Merlin's Bookshelf

hanging "in"

2011-11-13T16:24:00.003-05:00

Currently having friends over for food.

Lots of good shows out this year.
Here are the ones in my recently watched list.

11 Eyes
11 eyes OVA
A-Channel
Amagami SS
Arakawa Under the Bridge Season 2
Blood-C
Dog Days
Dragon Crisis!
Hen Semi OAD
Honto ni Atta! Reibai Sensei
Hourou Musuko
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée
Kaichou wa Maid-sama
Legend of the Millennium Dragon
Mayo Chiki
Nyanpire The Animation
Omamori Himari
Onii-chan no Koto
Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai
Robot Carnival
Samurai Girls
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Goku
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Zoku
Seikon no Qwaser
Sora no Otoshimono
Soredemo Machi wa Mawatte Iru
Soriton no akuma
Space Battleship Yamato 2010
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The World God Only Knows
The World God Only Knows II

Back from the dead (for now)

2011-08-23T22:45:00.004-04:00

For some reason I just can't seem to get out of the printing industry. So I have a new job and no, I DID NOT stay on unemployment the entire time. I think I might have got three checks and I only filed for it after my severance package ran out. I later found out I could have been collecting during that time but it felt wrong. Here is a funny story for you. I was unemployed for several months, I finally find a job, after meeting with the president of the company, accepting the position and shaking his hand, I go to meet Rhythwyn for lunch and I kid you not, five minutes down the road and my old company calls me and wants me back ASAP. Funny how the universe works. I turned them down. Not out of spite mind you, just my business ethics. Hoping to have fun at AWA this year, I had to bail for the first time last year. Still, I have to take it easy monetarily speaking but other than that I plan to have a jolly good time.

Later

A sad day

2010-09-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

I will be missing AWA this year. Boo Hoo...

Holiday Shopping

2010-07-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

So today, I'm off from work for the 4th and am thinking of doing a project around the house that requires some things I don't have. A trip to Lowes is in order. I hop on over to Lowes' web site to check their holiday hours. I did not see any link for store hours outright so I punched in my zip into the box to check out the closest store's local site and clicked "Shop this Store" button. What I got made me laugh and raise an eyebrow.

What I got was the following warning:

"YOUR HAVE ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE AN ACTION WHICH OUR SERVER HAS FLAGGED AS MALICIOUS.
YOUR REQUEST WILL NOT BE COMPLETED AT THIS TIME."

So let me get this straight. According to Lowes, shopping at Lowes is a "Malicious Act"? I'm sorry, I'll never do it again. I Promise.

$ |-| ! T Happens?, Plant Crops.

2010-06-03T17:29:00.002-04:00

It has been a strange month. I got layed off from my job a month ago due to the industry I was in tanking. So what do I do? I go the Disney Land. No shit, we packed up our bags and flew to California for three weeks to visit some friends. Went to Disney, rode roller coasters, ate yummy food, shopped a lot, and saw something that everyone should see at least once in their lives: "Poo on Acid". I had always suspected that Winny the Poo smoked dope but after riding that ride, I realized that he had graduated to much more hard core drugs.

Currently reading Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who Played with Fire".

EIGHTEEN THOUSAND +

2010-04-10T20:33:00.003-04:00

The odds of actually watching everything I own are getting slimmer and slimmer as the years go by. Oh well, I will not give up the fight. I finally finished cataloging the huge hentai acquisition from the end of last year and added a color coding system.
Blue = subed uncen
Red = subed cen
Purple = subed cen/uncen mixed
Green = untranslated/raw uncen
Orange = untranslated/raw cen
Black = sub or raw soft H

Happy New Year

2010-01-10T16:29:00.002-05:00

Kind of late I know but oh well. Added about 200 volumes to the manga library and almost 1,200 episodes to the anime library since the last post. My new years resolution is to watch as much anime as I can.

Almost at 15K

2009-11-27T23:03:00.002-05:00

A few episodes short, should be there by next week.
Currently reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Omnibus Edition.
I haven't picked up much manga lately, will do a cumulative post in December.

Later.

Time Flies

2009-09-30T16:42:00.003-04:00

TIME FLIES, the story of an insect trapped in a vicious temporal loop fighting for the survival of all insect-kind...........sorry, couldn't help myself. The last year has just flown by. Everything is getting, for lack of a better word "better". I went by waldens today (they were having a sale on manga, 30%) and picked up a couple of books.
Finished watching Bakemonogatari yesterday, a very cool but odd love story. A word of warning though, the pause button is your friend. anidb listed a tag on this one "walls of text" they are not shitting. It takes about two minutes just to watch the first five seconds of the show.
I also finished Canaan as well. If you like Kara no Kyoukai and Tsukihime, you'll like this one.

Dance in the Vampire Bund volumes 2-4
Kimi Kiss volume 1
Mao-chan volume 2

I love going to AWA
Later

New Addition!!!

2009-09-29T22:54:00.003-04:00

New to the blog: Added live action collection. It's not very big but many of the shows and movies directly relate to either a manga series or an anime. If you're wondering were it is, it's under the anime list. I thought it fitting seeing as everything falls under two different catigories, paper or plastic.

later

Post con report

2009-09-21T19:21:00.002-04:00

We are back from awa 15. I feel like shit thanks to a nasty cold but that didn't stop me from enjoying myself as much as I could. I watched lots of anime, amv's, some live action stuff, took pics, shopped, and walked (LOTS). I missed out on a lot of stuff due to my lack of stamina but there is always next year which I already registered for. Early registration = cheap registration. I found lots of manga at a good price including some hard to find things that I was missing. In all, I bought 54 manga, 10 art books, and 5 pieces of artwork.

-----MANGA-----
3x3 Eyes - Blood of the Sacred Demon
3x3 Eyes - Flight of the Demon
Angel Sanctuary 17
Alice 19th 01 - Lolis Master
Alice 19th 02 - Inner Heart
Alice 19th 03 - Chained
Alice 19th 04 - Unrequited Love
Alice 19th 05 - Jealousy
Alice 19th 06 - Blindness
Alice 19th 07 - The Lost Word*
Battle Angel Alita Last Order 11 "Angel Cake"
Black Cat 01
Black Cat 02
Black Cat 03
Black Cat 04
Black Cat 05
Black Cat 06
Black Cat 07
Black Cat 08
Black Cat 09
Black Cat 10
Black Cat 11
Chibi Vampire 10
Chibi Vampire 11
Chibi Vampire 13
Chobits Animanga 01 "Japanese"
Chobits Animanga 03 "Japanese"
Chobits Animanga 05 "Japanese"
Chobits Animanga 06 "Japanese"
Chobits Animanga 08 "Japanese"
Chrono Crusade 01
Chrono Crusade 03
Chrono Crusade 04
Claymore 13
Dragon Ball 01
Dragon Ball 03
Excel Saga 19
Hanaukyo Maid Team 01
Kon Kon Kokon 01
Mao-chan 01
MPD-Psycho 07
MPD-Psycho 08
MPD-Psycho 09
Oh My Goddess! 32
Oh My Goddess! 33
Quan 01
Quan 02
Red String 04
The Wallflower 20
Translucent 03
Trinity Blood 11
Trinity Blood Reborn on the Mars Novel 02 "The Iblis"
Trinity Blood Rage Against the Moons Novel 03 "Know Faith"
Vampire Hunter D 03

-----ARTBOOKS-----
Red String Art Book 2 - Threads
Ugetsu Hakua Works : Flamboyant
Megami Deluxe Magazine 13
Costume Side
Kuuchuu Yousai Illustrations - Mizuiro Syoujo
Kinetic Girls
Moeoh Selection - Otona no Moeoh
Girls Girls Girls! 3 ~Cover Girl Collection~
To LOVE Ru Animation Illustration Collection Cuties!
Higurashi no Nakukoroni Illustration

AWA 1009

2009-09-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

We are off!
Some dramatic new changes to the list:
-Hentai has been moved to its own page.
-Digital manga has been added to the manga page.

It was a tough decision to move hentai to a separate page, it cleans up the anime list but it also divided up some series that were half and half. This only effects a handful of shows so I went ahead with the split.
As for the addition of my digital manga collection to the list, it was only logical. They have been color coded differently from "pulp" entries and the lack of other info is a dead giveaway. The only glitch is the book count at the top of the page is now useless because digital series are compressed into one entry, "xxxxx vol 1-15". If I can't find an acceptable solution, it will be removed.

.hack//G.U.+ volume 5
Maid Sama! volume 2
Sumomomo,Momomo volume 1 (No, the keybord didn't stick, thats the name.)

It's almost here!

2009-09-08T22:34:00.002-04:00

AWA is right around the corner, I can't wait. But I have to due to the laws of the space time continuum and my inability to alter the flow of time but that is neither here nor there.
While I wait, I watch... anime mostly. just finished Hatsukoi Limited, loved it! what I'm reading, Maria Holic. I already watched the anime, looks like the manga is pretty close to verbatim.

Later

A bloom in the waiting

2009-08-23T16:06:00.002-04:00

I finally found an undamaged copy of Clover the other day. Dark horse got the rights from Tokyo Pop and released the whole thing as a omnibus. I read it years ago online but it's good to have a physical copy finally in my possession. Sundome number 5 finally came out, It's hard to find that one in stores and I usually have to special order it. Still that's OK. I have to thank Yen Press for translating and publishing it, It's kinda out there bordering on H but the dynamic between the main characters is absolutely fascinating.

Clover Omnibus
Gestalt volume 2
Negima! volume 23
Negima!? Neo volume 2
Sundome volume 5

Good Deal

2009-07-30T22:20:00.002-04:00

I found a good chunk of Dragon Ball the other day for next to nothing per volume so I bought everything he had. It is not complete but it is a good start. twenty-eight volumes for twelve dollars, SWEET! I'll see if I can find the rest elsewhere.

Dragon Ball volumes 2, 4 - 8
Dragon Ball Z volumes 1 - 19 & 21 - 23
Eden "It's an Endless World!" volumes 10 & 11
I.O.N

Later

Now with dates!

2009-07-08T21:50:00.002-04:00

I spent the last week adding airing dates to the Anime List. This is so I could figure out which part of a show to watch first. Many have numerous parts: TV's, OVA's, Movies, ONA's and so on. In the process, I found a lot of series that had parts missing: second seasons, movies, and the like. Thanks to this, I've added over a thousand episodes to my collection since the last time I posted. I remember back when I first started this minor obsession, I could honestly say I had watched every episode I owned, some several times over. Love Hina would be a good example. That show came out during a rough time in my life. It was the first comedy I had seen. I laughed so hard, I actually sprained several muscles. I also had to keep pausing the show because my eyes were watering so bad that I couldn't see the TV. I think that show saved me in a way.

Greater than the sum of its parts

2009-06-20T18:11:00.002-04:00

Chibi Vampire The Novel volume 5
Gestalt volume 1 of 8 (A series by Yun Kouga that is finally being released. No groups have done this one even though it's long since finished so I'll have to wait on Viz for the translation.)
Grenadier volume 7* (Final Volume)
Ouran High School Hast Club volume 12
The Wallflower volume 19
Trigun Maximum volume 14* (Final Volume, Dark Horse took their sweet time with this one)
xxxHOLiC volume 13
Vampire Hunter D Novel volume 12 "Pale Fallen Angel Parts 3 & 4" (Same Here)

Spring Cleaning

2009-06-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

I went back through the anime list today and did some weeding. A couple of the entries were Live action adaptations of anime series. I keep those on a separate list. I might post links to that some time in the future, but right now it is a marginal part of my library. There were some listings like Red vs. Blue which is home grown but I still think classifies as "animated". There were also some series that I had watched that were not marked as such. Now there are a lot of series marked as not being watched but in fact none of the series truly are unwatched. even if it is marked with a zero, I have watched the first one or two episodes to see if I like it before committing to buying the whole thing. I mark them that way to begin with because I know that it will probably be a long time before I get around to watching it so I wight as well start from the beginning.

List stats to date
Episodes from finished series: 10,449
Watched: 3,581 (Probally closer to 4,000)
Episodes from series in progress: 691
Total episodes (this includes TV, OVA's, ONA's, Specials, and Movies) : 11,140

The cute, The cuter, and the "Is it legal to be that cute?"

2009-05-30T16:57:00.000-04:00

I recently had a odd run of series that I was watching. Four shows in a row where the main character dies right at the end of the series for no good reason other than to make me go "WHAT?!, NOOOO!!!!". Anyway, cuteness came to the rescue. Just finished Chocotto Sister and while Choco does cease to exist in the next to the last episode....Wait, crap! make that 5 in a row. Anyway, she comes back 10 minutes later as if nothing happened so it was a happy ending. I hope the manager succeeds in penetrating Onii-chan's thick skull or finally confessing to him without interference. She deserves it with all the work she has put into getting him to notice her feelings. Oh well, maybe in season 2 or an OVA.
There is another series that was not on the previous entry because of a brain malfunction of epic magnitude. As you might or might not know, I wait till a series is completely finished before watching it. Why? Because too many series stall mid way through and finish later. There is nothing worse than getting 90% through a story, everything is getting good, the plot thickens, will she?, will he really?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . three months later . . . . . . . . . . . six months later . . . . . . . . . . Oh forget it! by that point you have to re watch it from the beginning because you have completely forgotten what was happening. There is always an exception to every rule. K-On! would be the exception to mine. I saw the first episode and was smitten. Cute does not do it justice. The OP and ED ROCK! Now what could grab my attention so? well, there is no sex, romance, violence, gore, nudity, vulgarity, or anything of the sort. What is there? 4 girls (5 now), a high school light rock band, and cuteness. Large quantities of cuteness!

The Good, the Bad, and everything in between

2009-05-28T15:47:00.000-04:00

I have been watching a lot of anime as of late.
What I have watched this month:
Amazing Nuts!
Animation Seisaku Shinkou Kuromi-chan 2
Karin
Koihime Musou OVA
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu
Battle Angel Alita - Motorball CG Movie
Phantom the Animation
ef - Season 2 - A Tale of Melodies
H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~
The Animatrix (It's CRAP! I threw the disk in the trash and recycled the case, don't waste your time)

What I am watching right now:
Chocotto Sister (Watching at the moment, very kawai with a dash of ecchi)
Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun
Devil May Cry

BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP

2009-05-16T01:05:00.000-04:00

I came to the decision the other day to homogenize the ISBNs in my manga Library to the newer 13 digit ones. Seeing as how about half the list had 10 digit ISBNs and half had 13 digit ISBNs. I switched over to typing in the 13's the other year but left all the old 10 digit entries because it would be too much of a pain to re-type them back in. The solution?, buy a scan gun to read the bar codes. I picked a "Unitech MS 180-UG". Good choice for several reasons: It was cheep, about 40 bucks; USB interface, your computer sees it as a standard keyboard, no funky setup, straight plug & play. The down sides: it uses a diffused LED array with a CCD so the range is only a couple of inches (like I need to scan the book from 10 feet away). They do make ones that can do that but they cost a couple hundred dollars. The other odd thing is how you change the settings in the gun, it does not come with any software, you can download it from the manufacturers web site but I could not get it to work (didn't recognize the gun). any way, stick with the operators manual, it's filled with bar codes for what ever you want to do. If you want to change a setting you just zap that bar code and vahla. Pretty easy once you figure it out. I got the PDF version of it off their site and copy-pasted the bar code commands I needed to another page in order like a cheet sheet. There were two basic things I wanted it to do, Either send the ISBN and then send an ENTER command or send the ISBN and sent a TAB command. I set the bar codes in order for each setting and printed it out on an inkjet, worked great. The commands were like this:
Enter Menu 5 > Change Postamble to... > (Enter) > Exit Menu
Enter Menu 5 > Change Postamble to... > (TAB) > Exit Menu

Then off to the bookshelf I went. I got a 4 foot USB extension cable (it has a 6 foot cable) so that gave me a 10 foot range from the USB port on my computer so I could stand on a step ladder with the gun and scan books on the top shelf to the bottom shelf without having to take them down, scan them, then put them back. I did all the way from A-M today and will probably be finished this weekend without getting carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain from trying to read ever decreasingly small numbers and pecking them out on the keyboard, I don't type very fast and I have noticed that publishers are gradually decreasing the size of the font for the ISBNs. The books I have that are around 10 years old have about a 10-11 point font, the ones that are about 5 years old are around a 7-8 point font, and the new ones coming out now are around 5.5-6 points in size. You almost need a magnifying glass to read them.

