A hero emerges from childhood cruelly and incomprehensibly maimed. He travels in search of a way to heal his wound, inflicted by his own father. The father intended thereby to seal a sinister pact with dark forces, which would ever after lie in wait along the son's path. The hero rides astride a trustworthy and magical mount and provides from the aid of a god. Between 1990 and 1991, Viz experimented with a graphic novel line called the Viz Spectrum imprint. At launch, they published three titles aimed at a male audience, featuring genres like science fiction and historical themes. The Spectrum graphic novels are typically around 70 pages each, equivalent to two comic book issues. They are deluxe, large-format editions, yet still portable, with particular attention to presentation. The books are printed on parchment-like paper, bound with vinyl covers, and some feature hot-stamped prints. Each volume also includes an engaging essay related to the content or the artist, adding depth to the reading experience.
Chizumi comes across the suave and attractive Fujiomi after misplacing her sister's keepsake hat. They hit it off instantly and start a romantic relationship. Both having distinct personalities, they gradually mold each other positively. However, their differing natures and external meddling challenge their bond.
The series follows the life of Kai Houjou, the child of a human woman and the demon king who was kidnapped at birth and held captive in the demon realm, enduring dreadful torture and imprisonment. Escaping to the human world, he sets out to locate and safeguard his mother, but the time difference between the two domains proves to be a hindrance. To remain close to her, Kai takes on the guise of a high school student, but the demons continue to pursue him relentlessly. As he tries to protect his mother and uncover the underlying cause of the demons' fixation on him, he also confronts the traumatic experiences he suffered at the hands of his demon prince step-sibling, including torture and rape. Despite its compelling storyline, the series handles sensitive themes such as sexual assault, murder, incest, and torture in a serious and reserved tone. Kai's mother is a survivor of trauma, and despite being the subject of ridicule and gossip, she chooses to enroll in school once again. Many of the demons have backgrounds of sexual violence or continue to engage in such behaviors. With suggestive and disturbing themes, the artwork can be unsettling, yet it remains subtle and alluring.
1. Kagami ga Kita 2. Revenge Doll 3. Hoshi wa Sen no Kao 4. Kawaii Hana 5. With Cat 6. My Sweet Sunday
Lloyd, a positive young man, is resolute on turning his aspiration of becoming a soldier in the capital into a reality. Notwithstanding, his fellow villagers and acquaintances perceive him as the feeblest boy in the town and predict that he will perish the minute he undertakes his ambitious objective. Nevertheless, Lloyd has unknowingly been trained for what most would describe as catastrophic impediments by living in close proximity to the realm's most treacherous dungeon. Disregarding the pessimists, Lloyd departs for a beginner adventurer's community, unveiling his unmatched might to the whole kingdom.
Nick, an experienced explorer, is facing a devastating turn of events. Though he had devoted his skills and know-how to his adventuring team, he was ousted by his esteemed leader, jilted by his girlfriend, and unjustly charged with embezzlement by his fellow adventurers. Feeling drained and defeated, Nick eventually comes across a group of individuals who share his disillusionment. Together, these crestfallen explorers band together to conquer their bleak and despairing reality.
Lord Xiao, the ruler of the four divine realms, suffered betrayal at the hands of his own family. Though he devised a fatal trap that proved to be his undoing, his spirit discovered a new vessel centuries later, facilitating the rebirth of Xiao Fan. The sight of his divine blood spilt, the loss of his heavenly fortress, and the uncertain fate of his beloved wife led to a burning hatred within him. Determined to avenge himself by eliminating the traitors and reclaiming his divine domain, he wields the immense power of the Dantian to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Through combining light and dark, he'll shatter the opposing forces of yin and yang!
A deadly bunch of machines has emerged with the singular aim of eradicating sorcerers globally, but Orphen has been designated as invincible and thus tasked with thwarting their malevolent plan.
After being recently laid off from his job in Tokyo, twenty-five-year-old Mitsuomi Kozuka returns to his hometown in the countryside. As he takes in the unchanged scenery, he encounters Yamato Kumai, who exudes a youthful and upbeat energy despite being Mitsuomi's age. Mitsuomi finds comfort in Yamato's presence, but their relationship is hindered by the closed-mindedness of their conservative community. The two face numerous challenges and disapproving glances from locals, making it difficult for them to openly express their feelings.
Joon never expected that his college's first day would lead him to have Duna - a stunning celebrity - as his neighbor in the apartment downstairs. At first, he tries to steer clear of her, but over time, he grows increasingly curious about her mysterious existence.
A chaotic and ecchi romantic comedy about a goddess out to curse a family and the unfortunate guy who falls for her! Kuro, a black cat, is a god of fortune down on her luck. She’s turned into a “vengeful god” against her will, and the only way to return to her former status is to curse seven generations of the Nishikori bloodline. She’s close to being free, but to get there, she needs to make sure the seventh generation actually gets born. That means finding a match for Nishikori Kotaro…which is harder than you might think, because Kotaro is tragically unpopular. Not only that, he insists that the only woman he wants…is cat-eared Kuro herself!
Yang Ming, a high school student, is a classic example of an underachiever. He is prone to fighting, absent from class, and guilty of cheating. Although he feels ashamed and desires to transform when confronted by the school's prettiest girl, he believes that it is too late for him to do so. Nevertheless, a fortunate coincidence grants him a pair of contacts with unique features that transform his visual perspective, and as a result, his destiny changes completely!
Following the events of her night aboard the ferry, Emanon—the enigmatic girl with a three-billion-year-old memory—continues on her journey, wandering aimlessly through life with no clear destination in mind. Since the beginning of time, she has followed the same cycle: she departs from home and travels the world as a teenager while pondering her mysterious existence, eventually meeting a man and giving birth to a girl who will inherit her memories and very being. Sasurai Emanon, told from the perspective of Emanon herself, chronicles the events between 1967 and 1980, showing how her life had come full circle from her evening aboard the ferry to her reunion with the man at the train station.
As the leader of a women-only organization, Zhou Ming drew upon his exceptional skills to revitalize the struggling institution after being reincarnated. He was driven by a desire to uphold his own honor and safeguard his beloved sibling's welfare. Using his sharp intellect and foresight, he adeptly navigated through challenging circumstances and steered the group towards a more hopeful path.
The spotlight is on Someya Mako in the Saki spinoff series, as she skillfully prepares delicious dishes for patrons of her clan's mahjong establishment.
“There's exactly two things I'm curious about.” “W-what are they?” “Our chemistry in bed. And where the bedroom is. That's all I need to know.” It didn't take long to realize. Picking him up wasn't some harmless move. It was a deadly mistake where he'd strip me down to the bone and devour me. “I've never seen such pretty soft flesh before. I probably saw plenty of it before I lost my memory though.” The one I picked up wasn't my first love. “I'm going to make a mess of you. I was planning to from the start anyway.” He was a raw, unhinged guy with a devil's horn between his legs. (Cr TL: Gourmet Scans)
1. Ano Hito to Nitenai Kuchibiru 2. Kuchibiru kara Biyaku 3. Blood 4. Kagari Oni 5. Datenshi-tachi no Yoru 6. Sou Ja Shou (Double Snake)