Manga Like Star Tripper

In Twin Spica, fourteen-year-old Asumi Kamogawa, a small girl with a passion for astronomy, learns about the universe from her friendly ghost mentor, "Lion-san," known for his large lion mask and insightful teachings. Despite facing challenges at home, Asumi joins the Tokyo Space School. At the school, she forms bonds with her classmates: Shinnosuke Fuchuuya, her childhood friend with glasses and an honest demeanor; Kei Oumi, a kindhearted girl inspired by Neil Armstrong's moon landing; Marika Ukita, a mysterious and elegant girl keeping her own secrets; and Shuu Suzuki, a confident and smart young man with a laid-back outlook on life. Set in a world where Japan's first manned rocket crash occurred in 2010, Twin Spica narrates the maturing journey of these teenagers as they pursue their dreams of reaching the stars.

The narrative follows Doraemon, a robot cat from the 22nd century, who travels back in time to assist a young boy named Nobita Nobi in overcoming his daily troubles at school. In addition to the regular manga installments, their large-scale journeys to various places are chronicled in the Doraemon Long Stories collection.

In a world where giant, Godzilla-like monsters called "kaijuu" regularly threaten Japan, the Defense Corps serves as the primary force protecting the nation from these colossal dangers. After a kaijuu is defeated, the Professional Kaijuu Cleaner Corporation dispatches "sweepers" to handle the cleanup. Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old sweeper, feels dissatisfied with his job. He once dreamed of joining the Defense Corps and fighting kaijuu, but after repeated failures, he settled for a steady cleaning position. His perspective shifts when Reno Ichikawa, an 18-year-old determined recruit, joins his team and reignites Kafka's old ambitions. A series of unfortunate events, combined with an encounter with the young sweeper, leads Kafka to be invaded by a parasitic kaijuu that enters through his mouth, turning him into a humanoid monster. With his new powers, Kafka decides to pursue his long-held dream once more.

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.

Shinra Kusakabe lost his family in a devastating fire when he was young, and he carries that trauma with him. He is a third-generation pyrokinetic, meaning he can create and control flames himself. In Tokyo, people known as Infernals—first-generation pyrokinetics who turn into dangerous demonic beings when they ignite—are a constant threat. Because of his abilities, Shinra is recruited into Special Fire Force Company 8, a specialized team that fights these creatures. Even though he finds his purpose in the Fire Force, Shinra learns that being a hero is not as simple as he thought. The number of Infernal attacks is increasing across the country, and internal problems within his own brigade make their work harder. His past also connects to a mysterious cult, and as he investigates, he becomes caught up in a large conspiracy that aims to set the entire world on fire.

After a massive environmental catastrophe caused Mount Fuji to erupt and Yokohama to be submerged, human civilization is approaching its end. Alpha Hatsuseno, an android, runs a small coffee shop just outside Yokohama that bears the city's name. With her owner away for an indefinite period, Alpha looks after the café even though customers rarely stop by. She keeps her cheerful attitude and continues to serve with a smile. On her own trips around the area riding a scooter and carrying a camera, Alpha encounters different people and other androids, gathering a collection of memories along the way. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is a calm, slow-moving story centered on Alpha's everyday routines, highlighting how time passes through simple but meaningful moments.

Yuri continues to grapple with the death of his wife in a space accident. Six years after the tragedy, he serves on a debris removal team aboard the ship Toy Box, tasked with clearing space debris from orbital paths. The team includes Hachimaki, an eager debris collector with a sailor's love for the orbital environment; Fee, a blunt, chain-smoking tomboy with a sharp tongue; and Pops, a seasoned orbital mechanic who offers a reassuring, fatherly presence amid the tough work.

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 Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Kobayashi's everyday life consists of ordinary routines, frequently concluding with late-night drinks alongside her coworkers to unwind. Yet, her unremarkable existence takes a drastic turn when she finds an enormous dragon's face outside her door one morning. This dragon, who identifies herself as Tooru, shapeshifts into a human maid. It is revealed that Tooru encountered the intoxicated Kobayashi in the mountains the previous night and accepted her offer to reside with her as a personal maid. The narrative follows Kobayashi, Tooru, and other dragons as they work through their differences and develop a stronger bond through their daily interactions.

