Manga Like Sleeves Stained in Blood

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was a highly esteemed Crown Prince of flawless lineage, a favored choice of Heaven with limitless promise. Even after attaining godhood and amassing tens of thousands of worshippers, his destiny turned cruel. Time and again, he was stripped of his power and cast down to the lowest depths. Centuries later, Xie Lian ascends once more, though this time he has no followers or incense offerings. One day, after returning from scavenging, he brings a peculiar young man back to his home. This individual is Hua Cheng, the terrifying Ghost King whose very name sends chills down everyone's spines.

Five years after the mysterious disappearance of the fourth prince, an official decree commands that any boy named Wolfgang be turned over to the authorities, launching a widespread hunt for anyone named Wolfgang Goldenleonard. Wolfgang knows exactly who he is and understands that he is being targeted for assassination. Since his mother's death, he has lived in hiding among the street orphans, but when those children are threatened, he chooses to reveal himself. Once his identity becomes known, he is brought to the palace of his tyrannical father. Inside the palace walls, Wolfgang feels intense hatred toward his father. Refusing to conform to the expectations of a Goldenleonard prince, he defiantly breaks every rule he can. Despite being warned never to covet what belongs to the king, his rebellious nature and hot-tempered demeanor attract the attention of the king's favored catamite, Shin Soohyuk. Seeing potential in Wolfgang as a catalyst for change, Shin regards him as the spark needed to ignite a revolution. In exchange for a promise to grant Shin his freedom, Wolfgang agrees to become Shin's instrument.

In the world of the Shinigami, there is no escape from responsibility. Asato Tsuzuki, a "Guardian of Death" serving in the Ministry of Hades, is tasked with guiding departed souls to the afterlife. However, stubborn spirits and human wickedness often hinder his work. Among these difficult duties, can Tsuzuki ever expect to earn acknowledgment—or is he doomed to forever pay for the damage caused?

Pamela, who reads tarot cards, assists supernatural creatures in adapting to living alongside humans at her establishment called The Tarot Café. Among those she helps are a cat experiencing romantic feelings, a vampire fleeing from his immortal partner, a waitress who considers herself unattractive and hopes to discover her true love, and a magician who crafted a human-like doll to aid the woman he cherishes. While Pamela consistently offers support to others, she needs to confront a major hidden truth about herself before she can proceed into the afterlife.

In "Golden Days," first-year student Mitsuya Souma lives under the strict control of his overprotective mother, who dictates every aspect of his life due to past familial tragedies. His only refuge is playing the violin, a gift from his ailing grandfather, Yoshimitsu. As Yoshimitsu's condition worsens, a distressing phone call alerts the family to his critical state. At the hospital, Mitsuya clashes with his mother until an earthquake disrupts their argument, causing him to fall, hit his head, and lose consciousness. Upon waking, he finds himself transported back in time to the Taishou period, among his grandfather's relatives and companions. Confused and struggling to adjust, Mitsuya resolves to rectify his grandfather's greatest regret. However, he faces the challenge of navigating this unfamiliar era while developing a relationship with Jin Kasuga, Yoshimitsu's closest friend, and dealing with mounting family conflicts.

The story Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong centers on Luo Binghe, the stock male protagonist of the harem novel Proud Immortal Demon Way (PIDW). He wields immense strength, commands a harem numbering in the hundreds, and rules both the human and demon worlds. His backstory includes suffering abuse from his loathsome antagonist, the villainous Shen Qingqiu. But PIDW abandons its initial compelling story, instead devoting too much attention to explicit scenes at the expense of plot progression. A young man from the millennial generation named Shen Yuan dies while denouncing this poorly written web novel, insisting he could write a better one. Then a mysterious "System" activates, and Shen Yuan is reincarnated as Shen Qingqiu. His fresh mission: to transform this lackluster tale into a first-rate work. Constrained by the System's regulations that impose penalties for straying from his assigned part, Shen Yuan must avoid being demoted to a minor role and begin by developing a tight connection with the principal hero.

