ARIA The Origination

Isn't this a WONDERFUL news???

Just learn this from Adun that there will be a new season of ARIA as mentioned in Mag Garden Comic Blade October edition. Mag-garden has release the news in a PDF document (May require JP fonts installation). No air date has been set.

With the word origination, I was thinking if they would have more plots that are not in the manga since it would be "orignal" that way. But the word Orignation doesn't really define anything, it could be just another "captivating" title.

So Happy!!!! Yeah!

By the way, there's a promo trailer for ARIA OVA ~ Arietta on the official website. I'm glad that the OVA would have a focus on Alicia (my favourite). The OVA would show the story of Alicia in her young age and the time Grandma left ARIA company to her. It also potrays the friendship of the three water fairies when they were young. However, from the trailer, I noted that the character animation quality was not as good as I have expected (Some are very slightly deformed). However, the graphics on gondola and the background setting are all good.

P/S: My Aria Solid Works Collection ordered at HLJ is ready for shipping. The Gashapon cost ¥6650 (Early bird) and the shipping cost ¥1080.

Suzuka 163 Job Search

Suzuka 163 就活 しゅうかつ

Yamato and Suzuka were having their meals at WOS Burger. Yamato told Suzuka that they can live at Ayano-san's onsen residence for the time being. Ayano san had mentioned that it would cost a lot if Yamato and Suzuka moved to a new house. She said that they can live there until they find a job. Suzuka replied that she felt bit guilty for the inconvenience. Yamato told her that they were helping Ayano san instead since Suzuka's room has no been occupied yet. Suzuka then agreed. She remarked that she felt stupid for moving out and moving back again. Yamato commented that it was his fault. Yamato then remarked that it's more important to find a job.
He told Suzuka that he had asked the school if there's any recruitment from companies. However, the school replied that the application date has long expired. Suzuka asked Yamato what he's planning to do. Yamato replied that he'd search from the classfieds in magazines. However, he acknowledged that he might not be able to find a decent job there. Suzuka commented that it would be good if they could find a company with personal track team. Yamato was surprised and asked Suzuka. Suzuka answered that Yamato do have the heart to continue the track. Yamato told her that it would be good if he can continue but the baby should be the priority now. Suzuka agreed. Yamato told her not to worry and he would tell her if there's any news. He asked her to wait for his call.

Yamato went to job interview and he was nervous as there were many applicants. He was called in for interview and he told himself that he can only try his best. Yamato greeted the interviewers and was asked to sit down. Yamato replied yes and apologized for the inconvenience. The interviewer remarked that Yamato was energectic and told him not to be nervous. The interviewer asked Yamato why he chosed the company. Yamato stuttered and didn't do very well in the interview. Back in his room, Yamato lied on his bed. He remarked that he had been to 7 companies and non of them were of success. Yamato commented that not many company have recruitment currently. He felt bad for telling suzuka to leave everything to him and felt ashamed to see her. Yamato got hold of himself and remarked that the baby's coming. He told himself that he must not give up and must find a job. His handphone rang and it was Suzuka. Suzuka asked if Yamato had found a job. Yamato was trying to answer the question but Suzuka interrupted and guessed that there was no success for Yamato. Yamato was stunned. He told her not to worry and assured her that he would find a job even if it's going to be casual. Suzuka asked Yamato if he could come out. She told him that she had something important to tell him and she would wait at the restaurant they always patroned. Yamato asked if she could tell her from the phone but Suzuka replied that she wanted to tell him face-to-face. Yamato wondered what's it was going to be and thought of her wanting a separation.