In a distant future, humanity has transformed Mars into a water-covered world called Aqua, offering a fresh start for those who have grown weary of life on Manhome, the former Earth. Neo-Venezia, a city that captures the charm of Earth's Venice, features gondolas gliding through its canals and narrow streets for those who travel on foot. Akari Mizunashi, a young woman from Manhome, moves to Neo-Venezia seeking a new beginning. Her goal is to become an Undine, a gondola tour guide, and she joins the renowned Aria Company. Embracing a simpler way of life that was impossible on Manhome, Akari experiences her daily existence in Neo-Venezia, a place where magic and wonders are ordinary.

At Mashin Academy, where nanotechnology and martial arts converge, Yeo-un is eligible to compete for the position of Minor Priest because of his father's standing, even though his mother is not among the High Priest's six acknowledged wives. Might a mysterious nanomachine injection from a future descendant give Yeo-un an edge in his difficult contest against his formidable half-siblings?

In the story of Karneval, Nai, a pure-hearted youth, sets out on a journey to find someone very important to him, armed only with an old bracelet and the clue "Karoku." His quest takes a turn when he is captured by a monstrous woman who intends to keep him as a prisoner. He is rescued by Gareki, a clever and resourceful thief who had broken into her home to rob it. As a result, both become fugitives and get caught up in the operations of "Circus," the nation's top defense organization. Circus is responsible for protecting civilians from "varuga," grotesque creatures that devour flesh, and for investigating the activities of the mysterious Kafka organization. When Circus learns that Nai's bracelet is actually an ancient Circus identification, they become interested in him. Though Nai chooses to stay under Circus's care, Gareki finds it difficult to fit in on their ship. As they continue their search for Karoku, Nai and Gareki face increasing dangers from varuga, which seem to be irresistibly drawn to Nai.

In Academy City, a metropolis where 80% of its 2.3 million residents are students, technology far surpasses the rest of the world. Here, people develop supernatural abilities ranked from Level 0 to Level 5. Among these inhabitants is Touma Kamijou, a Level 0 esper with no significant powers. Though his abilities are considered useless, Touma possesses a unique skill called "Imagine Breaker," which allows his right hand to nullify any supernatural force it touches. He considers himself particularly unlucky due to the frequent troubles he encounters. One day, Touma meets Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a girl who takes refuge on his balcony, warning him that she is being pursued by magicians. This encounter exposes Touma to a world where magic truly exists. As he navigates the conflicts arising from both the scientific and magical realms, Touma must find ways to handle the challenges that come his way.

In 2095, magic has become an acknowledged technological field, and its study now demands a demanding academic path. Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba are about to begin their first year at the prestigious First Magic High School in Japan. Because of the school's strict enrollment standards, the exceptionally gifted Miyuki is assigned to the elite Course 1, while her older brother Tatsuya is placed in the lower-ranked Course 2. This is only the start of their challenges.

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.

1. Hotel: Since A.D. 2079 2. Present 3. Subete wa Maguro no Tame datta (It Was All for the Tuna) 4. Stephanos 5. Diadem

Willem Kmetsch wakes from cryogenic sleep as the final survivor of the Emnetwiht, a human race that vanished five hundred years ago due to the Beasts. He now lives on one of the last remaining floating islands, where the remnants of civilization survive. Unlike the other inhabitants, who possess animal-like features such as horns, fangs, wings, or scales, Willem has none—making him a "markless." During his travels, Willem meets another markless individual named Ctholly Nota Seniorious, though this encounter goes unnoticed at first. Later, when he takes on a military assignment, he encounters Ctholly again and learns that the cheerful young Leprechauns under his command are vital to the ongoing war against the Beasts. These girls have known only a life of combat and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat their enemies. Determined to give them a chance at a normal life, Willem takes on a paternal role toward the girls. As he did during his own time at war, he must now face the pain of watching these children head into battle.

In Amberground, an artificial sun shines only over the capital city of Akatsuki, while the rest of the land remains locked in perpetual darkness. The farther one travels from Akatsuki, the more perilous and shadowy the world becomes. In the regions of Yuusari and Yodaka, giant, armored insect-like creatures known as Gaichuu threaten humans by feeding on their emotions. Despite these dangers, a special group of mail carriers called Letter Bees bravely delivers messages across Amberground, confronting the Gaichuu directly. At twelve years old, Lag Seeing dreams of becoming a Letter Bee, inspired by Gauche Suede, who deeply affected Lag's life five years earlier. Gauche once delivered Lag as a "letter" from their missing mother. Driven by a desire to find Gauche again and uncover the truth behind their mother's disappearance, Lag sets out on a journey to become a Letter Bee.

