Koizumi is equally resolved to see Hikaru as only his sister. Now that she’s back in her own body and not his, though, it’s impossible for him not to notice how attractive the whole Hikaru really is.

Are You Alice? Volume 10 by Ai Ninomiya
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

When Lewis Carroll took in a little black cat for Alice Liddell, he most likely never imagined that it would be the sole witness to his final throes of madness. Nor could he have fathomed just how much a cynical alley cat could make of his discarded characters. So spins the tale of how the Cheshire Cat came to be – and how he may yet come to be Lewis Carroll’s undoing.

Black Butler Volume 21 by Yana Toboso
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

With the helpful hand of his distinguished butler, Sebastian, Earl Ciel Phantomhive, once again with his wits about him, discovers the reality of both the Emerald Witch and the curse of the Wolfman that haunts a small village in the forests of Germany. On the orders of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, master and servant escort the young sheltered Emerald Witch, Lady Sullivan, beyond the doors of the Emerald Castle and into the outside world, only to find themselves right in the path of an oncoming German special forces attack.

A Bride’s Story Volume 7 by Kaoru Mori
Yen Press – MSRP: $16.99

As Mr. Smith continues his journey to India, he is welcomed into the home of a wealthy tradesman and his wife, Anis. Custom dictates that, as a woman, Anis is not permitted to meet their visitor face-to-face, but even so, she counts herself blessed to live in such a beautiful estate and be married to a man who devotes himself solely to her. Still, one cannot help but long for the companionship of another person when one’s closest friend is a reluctant Persian cat. In her loneliness, Anis visits the public bath house and discovers a place where she feels immediately free among her fellow sisters.

BTOOOM! Volume 12 by Junya Inoue
Yen Press – MSRP: $13.99

On an island where people are forced to fight each other to the death using explosives, Ryouta places his bets on escape via a hijacked helicopter. But what happens when his plan goes abruptly awry? As his allies drop left and right in a hail of bullets and as an unexpected ally lends him a hand, Ryouta becomes mired in the fiercest battle he has yet experienced on the island. When the veil concealing the true intent behind “BTOOOM!” is ripped away, will the precarious war Ryouta has been waging on the live-action death match’s sponsors finally come to a head?

Cage of Eden Volume 19 by Yoshinobu Yamada
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

In order to save their sick teacher, Sengoku and the gang commence an all-out-war to kidnap the island’s only doctor, Nishikiori. However, the atrocious doctor uses his brainwashed servants to turn things around on Sengoku and his friends. The kids must think of an even better plan to outwit him, but will they make it in time? As they approach the pyramid for their final strike, the members of Sengoku’s camp must once again take a stand against the nefarious cruelty of Nishikiori and his henchmen.

The Devil Is a Part-Timer!: High School Volume 2 by Satoshi Wagahara
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Maou (aka the Devil King) and Emi (aka Emilia the Hero) have arrived from another world – and now they’re in high school. Things are crazy enough already with classmate Chiho’s ongoing crush on Maou, but are these kids going to be ready when a little girl shows up on Maou’s doorstep and calls him Papa?

Devils and Realist Volume 7 by Madoka Takadono
Seven Seas Entertainment – MSRP: $12.99

William Twining has it all – a sharp intelligence, dashing good looks, and a noble station in life. There’s only one problem: he’s broke. With no way to finance his prestigious education, William decides to search through his uncle’s mansion for something of value to sell. But William’s logical worldview is about to take a hit, when he comes across a mystical seal which he unintentionally uses to summon a demon. The demon’s name is Dantalion, a Grand Duke of Hell, who informs the young nobleman of his destiny – that he is the new “Elector” whose sole responsibility is to appoint the next ruler of Hell in place of Lucifer. Such news might drive a lesser man mad, but not William Twining. He’s a realist whose views don’t allow for the existence of demons, even when scores of demonic candidates begin to knock down his door and seek his favor. None of this can possibly be real, can it? And besides, he’s got bills to pay.

The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan Volume 8 by Nagaru Tanigawa
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

The heart-stirring ordeals of Christmastime are over. Kyon and Yuki are more conscious of each other than ever, but even now, there’s a strange distance between them. As the shrine visits of the new year end and the cold days of school start again, Yuki must make a decision.