Yamato arrived at the restaurant and Suzuka called him over. He saw a man and realized that it was Sasaoka. Yamato thought he was transferred to US and asked him about it. Sasaoka told Yamato taht he was getting married in spring and he had to arrange some preparations. He added that he had heard a lot from Suzuka and he congratulated Yamato. Yamato thanked him and asked about meeting him. Sasaoka told Yamato that he had received a call from Suzuka wanting to talk to him personally. He asked Yamato if he was looking for a job. He mentioned that he could recommend Yamato to his company recruitment. Sasaoka asked Yamato if he had found a job already. Yamato replied he have been rejected by other companies. Sasaoka told Yamato that his company has a track team as well. Yamato was surprised. Suzuka remarked that she wished Yamato could continue with his track activity. She added that it would be a pity if he abandon it and Yamato himself also liked to continue with track. Suzuka told Yamato that she wanted to fulfil Yamato's ambition no matter what and thus she asked for Sasaoka's help. Yamato asked Sasaoka if it will be fine since it will be inconvenient. Sasaoka replied that the company had done well last year and they were thinking of recruiting more people. Sasaoka reminded Yamato that even though there's a track team, he must put the job as a priority. Yamato would have to consider track as a extra-curriculum activity. Sasaoka also mentioned that there would be a lot of task to do for new recruit and Yamato might not have time for track. Yamato replied that it won't matter. Yamato seemed a bit down and Suzuka asked him about it. Yamato replied he felt pathetic as he had told Suzuka not to worry but Suzuka had helped him to find a job at the end. Sasaoka told Yamato that it's not the time to be bothered by that issue. He continued that the future was more important and he told Yamato to work hard for Suzuka's sake as well as for their baby. Suzuka agreed and said that it won't be easy (since Yamato had to work to provide income for both Suzuka and the baby). Yamato looked at Suzuka and told her that he would work hard for their sake.

Caption: Three more chapters till the finale.

P/S: Kouji also confirm the finale of Suzuka in his online diary. The 3.5 years of Suzuka serialization is going to end soon. Going to miss it.

Note: Support Kouji Seo and Suzuka by purchasing the manga. CH available at Yesasia and JP available at Yesasia and Amazon JP. EN is available at Amazon

Greetings from Frankfurt

Greetings from Frankfurt, Germany.

It's 5.30am in the morning and I took advantage of the Hotel's internet access. At 3.28am, I called the reception checking the local time, he told me it was 4.28am. I was shocked as I found my time incorrect and I might miss the train at 7.30am. I changed the clock an hour earlier and woke up at 6am (5am actually). I then check the time online and yes, it's 5.30am now. Gee... ho could the reception got the time wrong.

The trip from Perth to Dubai was killing me since it's an 11 hour flight. The flight was well and we did encoutered some trubulences around Indian ocean. I found Dubai very hot. It was 27 degree when I reached Dubai at around 1pm (Dubai time). There was also a lot of people, some people were sitting on the sides of the lanes even though there were chairs just 100m away. The worst was the time we wasted sitting in a hot plane. Our flight from Dubai to Frankfurt was delayed because there's 3 plane arriving and we had to wait inside the train for more than 30 minutes. It was so hot and the air-conditioner was set weak during taxi. Gee... this incident made me lose impression on Emirates. I made an acquitance with a Chinese guy from Beijing. He's going to Berlin. The trip to Frankfurt was not really pleasant since I wasn't given the aisle seat as requested. And there's a compartment at the side so I can't stretch my leg well. Though it wasn't as bad as Wang as his in-flight entertainment system was faulty and he couldn't watch/play anything. I spent most of the time playing games which were classic and simple. I did get the highest score for the Bejewelled game and wrote my name on the record. Ha ha.

The weather in Frankfurt was good when we arrived. It's not as crazy as Perth weather now. I took a taxi to my hotel, Monopol. In Germany, the driver's seat is on the left. I went to th left and he told me it was the right since he's driving. Got bit embarassed. Gee.. the taxi driver was so "reckless". The driver sped 180 on a 120 road, cut lane without signal 80% of the time. He didn't fasten on his seat-belt until 10 minutes later.

