Manga Like Running on Empty

A melody lingers in Mafuyu Satou's mind. As he holds a guitar, that tune circles endlessly, crying out with regret, longing, and loss. Yet his distant, dreamy expression hides his true emotions from everyone. A chance meeting with classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama might finally give Mafuyu the encouragement to make his voice heard. Uenoyama plays guitar for a band whose members also include gentle bassist Haruki Nakayama and rough-looking drummer Akihiko Kaji. Without a singer, their makeshift group has managed as an instrumental-only act. But their opportunity to climb higher might come when Uenoyama hears Mafuyu's singing—captivated, he invites the hesitant Mafuyu to join. Working in a band is no easy feat; emotions often threaten to tear it apart, yet they can also draw its members closer. With Uenoyama's support, Mafuyu may finally find a way to express the feelings struggling to escape from within his heart.

First-year high school student Touji Seryou needs only seven days to decide if he can love someone. He is notorious at school: whoever asks him out on Monday becomes his partner for the week, and by Sunday he breaks up with them, stating he cannot return their feelings. Yet girls keep approaching him, because during that one week, Seryou treats them with genuine devotion. Yuzuru Shino is a handsome senior in the archery club who is always dumped once others discover his disagreeable personality. After hearing rumors about Seryou, Yuzuru happens to meet him at the school gates and jokingly asks him out. To his surprise, Seryou takes the offer seriously. What will happen during their week-long relationship?

Hikaru Kusakabe is a typical teenager—he plays in a band, smokes, goes to parties, and lives his youth to the fullest. His classmate Rihito Sajou is the exact opposite: an honor student who always ranks first in class and got a perfect score on his high school entrance exam. While rehearsing for a chorus festival, Kusakabe notices that Sajou isn't singing and offers to help him practice. They begin meeting every day after class to train. Despite their completely different personalities, the two boys start growing closer and developing feelings for each other. With the pressure of their final year of high school, students face the looming decision of their futures. Along the way, these two boys must learn to understand their own emotions while supporting each other and growing together.

Mild-mannered high schooler Yoshikazu Miyano has a hobby of reading boys-love manga. One day, he finds himself caught in a situation where a fierce school fight breaks out, unsure how to intervene. Just as things threaten to escalate, upperclassman Shuumei Sasaki steps in, boldly taking charge and saving Miyano from his distress. Since then, Miyano has silently admired him. But after three months, Miyano begins to find Sasaki more annoying than admirable. At school, Sasaki greets him with playful teasing and frequent friendly physical contact. When Sasaki asks for manga suggestions, Miyano lends him one of his boys-love comics. To Miyano's surprise, Sasaki enjoys it and becomes a fan of boys-love himself, sparking a shared interest. Could this lead to something deeper?

Okuto Nakamura is a shy and gloomy-looking student who treasures only two things in life: his pet octopus and his warm-hearted classmate, Aiki Hirose. Ever since the school entrance ceremony, Nakamura has adored his cheerful classmate, though he keeps his distance due to his poor social abilities. After summoning every bit of courage he has, he finally works up the nerve to speak to Hirose. In that first attempt at making contact, a reflexive blunder turns the prospect of friendship into a far-off fantasy, as he leaves an absurd impression on his crush. At school, students are expected to work together on many activities, which gives Nakamura extra time with Hirose. Given these chances, can he successfully make up for his mistake and reach his goal of becoming close friends with Hirose?

Kouhei Sugihara lives isolated from the world because of his hearing impairment. When the outgoing and energetic Taichi Sagawa enters his life, Kouhei realizes that Taichi's voice shines as brightly as the sun. Often misunderstood by others, Taichi is surprised when Kouhei sees his genuine, kind-hearted nature. Taichi's bold personality pushes Kouhei to demand more from himself, drawing him into the vibrant social world he always longed to be part of. Through this, Taichi helps Kouhei find a community of people willing to listen and understand him, even if they have to repeat themselves occasionally. Navigating the challenges of living in two very different worlds, Taichi and Kouhei discover a connection that goes beyond ordinary friendship and overcomes every barrier. Hidamari ga Kikoeru is a moving story about isolation, self-respect, and finding bonds through the common experiences that unite all people.

Yu Yang is a second-year university student who comes across as dependable and friendly. At the start of the new semester, he is assigned to help orient every freshman he encounters around campus. This duty eventually introduces him to Li Huan, a new student whose height is quite imposing. In addition to his intimidating build, Li Huan is quiet, distant, and frequently gives Yu Yang the cold shoulder. Having only tried to help him, Yu Yang quickly becomes annoyed by this behavior. Yet, despite his first impressions, Yu Yang believes that his unexpected meeting with Li Huan will change how he sees the future—and possibly his views on love as well.