Dragons Rioting Volume 1 by Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Rintaro’s got a problem: sexual arousal can be deadly for him. This is terribly inconvenient when he’s admitted to a former girls’ academy where 99 percent of the student body is female. And worse, school supremacy is constantly being fought over in a conflict centering around three powerful girls – the Dragons.

Evergreen Volume 3 by Yuyuko Takemiya
Seven Seas Entertainment – MSRP: $12.99

Yoshimatsu Hotaka has a dark past, although you’d never know it. As a second year high school student and president of the school’s manga club, Yoshimatsu seems like your average, well-acclimated teenager, but a past surgery and a present handicap haunt him. Lacking the confidence to approach the radiant female ace of the swim club, Niki Awaya, Yoshimitsu can only admire her dazzling beauty from afar. So when a chance opportunity allows for a meeting between Yoshimatsu and Niki, what does the future hold for such disparate individuals? Could they possibly have more in common than meets the eye?

Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto Volume 2 by Nami Sano
Seven Seas Entertainment – MSRP: $12.99

First impressions are everything, especially for high school freshman Sakamoto. Model student, beacon of inspiration, gentle spirit of guidance, and friend among friends – you name it, he can do it. He’s your go-to-guy for any problem, even if he is a bit intimidating. But not everyone takes kindly to Sakamoto’s larger-than-life persona, because, let’s face it, no one can truly be his match. Right? In the face of school bullying, unrequited love, academic challenges, and even a touch of arson, Sakamoto never shies away from conflict, and always maintains his cool.

High School DxD Volume 7 by Ichiei Ishibumi
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Devil King Sirzechs pays a visit to the Hyoudou household, and he’s got some shocking info for Issei and the gang. Later, the beautiful swordswoman Xenovia too has a shock in store for Issei when she asks him a question that’s been on her mind: “Will you have a child with me?”

The Honor Student at Magic High School Volume 1 by Tsutomu Sato
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

A century has passed since magic – real, true magic: the stuff of legends – has returned to the world. It is spring – the season of new beginnings – and a new class of students is about to begin their studies at the National Magic Academy’s First High School, nickname: Magic High. This is a spin-off to The Irregular at Magic High School from Miyuki’s point of view.

Inu x Boku Secret Service Volume 9 by Cocoa Fujiwara
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

At first, the residents of Ayakashi Hall are baffled by the discovery of a time capsule containing letters in their own handwriting, apparently from their future selves. But Natsume’s ability to see beyond confirms the truth, and he is overwhelmed by the future he glimpses. The others aren’t sure they want to know the full extent of what is to come when it has so obviously rattled Natsume and their later selves. Even with that knowledge, what can they do differently to face the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons?

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Volume 3 by Fujino Omori
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

The young adventurer Bell has gained a helpful ally in the form of Lilliluka – a professional supporter who’s eager to aid his cause. But is Lilly everything she claims to be? And with the eyes of so many mysterious figures on Bell, does Hestia have a chance at the romance she craves?

Karneval Volume 3 by Touya Mikanagi
Yen Press – MSRP: $19.99

Nai and the crew of the 2nd Ship head for the metropolis of Vantonam, with 1st Ship’s Jiki on board under Captain Tsukitachi’s orders. The group takes some time off to enjoy the city, but while browsing the Nyanperona Shop, they are called out by a young boy. Later, Nai receives a secret communication with a dire message from Karoku as Circus begins planning an attack upon the “Smoky Mansion,” where Karoku says he is being held. After the fierce battle ends and the dust settles, what truth will await Nai and Gareki?

My Little Monster Volume 11 by Robico
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

Mizutani is a self-absorbed overachiever, concerned only with maintaining the highest grades in school. Haru is an impulsive short tempered brute, who scares everyone with his explosive bursts of violence. Haru gets suspended on the first day of school when he encounters some bullies harassing a student and dispatches the bullies with some rather bloody violence. Mizutani is tasked with delivering school materials to Haru, who interprets this as an act of friendship and latches on to Mizutani, much to her dismay.

