NSFW!!! I picked up Vol.3 of the Ikki Tousen Manga today (10€ a Volume YUCK!) but this post isnt about the Manga itself but the Ad I found in the back.I was reading it on the train home and my eyes were literally popping out when i saw that ad.Youll find the Ad after the Jump!

Seriously: WUT?!

What the hell is this?Ive seen this Manga all around stores and its selling pretty good as far as i can tell.I always thought that its a shoujo manga judging from the name but it seems that its a full blown hentai after all.The choice of pictures for this ad are rather interesting…Ive seen all kinda catchphrases and images to get the customers attention but something like this?Well…They succeeded…All my seat neighbours looked at me and the manga with a rather pitiful look.I have no problem with reading ecchi mangas like Ikki Tousen in public but this was a rather embarassing experience.Has anybody more information about this Manga?Is this a total misinterpretation from my side or are they really selling hentais infront of my eyes for years and i didnt notice?

I was able to avoid a problem that most manga collectors experience sooner or later: buying a volume double.This weekend I became one of those poor souls aswell…While I was around town, I came across a bookstore and took a casual look at the manga section.I spotted there a supposedley new volume of one of the mangas Im collecting.I picked it up without further thought and went to the counter to buy it.Back home it struck me when I took a closer look at it and realized that its already a volume I own.That shop usually puts a receipt in the plastic bag together with the books you purchase but of course the girl behind the counter didnt.No chance to turn the manga in  YAY!

This makes me wonder how are you keeping account of your Manga collection and how are you avoiding doubles?I bet theres something like an MyAnimeList for Mangas out there in the web but that doesnt prove useful when you are outside on a shopping spree.I usally order my manga online and can doublecheck if i already own the volume i intend to order.

1-0 for online shopping!

If i have a really big crave for manga and  buy them in the city i usally write up a list with the latest volumes.This works great aswell even tough its a bit time consuming.Didnt pick up a double that way either.The impulse shopping is on a whole other level tough.All i can rely on to avoid double volumes is my mind and that doesnt seem to work  properly sometimes.It works well with mangas that have a few volumes but the longer a manga gets the harder it is to remember the latest cover or storyline.My advice is to avoid buying a volume you arent 100% sure of.the chance that youll buy a double is pretty high

So what are your tricks?How many double volumes do you own? Are you one of the lucky dudes/dudettes that doesnt have one?

PS: Please bear with this half done theme.I need to do some testing right now to fix some issues

The last time i visited  my favorite bookstore they had the September 08 Issue of the Dengeki Daioh Magazine on Sale and i was tempted to get it.I usually wouldnt pick up something like this tough since i cant understand a word and can only guess whats going on.I found out a short time later that the Dengeki Daioh serializes alot of Series that im watching right now/Im reading translated and i decided to pick up one issue for fun.Hey after all there are still the extras i can have fun with if it turns out to be boring!

I had to take the Train to Düsseldorf to pick one up and thought why shouldnt i take some pics along the way to show a bit about the Japanese parts of Düsseldorf.

Check out the pictures and some infos after the Jump!

Düsseldorf (デュッセルドルフin Japanese) is the capital of the german state NorthRhineWestphalia (NRW) and a neigbouring city of my little hometown of 56000 citizens.Düsseldorf itself has a population of 582000 citizens with 19% of it beeing foreigners.The high percentage is due to the excellent transportation system of Düsseldorf including an International Airport ,wich is the third largest in Germany with 16 million passengers a year, and a strong healthy international economy.Among those foreigners are about 7681 japanese making it the largest japanese community in germany and the third largest in europe.Since most of them are leading personalities staying for a short amount of time theres need for a proper education of their children.Thats why the city established an International Japanese School and several Kindergarden that those kids are ready for the harsh japanese schoolife after they return.

Even though most of them leave for their motherland sooner or later they had a big of influence on the city be it economical or cultural.Theres for example the Eko Haus offering Japanese,Calligraphy ,Ikebana classes along with Events like the tea ceremony aswell as buddhist events.You can enjoy the Silence in the Japanese Garden in the Nordpark(1 2) or go for a round of shopping on the Immermannstreet.One of the biggest and most popular events in the area is the Japanday with its japanese fireworks wich i attended this year(I was only able to take some poor pictures before the rain started tough).

So much for the pretty talk ^_^

The bookstore that sells the Dengeki Daioh is located close to the Immermann street with its various Japanese Shops and Restaurants.Thats why i only took pictures of those places.If theres an interest in the other places i mentioned drop a comment and ill try to take some pictures if possible.Most shopowners dont like people running around with cameras taking pictures of their shops(i asked at first and they acted like i was a spy) thats why most of these pictures were taken the Ninja way and didnt turn out too well.I always wonder how Danny is able to take all those pictures in the shops/restaurants…Either hes famous enough that they let him or hes a better Ninja than me…

Alot of those pictures were pure crap and i didnt use them at all.Keep in mind that there are a lot more Japanese Shops/Restaurants than the few in those Images!