Claymore volume 14
Fruits Basket volume 22
Maid Sama! volume 1
Maid War Chronicle volume 1
Negima! volume 22
Princess Resurrection volume 6
Tetragrammation Labyrinth volume 5
Trinity Blood volume 10

Maka-Maka = FWB

2009-04-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Hana-Kimi volumes 22 & 23* (Complete)
Maka-Maka volumes 1 & 2
Negima! volume 21
Negima!? Neo volume 1

"Take on Me" I dare you!

2009-03-15T01:34:00.000-04:00

I finally got in a special order at the bookstore yesterday. I had already read it a while back but this one absolutely deserves being bought in physical form. "Take on Me" aka "Domin-8 Me!" They changed the title for the English printing and made a few alterations to the original scanlation translation. It has the effect of slightly altering the relationships between the characters and their personalities, making it just a tad bit more vulgar. At almost twenty bucks after tax it is well worth it. Eros Comix printed it in the larger format which it deserves. Many thanks for finally publishing this series! It is short, only two volumes and I tingle with anticipation of the last volume coming out. (already read it, must have it in bound form.) I so far have not been able to find any info on the second release date, might have to bug the publisher with an e-mail.

Domin-8 Me (Take On Me) volume 1
Oh My Goddess! volume 31
Sundome volume 4

Update on the master Digital Media List

2009-02-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

Update on the master "Digital Media List". Tags are complete, auto counters at the top of the page are done. It's worse than I thought. I have almost 10,000 episodes of anime and I have only watched about 3,000 of them. New years resolution addition: must watch more anime! Manga backlog is still at about 500 volumes unread out of about 2,000 (1,600 physical and 400 or so digital). That's a slightly better ratio.

Battle Vixens volume 14

Ghosttalker's Daydream volume 3

Grenadier volume 6

Hayate the Combat Butler volume 7 & 8

King of Thorn volume 6 (Final Volume)

Princess Resurection volume 4 & 5

The Tarot Café volume 7

Trinity Blood volume 9

2009-01-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

I was looking out at the city the other day from the top floor of one of the sky scrapers on a rather dull day at the same old scenery. Suddenly I was struck with how beautiful it all was. Such a strange contrast of emotions at the same time. It makes you realize that the difference between being stuck in an office writing reports and looking out on the majestic landscape and enjoying its beauty is a matter of perspective.

.hack//xxxx volume 2

.hack//G.U.+ volume 4

Excel Saga volume 17

Kasumi volume 1

Negima! volume 20

Suzuka volumes 8, 9, and 10

Trinity Blood volumes 6, 7, and 8

Tsubasa volumes 17 and 18

xxxHoLic: Another Holic Novel

2009

2009-01-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

.hack//G.U.+ volume 3
Aoi House in Love volume 2* (Final Volume)
Battle Angel Alita Last Order volume 10 "Angel Goes Nova"
Enchanter volume 9
Excel Saga volume 18
Ghost Talker's Daydream volume 2
Higurashi "When They Cry" volume 1
King of Thorn volume 5
Tetragrammation Labyrinth volumes 3 & 4

2008-12-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

We are back from the HM and all is well. We had some minor and major issues on the trip but all in all it was a blast. We found that we need to bring a small fan with us next time and that I don't sleep worth a shit on a boat so don't forget the nighty-night pills next time. Nose strips so that Rhythwyn can breath at night ( the air in the boat is kinda dry, makes for some loud ZZZs. watch your fingers around giant lizards, they have sharp teeth. (note to self: bring more bandaids next time.)

Fruits Basket volume 21

King of Thorn volume 4

Star Trek the Mangaxxx

HOLiC volume 12

In Limbo

2008-11-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

Well that's it, the knot has been tied. we both had to go back to work this week to finish up everything before we head out on the open seas. just one week to go till I leave the country for the second time. This time headed south to warmer waters and beautiful beaches. The wedding went off without too many snags and by the time it was happening, we were just chilling and enjoying ourselves. Everyone that came enjoyed themselves and I heard the food was yummy (All I ate was cake). We got some nice presents along with some cash for the HM. One of my friends gave me two bags of manga and novels so some of this list is from that the rest is from another friend that gave me a gift certificate for BAM.

Alichino volume 1-3
Arcana volume 1-8
Burst Angel volume 1
Gacha Gacha The Next Revolution volume 6
Gravitation The Novel
Hellsing volume 9
Knights of the Zodiac volume 3 and 4
Sailor Moon StarS volume 1-3 (Complete)
The Wallflower volume 16
Vampire Hunter D Novel 11 "Pale Fallen Angel parts 1 & 2"

Tick! Tock!

2008-10-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

Halloween is just 3 days away. Tick Tock, Tick Tock goes the clock. I know I have been a total slacker on posts lately but I don't care. I have picked up a few books since AWA so this is a cumulative blog for the last 2 months. Don't expect very many more till December when I get back from Central America.
MPD-Psycho volume 6
Oh My Goddess! volume 30
Sundome volume 3
The Wallflower volume 17
There are also a bunch of new anime series in the database.

Post Con Report

2008-09-21T19:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend was very enjoyable. I stayed up till almost 5 in the morning only to get right back up a few hours later and go right back at it again. I got to watch some cool anime, learn some odd stuff, see 10,000 people walking around in all manner of dress and undress, pickup some beautiful art and have a hell of a time. I was slightly under the weather but it didn't slow me down too badly.

The Spoils of war:
Red String volume 3
Negima! volume 19
Battle Angel Alita Last Order volume 11 and 12 in Japanese
Battle Angel Alita Last Order "Another Stories" in Japanese
UNO! Makoto Uno Artworks
Satoshi Urushihara Illustrations (Picture left)
Elfen Lied wall scroll

Con fun

2008-09-16T19:51:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite times of the year is upon me. That's right, AWA is just 2 days away. Three days of pure unadulterated bliss. The budget this year is tight but who cares. I've had years that I was flat broke and still had a blast. I have my small list of must haves that I've saved for so no worries. I picked up a couple of titles over the past month: volumes 2 and 3 of Alice on Deadlines. That's it for now, I'm off to take a bath.

It's getting closer

2008-08-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

Two very important events are coming fast, they being AWA and Halloween. so what have I been doing, the usual. filling my hard drive with mountains of anime and manga, trying with no avail to read and watch it all, and trying to stay sane. Well that last one isn't working out too well either. I just finished reading Tokko by Tohru Fujisaka and I'm currently reading Pastel volume 9. Strange mix huh?

Missed post

2008-08-09T12:22:00.000-04:00

I somehow missed the fact that I bought a couple books last month. Hmmmmm . . . . oh well, I've been busy so better late that never.

Air Gear volume 8
Battle Vixsons (ikkitousen) volume 13
MPD-Psycho volume 4 & 5
Pastel volume 11

I just revamped the blog to include the link for the newly added Anime section. Check it out if you get a chance. The links section will be growing over the next year to include Live Action, Novels, and Scanlation Manga. My digital manga collection has been growing for many years now but as of late it has been snow-balling. There are many reasons for this. The first would be this scenario: I buy a manga series; I like said manga series; I think to my self "I wonder what else this mangaka has done"; I do my homework and find several other works by said mangaka; I realize after much searching that no one has published them but do find scanlations of it. Some times I buy a manga, bring it home and read it and get the feeling that it sounds familiar. I search my hard drives and realize that I had downloaded it years back and had already read it. I have lots and lots of manga that I bought after it was finally released and am still waiting of many many more. I just like the feel of a physical book more than on a computer screen. The other main scenario is that I buy a manga and I really like it but . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the next volume never comes out and I wait and wait for months and sometimes years. I go online and find that the series ended a long time ago or that it's up to volume 10 of 15 and still no second volume. Sometimes they will stall in the middle or near the end of the series. A good example recently would be "Rosario + Vampire". Volume 1 came out a while back but volume 2 never materialized so I checked online, sure enough the entire first story arc volumes 1-10 had already finished and is on volume 3 of the second season. That would be volume 13. WTF! At this rate it will be years before they finish publishing it. Why the slow release schedule? maybe some f**ked up american corporate or marketing logic. Who knows. anyway, I'm happily reading volume 6 right now and wondering whether I will remember this 10 years from now when it finally finishes.

New and Improved Bookshelf! Anime Now Included

2008-07-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

I've been working on a project for the last few weeks; and that has been to do the same thing to my anime collection that I did to my manga collection. The mind boggling task of archiving and referencing the whole thing. I found a way using WinRar to convert the massive file hierarchy in my computer into simplified text file reports that I can post. I won't post the whole thing, just the top layer showing what anime series that I'm currently filling my brain up with. all the more detailed information like genre(s), show info, and so on will be left out. You can find it yourself, so with out further adieu.
Legend: c = completed, w = watched all of it, the numbers at the end are my reference numbers for where they are on the shelf, just ignore them, Too much of a pain to remove them.