Noragami: Stray God Volume 8 by Adachitoka
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

Yato is a homeless god. He doesn’t even have a shrine, let alone any worshippers! So, to achieve his ambitious goals, he’s set up a service to help those in need (for a small fee of course). He hopes that one day he’ll be able to build the temple he feels he deserves, but for now he can’t be picky about the jobs that he chooses to accept. From finding lost kittens to overcoming school bullies, Yato is divinely intervening all over the place.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers Volume 11 by Fumi Yoshinaga
VIZ Media – MSRP: $12.99

Tokugawa Harusada connived for years to place her son in the shogun’s seat, and now she’s enjoying holding all the reins of power while Ienari is relegated to breeding duties. But while his mother sees him as nothing but a mindless stud horse, Ienari has been reading The Chronicle of a Dying Day and dreaming of a better future for his country – one free of his mother’s increasingly cruel control.

Prison School Volume 2 by Akira Hiramoto
Yen Press – MSRP: $19.99

Will the hole in the wall that Kiyoshi and Gackt have been digging to aid in their prison break lead to a hole in Kiyoshi’s heart instead? The daring duo was prepared to risk it all to make Kiyoshi’s sumo dream date with Chiyo happen, only to discover that the exit they’d been working so hard on was filled in by the Chairman. But that won’t be enough to keep a hormonal teenage boy at bay. Kiyoshi, desperate to make this date a reality, escapes in disguise as a girl.

Puella Magi Tart Magica: The Legend of Jeanne d’Arc Volume 2 by Magica Quartet
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Tart presses onward in her quest to reach the Dauphin, the disinherited heir of France, and help restore him to the throne and thus her country to a state of peace. Her reputation as a fearless warrior and bringer of light has drawn loyal supporters who would stand and fight against England and the Duke of Burgundy. Tart’s power grows, both as a beacon of hope and as a magical girl, but a country girl cannot hope to wield such power without facing opposition and consequences.

The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 1 by Aneko Yusagi
One Peace Books – MSRP: $11.95

An uncharismatic otaku who spends his days on games and manga suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe. He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction. As the Shield Hero, the weakest of the heroes, all is not as it seems. Naofumi is soon alone, penniless, and betrayed. With no one to turn to, and nowhere to run, he is left with only his shield. Now, Naofumi must rise to become the legendary Shield Hero and save the world.

School-Live! Volume 1 by Norimitsu Kaihou
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Yuki Takeya is just an average, bubbly girl who enjoys school activities with her friends, and who also happens to be one of the sole survivors at her school after a zombie apocalypse.

Secret Volume 3 by Yoshiki Tonogai
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

The tension among the survivors of the bus accident reaches its threshold as the one-week deadline finally arrives. The three killers may have confessed, but does this mean that all their sins are accounted for? What truly constitutes a crime? Or to what extent is an action criminal? And when the gavel falls on their sentences, perhaps all might not be as it seems.

Terra Formars Volume 9 by Yu Sasuga
VIZ Media – MSRP: $12.99

A giant swarm of Terraformars is bearing down on the escape vehicle where Bao from Division 4 is holding Akari and the others captive. Virtually defenseless, Bao contemplates a horrific course of action. Meanwhile, Marcos and his team head underground with a plan to hack into the Annex’s communications array and attempt to contact Earth. But Bao’s treachery and his unique ability may be the end of them all, if the Terraformars don’t kill them first.

Trinity Seven Volume 3 by Kenji Saito
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

At the Royal Biblia Academy, magical occurrences are commonplace, but ghosts?! While investigating a ghostly happening at the school, Arata and his friends find themselves trapped in the Eternal Library – where a pigtailed beauty suddenly appears before their eyes. Just who is this mysterious babe, and what is she after?

Ultraman Volume 2 by Tomohiro Shimoguchi
VIZ Media – MSRP: $12.99

With the SSSP now operating as a covert agency, Shinjiro Hayata has inherited the mantle of Ultraman from his father and learned of a new and terrifying alien invasion. Though Shinjiro has his father’s powers and an amazing armored exo-suit, he has a lot to learn if he’s going to survive this secret war.

Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches Volume 5 by Miki Yoshikawa
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

There’s going to be a fire in the old school building and it’s up to Yamada to stop it. Guided by Sarushima’s precognition ability, Yamada and the gang set out to alter the future. They suspect that Sarushima’s friend, Tsubaki, is responsible for the incident, and to keep Tsubaki from the scene of the fire, Shiraishi invites him on a date. Yamada switches bodies with Shiraishi and his mission is simple: Don’t let Tsubaki confess his love to Shiraishi, and keep him distracted until the time when the fire occurs. Can Yamada pull off playing the perfect woman?