The hotel I'm currently staying is quite decent. Though for Euro 99 per night, I would expect a clock and two pillows in the room. The water was weak, similar to the time I went to NZ. Guess, all hotels are trying to save water. The breakfast buffet will be available at 6am so I'm waiting for it.

Hope there's free access at the conference site or the hotel in Antwerp. See you. :)

Female Gondolier

Nothing to do with anime but I have the urge to post this since I have been asking the question ever since ARIA was introduced. As most people know ARIA is a manga about female undines. I have pondred "Isn't gondolier a job for the male?" I don't really care and since ARIA is a manga, I didn't pay any attention to it. In fact if ARIA was based on male gondolier, ARIA would fail miserably (I definitely don't want 55 ARIA navigation chapters with the alternate-world characters).

Back to the point, there is no female gondolier until recently a female gondolier, Alexandra Hai, turns tide of Venice's history succeed in getting the job. There has never been a female gondolier since the beginnings of gondoliering in 1094. Although she was imposed with certain limitations in her job, it has been a break-through in the history of gondolier.

In addition, I was made aware of the intense examination faced by potential gondoliers. According to the article, "After an 150-hour training course, there is a written test on the technical aspects of the boat and a practical test." This has made me appreciate more on the difficulty of Prima undines examination in ARIA.


Related real-world article 1
Related real-world artcile 2

ARIA Illustrations and Concert Poster

Came across two illustrations by Kozue Amano from a forum archive. The left one depicts the three fairy undines in their high-school uniforms. The right one potrays the three young undines in high-school uniforms and primary school uniform for Alice. Akari came from Earth so she attended the high-school on Earth. The illustration was drawn in conjuction of Kozue 5th anniversary in ARIA serialization. Aria was first serialized in Mag Garden's monthly magazine Comic Blade in November 2002.


There's also a poster for the ARIA concert in November. In addition, there's is a OP & ED single scheduled for release on the same day (21st September) the OVA is released. Available for pre-order at Play-Asia. It should comprise ARIA　the "OPテーマ　七色の空を／SONOROUS" and "EDテーマ　明日、夕暮れまで／葉月絵里乃 ".

P/S: Many might not know that Kozue Amano has a website and a gallery of her illustrations. The left one made it to the ARIA desktop calendar but not the right one. :(

Suzuka 162 Companion

Suzuka 162 仲間 なかま

Yamato and Suzuka went to see their teacher and told him of their matter. The teacher replied that he would talk to the university regarding the matter. The matter would be raised in the staff meeting but he told them that they wont be expelled. The teacher then told them to go back to their class. Leaving the staff room, Yamato commented that the teacher didn't react angrily as he had expected. Suzuka agreed and she noticed that Yamato had something in his mind. She asked him what he was thinking. Yamato replied nothing and confimed with Suzuka that she had to visit the hospital in the afternoon. Suzuka replied that it's just a regular check-up. Yamato apologized that he can't accompany her but Suzuka told him she would be fine. Suzuka went back to her class. Yasonobu was outside the class waiting for Yamato. He joked that Yamato was naugthy as he had been called for consulatation as the semester had just started. Yasonobu cunningly remarked that it must be about th secret trip. Yamato denied and Yasonobu pestered to know. Yamato told him that Suzuka was pregnant and they decided to get marry and abandon university. Yasonobu didn't believe in him and thought it was a joke. Yamato replied that it wasn't a joke. Yasonobu was stunned.

Reaching the locker room, Yasonobu continued asking if Yamato was serious. Yamato told him that he had something to attend and had to leave. Kinugasa sempai appeared and he wanted to talk to Yamato. Kinugasa asked Yasonobu to leave so that they can have a talk. They went to the park and sat down on a bench. Yamato remarked that he thought he would be beaten by Kinugasa. Kinugasa replied that he would if it would solve the whole matter. He asked Yamato why Yamato didn't tell him the last time they met. Yamato replied that he had not decided back then. Kinugasa commented that they have the freedom to make their choice but he asked Yamato if he knew the effects. Kinugasa told him that the university had lose two potential atheletes. It was not fair to the students who were not selected during the university selection competition. Kinugasa continued that the high school's track team has lost the credibility because the incident. He then seriously told Yamato that the university might not accept any student from their school in future. He remarked that it was the consequences that Yamato had caused. Yamato replied that he undertood and knew the consequences. Kinugasa told him that Yamato should act what he thought would be best since he knew of the consequence. Kinugasa added that he was disappointed with the whole issue. Yamato apologized as Kinugasa took leave.