2x2 Shinobuden 1-12c (064)
A.D. Police 1-12cw disk 1-2
Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai 1-13cw (166)
Ah! My Goddess (The Adventures of Mini-Goddess) 1-48cw disk 1-4
Ah! My Goddess 1-5cw disk 1-2
Ah! My Goddess Season I 1-26cw disk 1-6
Ah! My Goddess Season II 1-22c (052)
Ah! My Goddess Season II OVA Fighting Wings 1-2cw (052)
Ah! My Goddess the Movie cw
Ai Yori Aoshi 1-24cw disk 1-5
Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi 1-12cw disk 1-3
Aika 1-7c (206)
Aika R-16 1-3c (222)
Air 01-13c & Specials 1-2 & Extras (049)
Air Gear 1-25c (050)
Amaenaideyo 1-13c (063)
Amaenaideyo Katsu 1-13c (066)
Amazing Nurse Nanako 1-6cw disk 1-3
Angelic Layer 1-26cw disk 1-5
Animation Runner Kurumi OVA cw
Appleseed Ex Machina 2007 cw (053)
Appleseed Movie cw
Armitage Dual-Matrix Movie cw
Armitage III Poly-Matrix Movie cw
Azumanga Daioh 1-130cw disk 1-6
Azumi 1 DVD (065)w
Azumi 2 DVD (065)w
BakuretsuTenshi-Infinity OVA (186)
BAMBOO BLADE 1-26c (079)
Battle Angel Alita 1-2c
Beat Angel Escalayer 1-3cw (186)
Betterman 1-26c (067,068)
Bible Black New Testament 1-4c (048)w
Bible_Black 1-6 plus origins 1-2c (048)w
Bishojo Sailor Moon 1-49c (027-029)
Black Lagoon 1-24c (071,072)
Blame 1-6c
Blood the Last Vampire Movie
Blood+ 1-50c (069,070)
Blue Drop 1-13c (184)
Blue Seed 1-26c disk 1-4
Blue Seed Beyond 1-3c
Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 1 1-8c (066)w
Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2 1-4c (066)
Boogiepop Phantom 1-12c disk 1-4
Boys Be 1-13c (054)
Bubblegum Crisis 1-8c disk 1-4
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 1-26c disk 1-6
burn up scramble 01-12c (012)
Burn-up Excess 1-13c disk 1-4
Burn-up Warrior 1-4c
Burst Angel 1-24c, OVA, Art (056,057)
Burst Angel 1-4 of 24 disk 1
Chobits 1-26 disk 1-7 (162)
Clannad the Movie (155)
Clannad TV 1-24c (216)
Claymore 1-26c (154)
Code Geass S1 1-25c (054,055)
Code Geass S2 1-15 of unknown
Code-E 01-12c
Cool Devices 1-11c (107)
Cosplay Complex 1-3c
Cowboy Bebop (The Movie)
Cowboy Bebop 1-26c disk 1-6
Cutey Honey, New 1-8c disk 1-2
D.Gray-Man 1-92 of unknown (047,
Da Capo I Season 1 1-26c (183)
Da Capo I Season 2 1-26c (182)
Da Capo II Season 1 1-13c (184)
Da Capo II Season 2 1-13c (218)
daphne in the brilliant blue 1-24c, Extras (170,171)
Darling 1-3c (051)w
DearS 1-13c disk 1-4
Death Note 1-37c (161,162)
Densha Otoko 1-10+ (025,030,064,068,)
Devil Hunter Yohko 1-6 disk 1-3
Dirty Pair Flash 1-16c disk 1-3
Disgaea 1-12c (068)
Divergence Eve 1-13c (073)w
Divergence Eve Misaki Chronicles 1-13c (074)w
DNA 2(Squared) 1-15c disk 1-5
Dot Hack GU Trilogy Movie (155)
Dot Hack Legend of the Twilight 1-12c disk 1-3
Dot Hack Roots 1-26c (013-014)
Dot hack sign 1-26c disk 1-6
Dragon Ball 1-153cw (8 Disks)
Dragon Ball GT 1-64c
Dragon Ball GT Movie - A Hero's Legacy (222)
Dragon Ball Z 1-291c (30 Disks)
Eiken OVA 1-2cw (191)
El Hazard Alternative World 1-13c (073)
El Hazard Magnificent World OVA I 1-7c (073)
El Hazard Magnificent World OVA II 1-4c (074)
El Hazard The Wanderers 1-26c (075,082)
Elfen Lied 1-13cw (057)
E's Otherwise 1-26c (076,084)
Escaflone 1-26c disk 1-8
Escaflone the Movie
Eureka Seven 1-50c (077,078,084)
Eva After the End (051)
Excel Saga 1-26c disk 1-6
Ex-Driver 1-6c disk 1-2
Ex-Driver the Movie
Fairy Musketeers Akazukin 1-39c (085,086)
Fate-Stay Night 1-24c (030-031)
Final Fantasy Legend of the Crystals OVA 1-4c (205)
Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Movie
Final Fantasy VII Last Order (086)
Flame of Recca 1-42c (087,094)
FLCL 1-6c disk 1-3
Front Innocent OVA 1cw (109)
Fruits Basket 1-26c disk 1-4
Fruits Cup 1-2cw (051)
Full Metal Alchemist 1-51c (045-046)
Full Metal Alchemist specials (086)
Full Metal Panic 1-24c disk 1-7
Full Metal Panic Fumoffu 1-12c disk 1-4
Full Metal Panic The Second Raid 1-13c disk 1-4
Fushigi Yugi OVA 1 1-3c (042)
Fushigi Yugi OVA 2 1-6c (042,043)
Fushigi Yugi OVA 3 1-4c (044)
Fushigi Yugi Season 1 Suzaku 1-26c (005,006,036,037)
Fushigi Yugi Season 2 Seiryu 1-26c (038,039,040,041)
Futari Ecchi S1 1-2c & S2 1-2c (051)w
G Gundam 1-49c (089,090,091)
Galaxy Angel 1-7 of 26 disk 1
Gankutsuou 0-24c (088)
Garo 1-25c OVA (092,105)
Gate Keepers 1-24c (093,094)
Gatekeepers21 1-06c (165)
Generator Gawl 1-12c disk 1-4
Genshiken Kujibiki 1,21,25 (174)
Genshiken Season I 1-15c (165)
Genshiken Season II 1-12c (171)
Gestalt 1-2
Ghost Hunt 1-25c (072)
Ghost in the Shell Movie
Ghost in the Shell Movie 2 Innocence
Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 1-26c disk 1-7
Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 2nd GIG 1-26c disk 1-7
Ghost in the Shell SAC Solid State Society (015)w
Ghost Talker's Daydream 1-4c
Girls Bravo Season I 1-11c (167)
Girls Bravo Season II 1-13c (169)
Golden Boy 1-6c disk 1-2
Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun 1-12c (190)
Green.Green 1-13c, OVA (059,060)
Grenadier 1-12c disk 1-3
Guardian Hearts 01-06c (191)
Guardian Hearts Power UP 1-4c (187)
Gun X Sword 1-26c (095)
Gungrave 1-26c (106,107)
Gunparade March 1-12c disk 1-3
Gunslinger Girl 1-13c disk 1-3
Guyver 1-26c (096)
Haibane-Renmei 1-13c disk 1-4
Hanaukyo Maid Tai 1-15c (156)
Hanaukyo Maid Team 1-12c disk 1-3
Hand Maid Mai 1 of 1 (051)w
Hand Maid May 1-11c disk 1-3
Happy Lesson 1-14c disk 1-3
Happy Lesson Advance 1-13c (017)
Happy Lesson Final OVA 1-3c (017)
Hayate no Gotoku! 1-52c (243,244,246)
He is My Master 01-12c (015)
Hellsing 1-13c disk 1-4
Hellsing Ultimate 1-3 of unknown (074)
Heroic Legend of Arislan 1-2 of 6 (083)
Highlander Anime (047)w
His and Her Circumstances 1-26c disk 1-5
I My Me Strawberry Eggs 1-13c disk 1-4
Ichigo 100% 1-12c (190)
Ichigo 100% OVA 1-4c, Jump, Special (191)
Ichigo Mashimaro 1-12c (002)
If I See You in My Dreams OVA 1-3c
If I See You in My Dreams TV 1-16c
Ikkitousen 1-13c disk 1-4
Ikkitousen Dragon Destiny - Hotspring Specials 1-6c (205)
Ikkitousen Dragon Destiny 1-12c (109)
Ikkitousen Great Guardians 1-3 of 13
Immoral Sisters 1-3c (051)w
Innocent Venus 1-12c (113)
Jigoku Shoujo 1-26c (001)
Jubei Chan 1-13c disk 1-4
Jyo Oh Sei 1-11c (100)
Kannazuki no Miko 1-12c (186)
Kanokon 1-12c + Drama CD (211)
Kanon 1-13c, 2 Specials (118)
Kanon 2006 1-24c (098)
Karin - 01-24c (099)
Key the Metal Idol 1-15c disk 1-3
Kiddy Grade 1-24c disk 1-4
Kiddy Grade 2 pilot preview (051)
Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien 01-14c, OVA 1-2, Mayu Theater (058,060)w
Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien OVA Next Season 1-3 of 4
Kino's Journey 1-13c disk 1-3
Kirameki Project 1-5c (192)
Kite Liberator OVA 1 (222)
Kite Special Unedited Edition (155)w
Kodomo No Jikan 1-12c, OVA (059)
Kodomo No Omocha (Kodocha) 1-102c (177-181,192)
Koharu Biyori (Indian Summer) 1-3c (192)
Koi Koi Seven 1-13c (204)
Kujibiki Unbalance 01-09 of 12 (060,
Lady Blue 1-4 (030)w
Legend of the Dog Warriors 1-13c disk 1-3
les miserables 1-6 of 52 up to 7 as of 6-2008
Lingerie Senshi Papillon Rose OVA (188)
Lost Universe 1-26c (203,204)
Love Get Chu 1-10 of 25
Love Hina 1-25c disk 1-6
Love Hina Again 1-3
Love Hina Christmas Movie
Love Hina Spring Movie
Love Love Eps 1-13c (202)
Lovely Complex 1-24c (185)
Lunar Legend Tsukihime 1-12c disk 1-3
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha - 01-13c (082)
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's 1-13c (081)
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS 1-26c (080,081)
Magikano 1-13c (120)
Mahoromatic I 1-12c disk 1-3
Mahoromatic II 1-14c disk 1-3
Mahoromatic Summer Special
Mai Hime 1-26c (101,102)
Mai otome 1-26c (129,130)
Mai Otome O Cipher 1 of 3
Mai Otome Zwei 1-4c (109)
Maid in Heaven 1-2c (051)
Maria-sama ga Miteru 1st DVD Specials 1-7c (174)
Maria-sama ga Miteru Season I 1-13c (176)
Maria-sama ga Miteru Season II Spring-Haru 1-13c (175)
Maria-sama ga Miteru Season III OVA 1-5c (176)
Maria-sama ga Miteru Season III OVA Specials 1-5c (174)
Martian Successor Nadesico 1-26c disk 1-6
Martian Successor Nadesico Movie (The Prince of Darkness)
Midori Days 1-13c disk 1-3
Mouse 1-12c disk 1-2
Murder Princess OVA 1-6c (083,155)
Mushishi 1-26c (102)
Nadia 1-39c disk 1-10
Nadia Movie
Najica Blitz Tactics 1-12c disk 1-3
Nana 1-47c (163,164)
Negima 1-26c disk 1-6
Negima OVA Haru (091)
Negima OVA Natsu (091)
Negima!? season 2 1-23 of 26
Neo Ranga 1-48c disk 1-5
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1-26c disk 1-8
Neon Genesis Evangelion Death and Rebirth
Neon Genesis Evangelion the End of Evangelion
Neon Genisis Evangelion Rebuild Movie 1 (162)
NieA_7 01-13c (104)
Ninja Gaiden OVA (091)
Ninja Scroll TV 1-13c disk 1-3
Nishi_no_Yoki_Majo_01-13c (128)
Noein 1-24c (103)w
Noir 1-26c disk 1-7
Now and Then, Here and There 1-13c disk 1-3
Okusama Wa Joshikousei 1-13c (060)
Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru 1-12c (193)
Ouran High School Host Club 1-26c (034,104)
Pani Poni Dash 1-26c (110,112)
Patlabor TV 1-47c (111,112)
Perfect Blue Movie
PERSONA - trinity soul 1-26c (245,
Plastic Little OVA
Please Teacher 1-13c disk 1-4
Please Twins 1-13c disk 1-4
Popotan 1-12c (205)
Puni Puni Poemy 1-2c
Ranma One Half Season 1 1-18c disk 1-4
RAY The Animation 1-13c (133)
Read or Die OVA 1-3c
Read or Die TV 1-26 OVA 1-3 (108,113)
REC 1-9c (191)
Red vs Blue Season 1 1-19c (007)
Red vs Blue Season 2 1-19c (008)
Red vs Blue Season 3 1-19c (009)
Red vs Blue Season 4 1-20c (010)
Red vs Blue Season 5 1-23c (011)
Renkin San-kyuu Magical Pokaan TV 1-12c & OVA 1-3c (188)
Revolutionary Girl Utena 1-13c disk 1-2
Revolutionary Girl Utena the Movie
Risky Safety (Mahou Shinshi Gekijou Risky Safety) 1-24c disk 1-3
Rizelmine I 1-12c, II 1-12c (116)
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 1-47c (114-116)
Rosario to Vampire 01-13c (083)
Rozen Maiden 1-12c (024)
Rozen Maiden Overture 1-2c (024)
Saber Marionette J 1-25c (117,118)
Saber Marionette J Again 1-6c (105)
Saber Marionette R 1-3c (100)w
Saikano 1-13c disk 1-4
Saiyuki 1-50c (119,120)
Saiyuki Reload 1-25c (121,123)
Saiyuki Reload Gunlock 1-26c (122,123)
Sakura Diaries 1-12c disk 1-2
Sakura Wars Return of the Spirit Warriors disk 1
Samurai Girl Real Bout High School 1-13c disk 1-4
School days OVA Episode 1 preview for TV (051)
School Days OVA Magical Heart Kokoro Chan (155)
School Days OVA Valentine Days (155)
School Days TV 1-12c (156)
School Rumble San Gakki OVA 1 of 2
School Rumble Season 1 1-26c plus Ova (061-063)
School Rumble Season 2 1-26c plus Ova (061-063)
S-Cry-ed 1-26c (124)
Seikai Trilogy 1 Crest of the Stars 1-13c disk 1-4
Seikai Trilogy 2 Banner of the Stars I 1-13c disk 1-3
Seikai Trilogy 3 Banner of the Stars II 1-10c (175)
Sekirei 1-4 of unknown still airing
Sentimental Journey 1-12c disk 1-2
Seraphim Call 1-12c disk 1-2
Serial Experiments Lain 1-13c disk 1-4
Seven of Seven 1-5 of 25 disk 1
Sh15uya 1-12c (130)
Shakugan no Shana 1-24c (003,024)
Shakugan no Shana Movie + Extras (222)
Shakugan no Shana Second 1-24c (217,218)
Shamanic Princess 1-6c
Shichinin No Nana 7 of 7 1-26c (166,168,169)
Shingetsutan Tsukihime 1-12c (128)w
Shining Tear X Wind 1-13c (125)
Shrine of the Morning Mist 1-26c disk 1-3
Shugo Chara! 1-39 of 51 (219,222,
Silent möbius 01-26 + extras (151,152)
Sister Princess 1-26c disk 1-5
Sister Princess RePure 1-13c (125)
Slayers Revolution 1-4 of unknown
Slayers Season 1 1-26c disk 1-4
Smash Hit 1-8c (206)
Someday's Dreamers 1-12c (168)
Sorceror Hunters TV 1-26c disk 1-5
Soul Taker 1-13c (142)
Speed Grapher 1-24c (035)w
Spriggan Movie
Steel Angel Kurumi Encore 1-4c
Steel Angel Kurumi I 1-24c disk 1-4
Steel Angel Kurumi II 1-12c disk 1-2
Strawberry Panic 1-26c (153)
Super Gals 1-52c (172-174)
Suzuka 1-26c (004)
Tales of Eternia 1-13c (206)
Tales of Phantasia OVA 1-4 (211)
Tales of Symphonia OVA 1-4 (211)
Tenchi Muyo GPX 1-26c (127,133)
Tenchi Muyo in Tokyo 1-26c (126)
Tenchi Muyo OVA 1-13c (147)
Tenchi Muyo Universe 1-26c (131,136)
Tenjho Tenge 01-26c (132,157)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya 1-14c (137)
The place promised in our early days (094)
The Twelve Kingdoms 1-45c (134,135,141)
To Heart 2 ad OVA 1 of 2
To Heart 2 OVA 1-3c (109)
To Heart Remember my Memories 1-13c (137)
To Heart Season 1 1-13c (139)
To Heart Season 2 1-13c (136)
To LOVE-Ru 1-17 of 26
Today in Class 5-2 1-4c (194)
Touka_Gettan 1-26c (189)
Trigun 1-26c (138,139)w
Trinity Blood 1-24c (140,141)w
Trouble Chocolate 1-20c disk 1-5
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle 1st 1-26c (023)
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle 2nd 1-26c (022)
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle 3rd Tokyo Revelations OVA 1-3c (082)
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle Movie (164)
Tsukikage Ran 1-13c disk 1-4
Ultraviolet Code 044 1 of 12
Usagi-chan de Cue 1-3c (246)
Utawarerumono 1-26c (143,145)
Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust (024)w
vampire Princess Miyu 1-26c disk 1-6
Vandread 1-13c disk 1-4
Vandread Second Stage 1-13c disk 1-4
Venus VS Virus 1-12c (142)
Very Private Lesson OVA 1-2c (194)
Voices of a Distant Star Movie
Welcome to the NHK! 1-24c (033)
When They Cry 1-26c (144,147)w
Wicked City Movie (084)w
Wisper of the Heart Movie
Witch Hunter Robin 1-26c (149,150)
Witchblade 1-24c (145)w
X TV 0-24c (146,147)w
Xenosaga 1-12c (150)
xxxHOLiC 1-24c (032)
xxxHOLiC Kei 1-13c
xxxHOLic Movie (162)
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 1-25c (148)
Yami to Boushi Hon no Tabibito 1-13c (194)
You're Under Arrest 1 1-51c plus specials disk 1-13
You're Under Arrest Mini Specials 1-20c
You're Under Arrest the Movie
Yumeria 1-12c (193)
Zombie-Loan 1-11c (167)

What went, what replaced it.

2008-07-11T22:44:00.000-04:00

Last Post, I decided I was going to drop a couple of series from the bookshelf. Here they are and what I exchanged them for.

Dumped:

Kedamono Damono
Hoshin Engi
Yurara
The Gentleman's Alliance+ 1&2
Rosen Maiden 1-3

What I got in return:

Claymore volume 12
Full Metal Panic! Novel volume 03 "Into the Blue"
Pastel volume 10
Princess Resurrection volume 3
Strawberry Panic volume 2
The Wallflower volume 15
Vampire Hunter D Novel volume 10 "Dark Nocturne"
Vampire Hunter D Manga volume 2
Venus Versus Virus volume 3
xxxHOLiC volume 11
Yubisaki Milk Tea volume 7

Yeah, yeah, you told me so. I've been reading too many different manga at once. Don't forget I also watch in the range of fifty to sixty different anime on top of this, starting some cool new anime and or manga almost on a weekly basis, planning my wedding, cleaning and organizing my new house, and to top it all off so you don't think I'm a total otaku slacker I work sixty+ hours a week. I love my life. No, really I do!

Out with the old, in with the new

2008-07-10T17:33:00.000-04:00

I'm dropping a couple of series that I never got around to reading. These are some that I bought the first volume of but just could not get into and have no intention of finishing. On a reverse note, Here are some cool new ones that definitely make the cut.

.hack//G.U.+ volume 2 (4th .hack series)
.hack//xxxx volume 1 (5th .hack series)
Rosario+Vampire volume 1
Rose Hip Rose volume 1 (Rose Hip Zero spin off)

I hate Dark Horse v12.7.2

2008-07-09T19:12:00.000-04:00

Battle Club volume 6
Dominion volume 1

If it's not one thing, it's another.

2008-07-05T11:00:00.000-04:00

I have been watching a lot of anime lately so manga has taken a back seat. Of course I am still keeping up with my favorite series but even so, it's a trickle compared to last year. The reason for this is that there are some really good new anime series that have come out over the past 2 years and I have been falling behind. I don't think that I will ever strike a happy balance between the two. As of late there is a anime that I have been watching and I will probably get a few raised eyebrows on this one but who cares. It's an oldie. Dragon Ball. I know, I know. why, oh why Dragon Ball? Well..... This is the series that does not end, yes it goes on and on my friend. Some people started animating not knowing what it was, and then just kept on animating it, well just because. This is the series that does not end..... Wait where was I? Oh, sorry about that. I know I'm a glutton for punishment but I picked up the whole thing from front to back- DB, DBZ, and DBGT. I'm on episode 65 of DB. Goku is kicking some Red Ribbon but at the moment.

So with out further adieu, here are the manga that made the cut this month.
Chibi Vampire volume 8
Dance in the Vampire Bund volume 1
Enchanter volume 8
Fruits Basket volume 20
Negima! volume 18
and last but not least, volume 2 of Sundome

Keeping up appearances

2008-05-30T19:59:00.000-04:00

Hollow Fields volume 2
Oh My Goddess! volume 29
Pretty Face volumes 5 and 6 (final volume)
Suzuka volume 7

gurgle, gurgle, grumble, grumble ; - )

2008-04-19T13:38:00.000-04:00

Kamiyadori volume 5 (final volume)
My Dearest Devil Princess volume 2

The things you do for love

2008-03-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

It's been a while, I have put myself on a strict diet of new books. We are trying to save up for our wedding so I'll have to make due with catching up on all the things I've bought but haven't read or watched so far which should last me for the next couple of years. I did pick up a couple of things the other week and three tonight. I'm trying to be good : - )

Claymore volume 11
Enchanter volume 7
Fruits Basket volume 19
Man of Many Faces volume 2 (looking for #1)
Negima! volume 17

Happy Valentines to all you lovers

2008-02-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

Absolute Boyfriend volume 5
Hayate the Combat Butler volume 6
Oh My Goddess! volume 28
Rose Hip Zero volume 5
Shin Megami Tensei (KAHN) volume 1
Trinity Blood volume 5

Enishi

2008-02-13T22:37:00.000-05:00

The red string of fate that binds people together. Congrats to Gina on her second book. I met her down at AWA last year and picked up some swag including a very beautiful art book that she self published "Threads". Sorry, it's not available in stores : - ( but I have a copy and that's all that matters ; - )

Kashimashi volume 4
Ouran High School Host Club volume 10
Pretty Face volume 4
Red String volume 2
School Rumble volume 8
Voiceful (1 of 1)
Zombie-Loan volume 2

My sweety is the BEST!

2008-02-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

.hack//G.U.+ volume 1 (whoo hoo, new adventure)
Air Gear volume 7 ; - )
Chibi Vampire volume 7
Shugo Chara! volume 3
Trigun Maximum volume 12 (finally! p.s. darkhorse sucks!!!)
Tsubasa volume 16 : - )

RAID???!!!

2008-02-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

I found a new one shot comic last night. HoiHoi san. The ultimate bug killing machine, too funny!

