"Magnolia" is ending November -- Let's Look at it Readership on Crimson Flower/Omari's Sister

According to the Aria website, "Magnolia" is ending in the next issue. I still haven't received the current issue, so that means for us, we have two chapters left.  I don't want to speculate on whether this is a planned ending or not, but I will say, I thought that there were at least 2 or 3 volumes more of story left... or so in my imagination.  Be that as it may, I have been noticing over the past year a rapid drop off in "Magnolia" readership on this blog.  So speaking only for this blog, let's look at some numbers.

First of all, I normalized the data because I don't want to give actual numbers. In this case, throwing out the first chapter (first chapters always have abnormally high readership), I chose to compare readership of each chapter to the chapter that was read the most, Chapter 12. The number for chapter 12 is a bit of an estimate because a chapter of Lily was released in the same post, so I subtracted the average readership of Lily to get that number. But... to give you some perspective on its popular at its height, "Magnolia" readership was about half that "Ouran", our most read series. 

Digging deeper, the series highest plateau was during chapters 8 - 17. Chapter 12 is the Ayato/Sui incestuous shower scene >_>...  Other events during this period include: Nagi struggles with sexy-Ayato fantasies, Sui teaches Ayato archery, some lovely red-hot Ayato and Hugo quality time, Lily introduces Arthur to everyone,  the introduction of the Black Twins, and the beginning of the tea party. The next peak is chapter 20 -- OMG! Alexandra is a DUDE! And... the last gasp at chapter 29 -- Sui, why you leaving hickies on Ayato? Dat's gross! Dat's your brother! It looks like the big slide happened during the chapters that continuously retread the letter from Ayato's mother. Honestly, while translating that, I felt like I was doing half of the previous each chapter. Those chapters were TEDIOUS, and I understand why readers would give up.

Anyhow... that's a peek into the "Magnolia" stats for Crimson Flower/Omari's Sister.  Sadly the same thing is happening to "Pochamani", but at more compressed time scale. But it appears for now to be going strong in Japan, so I don't expect it to end any time soon. If you would like to see stuff like this in the future, let me know. I was a little hesitant to post this because I was worried I'd number-nerd out... Haha! I was tempted to do more analysis... but I think this enough for this forum.

Anyhow, go out there and support "Magnolia" and Naked Ape through purchasing the books and Drama CDs.  Links to purchase are available on the "Magnolia" project page (LINK).  And let's keep our fingers crossed, and hope that "Magnolia" gets an ending it deserves in the last two chapters.

(Thanks, EvilNemesis)

"Magnolia" Chapter 36

Here's "Magnolia" Chapter 36.  I thought this was going to be an arc about the King and Ayato, but I guess it isn't.  Rather, it's just follows Ayato and his buddies through the aftermath of the masquerade party. To my surprise, Hollier is a hardcore shipper.  I was laughing heartily at the panels where she appears.  Hollier is a good girl. I wish the best for her. Alexandra owns my heart. I really like him. Go with your heart, you beautiful man!  Ah Hugo... Hee! Finally, the drawing of him I've been waiting for and it's cute! Hee! There's hope that the story won't go down the expected path, so I 'm very happy and looking forward to the next chapter.  Hee!

On to the release!

"Magnolia" Chapter 34

This chapter ends the Masquerade party arc and now we move on to examining the fallout of Ayato's decision.  According to Naked Ape's Twitter feed, the next arc will center around the King.  I guess we're going to get to the question of succession and more about what Vincent is up to.

Anyhow... Sui apparently likes to touch everyone. He's creeptastic and confusing. Does he in anyway like Robert? Or is he only using Robert?

Hugo... hmm... I don't know what to make of him. He's looks a little love sick at the end of this chapter.

Welp, that's enough writing before I get too spoilery. On to the release!