Yamato went to the school track field, wanting to apologize to the members. He met Suzuka there. He was a bit surprised but Suzuka told him that the check-up took less time and she returned to apologize to the team. Both of them went into the training area. Miki and Kobayakawa saw them and approached them. Kobayakawa sarcastically told Yamato that the university might take back his recommendation for being lazy. Yamato replied that his recommendation has already being revoked. Suzuka and Yamato gathered the team and told them about the matter. Everyone was shocked that Suzuka was pregnant. Yamato told them that Suzuka and him had declined the recommendation. Kobayakawa grabbed Yamato and shouted if he knew what it meant. Kobayakawa remarked angrily that Seijou would probably not offer anymore recommendation to their school students anymore because of their reputation. Both Suzuka and Yamato apologized. Kobayakawa refused the apology and scolded Yamato. Tsuyoshi interrupted and commented that they knew Yamato and Suzuka had put in a lot of effort in track. He added that they undertood their feelings in rejecting the recommendation. All the members supported them saying that there were other university that they could attend. Tsuyoshi joked that even if they wanted to enter Seijou, they could apply through general admission since they were not as stupid as Yamato. Everyone then encouraged Yamato and Suzuka, telling them that they should do their best and give birth to a healthy baby. They added that they would support them from behind. Yamato and Suzuka thanked everyone for their understanding. Kobayakawa then realized that he appeared as the only bad guy but Miki remarked that he was a good senior as well.

Outside the fence, Kinugasa and Miyamoto were looking at the track team. Kinugasa commented that if Yamato didn't apologize to the track team, he would have beaten him. Miyamoto told him that if Kinugasa was supportive, he could just tell them. Kinugasa replied that he would support them by preparing a wedding gift for them and he asked Miyamoto to come along. He then looked at Suzuka and Yamato, saying "Work hard together."

Caption: Inside Suzuka, she bears Yamato child. Yamato stand firm protecting his newborn life and loved one. His companion also support them at the back.

P/S: Basically a chapter dedicated to Yamato and Suzuka telling certain people about their matter.

Note: Support Kouji Seo and Suzuka by purchasing the manga. CH available at Yesasia and JP available at Yesasia and Amazon JP. EN is available at Amazon

ARIA Navigation Guide

The guide is not new but I decided to write a post about this wonderful book. really glad that Tong Li released the CH version of the guide. The guide was based on ARIA manga, not the anime.

As usual the book cover has the 4 corner story and ended with Maa sachou profile. The slip cover quality are not as good as the normal ARIA manga but acceptable.

The book started with 13 pages of colour pages. The first page depicted the prologue. The next 8 pages showed the venue and scene of Italy that were potrayed in ARIA. 3 pages were then dedicated to illustrate the steps in colouring an illustration of ARIA using photoshop.

The book was then divided into 4 main sections; World Nagivation, Episode Navigation, Expansion Navigation and Making Navigation.


World Navigation
The World Navigation section started from page 15 to page 86.

