We Are Dropping "Orange Chocolate"

After much consideration and tracking the series for the past few months, I have decided to drop "Orange Chocolate".  This series started out very strong and then got bogged down with a sports festival arc and then continued down a road that neglected its original premise.  It looks like this series has no end in sight and I can't commit to this series indefinitely.  I'm sorry to all the Orange Chocolate fans out there.  Hopefully another group will pick up the series and upkeep the quality.  Dropping this series, though, will allow us to continue our new series without stress and without breaks.  We will also be able to bring you more fun one-shots and short-series.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 21: Sports Festival Arc Pt. 1

I am only the messenger, so please don't jump on me about this arc of the story because I already feel bad enough.  Yes, it's a dreaded three chapter story arc about a sports festival and it comes complete with a cavalry battle. Nevermind the the hints that Ritsu could hit "the wall" due to exhaustion.  Nevermind that Ritsu can't repeat Chiro's dance performance.  Nevermind Chiro's sudden fame...no, it's time for a sports festival!  Let's just get this over with:

Links to Orange Chocolate chapter 21: (Zip) (PDF)

Next up is the final chapter of "Kimi ni XOXO"!

Orange Chocolate: Keepin' it Real...

Heheheh....thank you Silver Lunar for the laugh :)

"In Jack Out" Update

"In Jack Out" will be presented in two parts in Betsuhana 2 and 3.  Considering that February is shot, I think I will save "In Jack Out" until both parts are released in Japanese.  I'm also on the fence about doing the project.  The first part of the story doesn't catch my eye.  I think I will know after the second half whether I want to do the mini-series.  If I  decide to do the series, then I will present the entire 92-page story after February.  This means that Orange Chocolate goes back on the schedule and we will check-up while the series is on hiatus.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 20

Finally, we come to the end of the whole "Alice in Wonderland" photo shoot arc, but unfortunately, this isn't the end of the need for Hal.  Hal seriously bugs me, but I guess that's his duty.  Most of this chapter is fan service with a nice pair of surprises from Ritsu.  Chiro, though, finally asks a rather important question -- why does Ritsu have to be an onnagata?  Yeah, it's traditional, but Ritsu actually seems to enjoy it.

Links to "Orange Chocolate" Chapter 20:  (Zip) (PDF)

The next four chapters of Orange Chocolate is an arc about the school's sport's festival with the obligatory cavalry contest.  Hopefully, there's a good reason for going down with well worn-out path.  Next month, though, we will take a break from "Orange Chocolate" and instead present Yamada-sensei's one-shot "In Jack Out".  Orange Chocolate ended on chapter 24 before going on hiatus.  The series will resume late February.  The hiatus will give us some time to catch up on the translation.

I had intended to translate the Christmas one-shot "Merry Unbalance Christmas" now, but I just got "Akagami no Shirayukihime" chapter 22 today and Zen finally grows a "pair".  As for the pretty boy and who Shirayuki is...it looks like we have to wait longer...boo.  Regardless, I don't want to keep myself or anyone else waiting, so I will get started on it right away.  Also, I'm now eagerly awaiting chapter 23.  Anyhow,  please see the release schedule for the latest schedule changes.

Orange Chocolate is on Hiatus until February 2011

"Orange Chocolate" is going on hiatus until the end of February so Yamada-sensei can work on a new project.  Fortunately, we are 4 chapters behind, so none of the readers of this blog will feel lapse between chapters.  I will update this entry later with more news about Yamada-sensei's new project.

Teaser: Orange Chocolate Chapters 18 and 19

Here's a little teaser to get you ready for the double release of "Orange Chocolate" chapters 18 and 19.  I decided to do a double release because these two chapters go together well and it would be cruel to keep you all waiting in between chapters.  Also, I didn't want to break the emotional momentum that builds in chapter 18.

We're aiming for the release of both chapters on the 10th and it looks like we are going to be able to deliver :).

Orange Chocolate Chp 15

I thought my eyes were going to melt out of their sockets while editing this.  I caught one of those irritating summer colds that starts with burning eyes.  Tears were streaming down my face as a I chased dots.  This chapter was particularly nasty in terms of the backside bleed through problem...ugh!!! 

Here's a minor translator's note:

Here's an example of "forest friends" to keep in mind as you get toward the end of this chapter (image used solely for educational purposes!):

And now the link --

Link to Orange Chocolate Chp 15

This chapter gives us yet a little more insight in Chiro's actual wish.  Enjoy the last four pages of this chapter :).  Chapter 16 is full of Chiro and Ritsu themed cosplay.  I guarantee that chapter will be lots of fun.  At the end of the next chapter a new character will be introduced that will drive Chiro and Ritsu closer together, culminating in a very lovely, visually and story wise, 20th chapter!

Next up the long awaited resumption of "Ouran High School Host Club" and the climactic chapter of "Kimi ni XOXO."

Orange Chocolate Chapter 13

Here is "Orange Chocolate" chapter 13.  Just a note so you'll be aware as you read this, the narrator changes to Ritsu towards the end of the chapter (pg 37-ish).  It's hard to convey this in English since English has no male or female version of "I."  Anyhow, this chapter starts to give us insight into Ritsu thinking and into Chiro's seemingly surprising confession. 

Link: Orange Chocolate Chp 13 (update 5/31/2010 minor correction from Kuma-chan)

Kimi no XOXO Update

Update 5/31:
Things have picked up quite a bit now that the fairy creature appeared.  The sweetness is quickly going away...yippee!!!!  There's hope for this :).
----
I just finished translating the first chapter and it ended nicely.  I can't make the decision whether to pick up this series based on the first chapter alone, so I will extend the trial to the 2nd chapter.
update 5/30:
Next up after this is the "Kimi no XOXO" trial.  I've translated a little over a quarter of the first chapter and so far, it's different from what I expected (I was hoping for a farce...).  First of all, it's extremely verbose which slows the pacing quite a bit when compared to a series like "Orange Chocolate."  So far it takes itself more seriously than I expected and, over all, it seems to be aimed at late "tween"/ early teen audience.  My initial feeling from these first few pages is that, though it is not bad, there may be series that are more suited my and the group's taste than this.  I'll see if it picks up once the fairly-like creature is introduced.  If it stays on the sweet with light humor track, then I will complete the first chapter so people will have an idea of what this series may be like and then move onto some other series that I've flagged. If that happens, hopefully, a more appropriate scanlation group will pick up the series.

Orange Chocolate Chp 12 Preview

Here's a short preview of "Orange Chocolate" chapter 12

New Poll: Ukon or Sakon?

Top Right Corner!  Go take it!  If you want to elaborate on your choice, please leave a comment to this post.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 10

Here is "Orange Chocolate" chapter 10.  This chapter is a pretty low-key transitional chapter.  Starting at chapter 11, things ramp up as we finally find out what Ritsu bought at the zoo.

Link to "Orange Chocolate" chapter 10

Next up is the second chapter of "Kaichou-san no Koneko."

Orange Chocolate Chapter 10 Preview

Here's a sneak peek at "Orange Chocolate" chapter 10.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 9 Preview

Here's a short preview of Orange Chocolate chapter 9.  I apologize for it not being very telling, but the first half of the chapter is very funny, so I don't want to spoil it and the second half is very dramatic and I don't want to spoil it either.  So, I chose the preview to be the transition between the two halves of this chapter's story.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 8 Preview

We are working hard to get Orange Chocolate chapter 8 out by Thursday (33% edited, 60% cleaned).  A few happy "distractions" have come up for me on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so I'm not sure whether release on the 8th is possible. But I'm not going to update the schedule until I know for sure.  As usual, cleaning Orange Chocolate is challenge, so it's taking a while.  Anyhow, here's a little preview wet your appetite:

April at Omari's Sister!

Wow!  It's April!  The release schedule and release archive have been updated!  This month Lala DX 5 comes out with ZHD Chp 16!  Supposedly it covers the beginning of Johanne and Yuda's wedding celebration!  We're very excited about this chapter!  Later on this month in Lala 6 is the next chapter of Ouran.  We'll will also try to deliver "Orange Chocolate" chapter 8 and 9.  Look forward to it!

Orange Chocolate Chapter 7

Here is Orange Chocolate chapter 7.

Link to "Orange Chocolate" Chapter 7

At the end of this, it seems the story is taking a turn.  I haven't read ahead of this to understand where to, but  I hope it's someplace good.  Anyhow, this chapter is full of lovely images of Ritsu and Chiro in traditional costumes.  It was a tough chapter to edit, so please give thanks to Silver Lunar and Sephyna who did a great deal to help get this chapter out in a timely manner :).

It looks like I have a few days before Lala issue 5/2010 is released with the raw for Ouran Chp 79.  I figured I'd use the time to start on the last of the "Hana Kimi" omakes, but at the same time I want to continue on to "Orange Chocolate" chapter 8.  Well, let's see what this last Hana Kimi omake is about.  It looks like it covers the events right after Mizuki leaves.  It's another chapter that centers around Nakatsu and it looks like Nanba makes him the new dorm leader.

Orange Chocolate Chapter 7 Preview

Here's the preview for Orange chapter 7.  It's taking a long time to clean and edit the imges, so please be patient.  A couple of this page took me 4-hours each to prepare!  UGH!  Anyhow, the art in this chapter is GORGEOUS!!!  I've saved the best image for the actual, release ;p.  As usual, click on the images to see them full size!

Orange Chocolate Chapter 6 Preview

Hopefully, the chapter will be released by the end of the week.  Anyway, here's a preview (click on the image to see it full-size):

 

Coming Soon in March

Here's what's coming up in March:

• Ouran High School Host Club chp 78 Omake (Currently editing, ETA  3/3) Done!
• Hana Kimi Omakes
• July 2008 --Done!
• Sept 2008 -- Done!
• May 2009 -- scanned
• Orange Chocolate
• chp 6 -- Done!
• chp 7 -- Sent to proofreaders
• Ouran High School Host Club Chp 79 -- waiting for Lala 05/2010 release for raw (raw on 3/24, release ETA 4/1)
• "Kaichou-san no Neko" Chp 1 -- "The Class President's Cat" (looking into it) -- it's a very cute and short series with 3 chapters and a one-shot ("Gakuran Ouji").  I don't particularly like cats, but the cat in this short series is ADORABLE!!! -- Moved into April