Tong Li Release

Yes, Tong Li have just released Suzuka 15, ARIA 10 and Pastel 16 CH manga. Hurray. I wasn't expecting ARIA 10 to be released so soon because the gaps between JP and CH release are usually 5 or 8 months. Maybe because ARIA manga is getting more popular nowadays. Popular manga such as Pastel and Suzuka CH are released usually 2 or 3 months after JP release. For even more popular manga such as Adachi Mitsuru's Cross Game, Jonesky release the CH version 1 or 2 months after the JP release. I should be placing an order soon once they are all available for order on Yesasia, which should comprise ARIA 10, Suzuka 15, Pastel 16 and Cross Game 7.

By the way, Tong Li will also release an ARIA booklet (水星領航員公式領航手冊) in June. Literal translation of the book is "ARIA official undine booklet". I have no idea if it's just a CH version of JP release or not. Nevertheless, I have asked Yesasia to source it as well.

FF Mini Collection I

I believe there's more to come so I add a "I" to it. The collection comprises 5 mini figures of Vaan(FFXII), Cloud(FFVII), Penelo(FFXII), Rinoa(FFVIII) and Yuna(FFX-2). Each mini figure is 60mm. The collection is scheduled for October release with a price of 2651 Yen. Each box has 9 mini figures.

They looks absolutely fabulous and kawaii.. I have placed pre-order for them.
Available at HLJ.

Suzuka 155 Realization

Suzuka 155 結実 けつじつ:


The chapter started with Yamato running, complaining on the broken down train. He was worried that Mr. Asahina had gone to work as it was already 11am. He then worried that Mr. Asahina wont forgive him for the rest of his life. Mr. Asahina was reading a newspaper. Mrs. Asahina asked why he's taling his time slowly as he had a meeting in the morning. He answered that he had contacted the office that he would arrive at noon. Mr.s Asahina remarked that even so it was 11am. He replied that even he's not there there wont be any problem. Suzuka whispered to her mum asking what happen to her dad since he's always early. Yamato's "I'll come again tomorrow" was dwelling inside Mr. Asahina's head. The bellr ang and Mrs. Asahina remarked that it could be Yamato. Mr. Asahina said that he would open the door. He opened the door and found Yamato perspiring profusely.

Yamato greeted him and apologized immediately. He explained that he wanted to come earlier but electric train broke down. Mr. Asahina looked at him and asked if that's the excuse that he was late. Yamato was puzzled. Mr. Asahina commented that the excuse might work for high school or university but it's useless when one enters the society. Yamato apologized and said that he would take note of it. Mr Asahina then said that he had leave for work. Yamato said that he would come earlier tomorrow. Mr. Asahina asked him not to come. Yamato tried to plead. Mr. Asahina told Yamato that he did not need to apologize anymore. Yamato was stunned but asked if he was forgiven. Mr. Asahina replied yes. Happily, Yamato thanked Mr. Asahina. However, Mr Asahina told Yamato that they were still teenagers and they should put their studies as priority as they're entering university. He wanted them to go out like classmates. Yamato replied that he understood. Mr. Asahina then left for work. Yamato wondered why Mr. Asahina forgave him. Suzuka approached Yamato and Yamato happily told her that he was forgiven. Suzuka said that he heard it too. Suzuka thanked Yamato for making the visit. Suzune came out and commented that she was surprised that Yamato was forgiven so soon. She then remarked that it was good since Suzuka wouldn't need to run away from home. Yamato was puzzled and asked about it. Suzune explained that Suzuka threw a tantrum when her father moved her out, saying that she would run away from home. Suzuka pushed her sister inside calling her busybody. Suzuka then went inside to get something.