P17-19: Explored AQUA with details on time, weather, trasnport and culture.
P20-23: AQUA events in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
P24: Information on the Undine
P25-29: ARIA, Himeya and Orange Planet companies and their interiors.
P30: Road to become an Undine and their duties as well as Gondola maintenance.
P34: Information on Salamander
P35: Information on Gnome
P36: Information on Sylph
P37: Information on postoffice, Florian cafe and Glass factory.
P38-39: ARIA characters relationship chart
P41-65; ARIA undines profiles. Each with 3 distinct characteristics, their current work and potential, their summer n winter uniform.
P66-73: Profiles of Akistuki, Al, Woody, Grandma, Postman, Sachous and Cat Sith.
P74-79: Alicia asnwering technical questions on ARIA.
P80-81: Cat kingdom
P82-83: AQUA insider on Salamander and Gnome
P84-85: How to draw Sachous with sing-along


Episode Navigation
The episode nagivation covered page 87 to page 143. It featured detailed episode information from the 1st year to the 3rd year spring as well as special navigation. The section also comprised Aria sachou costumes, Akari's attraction secret, Aika's list of do not as well as additional terms used in ARIA.

Expansion Navigation
Making Navigation

more to come... still reading the book.... exciting !!!!


The guide is available at Yesasia (except ARIA 10) and Bookcafe.

Received Order

I was surprised to receive two parcels this morning. I would expect ARIA 10 since my friend's mum sent it from HK via air mail last Thursday. However, I was surprised to see a larger parcel from Yesasia. Yes, you heard it right, my Yesasia order has arrived. The order was shipped on 3rd August and it only took 10 days to arrive. From experience, Yesasia order usually takes 2-3 weeks.

So, the items I have just received were ARIA V10, Suzuka V15, Pastel V16, Cross Game 7 & 8, Romeo x Juliet OP and ARIA Navigation Guide. I'll write a post on ARIA Navigation Guide. Really glad that Tong Li decided to pick up the book and release the CH version.

I discovered a secret in the leaflet that came with Romeo x Juliet OP. The illustration of Romeo x Juliet was actually a sticker!

Update: Just reach home and realized that my Romeo x Juliet OP CD case was shattered. In the past Yesasia used parcel box, this time they just place the CD in between the books and wrapped in plastic. I just sent a complain email this morning and looks like another coming up. Bloody Yesasia. Just when the fast delivery overcome the failure of acquiring ARIA 10, you have another reason for me to shift my patronage.

The items I mentioned above are available at Yesasia (except ARIA 10) and Bookcafe.

P/S: I'm a bit frustrated that Suzuka CH V16 came out a few days ago. It's a good news but I would need to wait for a few more manga before I place an order.

Stupid HLJ

I have always liked HLJ but this time it's bit ridiculous. I have pre-ordered SD Stargazer and SD Zaku Heine for my brother in one pre-order. Both are scheduled to be released in August. Stargazer has just been released and they shipped it. If it was separate order, I'd be fine but I have both in the pre-order. They should wait for the other to arrive before shipping it. It's not like the item is going to be release next month. Anyway, not too happy and am going to complain to HLJ. What's the point of having 2 items in an order then?

According to HLJ policy;
"HobbyLink Japan ships orders to customers when any one of three things occur:
1. Everything on an individual order is in stock.
2. Two months pass from the time an order was placed, and at least one item is in stock.
3. You request shipping of available items. "

Mine should fall on the 2nd category but it's not even a week and they shipped the order.

P/S: Luckily it was the SD Stargazer that was shipped, otherwise I'm going to make a racket at HLJ. The SD Stargazer looks very attractive, click the picture and check out the promo pictures at Gundambase.

Random Thoughts

Mood: Happy, see update


Manga:
Suzuka 161: I like the chapter eventhough I found Mr. Asahina's reaction lack of realism. Nevertheless, he made a good point on parenting and Yamato learnt a lot from him. At the end of the chapter, he smiled and told Yamato that he wont back them financially, meaning he wanted Yamato to be a responsible father. Last week mentioned tears but there wasn't even a signle tears.
Air Gear 174: Nothing special except Hako trying to attack Kururu with an electroshock.
Cross Game 92: Needless to ask. Baseball and Seishū High School cornered the opposition.

Anime:
Romeo x Juliet 19 : The red whirlwind is back.
Moetan 5: The story plot's a bit crazy....
Zero no Tsukaima II 5 : Louise's sisters again, Yeah!. Enjoyed the episode. It's funny to see how similar were Eleanor and Loiuse when whipping. This week Cattleya has more attitude. I used to like Siesta but kinda find her annoying recently.


Purchase:
The Bookcafe service was very slow. My order has been on "confirm" status for a week. Sent them an email but no reply. Gee...
Updates: I have wronged Bookcafe. I was told by my friend that his mum sent the comic from HK on Thursday. That would mean that the book arrived before Thursday. I placed the item on 3rd August, so it took less than a week. That's efficient! The only thing I'm not happy is that they didnt even email me that the item has been shipped. Also the system wrote "confirm" status instead of delivered. Well, I think I'll move my manga purchase to Bookcafe in near future instead of Yesasia. Lucky I understand Chinese and am able to order from Bookcafe.

ARIA Updates

Figure

Beagle will release a 60cm Akari figure scheduled in December 2007. The figure will cost 84,000 Yen or US$ 702. Who the heck is going to buy it??? The figure can have many pose since there are joints. The pink hair strand looks silky. The figure would have accessories such as bracelet, hat, shoes, glove, clothes, additional accesories and a metal base. It looks like an overpriced barbie doll. Available at HLJ at a price of US $635 (Early bird).

Book

It's under the book section but no details on the book (folded print). Nevertheless, the commodity set will be available at Comiket 72 on the 17th August. Each set will comprise a selection of umbrella (3 choices) and a B2 poster (2 choices). The posters are said to be the most Sexy and Cool illustration in ARIA history. Indeed, I WANT the posters!!! A set cost 3500 yen with the book, an umbrella and a poster. The full set will cost 9500 Yen with the book, 2 umbrellas and a poster

Event
Last, there will be an ARIA The Concert on the 30th November. Reserve tickets priced at 5,800 Yen. The ticket sale day will be 1st September.

Suzuka 161 Family

Suzuka 161 家族 かぞく

Do not copy and paste or rephrase somewhere else. It's meant for spoiler as well.

Mr and Mrs. Asahina sat down with Suzuka and Yamato. Mrs. Asahina asked Yamato what was the important thing that he wanted to tell them. Yamato answered that he had just promise to go out with Suzuka like classmates but he was really sorry. Yamato then asked them to let him marry Suzuka. Mr. Asahina was calm but Mrs. Asahina asked why the sudden. Mr. Asahina looked at Suzuka and asked her why. Suzuka told her parents that she was pregnant and it has been 3 months. Mrs. Asahina was shocked and asked if it was real. Mr. Asahina appeared calm and told her not to be panic. Mr. Asahina said that he had thought of what could happen when Yamato and Suzuka had something to talk to them. Mr. Asahina asked how did Yamato's parents react and guessed that they would let Yamato going to university as a priority. Yamato answered although his parents disagreed but he wanted to skip university and work to earn money. He added that he has the realization. Mr. Asahina asked Suzuka if it was fine. Suzuka asnwered that she knew it's stubborn but she wanted to give birth to the baby. Mr. Asahina replied that he udernstood and he would object since she had determined. However, he told her that she had to break up with Yamato. Mr. Asahina said that they will raise the baby themselves. Suzuka protested but Mr. Asahina took leave. Yamato remarked that he would work hard and he wont give them any burden. Mr. Asahina told him to stop talking and left the room.