The narrative spans thirteen years, focusing on Hana, a nineteen-year-old university student, who begins a fairy-tale relationship with a man who is also a wolf. After they marry, Hana gives birth to two half-wolf children: Yuki, her first daughter, born during a heavy snow, and Ame, her younger son, born on a rainy day. To hide the children's true nature, the family lives quietly in a secluded part of the city. When the wolf father suddenly dies, tragedy forces Hana to relocate the family to a far-off rural town, leaving their urban life behind.

Throughout history, from ancient times to the era of space colonization, one legend remains constant—the tale of the immortal Phoenix. This legendary bird's blood is believed to bestow either eternal life or profound wisdom, and it watches over human civilizations to ensure the continuity of sentient life throughout the cosmos. Despite the Phoenix's guardianship, humanity continues to be governed by its emotional spectrum—joy and despair, rage and affection—emotions that are integral to human experience. Certain persistent beliefs and aspirations also disrupt the delicate equilibrium of the world’s natural order. Destiny, with its ever-changing elements, takes various forms and often exhibits a peculiar sense of humor.

In the year 2301, over a century and a half after the terraforming of Aqua—once known as Mars—began, the planet is now almost entirely covered in water. Its capital, Neo-Venezia, mirrors the breathtaking charm of Venice from old Earth, drawing both locals and tourists who delight in exploring the city’s nostalgic beauty through countless gondola rides along its canals. These gondolas are piloted by skilled and knowledgeable women called Undines, who serve as tour guides throughout Neo-Venezia. Prestigious Undine companies from Earth have established branches in the capital, inspiring many young girls to dream of joining their ranks. Akari Mizunashi, a native of Earth, arrives in the city driven by her ambition to become an Undine and begins her training at the Aria Company. Shortly after her arrival, she meets her mentor Alicia Florence, a plump cat named Aria Pokoteng, and Aika S. Granzchesta, an apprentice from the rival Himeya Company. With her new friends, Akari pursues her goal of mastering the role of an Undine while savoring the enchanting experiences that Neo-Venezia has to offer. One-shot included: Volume 2: Othello Game (Ebony & Ivory)

In the centuries following Armageddon, the appearance of a second moon, dubbed the "Vampire's Moon," ignites a conflict between humanity and the Methuselah, vampiric beings that subsist on human blood. Esther Blanchett, an orphan raised in the Church of St. Matthias within the city of Istvan, meets Abel Nightroad, a priest dispatched by the Vatican—an ally of humanity—to address threats. Despite his seemingly mild nature, Abel harbors a concealed identity as "The Crusnik," a vampire that preys on other vampires and serves as the Vatican’s ultimate weapon. Esther's serene existence is shattered when the church faces a bombing, and she is betrayed by her sole confidant, Dietrich. Left with no options, she decides to team up with Abel and Tres Iqus, a humanoid machine, to journey to Rome and discover the truth behind the destruction of her sanctuary. Along their perilous path, they must confront various challenges and delve into the mysteries surrounding Abel's background.

Thirty years ago, a catastrophic event known as a "spatial quake" resulted in the deaths of over one hundred million people. To reduce the damage from future incidents, humans developed emergency evacuation protocols and systems for quickly reconstructing affected areas. Sixteen-year-old Shidou Itsuka lives with his younger sister, Kotori. When a spatial quake strikes, he becomes trapped despite receiving early warnings. After miraculously surviving, he encounters a mysterious girl at the epicenter, who is revealed to be a "Spirit"—a supernatural entity responsible for causing these disasters. He also learns about the "Anti-Spirit Team," a military force that uses lethal methods to eliminate Spirits. Before he can fully understand the situation, Shidou is recruited by Ratatoskr, an organization dedicated to neutralizing Spirits through peaceful means—and surprisingly, Kotori is its leader! As Ratatoskr's newest agent, Shidou must stop the Spirits from causing further destruction. His unconventional method involves going on dates with them and sealing the deal with a passionate kiss.

In the rural area of Aomori Prefecture, located in northern Japan, the novice witch Makoto Kowata relocates to live with her distant relatives in order to continue her training and attain the rank of a full-fledged witch. Accompanied by her black cat familiar, she collects her belongings and sets off for her new residence.