"Magnolia" Chapter 33

With this chapter, we are caught up again to the Japanese release of this series.  Just to set your expectations correctly, this is a monthly series that runs in Aria magazine. Aria releases every month on the 28th.

The story takes a big leap forward with this chapter.  Thank goodness, because I was getting tired of  beating around the bush.  Now that we've spent time exploring each possibility for Ayato and establishing that Ayato has no interest in girls, we can move onto the next arc.  What that will be about is tough to say because there are many possibilities.  Regardless, I'm eager for the story to keep moving. Such that I don't spoil things, I'll write my thoughts in the comments section later.

Onto the release!

"Lily" Chapter 6 (End)

 

LINKS ARE NOW CORRECT

And now we come to the final chapter of "Lily", though I don't think the story is over. Rather it'll be continued in Magnolia. (Hopefully this means we'll get longer Magnolia chapters.) It's no big guess what happens here after the sudden entrance of Dr. McCreepy-Pants in last chapter. Still what Saiga has to say to this creeper is fresh (at least to me.)

So without saying much more, here's the release!

"Magnolia" Chapter 29

This chapter is the prelude to the next arc in "Magnolia".  I think I now understand that this series is built on a string of social functions. In that way this series feels very Victorian. I'm actually a sucker for stories like this. I love party intrigue and "action" that takes place in the form of clever conversation.

I'm pretty excited about this arc because it looks like the Black Twins will be heavily involved. I really like them and it looks like Naked Ape is going to play with their gender confusion. It's delicious and dangerous. I'm really worried about Robert(a). He (she?) seems quite vulnerable. I can't wait for chapter 31. Yeeks...Robert... you're too innocent for this craziness. Protect your heart, precious (girl?).

Haha! Onto the release!

"Lily" Chapter 4

I have the sinking feeling that this chapter is going to piss a lot of people off. It's well worn shoujo territory and there are lots of folk who read OS who are opposed to student/teacher relationships, including myself. Unfortunately, this is part of the "Magnolia" story, so I can't just not translate it. That would be weird.

I had to set a lot of my brain aside to accept this chapter. First I had to set aside my hatred for student/teacher relationship fantasies, then I had to set aside my hatred for age gap fantasies, and finally I had to shut down a most of the feminist part of my brain to get past Lily's desperation. I pretty much accepted this as a 15-year girl with raging hormones raging at the first guy she happened to meet.  And what have we learned from past one-shots about 15-year old girls? MEN, STAY AWAY FROM 15-YEAR OLD GIRLS. THEY WILL GET YOU IN TROUBLE FOR LIFE. I like Lily, but Saiga needs to run far, far away from this impending disaster.

It's pretty funny the way Saiga walked through all the ways their relationship was a bad idea and Lily, in teenage fashion, didn't hear a word he said. Seriously, Lily? You're not even going to try to resist your raging hormones? UGH!!! Okay, that aside, it's well written and well drawn, and I don't know mind cliches as long as they are done well.

Onto the link!

"Magnolia" Chp 22

Update:  If you are having problems viewing this file, please upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 8 or above).  Just this once, I have re-crunched the file so it is compatible with version 6 and above.  If you are using some other PDF reader, all bets are off moving forward. This is the last time I will crunch a file to be viewed by an ancient version of Acrobat.

This seems like a bridge chapter to the next story arc.  Not much new is revealed in this chapter, but it's necessary to cement some of the ideas introduced in the last chapter.  The end of the chapter, though is pretty significant.  The question for me is whether what happened means that Ayato has accepted matters and has decided to be pro-active.  And what about Hugo? I'm gonna be so mad if he rips Ayato's heart out. Well, we'll know his initial reaction in a week or so.

Anyhow...onto the link!

"Magnolia" Chapter 19

Nagi's taking off the gloves...hee!  I think "Lost Lamb" describes Nagi's situation in this chapter more than "beast".  Hahaha!  This chapter is such a tease!  Still it's fun to see Nagi suffer sweetly.  He makes a great martyr.

