Manga Like Planetes

Fourteen-year-old Asumi Kamogawa is a petite girl who has a deep fascination with the stars and outer space. Ever since she was very young, she has been learning about the cosmos from a gentle ghost named "Lion-san," who wears a huge lion head and offers her wisdom. Despite some difficulties at home, Asumi decides to enroll at the Tokyo Space School. There, she quickly befriends several classmates: her childhood friend Shinnosuke Fuchuuya, who wears glasses and has a blunt, honest nature; Kei Oumi, a warm-hearted girl who was moved by images of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon; Marika Ukita, a reserved but beautiful girl carrying her own secrets; and Shuu Suzuki, a bold and intelligent young man with a relaxed attitude toward life. Taking place in an alternate timeline where Japan's first crewed rocket crashed in 2010, Futatsu no Spica follows the coming-of-age journey of these high school students as they strive toward the stars.

In Oval City, where robots are widespread and employed by humans for most everyday chores, Iris Rain Umbrella is an android who leads a cheerful and carefree existence looking after her owner, Dr. Wendy von Umbrella, the head of robotics research at Oval University. Wendy states that she built Iris to fill the role of her younger sister, who died in an accident and whose name and appearance the household robot carries. Iris performs maid duties in the von Umbrella mansion—shopping, cooking, and cleaning—and hopes these peaceful days never come to an end. However, this joyful life is abruptly disrupted by a series of unfortunate events. Uprooted from her home, Iris must leave her comfortable life behind and adjust to her new circumstances in order to survive.

A tale centered on two immortal children, set at the moment when all things have come to an end. There is the innocent elder sister Pi, who loves to rap, and the reserved younger brother Makki, who is always found reading by himself.

Punpun Onodera is an ordinary 11-year-old boy living in Japan. Driven by hopeless idealism and romanticism, Punpun begins to experience a subtle yet unmistakable shift toward adulthood after meeting the new girl in his class, Aiko Tanaka. The quiet boy soon learns how fragile maintaining a relationship can be, along with the overwhelming difficulties of moving from naive boyhood to a complicated adult life. When his father attacks his mother one night, Punpun realizes another truth: the people he once admired are not as impressive as he believed. As his troubles mount, Punpun's formerly shy nature turns into voluntary isolation. Rather than resolving his problems and inner turmoil, this only makes them worse, pulling him down a dark path toward maturity in this grim coming-of-age story.

As the 20th century draws to a close, people worldwide grow uneasy, sensing that the world is shifting—and likely not for the better. Kenji Endou, an ordinary convenience store manager just trying to get by, learns that an old friend nicknamed "Donkey" has suddenly died by suicide. At the same time, a new cult led by a figure called "Friend" is gaining notoriety. Kenji begins to feel that something is deeply wrong. With a few crucial clues left by his deceased friend, he realizes this cult is far more than he ever imagined—not only is this mysterious organization directly targeting him and his childhood friends, but the entire world faces a grave threat that only the friends have the key to stop. Kenji's simple life of barely scraping by is turned upside down when he reunites with his childhood friends. Together they must uncover the truth of how their past connects to the cult, as the turn of the century could mean the possible end of the world.

High school student Kei Kurono has grown distant and cynical, alienated from others due to the cruelty he sees in the world. One day, while waiting for the subway to school, his classmate Masaru Katou jumps onto the tracks to save a drunk man who has fallen. Acting on a rare impulse to help someone, Kei follows Katou into danger. Though they manage to rescue the man, both boys are struck and killed by the oncoming train. Kei awakens beside Katou in a strange apartment filled with unfamiliar people, dominated by a large black sphere with a glassy surface. He learns that everyone in the room has also recently died. Words appear on the black ball, ordering them to eliminate a bizarre creature. The sphere provides Kei and the others with powered suits and strange guns before sending them out to complete this deadly task. Though the mission proves far more dangerous than he anticipated, Kei survives. He and the other survivors are teleported back to the apartment, where the black sphere—named "Gantz" by a fellow survivor—awards them points based on their actions in combat. Despite having died earlier that day, Kei is allowed to resume his normal life, but with a condition: he can be pulled away at any moment and summoned back to the apartment, where Gantz will assign him and other recently deceased individuals new assassination targets. Katou dreads the inevitable call back to Gantz, but Kei finds purpose in carrying out these missions. Thriving in the heat of battle and gradually learning to value himself and his comrades, Kei faces increasingly dangerous monsters that start to spill over into his everyday life beyond Gantz.

The Abyss is a chasm of unfathomable depth—one girl and a robot brave its perils to uncover the truth. The town of Orth is unique, built around the rim of the vast Abyss, a marvel that has never been fully explored. Those who descend too far never return, but those daring enough to journey into its territories are called "Cave Raiders" and are revered as legends. In this town lives a young girl named Riko, the daughter of one of the most renowned Cave Raiders of all time, who vanished on an expedition years ago. One day, Riko's life changes when she encounters a strange robot named Reg, who appears to come from within the Abyss. Taking this as a sign from her mother, who is trapped at the bottom of the Abyss, Riko ventures into its depths alongside Reg, prepared to face all the dangers that lie within.

In a vast steel maze filled with terrifying monsters, humanity has retreated into small, isolated communities, living in constant dread of extinction. This dystopian setting is traversed only by a mysterious young man named Killy. Armed with superhuman abilities and a rare Graviton Beam Emitter, Killy battles savage creatures and other malevolent forces as he desperately hunts for a human possessing the Net Terminal Gene—genetic code that could fix the broken world. The grim tale of Blame! follows Killy through encounters with new people, more violence, and his gradual approach to finding the Net Terminal Gene. Along the way, the true nature of this world is slowly revealed.

When the burdens of adulthood and the harsh reality of workplace harassment shatter childhood aspirations, many might long to go back to their carefree younger years for a second chance at making better choices. Stunned by the proposal laid before him, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki seeks to change his fate through an extraordinary opportunity. After returning from his part-time job, Arata is convinced by Ryou Yoake, a staff member of the ReLife Research Institute, to join an experiment designed to help him overcome his struggles and re-enter the corporate world. As part of the ReLife program, Arata's body is transformed to look like a 17-year-old, and his only task is to live through high school again for one year. Awaiting him at the end of the experiment is a job offer—the very thing he has been unable to obtain since leaving his first company. With few alternatives, he agrees to proceed. Yet, due to his adult habits and the long gap since his last formal education, Arata finds himself facing an unexpectedly tough challenge—just getting through an ordinary day of high school.

One morning, Naho Takamiya finds a letter in her mailbox that claims to be from her future self, ten years from now. The letter details a sequence of events predicted to occur that day. Initially, Naho dismisses it as a joke, but when a transfer student named Kakeru Naruse actually arrives in her class later that day as the letter foretold, she is compelled to accept its truth. As Naho reads further, her future self lists several regrets and urges her to make better choices now. These regrets all seem to revolve around Kakeru, and with the weight of knowing that he will not be present with her and their friends in the future, can Naho make the perfect decisions to change what appears to be destiny? Also includes the Haru-iro Astronaut (Spring-Colored Astronaut) series.

Ever since college, 23-year-old Meiko Inoue has felt that a demon stalks Tokyo. This presence drains her motivation, leaves her restless and nostalgic for her younger days, and makes her wonder what she really wants out of life. Surprisingly, when she brings up quitting her job to her boyfriend Naruo Taneda, he mumbles his agreement while still half-asleep. Inspired by his drowsy encouragement, Meiko hastily walks away from her old existence, hoping for a fresh start, and Taneda soon quits his own job as well. The two decide to chase the dreams they shared in college and resurrect Rotti, Taneda's former band. Just as they stand confidently with their old friends, instruments ready, life throws them an unexpected and devastating twist—forcing Meiko and her companions to gather the fragments of what has been broken. Solanin is an intimate tale of love, loss, and grief, focusing on people in their twenties who often fall through society's cracks.

In 1999, a meteorite struck Antarctica, causing the continent's ice sheet to melt and global sea levels to rise dramatically. This event altered the world's climate and wiped out more than half of humanity. By 2015, mysterious beings known as Angels—monsters of unknown origin—are laying waste to the remnants of civilization. In the fortress city of Tokyo-3, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari is fated to stop the Angels' attacks. Summoned by his father's covert group NERV, Shinji becomes the pilot of an Evangelion, a gigantic bio-organic robot built specifically to fight the Angels. Burdened with the fate of the world, Shinji must find the bravery and will to defend the future—and himself. Yet as battles between Evangelions and Angels grow frequent, the terrible reality of the world gradually comes to light.

In a society where anthropomorphic animals live together, a deep-seated prejudice exists: many herbivores view carnivores as nothing more than mindless predators. But when an alpaca named Tem is killed inside the walls of Cherryton High School, the fear directed at carnivores reaches an unprecedented peak. A gray wolf named Legoshi attends this school and, despite his intimidating appearance, is quite awkward. When turmoil disrupts his school life, he is forced to confront the rift between herbivores and carnivores, as well as his own place in this society. Matters are further complicated by what seem to be romantic feelings toward a herbivore—feelings that may not be what they appear. Beastars follows Legoshi as he struggles against his inner demons while existing in a society that shows no mercy to his kind.

After Kenji Endo and his childhood friends end their struggle against the cult leader "Friend," two questions stay unanswered—Friend's real name and whether his final warning about an "anti-photon bomb" was genuine. To find out, Kenji works with the United Nations to use a virtual reality program built from Friend's childhood memories in this finale to a journey that extends over many decades.

When you gaze upward, what do you see? A blue sky? Freedom? A hopeful tomorrow? The residents of Tokyo see none of that. Instead, a mysterious alien mothership hangs overhead, dominating the city’s horizon. Three years ago, they arrived. The appearance of the “Invaders” ignited the greatest conflict humanity had ever experienced—one that could wipe out the world. The Japanese government hurried to counter the Invaders. Weapons were churned out in vast numbers, stirring up debate and anti-war movements. On that day, everything shifted. Yet, nothing really shifted. Kadode Koyama and Ouran Nakagawa spend their final days just as they always have: heading to school, hanging out with friends, and doing what any carefree high school girl would do. As they mature, they start to understand what it truly means to be an adult in a world where adults seem like demons who only mislead and ruin. They come to see that the actual danger to humanity is not the Invaders, but humanity itself.

In a post-apocalyptic world, where a catastrophic environmental event caused Mt. Fuji to erupt and Yokohama to be flooded, humanity's era is drawing to a close. Alpha Hatsuseno is an android who runs a small café outside Yokohama, named after the establishment. Her owner has left on an indefinite trip, so she is in charge of keeping the café operational. Though customers are scarce, Alpha remains outgoing and cheerful. While waiting for her owner to return, Alpha explores the surrounding area on her scooter, camera in hand. On her journeys, she encounters new people and other androids, creating memories as she goes. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is a gentle, leisurely tale that follows Alpha's everyday routines, highlighting the flow of time in ordinary life.

On a steep hill in the scenic town of Onomichi, there stands a building with a lounge open to anyone. Inside, a diverse group of friendly people gather, each carrying their own personal histories. Tasuku Kaname is a troubled high school student on the verge of suicide after his classmates discover he might be gay. As he wrestles with his existence, he is shocked by the sight of a mysterious woman leaping from a nearby building. Rushing over, he finds her unharmed and learns she is the owner of that building, known to everyone as Anonymous. Noticing Tasuku's anxious demeanor, Anonymous offers to listen if he wishes to share his burdens. As he opens up, he realizes that his deepest pain comes from his inability to accept his own sexuality. Emotional and heartfelt, Shimanami Tasogare offers a realistic portrayal of Tasuku's journey alongside other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals as they come to terms with who they are.

During a global pandemic that kills 15% of the population and leaves many others debilitated, a secret faction called Propater overthrows the UN and takes control over most of the world. A boy and a girl, raised in an abandoned virology research center and immune to the virus, are attacked by Propater and manage to flee. Two decades later, the boy has become the most powerful drug lord in South America. He covertly supports his son as the son avoids Propater and eventually, with aid from Nomad mercenaries—some of whom are former Propater agents—fights back against the organization. As the story unfolds, focus shifts from the main protagonist to numerous subplots involving terrorism, human enhancement, the struggles of developing nations, and the power struggles between drug cartels and Propater. Heavily inspired by Gnostic mythology, all major characters are named after Gnostic deities and fill analogous roles.

Ichirou Inuyashiki is an aging man worn down by life’s struggles, leaving him frail and powerless. He has no friends, little affection from his family, and has been diagnosed with cancer, yet he resolves to make the most of his remaining time by adopting a dog. One night while walking the dog, the weight of his hopeless reality finally crashes down, and he breaks down crying in a park. That despair is cut short when he encounters an extraterrestrial object, which transforms him into a healthy but mechanical being. Disturbed by his new body and inability to shed tears, Inuyashiki begins to fear he has lost his humanity. Then, one night, he saves a homeless man from death. Seeing the man’s joy and gratitude moves Inuyashiki to tears—proving he is still human. From that moment, he decides to use his newfound power to help those in need. But his relief is fleeting: he soon discovers a new threat that revels in its own power through horrific acts. Inuyashiki’s mission shifts from a small-time neighborhood savior to a guardian standing against a growing monster.

Joe Yabuki, after a difficult childhood spent moving between orphanages and fighting off bullies, learned to harden himself and distrust others. Once he finally escaped the cycle of violent temporary homes, he took up a delinquent lifestyle in the streets of San'ya, a Tokyo slum, surviving on his fists and picking fights with whoever he pleased. Danpei Tange, a washed-up, alcoholic former boxing coach, noticed Joe's animal-like combat abilities and tried to mentor the wild teenager. Despite their explosive relationship, the two formed a close bond and relied on each other to care for the other homeless children in San'ya. Unable to break his destructive habits, Joe was arrested for petty crimes. While in jail, he met and fought lifelong friends and rivals, including boxing prodigy Tooru Rikiishi. Joe repeatedly challenged Rikiishi, only to be knocked out time after time as his savage brawling failed against Rikiishi's controlled boxing technique. But eventually, Joe stunned his rival with a knockout blow, earning Rikiishi's respect and a promise that they would one day meet again inside the professional ring. Finding a reason to live through boxing, Joe faced life head-on with renewed purpose. As he climbed through Japan's amateur and professional boxing scenes, he dealt with painful losses and mounting injuries. His passion for fighting became all-consuming, and he wrestled with the idea that a life without boxing might not be worth living.

Kind-hearted Akira Fudou has always been easily taken advantage of. When he meets his childhood friend Ryou Asuka again by chance, Ryou reveals the terrifying truth behind his father's research: demons are real and intend to reclaim the earth. Wanting to help his friend protect humanity, Akira agrees to go to the Black Sabbath, a debauched and corrupt party, in order to attempt fusion with a demon. A brush with death leads him to merge with Amon, a demon feared even among his own kind. This union creates Devilman, a being that combines Amon's raw power with Akira's compassionate soul. After fusing with Amon, Akira uses his newfound abilities to battle the demons, desperate to prevent the collapse of all human civilization.

A squid-like being called a Happian departs his home planet aiming to spread joy throughout the universe. After landing on Earth, he quickly risks being captured by the local inhabitants. Luckily, a solemn little girl named Shizuka Kuze finds him, feeds him, and gives him the name Takopii. Feeling grateful, Takopii resolves to do whatever it takes to make her smile. Achieving this goal proves far from simple, however. Shizuka endures bullying from her classmates, has no father, and her mother is rarely home—though the innocent Takopii fails to grasp the full weight of these hardships. Still, Shizuka does find happiness in her dog Chappy. The bond between Shizuka and Chappy only strengthens Takopii’s determination to bring a smile to her face. Although Takopii’s efforts to cheer Shizuka up often lead to unforeseen consequences, he remains determined to take matters into his own tentacles, test his understanding of humans, and fulfill his mission of spreading happiness.

Nine years ago, the Empire of Giad unleashed an autonomous drone army known as the Legion to wage war on its neighbors. Facing these soulless machines, the Republic of San Magnolia—home to the silver-haired Alba race—evacuated its people into 85 districts and countered with supposedly unmanned Juggernaut drones. Despite years of conflict, the Republic claims zero casualties. Yet the blood-soaked battlefield tells a different story. The Colorata, a minority forced into the "nonexistent" 86th district, are treated as filth and ordered to pilot the Juggernauts as Processors under Republican Handlers. Vladilena Milizé, a republican soldier with a strong sense of justice, despises how her countrymen treat the 86. Assigned as handler for the Spearhead Squadron, she bonds with its eccentric members—especially their captain, Shinei Nouzen, a boy driven by pure purpose and resolve. But their path is strewn with death, and growing close to an 86 may lead Vladilena into despair.

Molester Man is a lecherous and socially awkward otaku who spends most of his time on the 2ch textboard. One day, while heading home from his part-time job, he is wrongly identified as a stalker and taken into custody. Once the mistake is cleared up, Molester Man discovers that the girl—whom he later dubs Miss Understanding—was deeply scarred by her real stalker, so he extends his support in the hopes of going out with her. Yet, surpassing even his own expectations, he slowly grows closer to Miss Understanding and her friends: the upbeat Kansai and the innocent Loli Jugs.