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Comics Underground Japan presents the wild, subversive world of Japan’s most accomplished underground comics artists. Some of the dozen artists included in this anthology will be familiar to followers of manga; others make their American debut in these pages. The richly imaginative stories in this volume show a great range of graphic style, from painstakingly detailed craftsmanship to exuberant, maniacal renderings. At the heart of each work in this anthology is a unique personal vision and a fierce artistic compulsion–these manga artists are the misfits of the art form, and they are its visionaries.
From Stiletto Heels: Atsuko (Ah-chan) and Kouhei (Kouhei) are both 29 years old and soon to bid farewell to their adolescence. Both think 29 is a good age to be at, but realize that it doesn't make them feel anymore grown up; both get along, but none actually want to be the first to take the plunge. After nine years of dating and living together for five, Atsuko and Kouhei are prompted to evaluate the nagging questions regarding their work, life, and the prospect of having children: What will we do? What will happen to us?
Out of all Japanese historical figures, Oda Nobunaga is probably the one with the widest range of interpretations. But what was the real Nobunaga like, and why was he really betrayed and murdered? While a lot of manga make their stories more interesting by taking historical liberties, this one does the opposite, using historical research to paint a clearer - yet more intriguing - picture of the man behind the myth.
A bunch of school kids live in a world where people wear swimsuits all the time, as everyday clothing.
A group of high-school students had an accident on their way to a trip and died but they find themselves in a classroom with a black sphere. Related Story: Gantz
When Haruhei Sakura entered in an exam school, he fell in love with a girl who also goes to the same school. She is the daughter of a millionaire, but strangely works at a part-time job in a cabaret. He wishes for her to quit her job and also hopes that she will be intent on studying for the entrance examination of college with him.
Kamitsukasa, the beautiful boss admired by everyone. Tobeshita, her subordinate that goes driving with her on their days off for some reason. Tobeshita's heart won't stop pounding but Kamitsukasa seems weird while driving... Does she get excited driving up hill roads...!? A comedy about traveling with a beautiful boss!!
Heroine, Sakuragi Mayu, is a 2nd-year at Kantojo Gakuin. One day she decides to give up gyaru lifestyle and return to baseball she loved so much. What kind of pitching will be shown by Mayu, rumoured to be a genius pitcher!?
Sakamoto Ryouta is an unemployed 22-year-old who lives with his mother. In the real world, there may be nothing really special about him, but online, he's one of the world's top players of the combat game "BTOOOM"! One day, he awakes in what appears to be a tropical island, though he has no memory of how or why he has come to be there. While wandering around, Ryouta sees someone and calls out for help. The stranger responds by throwing a bomb at him! Now Ryouta realizes both that his life is in danger and that he has somehow been trapped in a real-life version of his favorite game! Will Ryouta be able to survive long enough to figure out how and why he ended up here?
A certain summer day, as the cicadas sing loudly. A man with no money and no place to belong tries to end his life, however is unable to take the last step. While wavering between life and death, he sees a gourmet food program on television, and realising he's never once eaten crab in his life decides that "For my last day on this Earth, I'll eat crab". Settings his sights on the wife who lives in a high-class neighbourhood that he happened across in a library, he forces his way into her home. And thus, he demands money from her, however... things go in an unexpected direction.
A story where the magical girls are all siblings living under the same roof.