In a new era, Wolfgang Goldenleonard, once a bastard prince, has ascended to become emperor of his realm. Along with the crown comes the ongoing support of Shin Soohyuk, the man who molded Wolfgang into the ruler he is today. Nevertheless, the kingdom remains uneasy about its new leader, dogged by doubt over Wolfgang's rule and the menace of insurrection. Wolfgang and Shin must work vigilantly to protect the throne, employing whatever means necessary to safeguard His Majesty. Yet, their fragile bond may soon jeopardize their efforts and Shin's own aspirations.

Many are familiar with the story of Shahrazad and her captivating tales from the Arabian Nights. For a thousand and one nights, she held the mad Sultan's attention with stories of Aladdin, Ali Baba, Sinbad, genies, and countless other magical beings. But what if Shahrazad were actually a boy whose only goal was to save his sister's life? What strange measures would he take to stay alive long enough to finish his story? This fresh take on a classic folk tale just might hold you spellbound for yet another One Thousand and One Nights.

In "Ma Series," Yuuri Shibuya's life is turned upside down when he jumps into a toilet to rescue a fellow student from bullies and gets transported to a world resembling medieval Europe. There, he discovers that because of his dark hair and eyes, he has been chosen as the next Maou (Demon King). As the sovereign of the Mazoku (Demon tribe), Yuuri must navigate the difficulties of ruling a group that coexists with humans but is plagued by ongoing friction. His merciful disposition, strong sense of fairness, and dislike of conflict make him an atypical ruler in a society teetering on the edge of war. Yuuri must acclimate to the new world's traditions and political intricacies while working to become a competent Maou, all as tensions between humans and demons escalate.

Inariya-sensei has described it as a blend of fantasy and military themes. It features dragons and may involve time travel. So far, it appears lighter than her typical work, but it still seems to ultimately center on love and war and how poorly they mix.

Ralph has the ability to see angels and demons. At the age of five, he encountered the winged demon Valafar and was utterly enchanted by him. In order to make his wish—to live with Valafar—come true, Ralph formed a pact with the demon. The pact requires seven years to pass and two conditions to be fulfilled. Can the older Ralph sever his ties with humanity and complete the pact? This edition includes seven chapters that were not collected in the print release, an extra chapter, and the one-shot "Kurokami no Eckbert (黒髪のエックベルト)," which appeared in Patsy Special Issue (Winter 1996).

Guts, once known as the Black Swordsman and a mercenary, pursues a path of vengeance. After enduring a brutal childhood, he finds someone he can trust and respect, but that bond is shattered when that person betrays him, stripping away everything precious to him in pursuit of their own ambitions. Now marked for death, Guts faces unrelenting persecution from dark forces. Driven by a grim and tragic mission, wielding immense strength and a colossal sword, he pushes forward undeterred by any obstacle, even death itself, until he can confront the one who stole his and his lover's humanity. This synopsis also includes a one-shot titled "Berserk: The Prototype," featured in Volume 14.

In a world where alchemists can alter and transform matter through their expertise, these practitioners are esteemed for their knowledge and abilities. Yet, despite alchemy's immense power, it cannot accomplish everything—especially human transmutation, which is forbidden due to its severe repercussions. Disregarding these warnings, the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life through human transmutation. The attempt ends in catastrophe: Edward loses his left leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate move, Edward sacrifices his own right arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. Time passes, and the two brothers set out on a journey across the nation in search of the Philosopher's Stone, hoping to regain their original bodies. Their quest, however, reveals far darker truths than they ever anticipated.

For years, Twenty-Fifth Bam lived a solitary life until he met Rachel. With her decision to climb the Tower firmly set, Rachel prepares to leave Bam behind to chase her ambition. Following Rachel through a radiant barrier, Bam begins his journey to ascend the Tower, driven by his wish to reunite with her. The Tower, however, is a treacherous realm filled with ancient mysteries, formidable creatures, and hostile individuals. Each floor is overseen by an Administrator who imposes rigorous trials on those brave enough to face them, pushing their limits to the extreme. When confronting Headon, the Administrator of the first floor, Bam learns he is classified as an "Irregular"—someone who entered the Tower without being chosen by it, an exceptionally rare occurrence. Even with this revelation, Bam's path forward remains unwavering. Whether it be riches, strength, fame, or reunion with Rachel, the summit of the Tower promises to fulfill every desire.

