Manga Like Footsteps in the Snow

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 Vinland Saga, Thorfinn, the son of a legendary Viking warrior, becomes a formidable fighter in the mercenary group led by the cunning Askeladd. Though still young, Thorfinn stands out not for greed but for his desire for revenge against Askeladd for a devastating act that destroyed his family. Unable to defeat Askeladd yet unwilling to abandon his vendetta, Thorfinn spends his youth among the war-hungry Danes, honing his combat skills on battlefields where death is often treated as mere entertainment. When news reaches Askeladd that Danish Prince Canute has been captured, he sets in motion a complex scheme that could decide the future king of England and profoundly affect the lives of Thorfinn, Canute, and himself. Set in 11th-century Europe, Vinland Saga unfolds a violent story in an era of relentless bloodshed, chaos, and cruelty, offering a haven for those who thrive on conflict and a living nightmare for everyone else.

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.

In a world devastated by war, a young boy travels along a desolate road after losing his mother. He sees the brutal realities of conflict—military tanks, fallen soldiers, and his beloved city reduced to rubble. Despite his grief, he continues onward. One morning, while resting in an abandoned bus, he meets a girl. Shortly after their encounter, the area becomes the scene of a violent battle, forcing them to flee into a forgotten alleyway. Bound by their situation, they choose to journey together toward the road's end, starting a bond that may bring back hope to their otherwise hopeless lives.

In "To Your Eternity," an immortal being without a name, emotions, or a fixed form, referred to simply as It, is sent to Earth. Starting as a sphere, It transforms into a rock and then into moss as winter arrives. A lone, injured wolf later dies near It, allowing It to take the wolf's shape and gain consciousness. Traveling through the barren landscape, It meets a young boy living alone in an abandoned village. The area was once populated but left behind by adults who went in search of a legendary paradise beyond the vast frozen plains. Their journey failed, leaving the boy gravely sick. Assuming the boy's form, It begins an endless journey to discover new experiences, places, and relationships with others.

In feudal Japan, Manji is a feared swordsman known as the "Hundred Man Killer" for his past slaughter of one hundred innocent people. His most chilling trait is his invincibility—an eternal life granted by the eight-hundred-year-old nun Yaobikuni, who implanted bloodworms in his body that can heal nearly any wound. Driven by a desire to atone for his past deeds, Manji vows to eliminate one thousand wicked men. Yaobikuni agrees, promising to lift his curse of immortality if he completes this task. Soon after, Manji meets Rin Asano, a sixteen-year-old girl who begs for his help in avenging her parents' death. Initially, Manji refuses Rin's request. However, seeing her vulnerability, he changes his mind and commits to protecting her for four years. With this agreement, they set out on a dangerous journey marked by violence, revenge, and penance, each pursuing their own goals.

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.

Kraft Lawrence, a wandering merchant who travels alone, sees his usual routine of trading and travel change when he finds a naked girl with wolf-like features named Holo sleeping in his cart. Holo says she is a local harvest deity who people revere, but she has become tired of being the God of Good Harvest after giving the village plentiful crops every year while they did not appreciate her. She makes an agreement with Lawrence: if he helps her get away from the villagers, she will assist him with his business. As they go together to different towns, Lawrence finds out both the good things and the hard parts of being with a proud and clever wolf goddess.

Ash Lynx, a strikingly handsome young man raised under the thumb of the powerful mafia boss Dino "Papa" Golzine, has grown from a mere plaything into the unyielding leader of his own gang. Once a tool for Golzine's amusement, Ash has broken away to carve his own path, wielding ironclad control over his criminal domain. Eiji Okumura, a young photographer from Japan, arrives in New York to document the lives of street children. There, he encounters Ash, the teenage gang leader, and finds himself captivated by the enigmatic youth, while Ash is equally intrigued by Eiji's unique outlook on life. The story unfolds across the shadowy streets of New York, where a series of brutal murders all bear the cryptic mark of "Banana Fish." With their own fates tied to this mysterious phrase, Ash, Eiji, and their allies are thrust into a perilous mission to uncover the truth behind "Banana Fish," tracing its origins and seeking a way to dismantle it before chaos consumes them all.

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.

Futaba Okeya is a 14-year-old boy who can see ghosts and always keeps a prominent birthmark on his left cheek hidden under a bandage. One day, a new student named Kouko Ishigami joins his class, marked by a scar on her forehead and followed by the spirit of a tall, friendly man. Futaba feels an instant attraction to Kouko, thinking it might be love at first sight. After a disturbing dream about her, he wakes up crying and senses a deep familiarity, which drives him to try to befriend her. However, a series of events leads Futaba to reveal his birthmark to Kouko, causing her to declare him her eternal enemy. Enraged, Kouko explains that they are connected through reincarnation, and the birthmark is a curse she placed on him in a past life to identify and ultimately defeat him. Kouko then summons a flaming circular device called the "spirit circle" and attacks Futaba, sending him tumbling down a staircase into the memories of one of his former lives. The story of Spirit Circle follows Futaba as he journeys through his various past lives, gradually uncovering the truth behind his conflict with Kouko.

