Manga Like Spiral: Bonds of Reasoning

In 1999, a massive meteorite impact on Antarctica melted the ice sheets, causing global sea levels to rise dramatically and altering the world's climate, resulting in the deaths of over half of Earth's population. By 2015, the remaining human civilization faces new threats from mysterious beings called Angels—creatures of unknown origin that relentlessly destroy what is left of the world. Shinji Ikari, a 14-year-old boy, arrives in the fortified city of Tokyo-3, destined to fight these Angels. Recruited by his father's secret organization, NERV, Shinji is tasked with piloting an Evangelion, a colossal bio-mechanical robot built to battle the Angels. Bearing the burden of saving the world, Shinji must find the courage and resolve to protect both the future and himself. However, as the frequency of conflicts between Evangelions and Angels increases, the grim truth about their world slowly comes to light.

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."

Eiji Urashima, an ordinary university student, spends his days drinking with friends and longing for a girlfriend. One night, after a heavy drinking session, he returns home and falls asleep. When he wakes up, Kyouka Yukimura, a beautiful girl from his campus, is lying next to him, insisting they are in a relationship. Bewildered and unable to recall how this happened, Eiji decides to go along with it. But things grow stranger when he notices gaps in his memory. While chatting with his friend Kashiwagi, he asks if it’s the 24th, only to be told it’s actually the 27th. Three days are missing from his recollection, and Eiji struggles to understand what occurred. The situation escalates when a journalist reveals a dark secret to Kyouka—Eiji is the son of a notorious serial killer. As his world unravels, Eiji sets out to uncover the truth behind the lost days and seek Kyouka’s acceptance of his troubled past.

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 a bleak future, a controversial law known as the National Welfare Act compels citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 to sacrifice their lives for the nation. One day prior to their demise, these selected individuals are informed via "Ikigami" messages delivered by government officials. The sole rationale provided by the government for this law is to foster a deeper respect for life among its populace. Kengo Fujimoto, a recent recruit as an Ikigami messenger, harbors reservations about the law but keeps his thoughts hidden to evade the watchful eye of the national police. Kengo hopes that through the process of delivering these fatal notifications, he can clarify his personal views on the matter. "Ikigami" explores the diverse reactions of those who learn of their impending death, ranging from acts of compassion to emotionally-driven transgressions. These individuals' decisions and actions deeply influence those around them and ultimately shape Kengo's perspective on the law.

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.

The period of logical arguments and magical spectacles has come to an end; the truth concerning Beatrice, the Golden Witch, is about to be revealed. To aid in this disclosure, the game master Bernkastel summons the Mage-Hunter Will Wright to take part in her game and solve the riddle of who killed Beatrice. Will is accompanied by Lion Ushiromiya, Krauss’s firstborn and legitimate successor, whose motives are not yet clear. Through Will’s inquiry, he links unresolved elements from earlier games, uncovering strands of reality as he revisits Kinzou’s first meeting with the youthful Beatrice and explores the stories that have grown up around her.

In "Gambling Emperor Legend Zero," Ukai Zero saves three struggling teenagers from a suicide website and forms a team of modern-day Robin Hoods with them. Their plans are interrupted when one of Zero's allies is kidnapped by a group they have previously fought. To free their friend, Zero must enter a high-stakes gambling tournament organized by a wealthy and corrupt old man seeking a skilled gambler to represent him. The top prize of the contest is an immense one trillion yen.

Following the death of their parents, the twin sisters discover their vast inheritance has been taken by their wicked stepmother. Her three sons share a peculiar connection with their non-biological sisters. In the grand old mansion, a tangled web of affection and hostility develops. This story weaves a tale of romance and retribution.

Long ago, humanoid creatures called Titans appeared, threatening humanity with their immense size and appetite for human flesh. To survive, humans built massive walls, creating a safe world within their confines. In this isolated world, peace has lasted for years, with no Titan attacks seen. Three young friends—Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert—dream of exploring the world beyond the walls, inspired by tales of the unknown. Their dreams are destroyed when a colossal 60-meter Titan breaches their defenses, revealing the harsh reality of their situation. Witnessing the devastation firsthand, Eren vows to eliminate all Titans, determined to reclaim freedom for humanity beyond the walls.

At Grace Field House, the orphans lead what seems like a perfect life. Despite being without parents, they live with other children and a kind "Mama" who cares for them, fostering a tight-knit family environment. All children are well-looked after, as adoption is guaranteed by the time they turn twelve. Their days consist of intensive tests followed by outdoor playtime. However, there is one strict rule: they must never leave the orphanage grounds. One day, Emma and Norman, two of the highest-performing children, venture outside the fence and discover the terrible reality of their situation. With their quick thinking, the children must unite to alter the course of their destined futures.

As the 20th century draws to a close, a growing sense of unease spreads across the globe, hinting at a major and possibly ominous turning point for the world. Kenji Endou, an ordinary convenience store manager living a mundane life, learns that an old acquaintance nicknamed "Donkey" has tragically died by their own hand. Around the same time, a new cult led by someone called "Friend" begins to attract widespread attention. Kenji starts to suspect that something dark is unfolding. Using cryptic clues left behind by his late friend, he discovers that this cult is a far greater threat than it first appeared—one that directly targets him and his childhood friends, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Only they hold the key to preventing disaster. Kenji's routine life is disrupted as he reconnects with his childhood friends. Together, they must uncover the link between their past and the cult, as the dawn of the new millennium may signal the end of the world.