In the depths of the unfathomably deep Abyss, one girl and a mysterious robot embark on a perilous journey to unravel its secrets. Orth, a town constructed around the edge of the immense Abyss, thrives on the tales of those who dare to explore its uncharted territories, known as Cave Raiders. Among the town's residents is Riko, a young girl whose mother, a legendary Cave Raider, disappeared on an expedition years ago. Riko's destiny shifts when she discovers Reg, an enigmatic robot seemingly originating from the Abyss itself. Believing Reg to be a message from her lost mother, Riko decides to venture into the Abyss with Reg, ready to confront the myriad dangers that await them.

With the Demon King finally vanquished, the victorious hero party gathers one last time before going their separate ways. A decade of adventure has bonded mage Frieren, hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen, but as they prepare to part, Frieren—being an elf—must face the painful reality of watching her friends grow old and die due to the vast difference in elven lifespans. Before his passing, Heiter entrusts a young human mage apprentice named Fern into Frieren’s care. Driven by her enduring passion for collecting all kinds of magical spells, Frieren sets out with Fern on a journey to revisit the places where the heroes once fought. Along the way, Frieren struggles with regret over the chances she missed to build deeper bonds with her late companions.

Long ago, six meteorites struck Earth, creating six moons and leaving only a single island intact. Those who failed to reach this island were submerged in the ocean and, over immense spans of time, transformed into crystals. Eventually, 28 of these crystalline beings, called the Lustrous, emerged to live on the island. Guided by the wise Kongou-sensei, they defend themselves against the relentless Lunarians, moon-dwellers who seek to use the gems' bodies for weapons and ornaments. The story focuses on Phosphophyllite, a gem nearly three centuries old. Known for being clumsy, extremely fragile, and lacking any notable abilities, Phosphophyllite is among the weakest of the Lustrous, struggling to make a meaningful impact in the battles against the Lunarian invaders. However, as the conflict continues, Phosphophyllite discovers that strength often comes with a heavy price that no one should have to bear.

In "Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign," Yuuichirou Amane loses his parents at age eight and is raised at the Hyakuya Orphanage, where he struggles to connect with his new "family." His difficulties intensify when a global pandemic kills everyone over 13, causing previously hidden vampires to rise and enslave the remaining humans for their blood. Four years into this new reality, Yuuichirou has adapted to life under vampire rule but remains determined to destroy them and end their oppression. This goal often conflicts with Mikaela Hyakuya, another orphan who advocates for survival through cunning and adaptability. Mikaela, having gained the trust of influential vampires, gathers secret information and plans a daring escape. During the attempt, the group is ambushed by vampire official Ferid Bathory, leading to a massacre. Yuuichirou alone escapes to the surface, where he meets the Moon Demon Company, a military force dedicated to vampire extermination. Seeing a chance to fulfill his mission and avenge his family, Yuuichirou eagerly joins their ranks.

A twenty-year-old otaku named Naofumi Iwatani is suddenly whisked away to the fantasy kingdom of Melromarc. Brought before the King, Naofumi and three other summoned individuals discover that they are the Four Cardinal Heroes, chosen to defeat the destructive "Waves of Catastrophe." Naofumi, however, is handed nothing but a humble shield and labeled the "Shield Hero," the weakest of the four heroes. Because of his perceived uselessness, none of the kingdom's mercenaries are willing to assist him—except for the nation's beautiful princess, Malty Melromarc. Yet the very next morning, Naofumi wakes up to find all his belongings stolen and himself falsely accused of rape by Malty. As a Cardinal Hero, Naofumi is spared execution, but his fabricated crimes are broadcast to the public. Struggling to find any kindness, Naofumi purchases a demi-human slave girl named Raphtalia to help him, then sets out on a dangerous quest to exact revenge on those who wronged him, uncovering the mysteries of this new world as he goes.