Hugo Poll

Love him or hate him, Hugo is an interesting character.  Is he Ayato's friend, enemy, or both?  Seriously, what IS his deal?  Personally, I think he's there on a specific mission, but I don't think things are going as planned -- though, I admit I have no idea what his mission is.  I think Hugo is getting a little side-track because, regardless of the Magnolia smell, he likes Ayato.

I look forward to the development of Hugo's character.  Will someone eventually take him down a couple of notches?  Will Ayato eventually wrap him around his/her finger?  Or will he be a damned-dirty-dog forever?

What do you think?  Take the poll in the right hand column.  If you want to rant positively or negatively, please leave a comment.  Go all out!  Let's talk about Hugo :).

"Magnolia" Chapter 14

It's been such a long day!  At least I was productive, though,  feel like I'm dragging my sorry butt over the finish line and directly into bed.  I was sooooo hoping that this chapter would be longer than 30 pages, but, alas, "Magnolia" chapters keep getting shorter and shorter T_T.  This time there are only 23 pages and two of those pages are a title spread and one is repeat from chapter 13.  I guess the color pages took a long time to paint???  Okay, I'll admit the color pages are lovely and I am grateful for them.

Anyhow...there's been some flip-flopping on my part about the name of the country in this series.  Originally I had it as "Anastasia", but I ended up following the katakana directly and I'm now calling it "Anestachia".  I'm slowly going through the chapters and updating them with this correction.  I also made a small correction (more like an inclusion) to chapter one.  On page 15, Nagi states that Ayato is next in line for the throne after King Albert's little brother, who I assume is Vincent.  Yes...the plot thickens.  Though, after Ayato and Sui were born, wouldn't Vincent be third in line to the throne?  Hmm... maybe this is all wrapped up in the importance of Ayato's debut.

And now onto the link:

Magnolia Volume 2 is for Sale

"Magnolia" volume 2 is available for sale!  Please purchase through Naked Ape's Amazon storefront for give them extra money (Link).

If you live in the US or Canada and the initial Amazon shipping fee is too daunting, I can facilitate the purchase by piggybacking your order onto my next order from Amazon JP.  At the current dollar to yen exchange rate the book will cost $8.25 + $1 (for OS) + $3 shipping from Japan + ~$3 - 4 shipping within the US and Canada ($15 - $16 total vs. $38.25).  If you are willing to wait and I get enough requests, I can order the books from Yes Asia and take advantage of the free shipping.  If you are interested in getting a copy of Magnolia Volume 1 or 2, please send me e-mail via the contact link at the top of this blog.  All transactions will be handled through Paypal.

Magnolia Chapter 13

 

Hmm...I wonder what happened between Lily and Arthur in the hall...I guess we won't know until late December T_T.  Anyhow, here's "Magnolia" chapter 14.  Finally! Another day!  I wonder how many chapters this day is going to last...heheheh... well at least this isn't as bad as "Skip Beat."  Anyhow...Nagi's suffering continues and Ayato is being forced to grow up.  Now I'm suffering as I wait for chapter 14. It sounds like chapter 14 may actually have more than 23 pages (PLEASE!!!  We need a nice 50-pages  PLEASE!!!).  Onto the link!

Magnolia Chapter 10 -- Beefcake! Beefcake!

 

I suspect after this chapter, Sui is going to gain some new fans.  I didn't expect to see a different side of Sui, so this chapter was a happy surprise and I heap praise upon Naked Ape for developing Sui this way.

Oh!  And thanks to Ichigo Stars for help with the title page!

New Purchases (Aria Tankoubon and Others): February 24 - March 8

They're here!

And they are quite nice! 

