Books published by Vertical Inc.

HAVE AT YOU! Filled with narrow escapes, treacherous courtiers, dashing pirates, meddlesome witches, magical transformations, and cinema-worthy displays of derring-do, this early shojo (girls’ comics) masterpiece by the “Godfather of Manga” is a fast-paced tale of a heroic princess who can best any man at fencing, yet is delicate and graceful enough to catch the eye of Prince Charming. Its winning art style and canny infusion of gender politics into classic fantasy storytelling have continued to intrigue and delight readers of all ages. A mischief-making angel’s prank goes too far when the newborn princess of Silverland ends up with two hearts—one male and one female. Since the laws of the realm only allow a male heir to ascend the throne, Princess Sapphire is raised as a prince. Will the avaricious Duke Duralumin discover her secret and snatch the crown for his own son? Available for the first time stateside as a single-volume omnibus!

An erotic horror comedy from master storyteller Shuzo Oshimi, the creator of Blood on the Tracks, The Flowers of Evil, and Happiness. Pornographic and over the top, Devil Ecstasy nevertheless presages Oshimi''s later masterworks while presenting an entirely new spin on his pitch-black worldview. There''s something irresistibly charming about the artwork, and some genuinely touching moments thanks to the eminently relatable protagonists.Noboru Kusakabe is an 18-year-old virgin who has a mortal fear of big breasts thanks to a childhood trauma. When his friend Takahashi convinces him to go to a mysterious brothel called "Devil Ecstasy," he meets a beautiful girl with tiny breasts named Meruru and falls in love - but all is not as it seems. Devil Ecstasy is a front for an army of succubi who want to take over the world, and Noboru somehow has to stop them! 18+

"There's a distinct visual element to APOSIMZ that sets it apart from many other manga, a lightly-inked, barely-shaded style that lends it a dreamlike quality. " - Anime News NetworkThe population of Frame Disease sufferers continues to explode, and the Empire finds itself on the brink of collapse. As the conflict between Etherow’s party and the Execution Squad takes a very dark turn, the stage for the final, intense battle is set. In this final volume, the secrets of the planet Aposimz and the truth behind the folklore about the Core world are revealed…

I don't want to lose you.Minami has never really felt any sort of attachment to the world around him...until now. Miyaji is infected, and all Minami can think about is how to save his comrade-in-arms. Meanwhile, Todoroki has vanished after discovering an explosive secret about the virus, and Kawakami—with the help of a few others—starts looking for answers. Who is the real enemy, and what is the true nature of the virus?Amidst the confusion and disarray, Miyaji is slowly transforming into a shojo, and Minami makes a shocking decision.16+

"Newcomers and existing fans alike will enjoy diving into the world of Monogatari and meeting the delightful cast of characters. If you're yet to experience this series in any form then this is the perfect time to climb aboard!"- Anime UK NewsAfter learning the truth behind Kiss-Shot’s actions, Koyomi is left with a hard decision to make. Now, he has to weigh the fate of humanity against the sacrifice of his former master, but how can he do the right thing when there are seemingly no good outcomes to be had?

IS HOPE ITSELF THE ONLY ANSWER?The renowned author of the Ring novels unravels a story of lovers wrestling with the darkness within themselves—be it selfishness, lust, or despair—in a deeply introspective romantic mystery that will tug at your mind as well as your heart.A seemingly amnesiac woman sits mutely before her psychiatrist. Unable, or perhaps unwilling, to speak, the only time she shows any hint of emotion is when she hums a song—and the song becomes the first clue.Pregnant but abandoned by her lover, who boarded a tuna boat to brave turbulent waters far from home, she’d waded into the pitch-black waves one evening to drown herself...because when you feel like you’re stranded at sea all by yourself in the dead of the night, those waves call for you, lulling you to sink into the silence beneath.What we go on to discover is a cursed fate, a ruthless reality, and the dark humor of a world ruled by the indifferent forces of chance. They say you never know what the future holds, but what if you’re told that you only have precisely a fifty-fifty chance of attaining happiness?

