Manga Like Mononoke

In the shadowy backstreets of Los Angeles' Chinatown, there exists a peculiar pet shop brimming with unusual and docile creatures. The proprietor of this establishment is the cryptic youth known as Count D. Count D welcomes those seeking solace and comfort, providing "love, dreams, and hope" through the extraordinary pets in his care. Each sale involves a unique agreement and specific guidelines, though he cautions that he cannot be held accountable for breaches of these terms. Hot-headed detective Leon Orcot links multiple criminal activities to Count D and his so-called "Pet Shop of Horrors." Driven to expose the Count as a lawbreaker, Leon starts frequenting the store.

After their fierce confrontation, Battler Ushiromiya reflects on the sudden resignation of the Golden Witch Beatrice, who now appears as little more than a faint echo of her former confident self. This dramatic shift compels Battler to reexamine every detail from the first four games. Though he wishes to remain by her side, he resolves to take back control of the current situation, where Lambdadelta and Frederica Bernkastel have taken charge of the fifth game board. Following Kinzou Ushiromiya's death, Krauss Ushiromiya becomes the family head, but he faces serious financial troubles from poor investments that could lead to creditors seizing the estate. His siblings may take legal action against him under these circumstances. Natsuhi Ushiromiya, supporting her husband, seeks Beatrice's help to revive the former head of the family, hoping to hide the truth until the debts are resolved. Erika Furudo, a self-proclaimed detective, arrives on Rokkenjima Island as the family reunion begins. Welcomed as a distinguished guest, Erika quickly becomes fascinated by the ongoing discussion about the epitaph riddle. However, her relentless investigation into uncovering the hidden treasure triggers a chain of events that threatens to disrupt the Ushiromiya family's stability.

Umineko no Naku Koro ni, part of the acclaimed When They Cry series by 07th Expansion, takes place on Rokkenjima, the island estate of the wealthy Ushiromiya family. Following their yearly tradition, the family gathers to discuss each member's financial situation. With the family patriarch's health worsening, this year's meeting also addresses how his inheritance will be divided. Unknown to them, the inheritance is the least of Ushiromiya Kinzou's concerns. After learning from his longtime doctor and confidant that he is close to death, Kinzou longs to see his true love once more—the Golden Witch, Beatrice. Having delved into dark magic in his later years, Kinzou arranges a ceremony to summon Beatrice when his relatives arrive at Rokkenjima. A fierce typhoon soon traps the family on the island, leading to a series of baffling murders. The eighteen trapped individuals must now fight for survival amid a confusing conflict between the worlds of fantasy and reality.

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 "Pet Shop of Horrors: Tokyo," Count D reopens his distinctive pet shop in the lively Shinjuku district of Tokyo. For newcomers to the series, Count D's establishment offers a variety of animals, ranging from common household pets to dangerous predators and legendary creatures. The creatures bought there frequently alter their owners' lives in profound ways, either realizing their most fervent wishes or making their most terrible fears come true.

Lambdadelta takes over as Game Master following Beatrice's defeat at the end of the previous arc while Bernkastel takes primary control of the human side in the game. Battler meanwhile tries to understand the truth behind Beato's games and comes into conflict with Erika Furudo, a detective character created by Bern who approaches the island murders from a "mystery" perspective, in contrast to Battler's "anti-fantasy" stance. The chapter also has a focus on Natsuhi, who receives threatening phone calls from a "Man from 19 Years Ago".

Susumu Nakoshi, a middle-aged man living a double existence between a luxury hotel and a park where the homeless gather, meets a mysterious stranger who proposes trepanation—a surgical procedure that involves drilling a hole into the skull. The stranger insists Nakoshi is the ideal candidate for their experiment. Despite initial hesitation, Nakoshi agrees after his car is impounded, arranging for 22-year-old medical student Manabu Ito to perform the operation for 700,000 yen. At first, there seem to be no effects from the procedure, with Nakoshi showing no signs of abnormality. However, his world takes a strange turn when he begins seeing homunculi, tiny humanoid figures, inside every person he encounters. Transformed by this new perception, Nakoshi must confront the challenge of dealing with these homunculi.

In the shadowy depths of the English countryside lies the Phantomhive estate, a place notorious for its cold and merciless reputation as the "Queen's Watchdog" and the leader of London's criminal underworld. Following a tragic incident that claims the lives of the Earl and his wife, their young son, Ciel, unexpectedly assumes the role of the new Earl. Though initially perceived as merely a child with peculiar servants, it soon becomes clear that defying Ciel and his enigmatic butler, Sebastian, is unwise. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, Black Butler chronicles the duo as they navigate numerous mysteries and threats that plague England and endanger the Queen, all the while piecing together the mystery surrounding the death of Ciel's parents.