Chise Hatori has always been able to see supernatural beings, but that ability has never brought her happiness. Abandoned by her parents, she endures a harsh life and eventually decides to sell herself at a slave market in hopes of finding a place to belong. There, she is offered as a rare "Sleigh Beggy," someone with extraordinary magical sensitivity. Her last hope is Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious magician who appears more creature than human. Instead of making her a slave, he chooses to take her in as both his apprentice and his bride. Taken to Elias's home in the English countryside, Chise enters a world where fairies and dragons live alongside humans. But she soon realizes that her new life brings fears as well as wonders. At the center of it all is the unsettling question of whether she has fallen into the hands of something even more dangerous than the hardships she left behind.

Exiting a convenience store, Subaru Natsuki finds himself in a lively town inhabited by both humans and demi-humans, where dragons and carriages serve as modes of transport. Realizing this is not modern-day Japan, Subaru assumes he’s now a protagonist in a fantasy world with immense magical abilities. His hopes are soon dashed when he encounters a group of attackers. A silver-haired beauty named Satella comes to his rescue while looking for her lost insignia. Feeling indebted, Subaru decides to help Satella in her search, leading them to a pawn shop. Expecting to recover the insignia, they instead face a deadly encounter with an assassin, resulting in their demise. Miraculously, Subaru doesn’t find himself in the afterlife but instead returns to the same spot in broad daylight, as though nothing had happened. Thus, his existence in this alternate world begins anew, a mystery he must unravel.

In "Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNICL," kind-hearted Syaoran is a close friend of Sakura, the princess of the Clow Kingdom who possesses the extraordinary ability to reshape reality. When a shadowy figure attempts to seize control of Sakura's powers, her memories scatter into various dimensions as feathers. To rescue her, Syaoran seeks help from the Dimensional Witch and joins forces with two other wanderers—Kurogane and Fai D. Flourite. Kurogane, an expelled ninja with exceptional fighting skills, longs to return to his homeland. Meanwhile, Fai, a sorcerer from Celes, aims to travel through different dimensions to escape his troubled past. To cross dimensions, each of the trio must sacrifice something precious. Syaoran agrees to give up his bond with Sakura as the price to the Dimensional Witch. United in purpose, Syaoran, Kurogane, and Fai embark on a quest across numerous worlds, confronting their destined challenges.

In the kingdom of Tanbarun, Shirayuki, a renowned herbalist, catches the unwanted attention of the conceited prince Raji Shenazard because of her striking red hair. Faced with the unpleasant proposition of becoming his concubine, she decides to cut her hair and flees the country under the cover of night. During her escape through the woods, she encounters Zen Wistalia, the prince of the neighboring nation Clarines. After Zen consumes a poisoned apple sent by Raji to lure Shirayuki back, she swiftly employs her expertise in herbs to save him. With Zen and his allies Kiki and Mitsuhide by her side, Shirayuki journeys to Clarines, aspiring to establish herself as a court apothecary. As her sentiments towards Zen deepen beyond simple camaraderie, they both must address the challenges posed by their differing statuses while pursuing their own aspirations. Additional one-shots included: Volume 1: Hachigatsu no Shikisai (Colorful Seasons of August) Volume 2: Bokura wo Tsunaide. (Connect Us) Volume 13: Shizuku no Saki ni (Beyond the Drops) Volume 14: Natsuyasumi 00-nichime (00 Days of Summer Vacation)

A haunting melody lingers in Mafuyu Satou's mind, repeating through a guitar with sorrow and longing. His distant demeanor hides the depth of his emotions from those nearby. An unexpected meeting with classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama could become the key for Mafuyu to express his inner voice. Uenoyama plays in a band featuring soft-spoken bassist Haruki Nakayama and rugged drummer Akihiko Kaji. Though lacking a vocalist, the group performs instrumentally. Their prospects for growth brighten when Uenoyama is captivated by Mafuyu's singing ability and invites him to join their ranks. Band life brings challenges where emotions can strengthen or strain relationships. With Uenoyama's encouragement, Mafuyu may find a way to release the feelings trapped within his soul.