Dark Wars: The Tale of Meiji Dracula* 1 of 1
First Love Sisters volume 1
Ichigeki Sacchu Hoihoi San* 1 of 1
King of the Lamp* 1 of 1
Zombie Fairy volume 1

Three for One Special

2008-01-27T17:17:00.000-05:00

What a start to the new year, all work and not much rest for this weary soul. This is a cumulative blog for the last three weeks. Lots of good stuff to speak of, one of which stands out. This is a new series called Sundome. This is a must read! It is a twisted ride through the life of one kinky little pervert who meets his match in a sadist dressed in cute sheep's clothes. This odd relationship soon degrades into the epitome of S&M. I think this one needs a quote to really get the idea. Hmmmmm.... how about the end of chapter 1. Kurumi finds Aiba's club masturbation manual and starts reading it much to the horror of the other club members there and himself. She then suddenly asks Aiba to show here how he jerks off. He agrees. She picks of course the most improbable entry in the book. One that involves shoving a long spike down his $!(%@ while Jerking off. He is reluctant but attempts it anyway. He misses and accidentally impales himself with said spike. (FYI, Do not try this at home or anywhere for that matter, There are a lot of blood vessels down there and you can easily bleed to death) whoops! As he stands there naked in front of her bleeding profusely she says in a cold tone "I won't have sex with you. Even if I do it with someone else... or as a casual fling... even if we were the last two people on earth... I'd still never have sex with you. No matter how much you cried and begged for me... I'd never let you come. Are you... okay with that?" His response to her. "Yeah." To himself, "As long as you'll stay by my side... it's better than being rejected."
Now before you think badly of me, you must know one thing. I didn't pick out this one. My sweety picked it out based solely on the cover as a present for me, it's shrink wrapped for obvious reasons and there is no synopsis on the back cover. volume 2 is slated for April 29.

After School Nightmare volume 5
Chibi Vampire The Novel volume 4
Eden "It's an Endless World!" volume 9
Full Metal Panic! Novel 2 "One Night Stand"
Gals! volume 10* (Final Volume)
Galaxy Angel II volume 3
Junk -Record of the Last Hero- volume 3
King of Thorn volume 3
Love Attack volume 1
MPD-Psycho volumes 2 and 3
My-HiME volume 5* (Final Volume)
Nana volume 8
Pastel volume 9
Shakugan no Shana volume 2
Strawberry Panic volume 1
Sundome volume 1 ; - ) A+
The Good Witch of the West volume 5
Venus Versus Virus volume 2
Chobits Art Book "Your Eyes Only"

Robot changes hands

2008-01-06T00:08:00.000-05:00

I had been wondering why the anthology Robot had been absent for so long. Seems It changed hands which is a good thing because if you were not aware, Dark Horse Sucks! This series is on the 12th or 13th volume in Japan and DH was in no hurry. At the rate they were going, it would be around 2020 by the time they caught up with the original. Hopefully this new publisher is not just another subsidiary of DH and actually has the intention of getting the series released in a timely manner.

I've noticed an explosion of omnibus editions of older series coming out lately from several different publishers. Most of them I already have the individual volumes of or don't have much interest in. One did catch my eye and made it on my list and that was "The Demon Ororon". This three inch thick behemoth omnibus is all four volumes complete. Only 20 bucks too. pretty cheap, 5 dollars a volume if you do the math.

Robot Super Color Comic volume 4
Strawberry 100% volume 3
The Demon Ororon "The Complete Collection 1-4" <- BIG ASS BOOK
The Wallflower volume 14

Starting the new year off right

2008-01-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

Well, for the most part. We, and by "we" I mean my love, myself, and our friend went up for new years to Pennsylvania. We had fun. Our friend got subjected to Rhythwyn's family, I think he's still in shock. We got stuck in a bad snow storm on the way back. The roads were one long sheet of ice. That part was NOT fun. After slipping and sliding up in the mountains for a couple of miles we decided that getting home that night was not worth our lives so we pulled over at the next exit that had any sign of civilization and promptly got ourselves a room for the night.

Angel*
Angel Nest*
Appleseed ID "Illustration and Data"
Blood Sucker volume 2
Blood Sucker volume 3
Blood Sucker volume 4
Blood Sucker volume 5
D.Gray-Man volume 7
Kamiyadori volume 4
Magical x Miracle volume 6* (Final Volume)
Megami Deluxe Art Book volume 1
NOiSE*
Nothing but Loving You*
Oh My Goddess! Novel -First End-
Rahxephon Novel volume 4
Rahxephon Novel volume 5
Someday's Dreamers Spellbound volume 4
St. Lunatic High School volume 2
Tetragrammation Labyrinth volume 2
The Aromatic Bitters*
The One I Love*

The hunt for Masamune

2007-12-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have been hunting down all the series written be Shirow Masamune. I have not had much luck. Then to my amazement, Dark Horse went and translated another of his works, Appleseed. That's two down, many more to go.

Appleseed volume 1 "The Promethean Challenge"
Le Chevalier d'Eon volume 3
The Last Uniform volume 2
Yubisaki Milk Tea volume 6

Slim pickings for the holidays

2007-12-22T23:44:00.000-05:00

Not very many things came in so I put in a massive special order tonight for a couple dozen books. It should make for a good new years.

Gals! volume 9
Hana-Kimi volume 21
Kamichama Karin volume 7* (Final Volume)
Trinity Blood volume 4
Trinity Blood Reborn on Mars Novel 1 "The Star of Sorrow"

An early Christmas

2007-12-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

We went book hunting yesterday for an order of books for a school. One of our suppliers screwed up and did not sent them. Soooooooo.............. we went hunting around all the book stores in central SC and down to Augusta to find enough copies. we got close to the 40 we needed. while we were at Borders in Augusta, my sweety treeted me to an early Christmas present by buying me all the manga I had picked out. : - ) I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Boys Be volume 15
FullMetal Alchemist volume 15
Her Majesty's Dog volume 7
Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 3
MPD-Psycho volume 1
Nana volume 7
Negima! volume 16
Stray Little Devil volume 5* (Final Volume)
Welcome to the N.H.K. volume 4

It's Done?

2007-12-13T23:38:00.000-05:00

I've been going through my books and have found that a lot of them are done. who knew. I also found a couple of series that the publisher has dropped for one reason or another. One being Steel Angel Kurumi, ADV has stopped printing 2 volumes short of completing it. I have no idea why. The fun part is going to be finding a translated copy of the last 2 volumes. I have had no success so far.

Enchanter volume 6
Girls Bravo volume 10 (Final Volume)
Tenjho Tenge volume 16

For a few manga more.

2007-12-10T23:37:00.000-05:00

More unboxing today, like I don't wear myself out enough working full time at my main job. After I get off there, I unbox books at the store. Why you ask, two words "First Dibs". A good example was yesterday. only two copies of the ninth volume of vampire hunter D shipped to the store, neither made it to the shelf. I got one and the unboxer who was also looking for it got the other. Sorry, well not really.

Life volume 7
Suzuka volume 6 (only copy, hee hee ; - )

Losing Hope

2007-12-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

More unboxing today. I found lots of unexpected goodies so it's all right. There were a lot of titles that haven't come out in over a year. Destiny, Drama, Gunslinger, and Unbalance X2. Happy Reading everyone!

Destiny's Hand volume 2
Dramacon volume 3
Eureka Seven "Gravity Boys & Lifting Girl" 01
Faeries' Landing volume 18
Gacha Gacha The Next Revolution volume 5
Grenadier volume 5
Gunslinger Girl volume 6
Trinity Blood Novel 2 Rage Against the Moons "Silent Noise"
Unbalance Unbalance volume 2
Vampire Hunter D Novel 9 "The Rose Princess"
Vampire Hunter D Manga volume 1
Welcome to the NHK volume 5

treats from my sweety

2007-11-30T19:51:00.000-05:00

Pretty Face volume 3
Tsukuyomi Moon Phase volume 9

Here she is kicking my but at Pangya! Nice shot!!!

FYI: An Albatross is a -3 shot, one better than an Eagle.

A Simple Equation (-R)+S=M2

2007-11-30T17:51:00.000-05:00

Lack of Restraint + Sale = More Manga
40% off sales don't come around that often, so you have to make the best of them right? That's what I keep telling myself anyway. I'm now have 372 volumes backlogged that I haven't read yet. Is there a therapy group for this? This is all Marcy's fault! Long story.

Air Gear volume 6
Chibi Vampire volume 6
Full Metal Alchemist Novel 4 "Under the Faraway Sky"
Genshiken volume 9* (Final Volume)
Hana-Kimi volume 20
Hayate the Combat Butler volume 5
I HATE YOU more than anyone! volume 2
Junk -Record of the Last Hero- volume 4
My Dearest Devil Princess volume 1
Rose Hip Zero volume 4
School Rumble volume 7
Shakugan No Shana Novel "Fight Day"
Tenshi Ja Nai!! "I'm No Angel!" volume 8* (Final Volume)
The Tarot Café volume 6
The Young Magician volume 8 and 9
Threads of Time volume 10
Yotsuba&! volume 5

He is my master / She is my master

2007-11-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

More hijinks, mayhem, and fan service in this second volume of He is my master.

After paying for the salvation of her kingdom with her body, (oh it's not that bad) Alita now serves Falis as her maid as Falis reunites the kingdom under her rule.

He is My Master volume 2
Murder Princess volume 2 Final Volume

"This is right up your alley!"

2007-11-19T17:37:00.000-05:00

The title of this entry is what one of the guys at waldens said to me when he saw "Alice on Deadlines" in the shipment this past week and he was right. It's a hoot, pantie.... uh I mean plenty of action, gore, and well panties. Yes, lots of fan service to go around. A must read, well if you like that sort of thing : - )

This next one is a real treat. The final volume of "Arm of Kannon" (Birth) is out after a year and a half. This series started out being released every three months but has stretched out over the last couple of volumes. The last, volume 8 came out in April of 06. But if you like Gore, destruction on a massive scale, dismemberment, decapitation, death, and just all around horror that makes scenes from a Nazi death camp look like Mr. Roger's neighborhood then you will LOVE this.

Still reading earlier volumes of Claymore. A cool action series, the plot thickens with even deadlier enemies.

The twisted lives of the Sohmas continue in this latest volume. Ren finally finds salvation in the arms of Hatsuharu after being tortured and locked up be Akito.

Another new series I started this week is "Suppli". Don't let the shrink wrap detour you, no foul language or nudity at all, I promise. Actually, the story line is geared towards adults anyway so its a moot point. It follows the life of a single working woman in her late twenties who has become desensitized to her relationships and her work. It takes her boyfriend of six years dumping her to make her realize that she's just been floating through life without paying much attention to anything. Completely in shock and not sure what to do, her coworkers come to the rescue and take her out on the town and try to cheer her up. She had been so caught up in her career that she never even noticed the people around her. So with some new friends at her side and some advances by a coworker who started at the same time as her but she never even noticed until a wardrobe accident on the train reunited them, she is trying to start over.

The last book for this time is "Translucent", the second volume is out and it is very sweet. Young love is blooming under some difficult circumstances.

Alice on Deadlines volume 1
Arm of Kannon volume 9
Claymore volume 10
Fruits Basket volume 18
Suppli volume 1
Translucent volume 2

Election Season Blues

2007-11-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

And here I thought Christmas was starting too early. I have always heard that Christmas shopping season started too early but there is one other thing that takes the cake and that would be election season. And just like Christmas, people get sick of it before it ever gets here. That would be the case for yours truly. I have studied U.S. law for almost 8 years, not in law school but on my own and I think I got a better education for my money. (well tuition was free.) I learned that if I had of gone to law school and graduated, I would have been committing an act of treason. Don't believe me? Study it for yourself. I'll give you a starting point. To practice law in this country these days you need to be BAR certified. B.A.R. is an acronym, it stands for British Accreditation Regency. When you pass the BAR exam you receive the title of "Esquire". Now read the Constitution, Especially paying attention to the part where it expressly forbids the U.S. from bestowing titles. Now put two and two together. Where does that title come from? why from the first letter of that acronym I mentioned earlier. So there in lies the problem. A sworn allegiance to The U.S. as part of the judicial branch of the government AND and an allegiance to Great Brittan for accepting a title of nobility from the British crown. Figure out the rest for yourself. That is just the tip of the iceberg. The Injustices that are going on in this country that are being perpetrated by the people that we are paying to serve us is staggering.

All this is a precursor to the main topic of this entry and that would be some of the issues of this current election season. One of the things that saddened me most was that the old mayor of N.Y. who is pro choice (in other words, finds it legally permissible to stick a razor sharp blender into a child's skull and frappe its brain into puree and then chuck his or her body in the trash.) is being given the backing of one of the most upstanding preachers in America. What the hell went wrong?! I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) while I drive all over the place and that is where I heard the most absurd thing I have hear in my entire life coming out of the mouth of a politician. There was an interview with Ron Paul on his stance with the issues of his campaign and he was being ask about his stance on taxes and spending. He replied that the income tax was unconstitutional and that he would abolish it if he became president. I then thought to myself, if this guy was pro life I might actually re register and vote for the first time since I was eligible. Sure enough I went to his web site (just Google Ron Paul) and what do you know, he is pro life. While I was there I looked at some of his writings on the tax issue and did find some faults in his writings. This is a copy/paste from one of his articles.

"Could America exist without an income tax? The idea seems radical, yet in truth America did
just fine without a federal income tax for the first 126 years of its history. Prior to 1913, the
government operated with revenues raised through tariffs, excise taxes, and property taxes,
without ever touching a worker's paycheck. In the late 1800s, when Congress first attempted to
impose an income tax, the notion of taxing a citizen's hard work was considered radical! Public
outcry ensued; more importantly, the Supreme Court ruled the income tax unconstitutional.
Only with passage of the 16th Amendment did Congress gain the ability to tax the productive
endeavors of its citizens."

The main problem is that he states that the 16th amendment gave Congress the power to tax income, THIS IS A LIE!!! The Supreme Court did rule that the income tax was unconstitutional and illegal but at the same time it also ruled that the 16th amendment was also unconstitutional and outright dangerous and I quote "This result, instead of simplifying the situation and making clear the limitations on the taxing power, which obviously the Amendment must have been intended to accomplish, would create radical and destructive changes in our constitutional system and multiply confusion."
This is a direct quote from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the case BRUSHABER v. UNION PACIFIC R. CO., 240 U.S. 1 (1916). Look at the date, 92 years ago the Court realized what would become of our nation and as a result put a stop to it. But we did not listen? Thanks to "public uneducation" our children are not taught true history and government. They say that history is written by the winners. That makes the American people the losers.

Here is the full text of the Landmark cast you will never hear about, the one that tied the hands of congress so that it could not pick pocket America.

U.S. Supreme Court BRUSHABER v. UNION PACIFIC R. CO., 240 U.S. 1 (1916) 240 U.S. 1
FRANK R. BRUSHABER, Appt., v. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY. No. 140.
Argued October 14 and 15, 1915. Decided January 24, 1916.
[240 U.S. 1, 2] Messrs. Julien T. Davies, Brainard Tolles, Garrard Glenn, and Martin A. Schenck for appellant.
Mr. Henry W. Clark for appellee.

