Other Ohkami Mineko Topics

Topic 1:
Dragon Knights Bunko versions being released two at a time
Although the series is still continuing, Shinshokan is releasing the bunko versions of the series starting in September (two volumes per month). So far here is the release schedule:
Vol. 1 & 2: September 25, 2005
Vol. 3 & 4: October 10, 2005
Vol. 5 & 6: November 10, 2005

Please note the bunko versions are smaller in dimensions but contain more pages. There are no extra pages (nothing new) included just for the bunko versions, so don't expect anything special with these versions, other than the fact it contains one colour page inside (different from that of the regular versions, but not a poster) and the cover illustrations have been drawn just for these bunko versions.

Shinshokan tankoubon and magazines available online (for purchase)
If you don't live in Japan and have a hard time purchasing Shinshokan tankoubons and magazines, you can purchase them online through their official online purchasing site at http://www.shinshokan.co.jp/abr/. They mail overseas and accept credit cards and some other payment forms. Their mailing method is airmail or SAL. Just fill in the order form (including the ISBN number for each item) and they will respond within a week (note: it took a whole week for me to receive a reply) with the link to the payment page. I ordered the first two bunko versions of DK and noticed they charged me the price without the tax (650 yen) and airmail shipping for the package was 1230 yen (no extra charged for packaging). The package arrived in 5 days! The service is highly recommended but they do not give an insurance option and shipping is expensive from Japan for the airmail option.

650 yen + tax

Topic 2:
Dragon Knights Volume 21
After reading this volume you will get the feeling the series is ending soon. So many things have been solved and various parts of the story are now connected. You will also get to see some characters you haven't seen in a while return in this volume! Make sure you read the other volumes before you read this one!

Vol. 21 Story Introduction:
After Rath receives two gifts from Cesia (a kiss and the sealing charm) he disappears into the air releasing all that had created him. Later, Cesia joins Thats and the others and revives the Fire Dragon Knight and the Red Dragon Minister (Secretary). Meanwhile, the demon that Black Cesia had called forth brings dark shadows in the Other World.

On sale late-December, 2003
520 yen + tax

Topic 3: SOUTH June, 2002 Issue
The SOUTH June, 2002 issue includes an installment of ASUKA² (Double Asuka). It's an all-cast crazy episode like usual but fun to read!!

Important Announcement:
The magazine announced that this is the last issue of SOUTH, and it will be merged with WINGS (which begins in the August issue)!! This creates some confusion since many manga-ka's who writes for SOUTH also writes for WINGS. Their manga that originally ran in SOUTH will still appear in WINGS but not for every issue. Actually, since there are more manga than the magazine can publish in one issue, many of the manga will appear occasionally. Therefore, this may slow down the release rate of the tankoubons. Some manga have been announced that it will appear every other issue, but nothing official has been announced regarding Gekka Kajin to date.

On sale May 16, 2002 (590 yen + tax)