• Magnolia Volume 1 (Amazon JP -- Naked Ape) (Yes Asia $11.49 + $3.99 shipping)
• Chapters 1 - 4 and Lily Chapter 1
• Metallic Lettering on the cover jacket
• Color page
• Magnolia Archive!  Character sketches of Ayato, Lily, Hugo, and Nagi! Very nice!
• Junketsu + Vampire Volume 1(Amazon JP) (Yes Asia)
• Chapters 1 - 4
• Color Page
• 1-Page omake
• Pika Ichi Volume 1 (Amazon JP) (Yes Asia $10.49 + $3.99 shipping)
• Chapters 1 - 4
• Extra Comic (non-Pika Ichi)

Note:  If you purchase $40 or more of merchandise from Yes Asia, shipping is free!

Magnolia Chapter 8

Whoo-hoo!  It's "Magnolia" Chapter 8!  But first I must make a sales pitch for the first volume of "Magnolia" which goes on sale in Japan on March 7th.

Links to purchase "Magnolia" Volume 1:

• Amazon Japan, through Naked Ape's Amazon Storefront
• Yes Asia (Available March 19th, $3.99 shipping -- a nice option for those of us outside of Japan)

If you love the series "Magnolia", then plunk down a few bucks and show Naked Ape some love so they can continue this wonderful series for us :).  I've already ordered my copy of Magnolia and the other Aria series we translate and I will share what the books are like when they arrive next week (They should arrive at my door on the 8th or 9th).

Aria Magazine Comic Pre-Order Links

Here are some links to facilitate of the purchase of your favorite manga series from Aria magazine.

 Junketsu + Kareshi Volume 1

Magnolia Volume 1 (Through Naked Ape's Amazon referral so they get extra money ;p)

Pika Ichi

I will post links through Yes Asia when and if they list these comics.  These books all release on March 7th. 

"Lily" Chapter 1

First of all!  Get the Lily themed desktop wallpaper set!  (Link -- the second button is the download button)

And now, here's the first chapter of "Lily" the companion series to "Magnolia".  This is a wonderful addition to "Magnolia" and I'm glad naked ape recognized how wonderful Lily's character is.

Links to Lily Chapter 1: (Zip) (PDF)

If you can, I encourage you purchase this volume of Itan to support "Lily" and naked ape.  Who knows, you might find something else inside the magazine that interests you (I have, but I don't have enough bandwidth to add anymore series).

Links to Purchase Itan 3:  (Amazon Japan) (Yes Asia)

Also! naked ape has a store!  Link to naked ape's store  You can buy naked ape merchandise through their Amazon storefront and they have a private online store with special books and items.  Hopefully, they'll make some "Magnolia" stuff soon.  I need a poster or a lovely calender!

Next up is "Orange Chocolate" chapter 21!

"Lily" in Itan Magazine!

Update!:  Lily Themed desktop wallpaper set!  (Link -- the second button is the download button)
---------------------
Our prayers have been answered!  It's a Lily themed Magnolia companion series of extra stories!  Yes! It's "Magnolia" from Lily's perspective!  I will release this opening chapter with Magnolia Chp 6!  Unfortunately, Itan is only published every three months and the next one-shot will be in Itan 5, which means the next chapter of "Lily" won't be out until the end of June.

Magnolia Chapter 2

Update 01/04/2011:  Minor change to page 29 that doesn't impact the story.  The change was made to be consistent with the first "Lily" extra story.

Update 12/5/2010:  Minor change to the translation of page 8 that does impact the story.  Ayato's father is the only one who doesn't like Vincent.

Here's Magnolia chapter 2. Chapter 3 will be released on Monday at the latest so you won't have to suffer the cliff-hanger for long.

Link to Magnolia Chapter 2 (Zip - high quality)(PDF - convenient)

Starting at chapter 3, Magnolia will become a joint project with Hyper Parfait and Pika Ichi will become an Omari's Sister only project.  The highly stoopid one-shot "Hidaka Muffler" will be released with Magnolia chapter 3.  After that comes the final chapter of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" along with some extras from Volume 3 and then Pika Ichi!