Taiga Hirasawa has always dreamed of becoming a hero straight out of a movie, but he never knew who would fill the role of the heroine. On his first day of high school, he notices "Maria," the shining star of the drama club. Elegant and enigmatic, Maria captures everyone's admiration. Taiga quickly confesses his feelings, only to discover that Maria is actually Yuu Arima, a male classmate. Despite this, Taiga finds himself fascinated by Arima's unpredictable nature, which hides a troubled past that still haunts him. Regardless of gender, Taiga is determined to uncover the real person behind the name "Arima."

Aoyagi Ritsuka is a sixth grader burdened by a troubled life. Two years ago, he lost his memories under mysterious circumstances and developed a second personality. His mother constantly berates him—and sometimes hits him—demanding to know what happened to the "real" Ritsuka. The only person who defended him and understood him, his older brother Seimei, was recently murdered. Then a man named Soubi appears, claiming to have been Seimei's friend. Soubi reveals that Ritsuka's true name is "Loveless" and that Seimei assigned him to watch over and protect Ritsuka. Before long, Ritsuka is drawn into a strange secret world where pairs of people—a "Fighter Unit" and a "Sacrifice"—fight using elaborate, beautifully spoken spells. Ritsuka struggles to accept himself and searches for the truth about who killed his brother—and why.

Now that their relationship has officially started, Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana head to Tokyo. The city feels worlds apart from the quiet coastal town where they first met—a sprawling metropolis filled with all kinds of people living their daily lives. Still, openly being in a same-sex relationship is far from simple in a society that rejects those who defy conventional norms. Their destination is Shun’s childhood home, the place he fled years ago after revealing his sexuality. Nearly everything stirs nostalgia: the same dog, the same rooftop, though a loud younger brother catches him off guard. Shun’s mother hopes they will stay, but his father remains emotionally distant from his son. As they reconnect with old family friends and settle into their new surroundings, Shun and Mio confront what feels like an overwhelming task—making peace with their own histories.

Despite their differing levels of popularity, high school students Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda are close friends. Saeki is the most attractive boy in their year, and he constantly turns down the girls who confess to him, saying he already has a crush on someone. They share a common interest in watching films, heading to the cinema a few times each month and taking turns picking which movie to see. One day after a movie, Saeki confesses his feelings to Wataru, but tells him he doesn't have to accept or return them. Instead, Saeki proposes that they spend the summer traveling to the real locations where various films were shot. Although Wataru tries to act unfazed after the confession, he starts to wonder about his true feelings for Saeki as they grow closer through this small promise.

On a rooftop, a confession unfolds between two boys, but things aren't what they appear. Kind-hearted Souta Aoki has fallen for the sweet smile and gentle gestures of his female crush, Mio Hashimoto. So he's crushed when she lends him an eraser with another classmate's name—Ida—engraved on it. When Kousuke Ida spots his own name on the eraser, he mistakenly believes Aoki has feelings for him. Aoki struggles to untangle the misunderstanding alone without revealing that Hashimoto actually likes Ida. Genuine and forced affections blur together in this heart-racing love triangle of first crushes.

During a summer visit with his mother, Haru meets Ren, a boy who has just been adopted by her. Getting along with Ren proves difficult because Haru's aim is to "civilize" him before the summer ends. As Haru spends more time with Ren, their bond gradually strengthens, and Ren slowly becomes more open to him. Will they be able to form a true "family" by the end of summer?

Once the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was known for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of devotion and noble actions allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise can also fall—and fall he does, repeatedly cast out from the heavens and banished to the mortal realm. Eight hundred years after his mortal existence, Xie Lian ascends to godhood for a third time. Now merely a lowly scrap collector, he is sent to roam the earthly realm, carrying out tasks assigned by the heavens to settle debts and preserve his divinity. Supported by both old friends and former enemies, and graced by the company of a mysterious young man with whom he feels an instant bond, Xie Lian must face the terrors of his past in order to lift the curse of his present.

A hidden passion simmers beneath the surface, and a gentle touch is all Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou need to set it free. Sajou, diligent and introverted, has yet to grow comfortable with such intense emotions for Kusakabe, leaving him prone to overthinking and doubt. Meanwhile, Kusakabe, direct and daring, holds back nothing when expressing his physical affection. As Kusakabe shares his ambition of becoming a professional musician, Sajou works tirelessly toward college entrance exams. Their diverging paths cast an unspoken shadow over their relationship: with graduation approaching, the future of their romance remains uncertain. Still, their love keeps them warm through the harsh winter, offering hope that they will eventually find the answer to their shared but unclear tomorrow.