Seventeen years ago, immortal beings called Ajin, or demi-humans, first appeared on battlefields in Africa, marking a major discovery for humanity. Though the government claims they are compatible with society, rumors persist that Ajin are hunted down for cruel, secret experiments. Kei Nagai, an aloof high school student aiming to become a doctor, just wants a normal life. His world shatters when he survives a car crash that should have been fatal. After reviving, Kei is immediately identified as an Ajin due to the bounty on his head, leaving him confused by his new immortality and unable to prove his innocence. Forced to go into hiding to escape both government pursuit and public hatred, Kei is approached by a rebellious group of Ajin who urge him to fight back against human authorities. As tensions between humans and Ajin escalate, Kei must face his own loyalties and decide where his true allegiances lie.

Kazuki Hoshino values his ordinary daily life above all else. His school days are filled with easygoing moments spent with friends—until the transfer student Aine Aya arrives and shatters that peace. The moment this cold, beautiful girl appears in his classroom, she speaks to him in baffling terms: "I've come to destroy you. This is my 13,118th transfer. After going through so many, I started getting bored, so this time I'll add some fun by making a formal declaration." With these enigmatic words, Kazuki's cherished everyday life descends into chaos and dread—Aya's sudden arrival hints at hidden secrets behind his seemingly ordinary friends, including the mysterious devices known as "boxes."

In the world of "Mushishi," mushi represent the most fundamental forms of life, existing without purpose or morality, simply as they are. These entities appear in countless forms, mimicking everything from plants and illnesses to natural phenomena like rainbows. Although mushi are widespread, they remain largely unknown to most humans, leaving information about them scarce. At the heart of this mysterious phenomenon lies the central question: What are mushi, and why do they exist? This question drives Ginko, a Mushishi who studies these creatures to understand their role in the complex web of life. Ginko constantly searches for clues and accounts of mushi activity, guided by the belief that understanding mushi could reveal the deep essence of existence itself.

In "The Summer Hikaru Died," Yoshiki and Hikaru have been inseparable since childhood, as the only two children their age in a remote village. Their seemingly perfect bond takes a dark turn after one particular summer. Though the person beside Yoshiki looks exactly like his friend, he feels something is fundamentally wrong—the Hikaru he knew is gone. When Yoshiki confronts this change, Hikaru reveals a monstrous form and warns that Yoshiki must accept him or face death, all while professing his love. Heartbroken but unable to let go of his closest companion, Yoshiki struggles with his emotions as he grows closer to this transformed Hikaru. Meanwhile, the village is shaken by strange events that bring growing chaos.

In Devilman, the gentle-hearted Akira Fudou frequently finds himself at the mercy of others. Upon reuniting with his childhood friend Ryou Asuka, she reveals a startling truth: demons are real and intend to conquer Earth. Determined to help Ryou protect humanity, Akira agrees to attend the decadent and corrupt Black Sabbath event to merge with a demon. After a near-death experience, he fuses with Amon, a demon feared even by other demons, creating Devilman—a powerful entity that combines Amon's immense strength with Akira's kind heart. As Devilman, Akira uses his new abilities to fight the demonic threat, working to prevent the impending collapse of human society.

In a strange occurrence, the ghost of a young woman is discovered alone in the abandoned building of Seikyou Academy. First-year student Teiichi Niiya is the only one who can see her spirit. Resolved to solve the mystery, they set out on a quest to uncover the truth behind her death and the circumstances that preceded it.

Yuugi Mutou, a high school student frequently targeted by bullies, spends his nights absorbed in board games and puzzles within his room. His love for games stems from his grandfather, who runs the game shop where they both live. After solving the ancient Millennium Puzzle one night, Yuugi awakens a concealed, darker identity called Yami Yuugi. In moments of intense stress, Yuugi transforms into this bold and fearsome alter ego, assuming the role of a vengeful figure who challenges bullies and wrongdoers to high-stakes games, where losing brings severe repercussions. As Yuugi and his dark counterpart gain allies among those who once tormented him, they forge strong bonds with these new companions. However, the group soon faces enemies far more dangerous than school bullies—people who twist games for evil purposes, putting Yuugi and his friends' lives at risk.

In a world where most people are born with an "Iris"—a special ability often expressed through visual cues, ranging from lie detection to predicting danger—high school student Tooru Mizushima stands out as an "Iris Zero," lacking this unique power. This rarity makes him a target for bullying, leading him to maintain a quiet and inconspicuous lifestyle. His world turns upside down when Koyuki Sasamori, a popular and outgoing schoolgirl, enters his life. Koyuki possesses an Iris that enables her to identify the ideal person for any task, and she believes Tooru is the perfect match to assist her in selecting the next student council president. Initially reluctant due to his preference for solitude, Tooru is eventually persuaded by Koyuki’s relentless and optimistic approach. As he becomes entangled in various social circles and uses his sharp analytical skills to unravel mysteries, Tooru's once solitary life as an Iris Zero starts to transform.