Later, they went to the cafe. Suzuka commented that she had to apologize to Yasonobu and Miki. Yamato told her that he had called them. He then remarked that he was relief. Suzuka agreed as her father had forgiven them. Yamato reliazed that they were overboard even though it was the last day of high school. They had cause troubles for many people. Yamato said that they should be more rational in future. Yamato then noticed that Suzuka's face burning read. He put his hand on Suzuka's forehead and remarked that she's still having a fever. He asked if she had gone to visit a doctor. She replied she didnt and she had cold tablets at home. Yamato remarked that it has been some time since the training camp. He wondered if there's a clinic nearby. Suzuka answered there's one near her house. Yamato suggested that he would accompany her to the doctor. Suzuka said it's no necessary as she dislike going to clinic. Suzuka tried to reject but Yamato insisted.

Yamato waited on a bench near the clinic. He grumbled that she was slow as it had been 2 hours Yamato reminisced on Mr. Asahina's remark that they were still teenagers and they should befriend like classmates. Yamato told himself not to panic as they can be together from now on. Suzuka approached Yamato and apologized that it took so long. Yamato asked if she can be cured immediately. Suzuka told Yamato that she was pregnant. Yamato was stunned. Suzuka added that it had been 3 months.

P/S: Yamato had an easy way with Suzuka's dad. But he'll have disaster once Mr.Asahina founf out Suzuka's pregnant. By the way, saw chapter 156 spoiler, nothing exciting except Yamato bumped into Arima.

ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam

ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam


Gundam Strike Freedom, piloted by Kira Yamato, in Gundam Seed Destiny. When I watched Gundam Seed Destiny, the moment when Kira received his new Gundam and then battled, really impressed me.

I didnt intend to get this model, as I was pleased with Freedom. It was a gift from my brother for my birthday.


Full Burst mode with high energy beam rifles, rail cannons and Dragoon systems.


















Strike Freedom with its beam saber and combined high energy beam rifle.



Notes:
After reading feedbacks from some verteran of the forums I visited, I ordered the Tamiya gold spray from HLJ. The standard version internal gold parts will really degrade the whole model.

I decided not to draw many lines, especially the unnecessary ones. I have seen a couple of MGSF that has many bold and rough lines. They may look nice from far away but they are not attractive when you look at them near.

Impressions:
1. The body mechanism is different from its predecessors.
2. When compared to MG Freedom, it looks more powerful (Well, it should be). Freedom looks more elegant when placed beside Strike Freedom.
3. There are recess each palms which makes it easier to hold the beam rifles.
4. More details in the design. The beam rifles can be attached to the side while the beam sabers are placed at the back.
5. The square piece that connects the shoulder to the body is better. It's not as loose as MG Freedom and MG Wing Custom.

Grumbles:
1. The tip of the shoulders did not have gold interior. No parts nor stickers available.
2. The stand is a crap. With the weight of MG SF, it's so shaky. The three flexible parts are badly designed, especially the lowest part which could bend.
3. The wings look excellent if they are not opened or rotated. Once you rotated the back wings, they unlocked and moved out of the holdings. Without a good grip, the wings would gradually drop back. They really need a better design such as a lock-in position.
4. MGSF has different leg joints connecting to the waist. We used to have rotor shape connecting the hips to the waist. MG Strike Freedom has horizontal part connecting to the waist. I find it very hard to pose the legs since it's so tight.
5. Dragoon system doesn't appeal me in kits since the gundam looks ugly when the dragoons are detached from the wings.

Belldandy Goddess Figure

There will be a new Belldandy figure release in November 2007. The figure features Belldandy in her megami attire.The figure is 1/8 in size, approximately 20cm. It's priced at 5800 Yen and will be released in November 2007. In addition, it'll come with a mini poster of dimesion 32cm x 16cm.

I'm very pleased with the casual version Belldandy from Kotobukiya so I'll be getting this one as well. ^^

Update: Kotobukiya Belldandy Goddess Uniform figure is available for pre-order at HLJ now.