Yamato looked at Suzuka and decided to go and talk to Mr. Asahina again. He told himself that if they broke up, there's no meaning at all. Yamato bumped into Suzune who was eavesdropping. Yamato knocked on the door and Mr. Asahina asked who was it. Yamato made himself known and Mr. Asahina asked him to enter the study room.
Yamato told Mr. Asahina that he would really work hard and pleaded that he would let them marry. Mr. Asahina put down his company finance report and took an album from the shelves. He asked Yamato to sit down and look at it. Inside the album, Yamato saw the picture of Mrs. Asahina and the just born Suzuka. Mr. Asahina commented that he had something that he really wanted to do. Even though the people around him had opposed, he still started his own company. At that time, Suzuka had just been born.
Yamato continued seeing the photo of Suzuka entering primary school and her childhood photos. He noticed that Suzuka was happy in the photos.
Mr Asahina continued that the company turnover wasn't as he had expected and had experience debts and deficits frequently. Yamato was surprised and remarked that the photo gave the feeling of happiness. Mr. Asahina replied that was why he had persevered until now. Suzune and Suzuka were the reason that he had work so hard. He was willing to go through anything for their sake. He added that that's what parents meant. He aslo remarked that Yamato parents would have the same feeling. Yamato reminisced his childhood and his parents. Mr. Asahina asked "Isn't it?" Yamato replied "It must be." Mr. Asahina remarked that Yamato has easily decided on not attending university . He said that it wasn't easy for Yamato parents to raise him and they had high expectation of his future. He asked Yamato whether he had thought of that. Mr. Asahina commented that children had no obligation to repay their parents but for someone who didnt understand these had no right to be a parent.
32. He said that Yamato was only 18 and what he had just said might be more than what he could understand. Yamato apologized and admitted that he had said a lot of irresponsible things. He told Mr. Asahina that he would apologize to his parents when he went back. Mr. Asahina asked if he can do it. Mr. Asahina smiled and told Yamato that he won't support them financially. Yamato agreed and replied that he would do his best.

P/S: Either next week's the chapter that Yamato apologized to his family (I doubt) or we could be reading Yamato's looking for a job. Actually, I was thinking it could be a chapter letting Miki or Yasonobu know about the matter. At least there's no problem with either the Akitsuki and Asahina family. Time for the family to meet each other??? Possible scenario from "Meet the Fockers"????

Note: Support Kouji Seo and Suzuka by purchasing the manga. CH available at Yesasia and JP available at Yesasia and Amazon JP. EN is available at Amazon

Random Thoughts

Mood: Angry & Frustrated


Manga:
Suzuka 160: A good chapter on Suzuka meeting Yamato's parents as potential daugther-in-law. We also learnt that Ayano-san eloped with her husband when she was young. Next chapter should be very interesting with Yamato meeting Suzuka's family and the caption said "Tears".
Tsubasa 162: No idea why the cover featured Kyle Rondart and Xing Huo. Another darn reminiscing chapter with bit more action.
Air Gear 173: Nothing special part from a possible AT fight coming up in next chapter between Kogarasumaru and the "kamen rider" gang.
Cross Game 91: Baseball, what else???

Anime:
Romeo x Juliet 18 : Romeo establishing a town, Willie (William) casting a play and Aw... the reunion scene.. Isn't it wonderful? Start to like the white Iris more and more.
Moetan 4: I like the new character Alice Shiratori. She's my favourite character now because she got the attitude. I like to watch Sumi Kuroi only for her strand of hair that changes according to emotion.
Zero no Tsukaima II 4 : Hurray Louise's sisters. An enjoyable and funny episode. But to have Eleanor fantasizing on a guy like Count of Burgundy degrade my impression on her. I like Cattleya but find her average, anyway she's sick, you'll have to forgive her.


Purchase:
Bloody Yesasia. They haven't even sold any ARIA CH 10 and now they tell me it's temporarily not available. I even recommend a supplier to them and they ignore it. Last year's service was a lot better, the agent contacted the supplier and acquired the item for me. I was about to cancel the whole order but since I have a CD in it, I'll forget about it this time. I'm going to try the bookcafe and test its service. If I found availability at bookcafe, Yesasia's team and CEO gonna receive a trashing email from me.

Update: Yesasia just shipped my order of 4 mangas, ARIA Navigation Guide and 1 CD. Weekend spoilt because of Yesasia failure to acquire ARIA V10.