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Momo, a high school student, is devastated by the sudden death of her best friend Sayo, who had been by her side since elementary school. Seeking solace, she reconnects with Sayo's younger brother Keichiro at the funeral, after eight long years of separation. Together, they revisit their favorite childhood spots - the secret base in the neighborhood, the twilight-drenched Ferris wheel, and the candy shop where they often hung out. They chase these memories in a bid to recapture the joy of their youth and search for the sights they had planned to share with Sayo during the summer that slipped away. As they go, they leave behind a bittersweet summer story, painted in blue by the hearts of the bereaved boys and girls.
During a school trip, Oribe Mutsumi and her classmates were left marooned on an island after an unfortunate airplane crash. Mutsumi, utilizing her vast wilderness expertise, took it upon herself to locate other survivors and assist them through the ordeal. Believing that they would be rescued in a mere three days, Mutsumi remained optimistic about their chances of survival. However, the island was home to massive deadly bugs that she never could have anticipated. Her in-depth knowledge of butterflies, wasps, and other insects may be the key to ensuring her classmates' safe rescue.
Mildly popular author, Shun Mizorogi, is content with his low-key fame and uncomplicated life, until Aki Fujino, a young woman, commits suicide and calls him prior. The authorities reach out to Mizorogi for confirmation of her identity, leading to the discovery of Sakura Miki, Aki's unknown identical twin. As Mizorogi delves deeper into his association with Aki, his latest book "Utsubora" sparks contentious discussions among the public, as lies and deception unravel the fate of all individuals implicated in this disgraceful affair.
The latest addition to the beloved Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo franchise takes place two decades after the original story. Hajime has left his student detective days behind and is now a struggling office worker, grappling with the hardships of adult life. Determined to avoid any more involvement in solving crimes, he keeps a low profile at work. Despite his efforts, however, Kindaichi finds himself drawn into new cases unfolding around him. In this installment, the story picks up on Uta Island, where the Opera House Murder Case has resurfaced for the fourth time. The Phantom of the Opera is back, seeking vengeance and spilling blood.
While still in high school, Shinomiya Ryouma is consumed by the need to accumulate a billion yen to pay for his beloved sister's crucial medical treatment. Then, out of the blue, he encounters a woman shrouded in mystery who challenges him with the question: "What would you sacrifice for your desires?" She then provides him with a ticket, and in no time, he is struck by a tragic event. Upon regaining consciousness, he realizes that he has undergone a transformation into a female and now must contend with a life-and-death "game." His triumph would restore his fortune but defeat would mean certain death!
Cain, a young nobleman, navigates the dimly-lit and labyrinthine streets of 19th century London. Born into the upper echelon of society, he takes on the mantle of earl and assumes leadership of the Hargreaves family, whose reputation is steeped in mystery and scandal following the untimely death of his father. His loyal manservant, Riff, and his ten-year-old half-sister, Mary Weather, accompany Cain as he unravels the mysterious crimes that seem to lurk at every corner. Bonus Chapter: Chapter 5: The Sabbath of Solomon Grundy
Akira Takashiro and Eiji Kudou had made a bet ahead of the highly-anticipated inter high basketball tournament: whoever scored the most points would win the heart of long-time crush, Miku Aizawa. But their friendly competition was abruptly halted by a devastating earthquake, which left Akira unconscious. When he awakens, he discovers that his school has been overrun by grotesque monsters, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Where had Eiji disappeared to amidst the chaos? And what was causing these monstrous beings to attack? As Akira searches for answers, he uncovers shocking truths and realizes that there may be more to this catastrophe than what meets the eye - perhaps even sinister government involvement.
When a crime involves the use of "magic," apprehending the perpetrator becomes a challenging task. One fateful day, Anne - an investigator serving the royal palace - crosses paths with a remarkable boy, capable of consuming supernatural energy to assist in cases related to sorcery.
Yoshio, a 30-year old NEET, received an anonymous package containing a game disk called "The Village of Fate," a breathtaking CG game with real-life visuals. In the game, Yoshio is designated as the god of destiny who has the power to guide high-functioning AIs - the villagers - that behave astonishingly like real humans. However, Yoshio's sole capability in the game is to provide a daily message or prophecy. The villagers dutifully follow his instructions and their gratitude fuels the god of destiny's power to perform miracles. Despite living as a recluse, Yoshio is revered as God in the game. Ultimately, the villagers teach him the joys of life, while he, in turn, saves them from peril.
Presented in this book are nine of Junji Ito's top short stories, handpicked by the author himself and given insightful notes and comments. The featured stories are: 1. Secondhand Record (Chuuko Record, 中古レコード) 2. Chills (Samuke, 寒気) 3. Model Look (ファッションモデル) 4. Hung Balloons (Kubitsuri Kikyuu, 首吊り気球) 5. Puppet Mansion (Ayatsuri Yashiki, あやつり屋敷) 6. Artist (Gaka, 画家) 7. The Never-Ending Dream (Nagai Yume, 長い夢) 8. Venerated Ancestors (Gosenzo-sama, ご先祖様) 9. Slathered (グリセリド) 10. Model Look: Cursed Frame (Fashion Model: Norowareta Framing, ファッションモデル・呪われたフレーミング) [new]