Every year, the Ushiromiya family gathers on Rokkenjima at the request of their eccentric patriarch, Kinzou, whose health is failing. Most relatives believe his time is running out. As a fierce typhoon batters the island, tensions over inheritance and succession escalate within the family. Battler, Kinzou’s grandson, returns after six years away, expecting a peaceful reunion. Instead, Kinzou devises a peculiar game, challenging the family to find his hidden treasure, with the winner gaining control of the family. The game takes a dark turn when participants are threatened as sacrifices to revive the legendary Millennial Witch, Beatrice. Despite being a staunch skeptic, Battler must confront the possibility of supernatural forces or a murderer among them as the body count rises.

Once more, the annual Ushiromiya family reunion is held on Rokkenjima. Despite recovering from a cold, Ange Ushiromiya is overflowing with happiness at seeing her cousins again. Her grandfather is overjoyed to welcome his beloved grandchildren and decides to host a special Halloween celebration filled with treats. On the first day, by lunchtime, the aunts and uncles engage in cheerful conversation, while the cousins eagerly make plans for the afternoon. It appears to be the perfect image of a harmonious family—a stark contrast to the usual quarreling and hostility among the Ushiromiya clan. What could be causing this unexpected change?

In the secluded village of Sotoba, daily life is usually quiet. Megumi Shimizu, known for her lively personality and fashionable style, considers Sotoba a boring place and longs to escape to the city, away from the locals' traditional ways. When a new European-style mansion appears on a hill, Megumi believes its residents must be refined and interesting, so she decides to pay them a visit. However, Megumi does not return home that night. After an extensive search, she is found the next day, weak and pale, with strange puncture marks on her skin. Tragically, Megumi is only the beginning of a disturbing pattern as Sotoba sees a rising number of deaths. Village doctor Toshio Ozaki, along with priest Seishin Muroi, the reclusive Natsuno Yuuki, and the Tanaka siblings Kaori and Akira, start investigating these mysterious deaths. The horrifying truth behind this outbreak may be more than they can handle, as the dead quickly outnumber the living.

In 19th-century London, young nobleman Cain navigates the shadowy corridors of high society into which he was born. Following his father's sudden death, he becomes Earl and takes on the responsibilities of the Hargreaves family, which is steeped in dark lore. With his loyal servant Riff and his ten-year-old half-sister Mary Weather, Cain investigates the eerie series of crimes that seem to pursue him relentlessly. Includes the one-shot: Volume 5: Nichiyoubi no Solomon Grundy.

In the series Shinrei Tantei Yakumo, the story centers on Saitou Yakumo, a college student who possesses eyes of different colors. His red left eye grants him the ability to perceive ghosts and spirits. Yakumo believes these spectral entities remain tied to the mortal world because of a specific "cause," and resolving that cause can release their souls. The narrative begins when Ozawa Haruka approaches him for help, prompting the two to collaborate on investigations together.

In "After School Nightmare," Mashiro Ichijou is a popular and handsome high school student who has always lived as male. But internally, Mashiro resents his partially female body, a secret he keeps hidden while struggling with his own insecurities. One day, a nurse he has never seen before directs Mashiro to a strange infirmary that has appeared in the school's basement. Unbeknownst to him, entering this mysterious room marks the start of an irreversible change. As Mashiro searches for his true identity, he wrestles with inner turmoil and keeps his secret from his classmates. Gradually, the harsh truths of a deceptive and nightmarish world are exposed, where darkness taints even the brightest moments.

In Umineko When They Cry Episode 2: Turn of the Golden Witch, Shannon works as a maid for the eccentric Ushiromiya family, led by Kinzou. She secretly harbors feelings for his grandson, George, even though she knows such a relationship is forbidden. Her emotions intensify despite her efforts to suppress them. One night, Beatrice, the Millennial Witch of the island, sympathizes with Shannon and offers a deal: by breaking a ritual mirror that weakens Beatrice’s power, Shannon can receive the witch’s help in winning George’s love. Shannon eventually agrees, and she sees a marked improvement in her bond with George. Meanwhile, Kanon, another servant, suspects that Beatrice may be manipulating Shannon. Believing that as mere “furniture,” they have no right to experience human emotions like love, Kanon is taken aback when Jessica, Kinzou’s granddaughter, confesses her affection for him. He begins to reflect on his own feelings toward her. However, the arrival of the rest of the Ushiromiya family for their annual gathering complicates matters. Beatrice sets up a contest to find Kinzou’s hidden gold, with the winner set to inherit control of the family. The competition escalates from a strange game into a terrifying ordeal where lives are at stake. Can Shannon and Kanon protect those they hold dear?

In "Vassalord," Charley, a cyborg vampire, executes the Vatican's secret missions under the direction of Johnny Rayflo, a dissolute vampire. Their relationship is defined by both strife and cooperation, resulting in a blend of comedy, violence, and blasphemous deeds. Battling his unquenchable thirst for blood, Charley confronts a young vampire princess, a dubious faction of the Unitarian Church, and even his own master. The release additionally features the self-contained story "Volume 2: Zoul Half."