An erotic horror comedy from master storyteller Shuzo Oshimi, the creator of Blood on the Tracks, The Flowers of Evil, and Happiness. Pornographic and over the top, Devil Ecstasy nevertheless presages Oshimi's later masterworks while presenting an entirely new spin on his pitch-black worldview. There's something irresistibly charming about the artwork, and some genuinely touching moments thanks to the eminently relatable protagonists.Traumatized by big boobs at an early age, Noboru is now eighteen and looking for love...but finds more than he bargained for when he ventures into a mysterious brothel where the girls are not exactly what they seem!An early erotic masterwork from the prurient mind of Shuzo Oshimi (Blood on the Tracks and The Flowers of Evil), Devil Ecstasy is stacked with sexy demons, kinky scenarios, and abundant nudity, yet retains the emotional core that sets Oshimi’s work apart.If you’re looking for an oddly touching tale of demonic invasion and sexual trauma, you need look no further...Welcome to nightmare massage parlor DEVIL ECSTASY!!Ages 18+

Torikai's work is a frank and nuanced examination of the emotional and practical effects of sexual violence, rendering the messy realities in gorgeously refined linework and dialogue far more naturalistic than most manga. The author veers away from blunt indictment to paint one of the most complex and fascinating psychological portraits of both rapist and victim in any medium. Very much not just for manga fans, Sensei's Pious Lie will appeal to readers of graphic novels and literary fiction in general.Blinded by our own pain, we end up hurting the very people we want to protect.Under the sway of her abuser, 24-year-old teacher Misuzu Hara must lie to herself to survive—but she’s not the only one. And when she and Niizuma find themselves caught up in Kanamisa’s power games, they’ll all learn hard lessons about self-deception, violence, control...and maybe even love. 18+

From the James Tripee Award Winning author, Fumi Yoshinaga, comes a casual romance between two 40-year-old men and the many meals they share together.A hard-working middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo come to enjoy the finer moments of life through food. After long days at work, either in the law firm or the hair salon, Shiro and Kenji will always have down time together by the dinner table, where they can discuss their troubles, hash out their feelings and enjoy delicately prepared home cooked meals!

What does it mean to be alive? Minami—a young Guard who’s rumored to be invincible—thinks about dying every day. In a world overrun by ape-like creatures called shojo, he has battled alone and thrown himself into all kinds of danger. And no matter what horror he’s faced, he has betrayed no hints of fear, resentment, or despair. But when his newly assigned partner Miyaji gets bitten, Minami panics. He swings the Black Sword and severs Miyaji’s leg to stop the infection from spreading and turning his partner into a shojo. But now, left with a grave injury, Miyaji is on the verge of dying—and Minami, perhaps for the first time ever, is paralyzed by the thought of death. Ryo Hanada, the creator of Devils’ Line, brings to you an immersive and emotionally charged continuation of her newest series.  16+

OR NOT TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL...From a boxcar bound for a Nazi concentration camp to a dystopian future where humans are persecuted by their own clones, Apollo's Song reaches Olympian heights of tragedy as it explores the meaning of love and the consequences of its absence. Salty, romantic, and at times profoundly erotic, the ambiguities of its poetic justice will plumb new depths of the heart with each rereading.

"Newcomers and existing fans alike will enjoy diving into the world of Monogatari and meeting the delightful cast of characters. If you're yet to experience this series in any form then this is the perfect time to climb aboard!"- Anime UK NewsThe curtain closes on Koyomi Vamp as the battle between thrall and master begins. Koyomi must put an end to Kiss-Shot, but all is not as it seems to be. Before he can land his finishing blow, a startling revelation comes to light, and Kiss-Shot comes to tell the tale of her first thrall.

Torikai''s work is a frank and nuanced examination of the emotional and practical effects of sexual violence, rendering the messy realities in gorgeously refined linework and dialogue far more naturalistic than most manga. The author veers away from blunt indictment to paint one of the most complex and fascinating psychological portraits of both rapist and victim in any medium. Very much not just for manga fans, Sensei''s Pious Lie will appeal to readers of graphic novels and literary fiction in general.24-year-old Misuzu Hara is a shy, introverted high school teacher, content to play the passive role of observer...until her quiet life is shaken to its foundations by two men: one her friend’s fiancé, the other her own student.In Sensei’s Pious Lie, Akane Torikai weaves a complex web of sex, ambivalence, desire, and violence that combines to produce one of the most nuanced and affecting explorations of the intersection between power and gender available in any medium.18+

ARE YOU A BEAST?It may or may not be contagious. There seems to be no cure for it. Yet Monmow Disease, a life-threatening condition that transforms a person into a dog-like beast, is not the only villain in this shocking triumph of a medical thriller by manga-god Osamu Tezuka. Said to have been the personal favorite of the artist, who held a degree in medicine, and surprisingly attentive to Christian themes and imagery, Ode to Kirihito demolishes naive notions about human nature and health and likely preconceptions about the comics master himself.A promising young doctor, Kirihito Osanai visits a remote Japanese mountain village to investigate the source of the latest epidemiological mystery. While he ends up traveling the world to discover what it takes to be cured of such a disease, a conspiracy back home attempts to explain away his absence. From plutocratic Taipei and apartheid South Africa to backwater Syria and metropolitan Osaka, ambition and desire beckon “normal men” to behave uglier than any beast as we examine the true worth of human beings through and beyond appearances.