I start my trip on the small station of my hometown

The S-Bahn arrives!

This is one of the trains with neater interior.13 minutes and im in Düsseldorf!

Leaving the station

A Look at the Immermannstreet

Some Girls checking out the windows of the first bookstore

Whos residing the the German-Japanese Center?The Japanese General Consulate!

And of course the Hotel Nikko!

Mitsukoshi is basically a shop that sells local goods to japanese Tourists.It exists in various places in the world selling the countries specialities.It usually located next to a japanese frequented Hotel (like Nikko) or the like

Eating at the Benkay will cost you a foot and a leg.They have a SushiBar,Teppanyaki and even offer Tatami rooms for your delight.

JALPAK-Organizing your whole Japantrip or just your flight and railticket

One of our old Streetcars rolling by…

Japanese Cleaner-Notice my Ninja Finger

The Nippon-Kan will cost you only a leg

This time its a woman checking out the second bookstore.

*Activating Hyper Mega Ninja Skill*

*Entering shop*

Okay im a scaredy cat and just took pictures in the not personell observed back part of the shop.Usually alot of noisy brats hang out here making trouble.Somehow NONE of them was there! They store Artbooks,Mangas,Figures in this part of the shop.You can also buy some convienience products there tough!

Tons of ridiculous priced Artbooks and cheap Mangas i cant read!

Some figures and Gashapons…Dont even dare to ask for the price <.<

Even more Gashapons,Sounddrops and Tradingcards…If you wonder whats written in the red font: If you open the Boxes youll have to buy them !!! Those Kids are really an awful bunch!Destroying,Opening and scribbling on stuff.I wasnt that rude that age.It was even that bad that they had to install surveillance cams….. >.<

If im no wrong you can rent japanese Media here.Can you spot the Pikachu?

*Entering Korean Grocery Store*

*Loading Ninja Skills*

I once again have no guts and only photographed crackers…

…and Instant Noodles.My favorites are Shin Ram Yun.How about you?

Okay i prefer this grocery store over the Japanese one next to it.It is much more organized and also has everything the Japanese one has.

I always wondered why they sell silent water like Volvic in those Asian Stores.I know that they use it for cooking tea but you can buy that water anywhere…No need to buy it overpriced there…Weird!

Finally the third bookshop! They sell lots of Otaku Goods like Megamis,Dengekis and even figures!Small shop no chance for ninja pics ^^ Just picking up the Dengeki Daioh

Getting hungry…Dropping by the Bakery My Heart.The Poster Girl is cute <3

My Lunch and Dessert! I have a sweet tooth! So what? Eating and checking out the Dengeki ^_^

Am i the only one smelling something fishy when looking at this Karaoke Bar?

Walking by my favorite Restaurant! The Naniwa is delicious until the last gulp!Ill try to take some pics inside the next time im there!

Walking back to the station.Mainly Restaurants on this side of the street…

Todays Lunch is Schnitzel Japanese Style with MisoSoup. Yum!

Entering the Station

Waiting for the train

A last look into the setting sun right before entering the train

And here ends my little trip to Düsseldorf! Theres alot more to see and if your ever in the area be sure to contact me and well eat some Ramen!I really like how the Japanese Culture and lifestyle has blended into our everyday life over here. Are there any Japanese communities in your region?Did they blend it well or do they cook their own soup (haha horrible pun)

The sad thing is even tough there are that many japanese hotties in the area i somehow dont meet them outside ;-P

Ahhh…Its that time of the year…The days get shorter,its getting colder and Id like to stay in my warm cozy bed all day instead of heading out in the bad cold world.One of the greatest things to do while slacking off in your bed, is to spend it reading some beloved Manga.I had a craving taste for some sweet Manga sessions this week and i headed off to Düsseldorf to get a new stash.The world is a gruesome place and the usual places didnt have any of the Manga i intended to buy in stock…I usually buy my Manga on Amazon but i had such a strong urge I coudnt wait that 1 day for delivery.

I ended up with some series i didnt consider to buy (yet) but my hunger had to be satysfied.As you probably noticed there are even some LoveComedy/Harem Mangas among them.Oh Shame…well the Truth is out….^^

Jump!Jump! ShonenJump?

Genshiken needs no introduction since its basic otaku knowledge.I enjoyed the first Volume and didnt expect to get so much joy from it even tough i watched the Anime alot.I was pretty unsure about picking it up since i feared it would be too close to the Anime.Im glad that this didnt turn out to be the case.From Otakus that prefer 2D girls to 2D Girls with Guns:Zeroin.I picked up the second Volume because there werent much other choices in the stores…I once ordered the first Volume and didnt know what to think of it.Its a typical Loser guy meets a kickass schoolgirl that is a parttime private police agent(for other manga change this to secret agent,demon slayer,alien whatever),falls for her and well shooting,breastfondling,accidently walking in when shes changing blablabla.I cant really say anything about this Manga.The Art or Story isnt really bad nor really good.Its a pretty mediocre manga and i hope therell be some kinda twist to it sooner or later.