President ARIA Collection

Yujin will release a collection of President ARIA in September. There will be 10 pieces in a box with the cost of 2000 Yen (1900 Yen for Early Bird). I guess it could be figures of ARIA sachou in different attire. It would be KAWAII (if they succeeded). I'm not a fan of yujin figure so I wont be ordering it. If you want to know Yujin Gashapon quality, there's a ARIA character release on Cloth Change.

Orange Princess

When I first saw this picture 2 weeks ago, I didnt take notice of the title.

I just read Navigation 55. I have no intention of blogging ARIA manga but this is a big news to ARIA fans. Last month I was having a short chat with Adun on ARIA and I made the comment:

"Probably end with Aika or Akari promoting to an undine and Alice as single. A bit like the aria natural ending could also happen. The story wont be able to continue once Aika or Akari become an undine. It’ll be very hard to continue like that."

ARIA Navigation 55:
Alice graduated from high school. Athena brought Alice for a picnic and asked her to be the guide for the day. Reaching the hill, She found Akari, Aika and managers from Orange company. Athena asked Alice to sing as she learnt that Alice was not confident with singing. Alice, with Athena encouragment on the way, sang a wonderful song. Everyone awed and Athen told Alice that the company has been waiting for her to graduate from high school. Then Athena asked for Alice hand and she took off her right glove. Athena also told her that the undine panel has made a decision that has never made before and took off the LEFT GLOVES as well. With that Athena declared her "Orange Princess" and told Alice that she's a PRIMA UNDINE.


Still sceptical? Here's the proof. It's not because she was fired that Athena took both gloves.

Note 1: ARIA will be off for two issue (two months) and resume in September.
Note 2: In JP it was Twilight Princess but officially it's Orange Princess.

P/S: My first reaction is "What the...". My second reaction is "What a twist". I'm not sure if she has beaten Alicia record for being the youngest. But she definitely the first undine to be promoted from trainee to Prima undine. Now Akari and Aika become her junior. I dont think that Aika and Akari would be promoted in coming few issue but Aika should made it to Prima faster than Akari. And I still stick to my speculation that the series would probably end when Akari becoming a Prima undine.

AMG Beachside Collection

GFC+ Ah! Megamisama Beachside Collection. Retail price is revealed as 7170 Yen and scheduled for October release. The collection comprises 10 items in a box featuring 5 characters; Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, Lind and Peorth. Each figure comes in two different swimwear color and is 12cm in height. Personally, I think Lind looks the best followed by Skuld. Peorth and Belldandy look weird. I won't be getting this collection, maybe Kotetsu would.

Suzuka 154 Apology

凉风 #154 謝罪 しゃざい


Yamato was having dinner with Ayano san and Miho. Ayano san asked if he wanted any refill since he has pratised hard in the training camp. Yamato replied that he has enough. Both Ayano san understood his reaction. back in his room, Yamato was talking to Miki on the phone. Yamato told her not to worry and asked why she's crying. Miki was crying heavily saying that she didn't know things would turn out that way and it was because of her that Suzuka had to move. Yamato assured her that it wasn't her fault as he was the one who hid the matter from everyone. Miki again apologized. Yamato said that he would seek forgiveness from Suzuka's father. Miki asked how he;s going to do that since he couldn't get through him by phone. Yamato told her not to worry and he has done a lot of thinking. He thanked Miki for caring and told her that he would think of a way. Then, Yamato hung up the phone. Yamato realized that he has created a lot of trouble for Mikim Yasonobu and Ayano san. Yamato knew that he couldn't solve the problem by phone and there's only one choice left.

The next day, Yamato went to Asahina's residence. He assured himself that he would still be in one piece. But he wondered if he would be beaten by Mr. Asahina. Yamato told himself, there's no other way and pressed the door bell. Mr Asahina opened the door and Yamato was panic. He bowed his head apologizing for disturbing them, telling Mr. Asahina that he felt that he had to come and apologize. Mr Asahina told Yamato to return as he had nothing to talk to him. Yamato asked Mr. Asahina to wait. Yamato asked if Suzuka was fine as he heard that she was sick. Mr. Asahina, with his back facing Yamato, replied that she still have her cold but nothing serious. Yamato understood and replied that he would come again tomorrow. Mr Asahina remarked that he had work tomorrow and shut the door. Yamato quickly replied that eve that he would still wait. Yamato remarked that he would defintely not give up.