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 the land of Jushin, secret operatives known as the amen osa (referred to as angyō onshi in the original Japanese) worked in the shadows across the realm. Appointed by the king, their mission was to expose and discipline dishonest officials, upholding fairness for the citizens.

After a prophecy foretells the Tang Dynasty's downfall, the crown prince Li and his family, including his wife and sons, are killed in a coup orchestrated by his own brother. Only his daughter, Princess Yongning, survives, though she is also reported dead alongside her family. Driven by a thirst for revenge, she adopts the identity of a young man named Li Chang Ge and travels to Shou province to carry out her plans. With her sharp mind, Li Chang Ge earns the trust of the Shou emperor and quickly rises through the military ranks, distinguished by her tactical brilliance. "Song of the Long March" tells the thrilling story of this determined young woman's journey through adolescence, marked by numerous unexpected adventures, steadfast friendships, and formidable enemies.

Julian sneaks onto a slave vessel, beginning a journey to the expansive continent with a hundred other prisoners, all longing for freedom—until...?! Accompany him on this groundbreaking adventure through a gripping dark fantasy story.

In the vibrant 1920s of America, a time of peace and hope following the Great War, a sinister force threatens to disrupt this tranquility. Sister Rosette Christopher, an exorcist for the Magdala Order, is tasked with battling the demons that emerge and cause chaos. Alongside her is Chrno, and together they frequently find themselves creating more havoc than the demons they aim to vanquish. During a specific mission, they encounter a young girl named Azmaria, known for her enchanting voice, who is in danger from her own stepfather. As Rosette and Chrno strive to protect her, deeper insights into their connection come to light, revealing there is more to their partnership than initially apparent.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event at the close of the 21st century, Japan has been reduced to a barren wasteland, halting all further progress of civilization. The current regime is ruled by an emperor and his four sons, who impose a harsh tyranny over the people. It is believed that only a "Child of Destiny" will possess the power to liberate Japan from the imperial family's oppression. Sarasa is the twin sister of Tatara, who is destined to become this Child of Destiny. Though she lives in her brother's shadow, she devotes herself to supporting him. Tragedy strikes when the Red King, the emperor's youngest son, attacks her village, resulting in Tatara's brutal death. To protect her fellow villagers, Sarasa assumes her brother's identity as the Child of Destiny and vows to seek vengeance against the Red King. This drastic change takes a toll on Sarasa's health, prompting her to visit a hot spring for recovery. During her stay, she meets Shuri, a captivating yet mysterious youth. Shuri is drawn to Sarasa because of how differently she treats him compared to others, while Sarasa finds herself increasingly preoccupied with thoughts of him. This unexpected encounter sets the stage for a destiny intertwined with warfare, resentment, and affection.

In her final memory, Natsu Iwashimizu shares cherished meals with her family. However, upon waking, she discovers she's on a sinking ship, saved by three unfamiliar faces: Arashi Aota, whose kindness is matched only by his short fuse; Semimaru Asai, who teases Natsu's shy demeanor; and Botan Saotome, a skilled individual who grasps the gravity of their situation. Together, they manage to escape and navigate towards a deserted island. Unbeknownst to them, this enigmatic land is actually post-apocalyptic Japan. A meteorite impact has eradicated human life and transformed the planet's ecosystem. To repopulate the earth, the government initiated the "7 Seeds" program, sending five teams—Spring, Summer A, Summer B, Autumn, and Winter—each comprising seven resilient youth and a guide. Natsu and her crew belong to Summer B, deemed social outliers. Their survival hinges on finding one of seven government shelters for supplies. In a perilous, alien world devoid of familiar support, the quartet must learn to work together to endure.

In "Red River," Yuri, an ordinary modern-day teenager, is abruptly transported to the ancient Hittite empire in Anatolia. There, she becomes the target of a ruthless queen who plans to use her as a sacrificial pawn to eliminate all other heirs and secure the throne for her own son. Fortunately, Prince Kail rescues Yuri at the last moment. He vows to help her return home, but their efforts are repeatedly hindered by the queen's relentless schemes against them, as well as the growing romance between Yuri and Kail. Additional content includes the one-shot titled "Volume 28: Orontes Renka."

During a trip to the National Library, middle schoolers Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo get drawn into "The Universe of The Four Gods," an old Chinese book. Miaka becomes the chosen priestess of Suzaku and needs to collect her celestial warriors to call forth the god and get three wishes. At the same time, Yui is forced to be Seiryuu's priestess by the enemy country that follows Seiryuu. Once close friends, they are now pitted against each other, caught up in a drawn-out fight to summon their gods and make their wishes come true.

Haruhiro awakens in total darkness, unable to remember how he arrived or where he is. Others beside him recall little more than their own names. When they emerge from underground, they find a world that resembles a video game. To survive, Haruhiro forms a group with others in the same situation, learns Skills, and becomes a Trainee Volunteer Soldier in the land of Grimgar. What lies ahead is unknown. This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes.