Jim Henson's Return to Labyrinth, volume three

After a long, LONG wait, volume three is finally out. I can't say I was itching with anticipation to read it, and the artwork still really bothers me (but I suppose it's too late now to change the artist). At the rate Tokyopop is going, we probably have to wait another year or so for the last volume, if it comes out at all.

The danger in Toby's life is rising; nothing is really as it seems. We learn where Moppet came from, why Sarah changed so much (shedding fairy tales and dreaming for the droll life of an average adult), and even the truth behind Mizumi's supposedly loyal daughters. Jareth is wandering the streets, a lost soul, while Sarah feels a sad yearning for something she didn't realize she'd ever needed the most. After Toby is corronated, things move to their worst amidst war and betrayal. What will become of everyone?

Yakko, I Love You CD

1. 恋は突然
2. なぜなぜナゾナゾ
3. あなたの似顔絵
4. ドーベルマンのように
5. 愛は光の中で
6. Oh! Yeah! ジュリアーノ
7. あなたが消えない
8. 雨のララバイ
9. 純白のジューン・ブライド
10. ぼくのジュリアーノ

This album was originally released in 1983. Though I have only seen the first handful of episodes, it's proving so far to be a pretty fun show. And the music is just as fun and cute! I especially like tracks 1, 5, 8 and 9. If you love retro shoujo, this is definitely something to check out!

Archie proposes to... Veronica! First cover revealed

From Archie Comics:

THIS AUGUST, PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE ARCHIE STORY YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D SEE, AS ARCHIE PROPOSES TO VERONICA!

The eternal love triangle is the cornerstone of Archie Comics for over 65 years--and the bane of Archie Andrews' existence! In fact, over the years it has not only defined the Betty/Archie/Veronica relationship, but has even threatened to dismantle it a time or 20.

Never was this more evident than in the landmark "Love Showdown" storyline from 1994 and '95. When Archie Comics announced that Archie Andrews may finally choose between Betty & Veronica once and for all, the response from the media, fans and retailers alike was unprecedented--and with good reason! The landmark "Love Showdown" storyline threatened the certainty of the love triangle and all it stood for, nearly bringing an end to the friendships of all three characters as Archie chose old flame Cheryl Blossom at story's end!

Readers had nothing to fear, as ultimately Cheryl wore out her welcome in Riverdale. While she's been an occasional presence (and to Betty and Veronica, an occasional nuisance) in the last 15 years, life has returned to normal for Archie and his friends. And that includes his seemingly never-ending inability to choose between Betty and Veronica, no matter how many times he takes them out.

More at site!

Mini Moni revival in the works?

Tsunku has revealed on his blog plans to revive Mini Moni, and the first member already chosen is "H!P Eggs" girl Fukuda Kanon.

Personally, I think without Mari and company it just isn't the same and won't match up. We'll just have to see what happens.

Kirarin Revolution, volume 4

-There's a new girl in town! Her name is Fubuki, and she's been modeling since she was little. Soon she'll be making her idol debut, and right off the bat she has a problem with Kirari. Though Kirari is of the school that thinks smiling and making fans happy is most important, Fubuki finds her completely unprofessional. To see who's the better star, the model challenges Kirari to a contest, to be judged by fans online and through phone calls and consisting of three parts. Whoever wins at least two of them will be the victor.
-The first challenge involves each girl dressing like a bride and acting like a happy couple with a member of SHIPS. But who will Kirari choose as her groom, and can she handle the heartache of who she didn't pick getting cozy on stage with Fubuki?
-The second challenge tests their talent for design and sewing, in which they must think up an outfit that they will make themselves and model. While Fubuki is quite skilled, Kirari couldn't sew a button on a shirt to save her life, and no matter what she does, a phantom mushroom appears on everything. Can Hiroto, who is experienced with domestic chores from caring for his younger siblings, help her in time?

Archie Andrews is getting married

At least, according to Archie Comics.

From New York Post:

The world's oldest teen is becoming an honest man.

After six decades of indecisiveness, Archie Andrews is going to settle down with his longtime love -- but will it be Betty or Veronica?

The perpetual teenager will pop the question to either best friend Betty Cooper or to the beguiling Veronica Lodge in Archie Comics No. 600, which is due in comic-book stores in August.

"What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind? And who would he choose, Veronica or Betty? How will Betty react? How will Veronica react? Can Archie shake off his klutzy past and hold down a steady job . . . for more than a month? One thing is certain: This will be the biggest Archie Comics story ever!" a solicitation for the comic says.

"You will see him make the decision," said Archie Comics' editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick of the sixissue storyline, which features a glimpse of Archie and the Riverdale gang five years down the line.

Archie, Gorelick said, is able to sneak a peek into the future he's never been able to reach in the comics in the landmark 600th issue, when he takes a right turn down Memory Lane.

"He goes a bit into the future when he becomes engaged and married," Gorelick said -- but he wouldn't say to whom. "We're not saying anything," he said. "The office is in lockdown.

Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou, episode 1

(極上!!めちゃモテ委員長) 2009

Mimi Kitagami is a kind, level-headed and pretty student council president (iinchou) at her school, who aims to be the best she can be at her post. But the MM3 (a group of three troublemakers) may prove to be a rather large roadblock to this goal, even though Mimi's decided she'll shape those boys into model students no matter what. First up is Ushio, who gave up running after breaking his leg in middle school and refuses to be on the athletic team no matter what anybody says. When Mimi declares that if she can beat him in a race he'll have to do so, a small but meaningful connection is made between them, especially in Mimi's heart. But will she be able to do it? Meanwhile, the prestigious Princess Rose Club, reserved only for beautiful and special people, wants her to join their ranks.

Now... let me first say that the only reason I've stuck with Kirarin Revolution despite the complete 180 in animation quality, is because I'd already watched over 100 episodes before it changed, might as well finish. But here, the terrible CG starts from the very beginning. Not only that, it can't seem to decide whether it wants to be in 2D or 3D, and keeps switching on you from scene to scene, frame to frame. It's not the worst shoujo ever, but the animation is so distracting I'm having a hard time concentrating on the story. Is this cheap CG thing a new trend? I sure hope not! There's also an overabundance of sparkles, crippling brightness and rose petals - I'm not sure if they're making fun of these staple shoujo cliches or actually being serious.