[240 U.S. 1, 5] Solicitor General Davis, Assistant Attorney General Wallace, and Attorney General Gregory for the United States.
[240 U.S. 1, 9]
Mr. Chief Justice White delivered the opinion of the court:
As a stockholder of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, the appellant filed his bill to enjoin the corporation from complying with the income tax provisions of the tariff act of October 3, 1913 ( II., chap. 16, 38 Stat. at L. 166). Because of constitutional questions duly arising the case is here on direct appeal from a decree sustaining a motion to dismiss because no ground for relief was stated.
The right to prevent the corporation from returning and paying the tax was based upon many averments as to the repugnancy of the statute to the Constitution of the United States, of the peculiar relation of the corporation to the stockholders, and their particular interests resulting from many of the administrative provisions of the assailed act, of the confusion, wrong, and multiplicity [240 U.S. 1, 10] of suits and the absence of all means of redress which would result if the corporation paid the tax and complied with the act in other respects without protest, as it was alleged it was its intention to do. To put out of the way a question of jurisdiction we at once say that in view of these averments and the ruling in Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & T. Co. 157 U.S. 429 , 39 L. ed. 759, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 673, sustaining the right of a stockholder to sue to restrain a corporation under proper averments from voluntarily paying a tax charged to be unconstitutional on the ground that to permit such a suit did not violate the prohibitions of 3224, Revised Statutes (Comp. Stat. 1913, 5947), against enjoining the enforcement of taxes, we are of opinion that the contention here made that there was no jurisdiction of the cause, since to entertain it would violate the provisions of the Revised Statutes referred to, is without merit. Before coming to dispose of the case on the merits, however, we observe that the defendant corporation having called the attention of the government to the pendency of the cause and the nature of the controversy and its unwillingness to voluntarily refuse to comply with the act assailed, the United States, as amicus curiae, has at bar been heard both orally and by brief for the purpose of sustaining the decree.
Aside from averments as to citizenship and residence, recitals as to the provisions of the statute, and statements as to the business of the corporation, contained in the first ten paragraphs of the bill, advanced to sustain jurisdiction, the bill alleged twenty-one constitutional objections specified in that number of paragraphs or subdivisions. As all the grounds assert a violation of the Constitution, it follows that, in a wide sense, they all charge a repugnancy of the statute to the 16th Amendment, under the more immediate sanction of which the statute was adopted.
The various propositions are so intermingled as to cause it to be difficult to classify them. We are of opinion, however, [240 U.S. 1, 11] that the confusion is not inherent, but rather arises from the conclusion that the 16th Amendment provides for a hitherto unknown power of taxation; that is, a power to levy an income tax which, although direct, should not be subject to the regulation of apportionment applicable to all other direct taxes. And the far-reaching effect of this erroneous assumption will be made clear by generalizing the many contentions advanced in argument to support it, as follows: (a) The Amendment authorizes only a particular character of direct tax without apportionment, and therefore if a tax is levied under its assumed authority which does not partake of the characteristics exacted by the Amendment, it is outside of the Amendment, and is void as a direct tax in the general constitutional sense because not apportioned. (b) As the Amendment authorizes a tax only upon incomes 'from whatever source derived,' the exclusion from taxation of some income of designated persons and classes is not authorized, and hence the constitutionality of the law must be tested by the general provisions of the Constitution as to taxation, and thus again the tax is void for want of apportionment. (c) As the right to tax 'incomes from whatever source derived' for which the Amendment provides must be considered as exacting intrinsic uniformity, therefore no tax comes under the authority of the Amendment not conforming to such standard, and hence all the provisions of the assailed statute must once more be tested solely under the general and pre-existing provisions of the Constitution, causing the statute again to be void in the absence of apportionment. (d) As the power conferred by the Amendment is new and prospective, the attempt in the statute to make its provisions retroactively apply is void because, so far as the retroactive period is concerned, it is governed by the pre-existing constitutional requirement as to apportionment.
But it clearly results that the proposition and the contentions [240 U.S. 1, 12] under it, if acceded to, would cause one provision of the Constitution to destroy another; that is, they would result in bringing the provisions of the Amendment exempting a direct tax from apportionment into irreconcilable conflict with the general requirement that all direct taxes be apportioned. Moreover, the tax authorized by the Amendment, being direct, would not come under the rule of uniformity applicable under the Constitution to other than direct taxes, and thus it would come to pass that the result of the Amendment would be to authorize a particular direct tax not subject either to apportionment or to the rule of geographical uniformity, thus giving power to impose a different tax in one state or states than was levied in another state or states. This result, instead of simplifying the situation and making clear the limitations on the taxing power, which obviously the Amendment must have been intended to accomplish, would create radical and destructive changes in our constitutional system and multiply confusion.
But let us by a demonstration of the error of the fundamental proposition as to the significance of the Amendment dispel the confusion necessarily arising from the arguments deduced from it. Before coming, however, to the text of the Amendment, to the end that its significance may be determined in the light of the previous legislative and judicial history of the subject with which the Amendment is concerned, and with a knowledge of the conditions which presumptively led up to its adoption, and hence of the purpose it was intended to accomplish, we make a brief statement on those subjects.
That the authority conferred upon Congress by 8 of article 1 'to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises' is exhaustive and embraces every conceivable power of taxation has never been questioned, or, if it has, has been so often authoritatively declared as to render it necessary only to state the doctrine. And it has also never [240 U.S. 1, 13] been questioned from the foundation, without stopping presently to determine under which of the separate headings the power was properly to be classed, that there was authority given, as the part was included in the whole, to lay and collect income taxes. Again, it has never moreover been questioned that the conceded complete and all-embracing taxing power was subject, so far as they were respectively applicable, to limitations resulting from the requirements of art. 1, 8, cl. 1, that 'all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States,' and to the limitations of art I., 2, cl. 3, that 'direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states,' and of art 1, 9, cl. 4, that 'no capitation, or other direct, tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken.' In fact, the two great subdivisions embracing the complete and perfect delegation of the power to tax and the two correlated limitations as to such power were thus aptly stated by Mr. Chief Justice Fuller in Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & T. Co. 157 U. S. supra, at page 557: 'In the matter of taxation, the Constitution recognizes the two great classes of direct and indirect taxes, and lays down two rules by which their imposition must be governed, namely: The rule of apportionment as to direct taxes, and the rule of uniformity as to duties, imposts, and excises.' It is to be observed, however, as long ago pointed out in Veazie Bank v. Fenno, 8 Wall. 533, 541, 19 L. ed. 482, 485, that the requirements of apportionment as to one of the great classes and of uniformity as to the other class were not so much a limitation upon the complete and all-embracing authority to tax, but in their essence were simply regulations concerning the mode in which the plenary power was to be exerted. In the whole history of the government down to the time of the adoption of the 16th Amendment, leaving aside some conjectures expressed of the possibility of a tax lying intermediate between the two great classes and embraced [240 U.S. 1, 14] by neither, no question has been anywhere made as to the correctness of these propositions. At the very beginning, however, there arose differences of opinion concerning the criteria to be applied in determining in which of the two great subdivisions a tax would fall. Without pausing to state at length the basis of these differences and the consequences which arose from them, as the whole subject was elaborately reviewed in Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & T. Co. 157 U.S. 429 , 39 L. ed. 759, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 673, 158 U.S. 601 , 39 L. ed. 1108, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 912, we make a condensed statement which is in substance taken from what was said in that case. Early the differences were manifested in pressing on the one hand and opposing on the other, the passage of an act levying a tax without apportionment on carriages 'for the conveyance of persons,' and when such a tax was enacted the question of its repugnancy to the Constitution soon came to this court for determination. Hylton v. United States, 3 Dall. 171, 1 L. ed. 556. It was held that the tax came within the class of excises, duties, and imposts, and therefore did not require apportionment, and while this conclusion was agreed to by all the members of the court who took part in the decision of the case, there was not an exact coincidence in the reasoning by which the conclusion was sustained. Without stating the minor differences, it may be said with substantial accuracy that the divergent reasoning was this: On the one hand, that the tax was not in the class of direct taxes requiring apportionment, because it was not levied directly on property because of its ownership, but rather on its use, and was therefore an excise, duty, or impost; and on the other, that in any event the class of direct taxes included only taxes directly levied on real estate because of its ownership. Putting out of view the difference of reasoning which led to the concurrent conclusion in the Hylton Case, it is undoubted that it came to pass in legislative practice that the line of demarcation between the two great classes of direct taxes on the one hand and excises, duties, and [240 U.S. 1, 15] imposts on the other, which was exemplified by the ruling in that case, was accepted and acted upon. In the first place this is shown by the fact that wherever (and there were a number of cases of that kind) a tax was levied directly on real estate or slaves because of ownership, it was treated as coming within the direct class and apportionment was provided for, while no instance of apportionment as to any other kind of tax is afforded. Again the situation is aptly illustrated by the various acts taxing incomes derived from property of every kind and nature which were enacted beginning in 1861, and lasting during what may be termed the Civil War period. It is not disputable that these latter taxing laws were classed under the head of excises, duties, and imposts because it was assumed that they were of that character inasmuch as, although putting a tax burden on income of every kind, including that derived from property real or personal, they were not taxes directly on property because of its ownership. And this practical construction came in theory to be the accepted one, since it was adopted without dissent by the most eminent of the text writers. 1 Kent, Com. 254, 256; 1 Story, Const. 955; Cooley, Const. Lim. 5th ed. *480; Miller, Constitution, 237; Pom. Const. Law, 281; 1 Hare, Const. Law, 249, 250; Burroughs, Taxn. 502; Ordronaux, Constitutional Legislation, 225.
Upon the lapsing of a considerable period after the repeal of the income tax laws referred to, in 1894 [28 Stat. at L. 509, chap. 349], an act was passed laying a tax on incomes from all classes of property and other sources of revenue which was not apportioned, and which therefore was of course assumed to come within the classification of excises, duties, and imposts which were subject to the rule of uniformity, but not to the rule of apportionment. The constitutional validity of this law was challenged on the ground that it did not fall within the class of excises, duties, and imposts, [240 U.S. 1, 16] but was direct in the constitutional sense, and was therefore void for want of apportionment, and that question came to this court and was passed upon in Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & T. Co. 157 U.S. 429 , 39 L. ed. 759, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 673, 158 U.S. 601 , 39 L. ed. 1108, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 912. The court, fully recognizing in the passage which we have previously quoted the allembracing character of the two great classifications, including, on the one hand, direct taxes subject to apportionment, and on the other, excises, duties, and imposts subject to uniformity, held the law to be unconstitutional in substance for these reasons: Concluding that the classification of direct was adopted for the purpose of rendering it impossible to burden by taxation accumulations of property, real or personal, except subject to the regulation of apportionment, it was held that the duty existed to fix what was a direct tax in the constitutional sense so as to accomplish this purpose contemplated by the Constitution. ( 157 U.S. 581 .) Coming to consider the validity of the tax from this point of view, while not questioning at all that in common understanding it was direct merely on income and only indirect on property, it was held that, considering the substance of things, it was direct on property in a constitutional sense, since to burden an income by a tax was, from the point of substance, to burden the property from which the income was derived, and thus accomplish the very thing which the provision as to apportionment of direct taxes was adopted to prevent. As this conclusion but enforced a regulation as to the mode of exercising power under particular circumstances, it did not in any way dispute the all-embracing taxing authority possessed by Congress, including necessarily therein the power to impose income taxes if only they conformed to the constitutional regulations which were applicable to them. Moreover, in addition, the conclusion reached in the Pollock Case did not in any degree involve holding that income taxes generically and necessarily came within the class [240 U.S. 1, 17] of direct taxes on property, but, on the contrary, recognized the fact that taxation on income was in its nature an excise entitled to be enforced as such unless and until it was concluded that to enforce it would amount to accomplishing the result which the requirement as to apportionment of direct taxation was adopted to prevent, in which case the duty would arise to disregard form and consider substance alone, and hence subject the tax to the regulation as to apportionment which otherwise as an excise would not apply to it. Nothing could serve to make this clearer than to recall that in the Pollock Case, in so far as the law taxed incomes from other classes of property than real estate and invested personal property, that is, income from 'professions, trades, employments, or vocations' ( 158 U.S. 637 ), its validity was recognized; indeed, it was expressly declared that no dispute was made upon that subject, and attention was called to the fact that taxes on such income had been sustained as excise taxes in the past. Id. p. 635. The whole law was, however, declared unconstitutional on the ground that to permit it to thus operate would relieve real estate and invested personal property from taxation and 'would leave the burden of the tax to be borne by professions, trades, employments, or vacations; and in that way what was intended as a tax on capital would remain, in substance, a tax on occupations and labor' ( id. p. 637),-a result which, it was held, could not have been contemplated by Congress.
This is the text of the Amendment:
'The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.' It is clear on the face of this text that it does not purport to confer power to levy income taxes in a generic sense,-an authority already possessed and never questioned, [240 U.S. 1, 18] -or to limit and distinguish between one kind of income taxes and another, but that the whole purpose of the Amendment was to relieve all income taxes when imposed from apportionment from a consideration of the source whence the income was derived. Indeed, in the light of the history which we have given and of the decision in the Pollock Case, and the ground upon which the ruling in that case was based, there is no escape from the conclusion that the Amendment was drawn for the purpose of doing away for the future with the principle upon which the Pollock Case was decided; that is, of determining whether a tax on income was direct not by a consideration of the burden placed on the taxed income upon which it directly operated, but by taking into view the burden which resulted on the property from which the income was derived, since in express terms the Amendment provides that income taxes, from whatever source the income may be derived, shall not be subject to the regulation of apportionment. From this in substance it indisputably arises, first, that all the contentions which we have previously noticed concerning the assumed limitations to be implied from the language of the Amendment as to the nature and character of the income taxes which it authorizes find no support in the text and are in irreconcilable conflict with the very purpose which the Amendment was adopted to accomplish. Second, that the contention that the Amendment treats a tax on income as a direct tax although it is relieved from apportionment and is necessarily therefore not subject to the rule of uniformity as such rule only applies to taxes which are not direct, thus destroying the two great classifications which have been recognized and enforced from the beginning, is also wholly without foundation since the command of the Amendment that all income taxes shall not be subject to apportionment by a consideration of the sources from which the taxed income may be derived [240 U.S. 1, 19] forbids the application to such taxes of the rule applied in the Pollock Case by which alone such taxes were removed from the great class of excises, duties, and imposts subject to the rule of uniformity, and were placed under the other or direct class. This must be unless it can be said that although the Constitution, as a result of the Amendment, in express terms excludes the criterion of source of income, that criterion yet remains for the purpose of destroying the classifications of the Constitution by taking an excise out of the class to which it belongs and transferring it to a class in which it cannot be placed consistently with the requirements of the Constitution. Indeed, from another point of view, the Amendment demonstrates that no such purpose was intended, and on the contrary shows that it was drawn with the object of maintaining the limitations of the Constitution and harmonizing their operation. We say this because it is to be observed that although from the date of the Hylton Case, because of statements made in the opinions in that case, it had come to be accepted that direct taxes in the constitutional sense were confined to taxes levied directly on real estate because of its ownership, the Amendment contains nothing repudiation or challenging the ruling in the Pollock Case that the word 'direct' had a broader significance, since it embraced also taxes levied directly on personal property because of its ownership, and therefore the Amendment at least impliedly makes such wider significance a part of the Constitution,-a condition which clearly demonstrates that the purpose was not to change the existing interpretation except to the extent necessary to accomplish the result intended; that is, the prevention of the resort to the sources from which a taxed income was derived in order to cause a direct tax on the income to be a direct tax on the source itself, and thereby to take an income tax out of the class of excises, duties, and imposts, and place it in the class of direct taxes. [240 U.S. 1, 20] We come, then, to ascertain the merits of the many contentions made in the light of the Constitution as it now stands; that is to say, including within its terms the provisions of the 16th Amendment as correctly interpreted. We first dispose of two propositions assailing the validity of the statute on the one hand because of its repugnancy to the Constitution in other respects, and especially because its enactment was not authorized by the 16th Amendment.
The statute was enacted October 3, 1913, and provided for a general yearly income tax from December to December of each year. Exceptionally, however, it fixed a first period embracing only the time from March 1, to December 31, 1913, and this limited retroactivity is assailed as repugnant to the due process clause of the 5th Amendment, and as inconsistent with the 16th Amendment itself. But the date of the retroactivity did not extend beyond the time when the Amendment was operative, and there can be no dispute that there was power by virtue of the Amendment during that period to levy the tax, without apportionment, and so far as the limitations of the Constitution in other respects are concerned, the contention is not open, since in Stockdale v. Atlantic Ins. Co. 20 Wall. 323, 331, 22 L. ed. 348, 351, in sustaining a provision in a prior income tax law which was assailed because of its retroactive character, it was said:
'The right of Congress to have imposed this tax by a new statute, although the measure of it was governed by the income of the past year, cannot be doubted; much less can it be doubted that it could impose such a tax on the income of the current year, though part of that year had elapsed when the statute was passed. The joint resolution of July 4th, 1864 [13 Stat. at L. 417], imposed a tax of 5 per cent upon all income of the previous year, although one tax on it had already been paid, and no one doubted the validity of the tax or attempted to resist it.' [240 U.S. 1, 21] The statute provides that the tax should not apply to enumerated organizations or corporations, such as labor, agricultural or horticultural organizations, mutual savings banks, etc., and the argument is that as the Amendment authorized a tax on incomes 'from whatever source derived,' by implication it excluded the power to make these exemptions. But this is only a form of expressing the erroneous contention as to the meaning of the Amendment, which we have already disposed of. And so far as this alleged illegality is based on other provisions of the Constitution, the contention is also not open, since it was expressly considered and disposed of in Flint v. Stone Tracy Co. 220 U.S. 108, 173 , 55 S. L. ed. 389, 422, 31 Sup. Ct. Rep. 342, Ann. Cas. 1912B, 1312 Without expressly stating all the other contentions, we summarize them to a degree adequate to enable us to typify and dispose of all of them.
1. The statute levies one tax called a normal tax on all incomes of individuals up to $20,000, and from that amount up, by gradations, a progressively increasing tax, called an additional tax, is imposed. No tax, however, is levied upon incomes of unmarried individuals amounting to $3, 000 or less, nor upon incomes of married persons amounting to $4,000 or less. The progressive tax and the exempted amounts, it is said, are based on wealth alone, and the tax is therefore repugnant to the due process clause of the 5th Amendment.
2. The act provides for collecting the tax at the source; that is, makes it the duty of corporations, etc., to retain and pay the sum of the tax on interest due on bonds and mortgages, unless the owner to whom the interest is payable gives a notice that he claims an exemption. This duty cast upon corporations, because of the cost to which they are subjected, is asserted to be repugnant to due process of law as a taking of their property without compensation, and we recapitulate various contentions as to discrimination against corporations and against individuals, [240 U.S. 1, 22] predicated on provisions of the act dealing with the subject.
(a) Corporations indebted upon coupon and registered bonds are discriminated against, since corporations not so indebted are relieved of any labor or expense involved in deducting and paying the taxes of individuals on the income derived from bonds.
(b) Of the class of corporations indebted as above stated, the law further discriminates against those which have assumed the payment of taxes on their bonds, since although some or all of their bondholders may be exempt from taxation, the corporations have no means of ascertaining such fact, and it would therefore result that taxes would often be paid by such corporations when no taxes were owing by the individuals to the government.
(c) The law discriminates against owners of corporate bonds in favor of individuals none of whose income is derived from such property, since bondholders are, during the interval between the deducting and the paying of the tax on their bonds, deprived of the use of the money so withheld.
(d) Again, corporate bondholders are discriminated against because the law does not release them from payment of taxes on their bonds even after the taxes have been deducted by the corporation, and therefore if, after deduction, the corporation should fail, the bondholders would be compelled to pay the tax a second time.
(e) Owners of bonds the taxes on which have been assumed by the corporation are discriminated against because the payment of the taxes by the corporation does not relieve the bondholders of their duty to include the income from such bonds in making a return of all income, the result being a double payment of the taxes, labor and expense in applying for a refund, and a deprivation of the use of the sum of the taxes during the interval which elapses before they are refunded. [240 U.S. 1, 23] 3. The provision limiting the amount of interest paid which may be deducted from gross income of corporations for the purpose of fixing the taxable income to interest on indebtedness not exceeding one half the sum of bonded indebtedness and paidup capital stock is also charged to be wanting in due process because discriminating between different classes of corporations and individuals.
4. It is urged that want of due process results from the provision allowing individuals to deduct from their gross income dividends paid them by corporations whose incomes are taxed, and not giving such right of deduction to corporations.
5. Want of due process is also asserted to result from the fact that the act allows a deduction of $3,000 or $4,000 to those who pay the normal tax, that is, whose incomes are $20,000 or less, and does not allow the deduction to those whose incomes are greater than $20,000; that is, such persons are not allowed, for the purpose of the additional or progressive tax, a second right to deduct the $3,000 or $4,000 which they have already enjoyed. And a further violation of due process is based on the fact that for the purpose of the additional tax no second right to deduct dividends received from corporations is permitted.
6. In various forms of statement, want of due process, it is moreover insisted, arises from the provisions of the act allowing a deduction for the purpose of ascertaining the taxable income of stated amounts, on the ground that the provisions discriminate between married and single people, and discriminate between husbands and wives who are living together and those who are not.
7. Discrimination and want of due process result, it is said, from the fact that the owners of houses in which they live are not compelled to estimate the rental value in making up their incomes, while those who are living in rented houses and pay rent are not allowed, in making up their taxable income, to deduct rent which they have [240 U.S. 1, 24] paid, and that want of due process also results from the fact that although family expenses are not, as a rule, permitted to be deducted from gross, to arrive at taxable, income, farmers are permitted to omit from their income return certain products of the farm which are susceptible of use by them for sustaining their families during the year.
So far as these numerous and minute, not to say in many respects hypercritical, contentions are based upon an assumed violation of the uniformity clause, their want of legal merit is at once apparent, since it is settled that that clause exacts only a geographical uniformity, and there is not a semblance of ground in any of the propositions for assuming that a violation of such uniformity is complained of. Knowlton v. Moore, 178 U.S. 41 , 44 L. ed. 969, 20 Sup. Ct. Rep. 747; Patton v. Brady, 184 U.S. 608, 622 , 46 S. L. ed. 713, 720, 22 Sup. Ct. Rep. 493; Flint v. Stone Tracy Co. 220 U.S. 107, 158 , 55 S. L. ed. 389, 416, 31 Sup. Ct. Rep. 342, Ann. Cas. 1912B, 1312; Billings v. United States, 232 U.S. 261, 282 , 58 S. L. ed. 596, 605, 34 Sup. Ct. Rep. 421.
So far as the due process clause of the 5th Amendment is relied upon, it suffices to say that there is no basis for such reliance, since it is equally well settled that such clause is not a limitation upon the taxing power conferred upon Congress by the Constitution; in other words, that the Constitution does not conflict with itself by conferring, upon the one hand, a taxing power, and taking the same power away, on the other, by the limitations of the due process clause. Treat v. White, 181 U.S. 264 , 45 L. ed. 853, 21 Sup. Ct. Rep. 611; Patton v. Brady, 184 U.S. 608 , 46 L. ed. 713, 22 Sup. Ct. Rep. 493; McCray v. United States, 195 U.S. 27, 61 , 49 S. L. ed. 78, 97, 24 Sup. Ct. Rep. 769, 1 Ann. Cas. 561; Flint v. Stone Tracy Co. 220 U.S. 107, 158 , 55 S. L. ed. 389, 416, 31 Sup. Ct. Rep. 342, Ann. Cas. 1912B, 1312; Billings v. United States, 232 U.S. 261, 282 , 58 S. L. ed. 596, 605, 34 Sup. Ct. Rep. 421. And no change in the situation here would arise even if it be conceded, as we think it must be, that this doctrine would have no application in a case where, although there was a seeming exercise of the taxing power, the act complained of was so arbitrary as to constrain to the conclusion that it was not the exertion of taxation, but a confiscation of property; that is, a taking [240 U.S. 1, 25] of the same in violation of the 5th Amendment; or, what is equivalent thereto, was so wanting in basis for classification as to produce such a gross and patent inequality as to inevitably lead to the same conclusion. We say this because none of the propositions relied upon in the remotest degree present such questions. It is true that it is elaborately insisted that although there be no express constitutional provision prohibiting it, the progressive feature of the tax causes it to transcend the conception of all taxation and to be a mere arbitrary abuse of power which must be treated as wanting in due process. But the proposition disregards the fact that in the very early history of the government a progressive tax was imposed by Congress, and that such authority was exerted in some, if not all, of the various income taxes enacted prior to 1894 to which we have previously adverted. And over and above all this the contention but disregards the further fact that its absolute want of foundation in reason was plainly pointed out in Knowlton v. Moore, 178 U.S. 41 , 44 L. ed. 969, 20 Sup. Ct. Rep. 747, and the right to urge it was necessarily foreclosed by the ruling in that case made. In this situation it is, of course, superfluous to say that arguments as to the expediency of levying such taxes, or of the economic mistake or wrong involved in their imposition, are beyond judicial cognizance. Besides this demonstration of the want of merit in the contention based upon the progressive feature of the tax, the error in the others is equally well established either by prior decisions or by the adequate bases for classification which are apparent on the face of the assailed provisions; that is, the distinction between individuals and corporations, the difference between various kinds of corporations, etc., etc. Ibid.; Flint v. Stone Tracy Co. 220 U.S. 107, 158 , 55 S. L. ed. 389, 416, 31 Sup. Ct. Rep. 342, Ann. Cas. 1912B, 1312; Billings v. United States, 232 U.S. 261, 282 , 58 S. L. ed. 596, 605, 34 Sup. Ct. Rep. 421; First Nat. Bank v. Kentucky, 9 Wall. 353, 19 L. ed. 701; National Safe Deposit Co. v. Stead, 232 U.S. 58, 70 , 58 S. L. ed. 504, 510, 34 Sup. Ct. Rep. 209. In fact, comprehensively surveying all the contentions [240 U.S. 1, 26] relied upon, aside from the erroneous construction of the Amendment which we have previously disposed of, we cannot escape the conclusion that they all rest upon the mistaken theory that although there be differences between the subjects taxed, to differently tax them transcends the limit of taxation and amounts to a want of due process, and that where a tax levied is believed by one who resists its enforcement to be wanting in wisdom and to operate injustice, from that fact in the nature of things there arises a want of due process of law and a resulting authority in the judiciary to exceed its powers and correct what is assumed to be mistaken or unwise exertions by the legislative authority of its lawful powers, even although there be no semblance of warrant in the Constitution for so doing.
We have not referred to a contention that because certain administrative powers to enforce the act were conferred by the statute upon the Secretary of the Treasury, therefore it was void as unwarrantedly delegating legislative authority, because we think to state the proposition is to answer it. Marshall Field & Co. v. Clark, 143 U.S. 649 , 36 L. ed. 294, 12 Sup. Ct. Rep. 495; Buttfield v. Stranahan, 192 U.S. 470, 496 , 48 S. L. ed. 525, 535, 24 Sup. Ct. Rep. 349; Oceanic Steam Nav. Co. v. Stranahan, 214 U.S. 320 , 53 L. ed. 1013, 29 Sup. Ct. Rep. 671.
AFFIRMED.
Mr. Justice McReynolds took no part in the consideration and decision of this case.