Suzuka looked out her window from first floor and saw Yamato leaving. As he was leaving, Yamato commented that it was very cold and was relieved that nothing serious with Suzuka's cold. From his back, someone called out his name. Suzuka called Yamato and asked him to wait. Yamato was surprised and Suzuka was relieved that she caught up. He asked if it's fine for her to came out and whether she would be scold. Suzuka replied that she didnt know. She got emotional and held Yamato's hand. Then she threw herself onto Yamato and hugged him. Suzuka thanked Yamato for coming. He asked if she was fine as she has a cold. Suzuka replied that there's nothing serious. Suzuka apologized that she couldn't return to Ayano residence (旭湯). Yamato answered there's no choice. Yamato wondered if it was fine for her to come out and meet him. He asked whether her dad had said anything when she came out. Suzuka told Yamato that she slipped out. Yamato said that she shouldn't do that. Suzuka commented, "But.." He added that she had not recovered from her cold and it's better for herto stay at home. Suzuka commented, "But..." Yamato then told her that he should be going. Suzuka grabbed his hand and plead that Yamato accompanied her for a little while more.

At night, Mr. Asahina walked down the stairs and heard his family conversation. Suzuka, Suzune and Mrs. Asahina were talking in the living room. Suzune commented that it was good that Suzuka finally has the chance to talk to Yamato. Mrs. Asahina commented that her dad would be angry if he knew about it. Suzuka commented that it seemed that he hasn't discovered. Mr. Asahina got angry with Suzuka's stubborness. Suzuka told her mother and sister that she wanted to talk to Yamato a bit longer but he left immediately. Yamato even told her that he wouldn't do anything that would disappoint her dad anymore. Mr. Asahina heard that. Suzune commented that he was an honest boy. Suzuka continued that Yamato had also said that he would apologize until he gain Mr. Asahina's forgiveness. Then they would be able to meet each other openly. Mrs. Asahina commented that Yamato was indeed a good boy but her dad won't forgive Yamato so easily. Mr. Asahina made a phone call with his handphone, saying that he would be late for his meeting tomorrow.


P/S: Kouji is brilliant, one chapter and Yamato managed to win Suzuka's dad's heart. Hope to see that Yamato and Suzuka's dad have a scene/conversation next week. Who knows, maybe a coffee or even a dinner :)

Dull Week

Somehow I feel this week's pretty dull. Maybe because Suzuka's raw not available even till today.

Manga:
Suzuka 153: The plot this week sounds dull. Expected some confrontation between Yamato and Suzuka's dad but it didn't happen.
Tsubasa 155: Flashback of Fay and his twin brother. Kawaii but chapter is pretty dull.
Cross Game 85: Another dull chapter following a dull chapter 84.
Air Gear 167: Dull. Dull. Dull. Ikki received the final message from Spit Fire but it'll be revealed next chapter.

Anime:
Romeo x Juliet 10 : Ending is beautiful but this week's chapter pretty dull.
Shining Tears x Wind 9. Episode 9 is a bit dull. Nothing interesting except dark Hiruda betrayed Saionji.

Purchase:
Waiting for the release of BEAT ARIA collection this month. The only manga released is Cross Game CH V7, waiting for Suzuka 15 and Pastel 16 CH release.

The only exciting work is assembling the MG Strike Freedom but it consume a lot of time since I need to do inking, both interior and exterior. I still need to assemble the rifles.

P/S: Hope the reader wont be affected by my dull post.