In "Monster," Kenzou Tenma, a renowned Japanese neurosurgeon working in post-war Germany, faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between operating on Johan Liebert, a terminally ill orphan, or the Mayor of Düsseldorf. He opts to operate on Johan despite the risk to his career, leading to the Mayor's death. This decision results in Tenma losing his position at the hospital due to Heinemann's disapproval, and his fiancée, Heinemann's daughter Eva, breaks off their engagement. Feeling ostracized and with his career in ruins, Tenma's fortunes shift when Heinemann is found dead under mysterious circumstances, providing Tenma with a renewed opportunity. Nine years pass, and Tenma rises to become head of the surgical department, with a shot at becoming hospital director. However, his success is marred by a string of brutal killings throughout Germany. The culprit is revealed to be none other than Johan Liebert, the child Tenma once saved, now transformed into a monstrous figure.

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.

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.

Seon Jin endures constant bullying at school because of his reserved personality and weak physique. Yet his greatest terror originates from his own father. To outsiders, Jin's father seems like a prosperous entrepreneur, a committed charity worker, and a caring family man. In truth, he is a psychotic murderer, and Jin is compelled to assist him. They successfully avoid police suspicion. When the father sets his sights on the fresh arrival, Yoon Kyun, Jin faces a decision: remain a silent accessory or oppose his father and gamble everything to rescue her from sharing the destiny of earlier victims.

In the wake of the 39th Asian War, Montblanc, a revered Swiss robot celebrated for his environmental protection work, is violently killed. His death brings grief to humans and robots worldwide, as Montblanc had become even more beloved after the war. Gesicht, a robotic detective with Europol and a fellow war veteran, is assigned to investigate Montblanc's murder. As he probes the case, he finds evidence pointing to a mysterious figure called "Pluto" and uncovers a conspiracy targeting the eight elite war robots operating around the globe. Racing against time to protect the remaining robots, Gesicht struggles with his own memories, ethical questions, and a society filled with hostility, while trying to maintain the fragile balance between humans and their mechanical counterparts.

Seiichi Osabe is an only child living a quiet existence, engaging in ordinary middle school routines like forming friendships and developing a romantic interest in a classmate. His parents, particularly his mother, are highly protective, causing others to perceive him as excessively reliant on her. Initially, Seiichi does not challenge his mother's behavior, but a particular event gradually exposes him to the perilous extent of her obsessive affection. As he strives to escape her control, he discovers a truth far more sinister than the ordinary life he had previously known.

College student Nao Kanzaki is known for her unwavering honesty. When she receives an unexpected package containing one hundred million yen, she unknowingly becomes a participant in the "Liar Game," a competition where players must manipulate and deceive each other to win large monetary prizes, with the penalty of lifelong debt for those who lose. Desperate and without any other options, she seeks help from a professional trickster. At the same time, Shinichi Akiyama, a cunning con artist renowned for bankrupting a major corporation, is released from jail that same day. Having studied psychology, he possesses the skills Nao needs. Though initially reluctant to take on another illegal venture, Shinichi is ultimately persuaded by Nao's earnestness and persistence to assist her. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of the Liar Game, both Nao and Shinichi uncover deeper truths about the game and its players, while also discovering their own motivations for being involved.

In the wake of Kenji Endo and his childhood friends' confrontation with the cult leader called "Friend," two puzzles stay unresolved: Friend's real identity and the accuracy of their final caution regarding an "anti-photon bomb." To reveal the truth, Kenji works with the United Nations, employing a virtual reality system built from Friend's childhood memories, bringing to a close a story that stretches across many years.

Maomao, a 17-year-old girl, is forcibly taken from her former life and assigned to serve as a low-ranking attendant in an imperial palace. Despite her circumstances, she maintains her curious and pragmatic outlook, planning to make the best of her service until it concludes. When the emperor's twin infants fall gravely ill, Maomao, drawing on her skills as a pharmacist learned in her upbringing in a destitute red-light district, decides to secretly intervene. Despite her efforts to stay anonymous, Maomao's interventions catch the eye of Jinshi, a powerful eunuch who acknowledges her talents. She is then thrust into the emperor's inner circle, where she begins to build a name for herself through her unique approach and medical acumen, solving a variety of health-related puzzles.

In "Sweet Home," Cha Hyun, a high school student who prefers being alone and playing video games, experiences a major change after losing his family in a car accident. Moving to a new apartment, he deals with money problems and annoying neighbors. But these issues become minor when he sees people around him turning into monsters, throwing the world into chaos. Hyun soon realizes he himself is starting to change into a monster, with a growing voice in his head. Running out of time, he must join forces with other residents of the building to find the cause of the transformation and fight to survive in this grim new world, while trying to keep his humanity.

Following the death of his parents, high school student Kimihiro Watanuki lives alone and possesses a unique ability to perceive supernatural beings that constantly target him. These spirits relentlessly torment him, and he longs to escape their influence. While fleeing from a group of these entities, he takes refuge in a peculiar shop where he meets Yuuko Ichihara, the shop's mysterious owner, who claims she can grant any wish at a cost. Kimihiro agrees to work for Yuuko to accumulate the payment needed for his wish. Guided by her, he must venture deeper into the world of spirits and the mystical to ultimately break free. Will he be able to navigate the strange and enigmatic experiences that await him?

After World War II ends, Japanese-American veteran Kevin Yamagata creates the successful detective comic "Billy Bat." When it gains popularity, he realizes his hero, Billy Bat, already appeared in a Japanese comic before. Concerned he may have unconsciously copied art from his time in Japan, Kevin travels there to locate the original artist and ask for permission to keep using the character. While investigating Billy Bat's real origins, Kevin uncovers a disturbing chain of murders connected to the character he believed he invented.