I picked up IWGP up because it seemed like a pretty interesting setting thats after an award winning japanese book.Its about some buddies that hang around In Ikeburo West Gate Park and after one of their friends gets killed by a serial killer they try to take law into their own hands because they think that the police is too incompetent.Im going to follow this one for sure since it has some interesting developments at the end of this Volume.Ive gotta say that i dont like the artdirection tough.Not my cup of tea

The only Manga i wanted to pick up and were in stock are Volume 14 and 15 of 100% Ichigo.Its a typical Harem Love Comedy with lots of girls falling for one guy that doesnt know back from front.Its nothing revolutionary but i enjoy it alot.My Socialization with girls is at the same level as that 18 years old airhead of a male lead.^^;

And the last Manga i bought is To Love Ru wich is called Love Trouble over here.I havent seen the Anime and heard that the Manga is supposed to be ecchier and better than its animated counterpart and its fun so far.I didnt expect any tentacles to appear already in the first volume but here they are!I just pray that this wont end in a monster of the week kind of thing.More naked Lala and less monsters plz.

The next time ill order my Manga from Amazon again to make sure that i actually end up with Manga i want to buy and not pick some out of frustration.Whats your Manga source?

If anybody wants some more info on any of these (wich i doubt) just drop a comment and ill give some info

Heres a lil Sidestory about that Petit Nenndoroid:

Me and my brother each bought one and we both ended up with the Same Yutaka….Magic? A Chance of 1/10 and we hit it! XD

The first time i heard about Bitter Virgin must have been about half a year ago when i read about it on Japanator.The Story seemed pretty interesting due to the serious topic it revolves around.After giviing it a try i was instantly hooked upon the story. While Ecchi/Action/Comedy Mangas are a fun way to spend your time, the ones that move you and make you think are still the serious ones.Its time to draw attention to this fine piece of literature.

This 4 Volume Seinen Manga by Kei Kusunoki was picked up by the Scanlaters over at Solaris and the final chapter was released last sunday.The Author is well known for her Comedy/Horror Mangas and it was her first attempt at a Love/Drama Manga.Alot of her personal experiences were influencing this Manga giving it this authentic feeling.

So what is it about?

The Story revolves around the 16 year old ladies man Suwa Daisuke.He lives in a small Japanese town with his widowed mother that owns a restaurant.His biggest dream is to leave his hometown as soon as possible and to follow his sister into the big city.One day at school he discusses with a friend wich of the girls in the class he would date.without further thought he would only pass on one girl: the quiet and shy (especially in front of  men) yet somehow fascinating tranfer student Aikawa Hinako

Why should he even bother?He has already 2 girls that are interested in him:his childhood friend Yamamote Yuzu and the flashy + persistent Ibuse Kazuki.Hes botherd by both girls while hes on an errand for his mothers resataurant and hides inside in an abandoned church that is supposed to be haunted.While he waits for the girls to go home somebody enters the curch: the shy Hinako.Daisuke hides fast in one of the Confession booths to avoid a scene with said girl.Hinako, who doesnt know anything about the “haunted” church (a story made up by Daisuke), suddenly hears a voice that tells her that the mass has already ended and if she doesnt want to confess should leave.Instead of leaving she enters the Confession booth to Daisukes suprise and in the believe that shes going to confess some irrelevant teenage problems he listens to her.

Her confession is everything but ordinary: Hinako was raped by her Stepfather during middleschool and got pregnant twice.Her mother didnt believe her at first and arranged an abortion for her shameful daughter.Hinako kept quiet even tough the rape continued and became pregnant again.She didnt notice the pregnancy until it was too late for an abortion and she had to carry the child.The newborn boy was given away for adoption right after birth and she left her home to start a new life in this town.

Shocked by the confession of his classmate Daisuke doesnt know what to say and is only able to mumble the words “You have the support of god”.A somewhat relieved Hinako leaves the church and a shocked Daisuke remains.Is the story this fragile girl just told him true or is it just a blatant lie to make her some sort of tragic heroine? Daisuke wants to get closer to the scared girl to find out the truth behind her behavior…

As you can see the story contains some very heavy themes that arent suited for everyone.You shouldnt be turned off by it tough.The author knows how to work with this sensitive theme and brings alot of her personal experiences along.The Protagonists of the manga are struck with heavy loss of some kind or another and need to grow as humans to bear and overcome them.The more the plot unravels the more youll understand why a person acts like he/she acts and even the sidecharacters get a good and realistic background in this world.

The plot itself is filled with many cliffhangers and twists you wouldnt expect.I felt a deep satisfaction after i finsihed the manga and i must admit i did like the ending.I normally dont like the typical cheesy love/drama endings but this one was to my whole satisfaction.

I dont see a release for the future in Germany at all.Were struck with too many bad Manga already and i bet my ass that the publishers follow the Yaoi Route instead of risking something with releasing a manga a bit deeper. MEH…

Give it a try! Youll love it!