Blood Bath

2007-11-06T16:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a new series by the author that wrote Basilisk. The title is "The Yagyu Ninja Scrolls Revenge of the Hori Clan". Segawa has a very distinctive art style and enjoys drawing wildly dramatic faces for the bad guys. The story lines are done by Yamada and have strong political undertones. Over all, it makes for an enjoyable read. The second book I picked up today in Junk, and no I don't mean its bad. That's the title. I finally found a copy of the second book in the series at Borders in Augusta. It's up to volume five, but for some reason the second book never showed up anywhere. I found four and five before I ever even laid eyes on a copy of three and two was no where to be seen, so with two in my hands I can finally resume this series. P.S. sorry it was the only copy of two at borders so good luck finding your own.

Junk -Record of the Last Hero- volume 2
The Yagyu Ninja Scrolls - Revenge of the Hori Clan volume 1 (long name :-)

A beautiful ending

2007-11-05T23:02:00.000-05:00

A most beautiful love story comes to an end. This is the final volume of Ai Yori Aoshi. Aoi and Kaoru have gone through a lot to be together and it finally paid off. Even the best laid plans of his half brother fell apart in the end. I'll leave it at that, I don't want to spoil the ending (Blush :-). Witchblade Takeru is also ending, but only after 2 volumes. Boo Hoo :-( A very cool read, Different plot than the anime so no worries about spoiling the fun by reading or watching either one first. You can also get your quarterly dose of Blame. It is a very fast read and a long wait in between but still cool. After Looonnnggg years, Dark Horse <- (%$!#^!&^) finally released Human Error Processor. Took them long enough, look at when he wrote it. I read this book years ago online, same with GITS and GITS MMI. There are several other volumes that he wrote that I've seen but can't find translations of. Will they ever get off there buts and do it? Probably not any time soon. Next, and yes it's from the same FUBAR company, Oh My Goddess volume 27. And I know you would be disappointed if it was otherwise. That's right, It's TWO months late AGAIN. it was published in September, finally showed up in November. There is an advertisement for an Oh My Goddess novel in volume 27. Don't hold your breath. I find it funny that Viz can publish Naruto at the rate of THREE volumes per month!!! but DH can't even make the publication dates listed in there books. The higher ups at DH need to take a tour of Viz, maybe they can learn what the hell they are doing wrong. The last series I'll touch on is a new one by Peach-Pit (DearS, Rozen Maiden, Shugo Chara!). The name is Zombie-Loan and the title is fitting. Never thought of the grim reaper as a shrewd business man but it's an interesting twist.

Ai Yori Aoshi volume 17* (Final Volume)
Blame! volume 10
Eden volume 7-8
Eureka Seven volume 6
Ghost in the Shell Human Error Processor
Oh My Goddess! volume 27
Tsubasa volume 15
Witchblade Takeru volume 2* (Final Volume)
Zombie-Loan volume 1

Claymore catch up

2007-10-14T17:40:00.000-04:00

Life is getting hectic lately so I have not had time to read much manga. I have been catching up on my scifi novels that pile up almost just as fast as the manga does so no reviews today. Also catching up on MASSIVE anime backlog that also builds up at a rapid pace. currently watching Whichblade, I've gotten up to episode 20 so far. Good series. Till next time, Later.

Claymore volumes 4-9
King of Thorn volume 2
Missile Happy volume 1
My-HiME volume 4
The Wallflower volume 13

New favorite

2007-10-02T16:42:00.000-04:00

I started reading a new series the other week. Well it's not new, the US release started in April of 06 but it's a new one to me. It instantly joined the ranks of Battle Angel, Birth, Blame, Blood Sucker, Eden, GITS, Hellsing, Kamiyadori, and Testarotha as one of my favorites in the rare genre the ultra violent. Some people thing that titles like these are too gruesome and disturbing, they are right of course but it makes you appreciate how calm and relatively peaceful life is and that can be a good thing. You think your life is bad, read Birth (Arm of Kannon). You WILL have a new appreciation for how much worse your life could actually be.

Claymore volume 4 and 5 (the rest are still on order.)

Not just another pretty face

2007-09-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

Hmmm... Gender altering video games, crack pot doctors who ruin your life by accidentally replacing your face with a girls, and a guy obsessed with of all things... strawberry panties. interesting mix this time.

Gacha Gacha The Next Revolution volume 4
Pretty Face volume 2
Strawberry 100% volume 2

LOST TIME

2007-09-27T21:39:00.000-04:00

Making up for lost time, I'm trying to catch up with all the new stuff comming out lately. and to that end, here is the latest.

.hack//Another Birth novel 4
Boys Be volume 14
Chibi Vampire Novel volume 3
Claymore volume 3
Full Metal Alchemist volume 14
Gunsmith Cats Burst volume 2
Guru Guru Pon-chan volume 8 and 9 (final volume)
Hibiki's Magic volume 2
Translucent volume 1

A Hobbit Birthday

2007-09-25T22:36:00.000-04:00

It's 10:30 at night and I'm back from Virginia. 13 hours of driving later and I'm beat, but that's OK. It's my Sweety's birthday today and she bought me presents. SWEET!!! I got her flowers, a card, a balloon, and something else that's a surprise. One of the original presents I wanted to get her did not pan out so I had to go with my second choice and just for good measure the third choice as well. It had to be special to make up for being late but it could not be helped. So what did she get me?

Le Chevalier d'Eon volume 2 AND!!!!!!!!!
xxxHOLiC volume 10 HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY !!!

As for her gift, I won't be able to pick it up until tomorrow because of work but hopefully she'll still like it all the same. So if you read this darling, your gift is "FILED" away in a safe place. Hint! Hint!

Back from AWA 13

2007-09-24T21:08:00.000-04:00

I'm back from Anime Weekend Atlanta 13 with lots of goodies and lots and lots of manga. The only thing I didn't get at the con was much sleep which I am about remedy right now. I have to drive to Richmond Virginia and back tomorrow (12 hours round trip) so I'm going to keep this short. I had a blast for the most part and hope to be back next year. this is my 4th year at AWA, definitely worth it if you're in the area or even if you're not in the area.

Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes volume 2
Battle Angel Alita Last Order volume 7 through 10 "Japanese"
Claymore volume 1 and 2
Cool Devices "Lover Dolls"
Enchanter volume 5
Fruits Basket Fan Book - Cat -
Full Metal Panic! Novel volume 1
Grenadier volume 4
Hanaukyo Maid Team volume 2 and 3
Pastel volume 8
RG Veda volume 9 and 10 (Final Volume)
Shugo Chara! volume 2
Tenjho Tenge volume 15
The Good Witch of the West volume 4
Threads "A Red String Artbook"
Tsukuyomi Moon Phase volume 7 and 8

Lots of goodies ;-)

2007-09-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

Battle Angel Alita Last Order volume 9 "Angel's Duty"
Battle Club volume 5
Excel Saga Volume 16
Girls Bravo volume 9
Gunslinger Girl volume 4 and 5
Hana-Kimi volume 19
I HATE YOU more than anyone! volume 1
Life volume 6
Negima! volume 15
Neon Genesis Evangelion Angelic Days volume 6 (Final Volume)
Princess Resurection volume 2
Suzuka volume 5
The Devil Does Exist volume 10 and 11 (Final Volume)
Vampire Hunder D Novel volume 8

Tea?

2007-08-14T23:29:00.000-04:00

Lots of good stuff came out this week, need time to read it all. Finishing up some old series and starting more new ones. Seems like I start three times as many as I finish. Oh well.

After School Nightmare volume 4

Angel Sanctuary volume 19 & 20 (Final Volume)

Battle Vixens volume 12

Hana-Kimi volume 17 & 18

King of Thorn volume 1

Missing "Kamikakushi no Monogatari" volume 1

Rose Hip Zero volume 3

St. Lunatic High School volume 1

The Devil Does Exist volume 9

The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross volume 2

The Last Uniform volume 1

Yotsuba&! volume 4

Yubisaki Milk Tea volume 5

making up for lost time

2007-08-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

I think this is the third update in the last week. Lots of good stuff coming out recently. I received a package in the mail, Yeah the books I bought up in DC are finally on the shelf along with some extras (GTO 1-3 and Fushigi Yugi 1-6) Thanks Dale.

GTO volumes 1-3 (A gift from a friend)
Hayate the Combat Butler volume 4
Hellsing volume 8
Magical x Miracle volume 5
Someday's Dreamers Spellbound volume 3
Trinity Blood volume 3

A book you will never see but should

2007-08-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading chapter 28 of Kodomo no Jikan. It's a well written story about a girl trying to cope with every day life in grade school. A lot of the topics addressed in the series might seem to be a little too adult but the truth is that children these days are maturing at an accelerated rate. The main cause of this is their unrestricted access to pop culture, the infinite sea of information available to them, and media saturation by commercial broadcasting. The other main problem is a lack of parental guidance; not parental restriction mind you, that's even worse. It's akin to not teaching a child about wildlife and then wondering with disbelief why the child stuck their arm in a lion's mouth and got it bitten off. Ignorance is bliss, but it is also death in disguise. This series is a in depth look at what children are faced with today, It is a shame that Seven Seas pulled the publication of this book after buying the rights to it. I think there are a lot of people that really need to read it, unfortunately they are the ones who would see it not hit the shelves of book stores. My advice, find a copy on line and read it. Go past the superficial and read between the lines to what the author (which happens to be a woman) is trying to show. A big thanks to SaHa for translating this to English so the rest of us can learn from this story. 30 chapters have been published so far, 1-28 and 2 preleminary chapters.

beauty is only skin deep

2007-08-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

I am currently reading Pretty Face. When I first looked at the back of the book to read the premise for the series, I thought "oh another take on Kashimashi" but not quite. this gender bender is only superficial and there are a lot more complex issues going on under the cover of this book than you might guess. it's definitely worth your time.

Speaking of Kashimashi, volume 3 is out and looks to be just as hilarious as its predecessors.

Kamiyadori..... This series by the same author that wrote Testarotho is a serious critique of the dangers of modern democratic bureaucracy and the struggle of mid and lower level employees in that system to fight the inherent corruption of the system and the unfathomable pet projects of the upper echelons. All the while trying not to get killed by the enemies that wish to overthrow the government and by other factions in your own government with there own agendas. This series is a lot more true to life than most people would care to believe.

You thought your in-laws and relatives were bad, you might reconsider after reading the fourth volume of Chibi Vampire. Karen's grandmother is back from the basement. Gee, how did all those boulders get piled up on your coffin. The story of the family's move to Japan is finally explained along with the fate of all of karen's relatives.

Blame! volume 9
Chibi Vampire volume 5
Fruits Basket volume 17
Kamiyadori volume 3
Kashimashi volume 3
Pretty Face volume 1

Oops!

2007-08-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

It's been a few weeks since the last update. I haven't stopped buying manga, I just have not had the time to update. Things like a couple's shower in DC and buying a house, things like that.
that brings me to the reason behind the title to the entry. I went to a Borders up in DC while we were up there and bought a few new books. I then proceeded to accidentally leave them at the people's house we were staying at. OOPS! So, I am going to have to wait till they ship them to me before I can add them to the list. I had been waiting a long time to read Hellsing 8 so I guess I can wait a while longer.

There are a lot of really good books in this latest set. Topping the list is xxxHOLiC 9. Its new years and this volume is all about dreams and how dreams can come true. This can be a good thing and as Watanuki finds out, it can also be a bad thing.

I had to return a couple of series a while back because the publication sucked, but luckily the Japanese retold the story in there own fashion and they did it right. I'm talking about Witchblade Takeru. The artwork is beautiful. Takeru is absolutely dripping with sensuality when possessed by the whichblade. It just sends tingles up your spine. And thank God, they cut out all the excessive internal angst and dialog that choked the life out of the flow of the story.

Also out is another of my faves by Clamp, Tsubasa 14. I already have the second season of the anime, so this is looking to be a long one.

Absolute Boyfriend volume 04
Air Gear volume 05
Aoi House in Love! volume 01 (Why not volume 3?)
Blood Sucker volume 01 (very cool, on the bloody side.)
D.Gray-Man volume 06
Disgaea 2 volume 02 "Cursed Memories"
Hollow Fields volume 01 (cute and dark at he same time)
Iono-sama Fanatics volume 01
Le Chevalier d'Eon volume 01
Tsubasa volume 14
Venus Versus Virus volume 01
Witchblade Takeru volume 01
xxxHolic volume 09

Just for fun

2007-07-16T19:17:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I grab a new book just off the cover art. Here are two I just couldn't pass up. The first I already read awhile back on fan sub torrent. I'm a big fan of free fan subs, but I also realize that the reason the manga is written to begin with is because people actually buy copies of it. Otherwise the Manga Ka would starve to death and there would be no manga. What a frighting thought. Any way, it was really cute so I had to get a physical copy for my library.

The second is a rare sub genre that is one of my faves, cute girls with big weapons. So wen I saw a 12 year old immortal wearing a frilly dress covered in blood wielding a 8 foot long scythe, I couldn't resist.

He Is My Master volume 1

Tetragrammaton Labyrinth volume 1

Bad editing

2007-07-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

I had to do something yesterday that I rarely do, return some books to the store. I finally got around to reading Witch Blade the other day and found that somebody did a crappy job editing the book. The comic was originally drawn in color and the editions that I had were converted to black and white. there is also a compendium that is in color which I may get later. It's 50 or 60 bucks so you can see why I opted for the monochrome. The problem is that when they converted it from color to grey scale images, there were a lot of dialog bubbles that were a very light color and the text on top was reversed out in white. In color it works but when you convert a very light yellow the gray, it comes out only one or two percent gray. If you know anything about printing you know that a printing press can't print one and two percent screens very well, if at all. It bleeds in and disappears and you are left with white. so most of the book is filled with dialog bubbles that graduate from a light gray to white back to light gray with white text. the center of the bubble is completely gone, unreadable.
Example:
Mark f..........lip's dog
for sev..........rs today

Who did what to who? You don't know. So if your going to read this story save your self the headache and save your money up and buy it in color other wise don't waste your time.

P.S.
To the people who published and printed this book: You are a disgrace to the art of printing, What are you blind? I've worked in printing for a lot of years and seen my share of minor and major blunders but this takes the cake. Your typesetting department, graphic artists, proof readers, plate room operators, The press operators, bindery operators, did no one notice all the missing text. The publishing house, did you not ask for a proof of the book before printing it or a finished sample before shipping it out? Let me guess You assumed that because it looked good when you printed it the first time in color that nothing would change. Instead of outputting the files in CMYK separations, you just switched to monochrome. BAKA!!!

My-HiME volume 3
Pastel volume 7
School Rumble volume 6
Strawberry 100% volume 1
Strawberry Marshmallow volume 4

The Cafe Is back open

2007-06-25T18:49:00.000-04:00

Crossroad volume 7 (final Volume)
Gacha Gacha the Next Revolution volume 3
Ouran High School Host Club volume 9
R.O.D. Read or Dream volume 4
The Good Witch of the West volume 3
The Tarot Cafe volume 5 (Yay, Finally!!! It's been a year and a half since volume 4)
The Wallflower volume 12

Day Off

2007-06-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

I am writing this on an impromptu day off, I got up at 6:00 a.m. yesterday and did not get home till 1:00 this morning. It was a long 5 hour drive home last night from Chapel Hill and the only thing that kept me going and awake was talking on the cell with Rhythwyn as I drove. Thanks! So anyway, when I woke up this morning after not enough sleep I felt like a walking corpse so Rhythwyn suggested that I use one of my personal days that I was going to use next week and stay home with her and get some rest. In my current mental condition, I couldn't think of any reasoning against it. So I called my dispatcher, He said there was nothing on the schedule for today so I cashed in my personal day, snuggled up to my sweety, and went back to sleep.

I had some weird dream where I decided to go visit Rhythwyn while she was teaching. I found myself outside of this huge glass building that stretched on for miles. I knew in the dream that this was the school but had no idea where in the building her class was. I walked for what seemed like a long time through the parking lot to the back of the building till I finally found a door. Inside there where three floors lots of stairs and open areas where you could see all the way up to the different levels and through the roof that was also glass. I decided to go to the second floor and start my search there. There were not too may people wandering the halls so I kept going towards the front in search of someone I could ask for directions. I finally found someone who knew where her class was. She was on the first floor near the front of the school.

When I finally arrived, I slipped into the classroom and made my way to the back. When I had settled in, I realized she was teaching psychology instead of public speaking. The classroom was divided in the back by a concrete wall with the front open in the shape of a "C". All the guys were on one side of the wall and all the girls were on the other side with the teacher's desk in the middle so she could see both sides. The wall had a bunch of holes in it about the size of a baseball that looked like they had been made by during a fire fight by two armies. She had both sides in a debate on the difference in perception and reasoning between men and women; it was quite heated at times and I started to get an idea as to how the holes got in the wall. During the debate, she passed out sheets to the class with a partially completed drawing of some machine and ask the class if the could deduce what the whole device looked like. The girls were of the opinion that it was some kitchen appliance while the the guys were leaning towards an engine part. I recognized the parts schematic from one of my manuals. I figured she must have copied it, had fun with some whiteout and then made copies. The class ended with Rhythwyn giving some cheesy sales pitch and handing out Wachovia bank account applications so that everyone could sign up for one. I don't know where that part came from. Anyway after everyone had left She packed up and we left the classroom together and went out into the parking lot to find the car. I woke up while we were walking.

Ai Yori Aoshi volume 16
Boys Be volume 12
Crossroad volume 06
Death Note volume 12
Eureka Seven volume 05
Neon Genesis Evangelion Angelic Days volume 05
School Rumble volume 05
Tenjho Tenge volume 14
Tsubasa volume 13

Faeries and wizards

2007-05-30T20:56:00.000-04:00

Back stabbing, deceit, corruption, petty disputes, and jealousy; no I'm not talking about work. Though it does fit the theme. It's volume 16 of Faeries' Landing. If that's too much angst and drama for your taste, then for you ladies Negi goes bishonen and sweeps his students off their feet in this 14th installment of Negima!

Last straw = last purchase

2007-05-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

Air Gear volume 01
Air Gear volume 02
Air Gear volume 03
Air Gear volume 04
Basilisk volume 05
Galaxy Angel II volume 02
Girls Bravo volume 08
Hayate the Combat Butler volume 03
Hoshin Engi volume 01
Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 04
Megatokyo volume 05
Nana volume 06
Princess Resurection volume 01
Seikai Crest of the Stars volume 02 "A Modest War" Novel
Suzuka volume 04
Vampire Hunter D Novel 07 "Mysterious Journey to the North Sea 1"
Welcome to the N.H.K. volume 03
Witchblade volume 01
Witchblade volume 02
Yurara volume 01

Help Me!!!

2007-05-17T20:35:00.000-04:00

Enchanter volume 4
Gunsmith Cats Burst volume 1
Rose Hip Zero volume 2
Shrine of the Morning Mist volume 4
Stray Little Devil volume 4

What a mix

2007-05-06T12:15:00.000-04:00

What do pop singers, a blood giving vamp, a death dealing prep student, a one armed one legged boy, and a hopelessly in love geek have to do with each other? Absolutely nothing unless you read manga.

Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes volume 1
(yeah, that Avril Lavigne, there can't be too many people with that name)
Chibi Vampire The Novel volume 2
Death Note volume 11
Full Metal Alchemist volume 13
Train Man The Novel
(Yes, another one and it's all in chat room language :-)

So cute yet so vicious

2007-05-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

I know I promised myself that I would not start too many new manga series but when I saw the title I had to get it. "Murder Princess", such a diametrically opposed name. A beautiful princess is running for her life, Her father has just been killed in a coup by a whacked out mad scientist with one really bad hairdo. She trips over a cliff and tumbles toward her death only to crash head first into the head of a bounty hunter. Thanks to some freak cosmic fluke they switch souls. Now the body of the beautiful princess is being inhabited by the soul of a blood thirsty, rowdy, war monger and vice versa. Is this a bad thing? Not for the parties involved, the princess Alita is now safe in a body none of her would be killers recognize and the human killing machine Falis gets all the fun she can stand. Everyone is happy except Alita's grandfather and... oh yeah, all the people Falis killed. You can't make everyone happy.

After School Nightmare volume 3
Blame! volume 8
Chibi Vampire volume 4
Destiny's Hand volume 1
Murder Princess volume 1 (Author of Comic Party)
Oh My Goddess volume 26
Scrapped Princess Novel 2 "Song of the Forgiven"
Scrapped Princess Novel 3 "Requiem for the Infidels"

A very sunny....Sunday

2007-04-22T17:41:00.000-04:00

It's... a... beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won't you....... Sorry, it's that kind of day. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the grass is green. I love spring! I love summer more, but spring is great too. It just makes you want to go outside and have fun. If it's not so sunny where you are but possibly rainy, mucky, and just all around dreary; here are a few good titles to make you forget the weather.

Densha Otoko volume 3: final volume
Full Metal Alchemist volume 12
Junk -Record of the Last Hero- volume 1
Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~ volume 2
Magical x Miracle volume 4
Ninin Ga Shinobuden volume 2
Tsukuyomi Moon Phase volume 6

Wish you were here, and maybe you are.

Easter Baskets

2007-04-10T19:25:00.000-04:00

My Fiance and I started a impromptu tradition of giving each other Easter baskets each year. So what do you stuff an Easter basket with for an otaku? Large quantities of chocolate, some cute Hello Kitty figurine Easter eggs, and the most important ingredient some manga.

Read or Dream volume 3
Trinity Blood Novel Rage Against the Moons volume 1: From the Empire
(now that's a mouthful)

Bitter Sweet

2007-04-07T20:37:00.000-04:00

Yeah!!! Volume 16 of fruits basket is out, GRRRRRRRR!!! I saw volume 21 on the shelf in France along with tons of others that were 3, 5, 8, 10+ volumes ahead of the US releases. WTF! (Why The French) The manga section at Virgin was MASSIVE! The only down side, I don't read a lick of French. (Merlin sobs uncontrollably)

Battle Vixens volume 11
Because I'm the Goddess volume 3
Fruits Basket volume 16
Kamikadori volume 2
Oh My Goddess volume 25 (finally, it was published in December)
Please Teacher Fanbook
The Young Magician volume 7
Yubisaki Milk Tea volume 4

Catch-up

2007-04-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

I'm back from over the big pond. One of the first things I did after getting back was hit the book store and see what had come out. There is quite a list, so I didn't get all of it right away. I prioritized by which series were my favorites.

-What I got:
Battle Club volume 4
Genshiken volume 8
Life volume 4
Pastel volume 6
Shugo Chara! volume 1
Strawberry Marshmallow volume 3
Sweety volume 2
Tenshi Ja Nai volume 6
Tomb Raider volume 1
Trinity Blood volume 2

-What I left on hold for another day:
Because I'm the Goddess 03
Crossroad 06
Eureka Seven 04
Full Metal Alchemist 12
Gacha Gacha the Next Revolution 02
Gatcha Gacha 04
Gentleman's Alliance 01
Girls Bravo 07
Junk: record of the last hero 01
Kedamono Damono 01
Magical x Miracle 04
Neon Genesis Angelic Days 04
Read or Dream 03
Rose Hip Zero 01
Rose Hip Zero 02
School Rumble 05
The Devil Does Exist 09
The Law of Ueki 05
The Wallflower 11
Threads of Time 09
Tomb Raider 02
Trinity Blood rage against the moons
Tsukuyomi Moonphase 06

-What I had to order:
After School Nightmare 03
Angel Dust Neo
Boys Be 12
Eden: It's an Endless World 06
Gals 09
Gunsmith Cats 01
Her Majesty's Dog 06
Lunar Legend Tsukihime 04
Maburaho 02
Oh my Goddess 25
Robot 03
Stray Little Devil 03
Stray Little Devil 04
The Young Magician 07

It was "fun" part 1

2007-03-29T18:40:00.000-04:00

Vacation is one of those misleading words. The average vacation usually requires extensive planing, endless headaches with the airlines, waiting in long lines, lost reservations, lost luggage, running at full speed trying to make connections in travel, running around even more trying to do all the things you planed and realizing there is not enough time, more time waiting in even longer lines and an endless progression of other unforeseen problems. In the end by the time you get back from "relaxing", you're even more tired and worn out than when you started. So why do we do this to ourselves, because it's "fun". Personally I think all humans are a bunch of sick masochist. Who else would put themselves through that kind of torture. Now there is one redeeming point to all this and it has to do with the way the brain remembers things. The human brain tends over time to romanticize things. It blocks out bad memories and embellish the good ones.
Example:
-What actually happened:
Taking a cruse to the islands and getting stuck in the middle of a class five hurricane huddled in a run down hut all night praying to all mighty God for your salvation.
-What you remember thirty years later:
Staying in this cute rustic cottage that was right on the beach (well before the storm anyway), laying together on the couch all night (it was the only thing that was buoyant), Rapped in each others arms (terrified out of our minds), it was so perfect we thought we were in heaven (The perfect storm was about to send us to heaven), in the morning we went out on the porch (it was all that was left) and watched the most beautiful sunrise we had ever seen (thankful to still be alive).

Just some goodies I picked up in Paris and London

Gunnm Last Order volume 1 in French
Fruits Basket volume 1 in French
Love Hina volume 1 in French
Step Up Love Story volume 18 in french (Author of Psychic Academy)
Moon Boy volume 2 in English
Moon Boy volume 3 in English

withdrawal

2007-03-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

This will be my last post for a few weeks. My Fiance and I are taking a jaunt over to Europe for a much needed vacation. Ta ta, we're off to have tea, watch Patrick Stuart perform the Tempest, watch Danial Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter) in Equus, and otherwise have a jolly good time.

Basilisk volume 4
Disgaea 2 volume 1
Kamiyadori 1
My-HiME volume 2
Tenjho Tenge volume 12

Spring is in the air

2007-03-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

It's finally warming up, Yipy! This is my favorite time of the year next to summer. Hopefully the first three titles will get your blood boiling with action and the last two will warm your heart with sappy romantic goodness. I'm off to England to have a spot of tea, tata.

Death Note volume 10
Negima! volume 13
Q-Ko-Chan volume 2
Red String volume 1
Suzuka volume 3

It's Love

2007-02-14T22:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day to everyone!

Category: Freaks Volume 3
Galaxy Angel II
Hana-Kimi Volume 16
Her Majesty's Dog Volume 5
Hot Himmick S Novel
Inubaka Volume 1

Clamp reborn

2007-02-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite artist, Clamp is starting to slow down. They have several series that are in the middle or close to the end that have just stopped. The reason being to my knowledge is that one of the main artist is developing bad arthritis and can't draw very much any more. But instead of killing the group as a whole, they have continued drawing separately and are still publishing. Here are a few of their separate works, both listed here are finished.*

Mouryou Kiden volumes 2 and 3 (Finished)*
Ninin Ga Shinobuden volume 1
The Drifting Classroom volume 1
Zyword (well there's only one volume)*

Missing books

2007-02-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

As I slowly work through book after book (no not reading) scanning the covers for an idea I had to make a visual database of my library that I could store in my I-Pod video, several things happened. The first is that I realized it is going to take much longer than I had hoped. There are two reasons. The first is the volume of material to be scanned, cleaned, and cropped in Photoshop vs the small amount of free time I have. The second is that as I scan each volume, I find myself remembering what happened in each book or... not remembering and thumbing through it to refresh my memory. The idea was to create a database that I could easily update and carry. As of now, I have been reliant on either my memory, a printed list, or my laptop. At first, my memory served me well enough and still does... well, most of the time, but as I added more and more new series to my reading list, it has become increasingly harder to keep up with what I have and what is new. The second worked well enough for a time when I only read thirty or forty different series. Then I met a girl named Marcy (The resident manga guru at the local waldens). Thanks to her that number soared to around a hundred different series in the span of a few months. After buying several books that I already owned because I had forgotten to print out an updated list, I realized I needed a better way of keeping track of things. I went out and got a two meg Palm Pilot Zire and created a simple title list that I could edit on the fly.
Manga A-M 5-10-05
.hack//AI buster 1-2
.hack//Legend of the Twilight 1-2
Abenobashi 1-2
Absolute Boyfriend 1
A.l. Love You 1-5
Ai Yori Aoshi 1-9...........etc.
This worked great until one day while adding a new series, my PDA informed me that I had reached the maximum character limit for a single document. Not a problem, I split the list into two, A-M and N-Z. shortly there after, it informed me that it at last had reached its maximum storage limit, CRAP! and so using my newly acquired laptop I started work on a more comprehensive database. At first it was just the series name and what volume it was up to, then I decided that having the ISBN would be handy seeing as that some book stores have strange ways of abbreviating titles or misspelling them. With an ISBN there is no mistake. That meant typing an an entry for each volume, URGHHHH. Then I had the bright idea that having the author and artist name would be nice so I could cross reference what books were by the same person and be able to keep up with any new books by manga-ka that I liked. Then came the publisher because while some release books on or before the advertised date like Tokyopop, others are not so reliable like Dark Horse and Broccoli which are consistently late by weeks and sometimes months. Next came price so that I would know how much to budget each month, and last and most recently was the release date so I could keep track of previous volumes and at a glance know roughly when the next volume would be coming out. All that being said, that brings me to my current state which still has its problems. The third, that being my laptop is not always on me or is too bulky to be convenient. Hence the idea of a cover art picture gallery that I could easily store on my I-Pod and scroll through quickly. The second thing I found is that I'm missing some books. I somehow missed getting the 17th volume of Angel Sanctuary and the 14th volume of Cheeky Angel. I also noticed that I'm missing the third volume of Gacha Gacha but I know I bought that one, I just somehow misplaced it while moving but have yet to find it. So that is where I stand at the moment; typing, scanning, and reading my life away. So in that spirit, here are just a few more to catalog, scan, and hopefully get a chance to read.

.hack//Another Birth volume 3 Outbreak
Absolute Boyfriend volume 3
Angel Sanctuary volume 18
Blame! volume 7
D.Gray-Man volume 4
Enchanter volume 3
Faeries' Landing volume 15
Hayate the Combat Butler volume 2
Nana volume 5
Sensual Phrase volume 18 (Final Volume)
The Good Witch of the West volume 2
The Law of Ueki volume 4
Train_Man Densha Otoko volume 3 (Final Volume)
Trigun Maximum volume 11

God, I'm such a masochist! Oh well.

The end of the begining

2007-01-31T20:08:00.000-05:00

The first month of the new year has come and gone but here are some cool releases that will make it memorable.

Ai Yori Aoshi volume 15
Chibi Vampire the novel volume 1
Densha Otoko volume 2
Guru Guru Pon-Chan volume 7
Kamichama Karin volume 6
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne volume 7
Q-Ko-Chan volume 1
Tusbasa volume 12
Unbalance Unbalance volume 1
Welcome to the NHK volume 2

P.S.
I'm working on completing the database under "Merlin's Library". Everything is complete except the release dates which I am about half way done with. I am also in the process of scanning the cover art of my entire collection (all 1100+ titles). that will be posted and linked when it is finished in it's entirety or when my scanner breaks or melts down.

P.S.2
With the addition of one of the titles listed above (Q-Ko-Chan), There is now a manga starting with each letter in the alphabet in my library except one. I'll give you a hint, it was done by one of the former members of Clamp, It just came out recently, and I have it on order. Well the last one doesn't help, sorry.

A day of mourning

2007-01-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

It's always a sad day when a book store closes and that day is rapidly approaching. There are six major book stores in the area,. Three of them are waldens, but that is about to change. In four days time, one of them is going to be closing its doors for the last time. It's not the one I frequent the most but I still give it my patronage from time to time when I'm in that area of town. I swung by yesterday to see how they were doing and to see what was left. they were SWAMPED! and for good reason. Everything in the store was 40% off or more. I soon forgot my melancholy and dove into the manga section to see what I could find that I didn't have. Sure enough, I found a few.

Picked up a new series, Basilisk vols 1,2, and 3 which was down to eight an some change from fourteen per vol.
Also on the shelf was the 2nd and 3rd volume of Eureka Seven.
and just because, I picked up a negima wall scroll, see above.

P.S. - last weeks slim pickings:
Oh My Goddess! volume 24. This series is so rare it's sad. Dark Horse in their infinite stupidity only produces a very few copies of their books. HELLO, these are MASS market publications, not collectors items. PRINT MORE COPIES!!! If you print them, they will sell. I was lucky and got there right as they were unboxing the shipment and got the only copy, it never even made it to the shelf. My work takes me all over the state and into the surrounding states so I can say truthfully that it was the only copy within 100 miles, I checked.

Long live the SPO

2007-01-12T00:07:00.000-05:00

I got a much anticipated phone call yesterday. A bunch of books I'd ordered came in. As the guy from Waldens read off the list, I got happier and happier as he went on. I Love Waldens, they can order just about anything and have it sent to the store. You don't even have to buy it once it comes in if you change your mind (end shameless plug). So here they are some semblance of order:

Angel Sanctuary 16
Battle Club 3
Battle Vivens 10
Densha Otoko 1
Eden 4
Eden 5
Gals! 8
Hana-Kimi 15
Hibiki's Magic 1
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne 6
Kare Kano 21
Life 3
Remote 10
RG Veda 8
Rozen Maiden 3
Shine of the Morning Mist 3
Tenjho Tenge 11
The Devil Does Exist 8
The Young Magician 6
Train_Man 2

Til next time.

First manga of the new year

2007-01-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to everyone. I'm always pretty sure what it means when my lady gets back from work and the first thing she says is "Do you love me?" It usually means she bought me something, and sure enough I now have volume 16 of Cheeky Angel. :-)

This is an interesting story of a boy who wants to be a manly man, but instead gets turned into a girly girl by a malevolent jinn and spends the rest of his/her life trying to track it down and make it change him back.

On the 12th day of Christmas

2006-12-26T19:53:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and got everything you wanted. I know I did. Topping the list of favorites were some of the presents from my girl. Including a special edition Vampire Hunter D art book, a beautiful Fruits Basket art cell of Toru and Rin, some snazzy new threads, and last but not least and you guessed it, some new manga titles. After School Nightmare volume 1 and Soul Rescue volume 1. I liked the premise of After School Nightmare so I braved the post Christmas madness and hit the bookstore to pick up the second volume that had just come out. While I was at it I also picked up Crossroad volume 5 and decided to try out another series Eureka Seven volume 1.

Merry Christmas to all

2006-12-23T17:29:00.000-05:00

I love the holidays, especially Christmas. Getting together with family and friends, yummy food galore, and last but not least, manga. The end of the year and into January is usually a hot time for new releases and this year looks to be no exception. How does one keep up with so many releases you might ask? The sad truth is, I don't. Out of the 1100 or so manga I own, almost 200 of them have not been read. Sad but true. So do I stop buying new titles? Nope, I plow right on with reckless abandon happily getting further and further behind. So with that in mind, here are some cool new releases that will make your Christmas even merrier.

Battle Angel Alita Last Order Vol 8 Angel's Vision
This is one of the first manga I ever read. Along with OMG! it was one of the first on my bookshelf and remains one of my favorites. It doesn't come out all that often (only twice a year) so when it does, it is something to celebrate. To call this series "extremely violent" would be putting it mildly. This ones not for kiddies. Travel along with Alita as she fights to discover her past, ripping anyone who gets in her way limb from limb.

Next is the latest installment of Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex Volume 3 White Maze. Are there vampires roaming the streets of Niihama? Motoko and section 9 are going to find out. What dark secrets lie in wait.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any weirder, it did. Gacha Gacha is back with the next revolution. Nintendo might have every ones attention with the wii but they've got nothing on a video game system that can turn your average guy into a cute little honey. How will Akira handle being able to change gender at will; or accident if the wind blows the wrong way. Please pass the pepper!

What would you do if a well meaning alien accidentally "kissed" you (ran you over with an intergalactic space ship). but it gets better, as an apology, they reconstruct your body back perfectly to the way it was except for one little tiny detail. They mistook your gender and reconstructed you as a girl. whoops! They say they can't fix it? What?! Then to make matters worse, they broadcast an apology to the entire planet telling what they did and who they did it to. To top it off, you just confessed your feelings to the girl you like but now you're a girl too and the media is hounding you night and day for an interview. what's a boy.... er I mean girl to do. Find out in this cute new gender bending calamity, Kashimashi volume 1.

5th in the stack is Pastel volume 5. Mugi and Yuu's budding relationship continues on down the road, With a few speed bumps along the way. leave it to Mugi, ever the gentleman (most of the time) to persevere.

The last two in the stack I haven't read yet, so you'll have to wait, but not for long. School Rumble volume 4 and The Wallflower volume 10. Pretty boys vs the queen of darkness. It's gonna be good.

That's it for this week. Have a merry Christmas and happy new year. Maybe this next year I'll finally keep my new years resolution of getting caught up. One can wish.

new releases

2006-12-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

Just got back from the book store, picked up 15 new titles.
I'll give them a review after I get a chance to read them.
Here they are, hot off the press.
Beauty is the Beast 5
Cheeky Angel 15
Death Note 9
Excel Saga 15
Full Metal Alchemist 11
Girls Bravo 6
Grenadier 2
Hayate the Combat Butler 1
Kare First Love 10
Ouran High School Host Club 8
R.O.D. Read or Dream 2
Sensual Phrase 17
Suzuka 2
The Law of Ueki 3
Train Man "A Shojo Manga"
Vampire Hunter D Novel 6

I've got my Saturday all planed out.
Get up, read, eat breakfast, read, eat lunch, read, eat diner, read, go to sleep.
It doesn't get much better.

Hooray for Holic

2006-12-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

When I got home today after a long day, 14 hours to be precise, I was greeted by the sight of some presents left by "Santa". Three shiny new manga (well two were mate finish, details details :-) on my desk. Thanks Santa!

Much to my delight, xxxHOLiC vol 8 topped the stack. Clamp has always been one of my favorite artist teams. I'm still trying to track down original copies of Clover. Other than Clover, Clamp School Detectives, and Man of Many Faces, I think I Have all their works. In this latest installment Kimihiro continues to work off his debt to Yuko. She tops the list right above Haruka from Love Hina as one of the worst slave drivers of all time. One of the highlights of this series are the beautiful and ever changing outfits that Yuko has a seemingly endless supply of. Clamp really goes all out on costume design and it shows.

After I regained my composure and gave my sweetheart a big kiss of thanks, I flipped through the stack to find Yubisaki Milk Tea vol 3. A cute little love triangle story full of all the angst of youth. (begin rant)I'm not sure the series deserves the 18+ rating and that very very annoying parental advisory right over the front of the cover. For goodness sake, put it on a sticker so it can be removed after sale. Ya might as well have Laughing Man logos right over their faces. It really takes away from the cover. (end rant:-)

And last but certainly not least was the 3rd volume of TenshiJa Nai!! "I'm No Angel! Hikaru has had to put up with a lot after meeting Izumi. At first she despised her role in trying to keep up the elaborate farce created by Izumi. But as she came to learn the reasons behind Izumi's actions, Hikaru has started helping out of her own free will. Will Izumi pay off her... sorry HIS debt or will his freaky fan boys find him out. Not if Hikaru and Yasukuni have anything to do with it.