Suzuka 153 Rupture

凉风 #153 断絶

Suzuka's father asked if Suzuka's inside the room. Yamato was shocked to see her father. On the way home, inside the train, Yamato talked to Yasonobu. Yamato apologized for not answering his call since the reception was pretty poor at the inn. Yasonobu asked how's Suzuka. Yamato replied that her father drove her home. Yamato remarked that it seemed that her father knew about their trip. Yasonobu told him that his father called Suzuka's handphone but nobody asnwered. He then called Ayano san and she told him that Suzuka had gone home. Yasonobu also told him that he ran into Ayano san. Ayano san would have thought that Suzuka and Yamato had gone on a trip instead. Suzuka's dad got fired up and called Miki. Yasonobu prevented he knew nothing but Miki told Suzuka's dad everything. Yamato remarked he had caused trouble to them. Yasonobu answered that they should be apologizing instead. He told Yamato to call Miki as she was very worried. Yamato reminisced the moment Suzuka was ordered home by her dad. Yamato wondered if she would be fine and whether she would be scolded. Yamato did apologized to her dad saying that it was him who hide the trip from them. Suzuka's dad ignored him and told Suzuka to leave. Yamato would rather being scolded together by her father.

Back home, Ayano san gave Yamato a lecture. She said that she had disagreed before. Miho was hiding behind the door and tried to calm her mum. Ayano san told her not to interrupt. Yamato thanked MIho and told her that he's fine. Miho took her cat and left. Ayano san remarked that she had felt funny that Yamato went to skiing so suddenly. She added that Yamato even dragged his friends into lying. She asked him if he knew how worried Suzuka' parents were. She continued that they were still high school student and what if something happened to them. Yamato apologized. Ayano san decided to rest the matter. She said that it's good nothing happened to them. She added that she was the only one who knew and it'll be fine after scolding them. She told him that Yamato's father called yesterday and Yamato shouldn't hide it from her. Ayano san told Yamato to visit Suzuka's family and apologized these few days. Her dad had mentioned that she would be at home these days. Yamato agreed. Back in his room, Yamato called Suzuka but he couldn't get through. He wondered if her handphone was confisticated. Yamato called her home phone and Mr. Asahina picked the call. Yamato told him his name but he was interrupt with Mr. Asahina saying that he's busy and he's hanging up. Yamato was worried. He looked at the calendar and thought of talking to Suzuka when she would be attending the university training on the 25th.

The next day, Kinugasa sempai told Yamato that Suzuka wont be present for the practice. Mr Asahina called saying that Suzuka's not feeling well. Kinugasa remarked that they were dating and why didn't he asked her. He told Yamato not to worry as it's not something serious. At night, Yamato checked his inbox and there was no message. He still couldn't contact her. He was interrupt by Kinugasa who shared the same room. Yamato couldn't sleep and thought of what Ayano had said. He wondered if he had cause a consequence worse that he had thought of.

After the training camp, Yamato was walking home. He was not able to reach Suzuka at all and wondered if it was that serious. He then thought of visiting Suzuka. Upon reaching home, he saw a removal truck. He wondered if someone's moving in. He approached Ayano san asking if there's new tenant. Miho told her mum to prevent the moving but she told Miho stop with her nonsense. Yamato asked if something had happend. Ayano san sadly told Yamato that her father called yesterday wanting Suzuka's to move out from the room. Yamato was stunned.

Suzuka 152 Accomplish

凉风 #152 決行 けっこう

Inside the bullet train, Yamato looked out and awed at Mount Fuji with excitement. Suzuka told him to quiet down as she felt bit awkward. She asked Yamato if he had told Ayano san when he left the residence. Yamato told her not to worry. He said that she thought he went skiing. Suzuka was relieved since he also made blunders and worried that he would accidently slip the matter. Yamato assured her not to worry. Yamato told her to think of the place they should visit later since they only have to be at the inn before 6pm. Yamato then suggested going to the Little Prince in Hakone theme park since he had never been there. Suzuka complied. Yamato continued saying that they should travel on tram to lake ashi. He wanted to see the pirate ship. Suzuka remarked that it's so far away and asked if he's familiar with the route. Yamato answered that they should have adequate time. Suzuka resented and asked what if they were late for dinner.

Meanwhile, Yasonobu was wondering around the city. He complained that people on the streets are all couples during Christmas. He received an SMS and opened it. It was from Miki. She asked of he was staying at home and not flirting outside. She also wrote that if he was free, she could have lunch with him but he ahs to pay. Yasonobu replied "go and die" (go to H***). He remarked that it must be a joke to spend Christmas with that kind of girl. He wanted to find a girl with attitude. Yasonobu saw a girl from behind and was interested. He approached her, calling big sister and asked for direction. The girl blushed and told him not to tease her. The girl was actually Ayano san. She wondered if it was Yasonobu. Yasonobu was shocked and ran away saying she was mistaken. She told him to wait but he ran away. Miho came and asked who was that and if he was trying to court her. Ayano san replied that he looked like Yasonobu. Miho replied that it's no possible since he went skiing with Yamato. Ayano san wondered if she was mistaken.

After dinner, Yamato was full and pleased that they made it to the dinner. Suzuka remarked that if it wasn't because of Yamato, they wouldn't have to be in such a rush. Yamato said they managed to make it in time and they were also able to get a good room after someone's check-out. Suzuka suddenly called out with joy. She told Yamato that the room has roten onsen (outdoor hot spring). Yamato was surprised as well. He then thought of having a bath together with Suzuka but was sure that he would be beaten. Suzuka asked him if he wanted to have a bath together. Yamato was stunned. She then went in first. He was in disbelief. Later, he was still hesistating. Suzuka asked why he's still there and told him to get in as well. Yamato felt that travelling sure made girl to be more daring. He was so happy that they can have a bath together.

Yamato went in, feeling a bit embarassed. He wondered why Suzuka was so calm. After some time, in the hot spring, Yamato remarked that he's so happy that they came. Suzuka agreed. Yamato was anxious and thought that Suzuka didnt wear anything beneath the towel. Yamato then commented that it was a custom not to cover with towel in onsen. Suzuka glared at him. Yamato replied in panic that he was just stating a custom. They talked about the virtue of naked communion. Yamato remarked that he worked in onsen and should comply with it. He then told Suzuka that it's better for her to take off the towel. Suzuka shyly agreed and removed her However, he was surprised to find Suzuka wearing a bikini underneath. He asked why there's a bikini. Suzuka replied that she prepared it just in case because Yamato was too perverted. Yamato said that it was her who seduce him in taking bath together. He then commented even bikini did not comply with the custom. Suzuka teased at him being angry. Yamato chased after her and intentionally grip Suzuka's bikini, making the top and bottom part loose. He then remarked that she was punished because of wearing bikini. She threw the top part at Yamato and shouted it was him who grab onto it. She then used the top part to blind-fold Yamato, telling him to stay that way until she finished her bath.

After the bath, back in the room. Suzuka commented that the hot spring was excellent. Yamato grumbled that nobody wore a bikini to onsen. Suzuka told him to shut up. Suzuka explained that she wanted to have the bath together but she felt awkward being naked. Yamato was silent. Suzuka asked if he was listening and found him dozed off already. They then slept in the same futon even though 2 futons were prepared.

The next morning, someone rang the bell and they awaken. Yamato thought that it must be the breakfast service. He was shocked to Suzuka in his futon. Suzuka told him
to go and attend the door. Yamato opened the door and greeted. He was shocked to see Suzuka's dad standing in front of him asking if suzuka was inside.


P/S: Hurray... raw for 152 is out. I always have this feeling that Kouji preserved Suzuka from being exposed. But in this chapter Suzuka is exposed so I guess the manga won't last too long. Also with Suzuka dad appearance, I wonder how did he know. Unlikely from Yasonobu nor Miki. Unless Suzuka told her mum/sister. Wonder what will happen in the next chapter.