In the heart of 19th-century London, Cain, a young nobleman, treads the dimly lit lanes of the aristocratic society he was born into. Forced to become earl after his father's sudden death, he takes charge of the Hargreaves, a family burdened by a sinister history. Accompanied by his loyal servant Riff and his ten-year-old half-sister Mary Weather, Cain delves into the strange crimes that seem to trail him at every turn. Included one-shot: Volume 5: Nichiyoubi no Solomon Grundy

College student Rikiya Higuchi knows he is attracted to men but has never been in a relationship. Gathering his courage, he joins a gay dating website in search of a partner who wants a real connection. He quickly grows fond of the first person who writes to him and agrees to meet. But it’s a trap—he wakes up before a camera, about to be assaulted by his captor. Desperate to escape, he cries for help, and a figure suddenly emerges from the walls! By accident, Rikiya summons Endo Guar Adroone—a haughty high-class demon—along with his bird butler. As Endo removes Rikiya’s restraints, he declares that Rikiya is now his contractor and that he can grant any wish the unlucky student desires. Instead of asking the demon to make someone fall for him, Rikiya simply wishes to go home so both he and the demon can return to their own world. But Endo is fleeing an arranged marriage—meaning Rikiya may have to put up with the arrogant demon longer than he expected.

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was a noble Crown Prince of pure lineage, a favored child of Heaven with limitless promise. Yet after ascending to godhood and amassing tens of thousands of devotees, his fortunes took a drastic turn. He was cast down again and again, sinking to the very depths. Eight centuries later, Xie Lian ascends once more—but this time, he has no worshippers and no offerings of incense. One day, while returning from collecting scraps, he brings a mysterious young man home. That young man is none other than Hua Cheng, the Ghost King whose very name makes others tremble in fear.

Culinary student Sakai, in his second year, has always aspired to run his own small restaurant and move people with his cooking just like his grandfather once did. However, he is exhausted, collapsing in class from overwork and the three-hour daily commute to school, with no way to afford living closer—until a classmate tells him about an almost unbelievable room share opportunity nearby. Thus begins the story of four mismatched roommates.

A cyborg vampire named Charley performs the Vatican's dirty deeds while serving as the thrall of Johnny Rayflo, a playboy vampire. The pair combat crime and clash with each other, resulting in comedy, violence, and sacrilege. Charley fights his own overwhelming thirst for blood. Together, they confront a childlike vampire princess, a dubious sect of the Unitarian Church, and each other. This edition features the one-shot "Volume 2: Zoul Half."

Yutaka Hozumi has always struggled to eat around others, as people say his presence makes mealtimes dull and ruins the taste of food. One day while having lunch alone, a hungry little boy approaches him, and Yutaka gives him the onigiri from his meal. When the boy's older brother appears, Yutaka meets Tane and Minoru Ueda—siblings with a large age gap. When Yutaka encounters the brothers again, they ask to learn how to make his special rice balls; little Tane insists they were the best he had ever eaten. Giving in to Tane's adorable pleas and his own intimidation of the stern Minoru, Yutaka agrees to teach them how to cook. As lessons turn into shared meals, Yutaka and the siblings grow closer—but Tane and Minoru's tight bond stirs up painful memories for Yutaka, and there are underlying emotions in these group dinners that were not obvious at first.

In the spring of their high school years, Yuiji Hasegawa comes to believe that his gentle but reserved classmate, Yamato Yoshinaga, harbors romantic feelings for his own straight best friend, Kyousuke Hongou. When they end up in the same study group, Yuiji accidentally catches Yamato holding the hand of a sleeping Kyousuke, and the embarrassment is clear on Yamato's face after being discovered. Despite his reservations about Yamato's homosexuality, Yuiji keeps what he witnessed to himself, and this marks the start of their friendship. The two boys have very different experiences with love, yet their bond appears to deepen as they strive to understand one another. Still, the lingering question is whether their relationship could develop into something beyond friendship.

In a grim city where criminal organizations hold more power than the official government, Yukio "Yuki" Kousei and his close friend Tetsushi "Tetsu" peddle counterfeit drugs on the streets to scrape together money. But when Yuki's younger brother falls ill with a chronic condition requiring hospitalization, the pair target a safe inside the Seidoukai headquarters—a notorious yakuza syndicate—hoping to steal a large amount of untraceable cash. Their heist fails, yet Yuki catches the attention of their young boss, Kazutaka Hyodo, who offers to cover his brother's medical expenses and let the trespassing slide. However, every arrangement has a catch: Hyodo orders Yuki to visit his office alone every week without exception. With his brother's well-being at stake, Yuki agrees without hesitation and starts fulfilling his part of the bargain, even as tensions escalate between the Seidoukai and an ambitious new gang hungry for control.

Kenshirou Midou is a well-liked student with a secret: despite being male, he has always adored the art of cosmetics. To keep this hidden, only his sisters and childhood friend Hiura Mihate know about his obsession. Apart from his siblings, Hiura is Kenshirou's sole chance to pursue his potential. Kenshirou pleads with Hiura to let him practice applying makeup on him, and when Hiura finally gives in, the drastic transformation startles Kenshirou. What was once a dull, slender boy becomes a charming petite girl, and Hiura's new look stirs something in Kenshirou. Meanwhile, Hiura has harbored feelings for Kenshirou long before this dramatic change. Often watching from afar, Hiura believes a romantic relationship with him is out of reach. But with Kenshirou's unusual hobby now revealed, Hiura remains hopeful and decides to throw himself into his friend's passion. As their affection for each other grows, the pair slowly forges an unbreakable bond.