Welcome Back, Alice is the latest work by Shuzo Oshimi, the highly acclaimed author of Blood on the Tracks, Happiness, and The Flowers of Evil.The story revolves around three childhood friends, Yohei, Kei, and Yui, who are reunited in high school. What appeared to be a straightforward love triangle between two boys and a girl takes an unexpected turn when Kei shows up looking and dressed like a girl. Suddenly, Yohei is thrown into a maelstrom as he struggles between his infatuation with Yui and his lust for Kei.In this story of adolescent awakening, perversion, and love, Oshimi takes a bold approach and sets out to explore the boundaries of gender, sexuality, and identity.

SURVIVE, THEY SAID. HAVE HOPE, THEY SAID.The world is no longer what it used to be. Shojo—ferocious, ape-like creatures who feed on humans—roam the land, and anyone who's bitten becomes infected with the same mysterious virus. Humanity has resisted by building aerial cities and forming special units called Guards to fight back. Among them, a young man with a blank stare battles without regard for his life—Minami. People call him a messiah, but their only hope has a constant death wish and defends them day in and day out simply because he still breathes...A dark post-apocalyptic fantasy from the creator of Devils' Line, Ryo Hanada!

"Newcomers and existing fans alike will enjoy diving into the world of Monogatari and meeting the delightful cast of characters. If you're yet to experience this series in any form then this is the perfect time to climb aboard!"- Anime UK NewsWith Kiss-Shot restored to her former vampiric glory, all that remains is for Koyomi to become human again. But a disturbing sight brings Koyomi face-to-face with what it really means to be a vampire, and he’ll need to figure out how to return to humanity quickly lest he truly becomes a monster...

First, there were eight, and now there are six. With Mitsuru and Shimizu now missing, everyone is on edge as they try to find a way out of their horrifying circumstances. The remaining students continue to suspect that the person keeping them trapped is among them, but Shimizu also suggested a bizarre, new theory: they may be inside the mind of the person who took their own life at the school festival. Takano thinks he might just know who their tormentor is, but many unanswered questions still remain. Can he get to the bottom of this mystery before his time’s up?

Summer Showers and SourpussesAs summer continues, Makoto takes a trip to back home to Kanagawa. However, her time there won’t be all fun and games. She and her friends have to solve the mystery of a temple that appears to be cursed with never-ending rain. Before long, they find the culprits, but a communication issue may just leave Makoto and her companions all wet!"Flying Witch emphasizes that while actual magic is nice, there is ultimately magic in everything." --Anime News Network

"There's a distinct visual element to APOSIMZ that sets it apart from many other manga, a lightly-inked, barely-shaded style that lends it a dreamlike quality. " - Anime News NetworkAs Etherow, Titania, Keisha, and Wasabu, in disguise as civilians, continue to make their way towards the center of the Rebedoan Empire, they come across Rutohmero, a city on the outskirts that has been decimated by Frame disease. As the illness blights the Empire via airborne contaminant, the execution squad resurfaces, and Wasabu’s fate hangs in the balance...

A story of self-doubting youth from award-winning manga creator Minoru Furuya, in his English debut series, Ciguatera. Against all odds, self-proclaimed loser and punching bag Yusuke Ogino has found himself a girlfriend: the gorgeous, motorcycle-riding Yumi Nagumo. But just when things seem sweetest, life takes a series of unexpected and excruciating turns. Violence and temptation lurk just around the corner, and no one’s getting out unscathed. With his patented mix of brutal honesty and pitch-black humor, Minoru Furuya masterfully depicts the dark corners and messy realities of life. While not for the faint of heart, Ciguatera is nevertheless required reading for all devotees of graphic storytelling, and will ring true to anyone who’s been through the awkward, painful joy of being young.WARNING: INCLUDES DEPICTIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

"This is a fun new comedy series that has far more layers than you'd expect. Any fans of romantic comedy manga should definitely give this one a look." - Turnaround ComicsWinter arrives and Senpai comes down with a cold! But even Senpai’s rising body temperature won’t stop Nagatoro from getting a rise out of him. With Senpai absent from school, Nagatoro decides to pay him a visit at home, but things get a little heated when Senpai’s feverish state makes him imagine Nagatoro in a strangely domestic role…

BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF A FORMER MICHELIN GUIDE INSPECTORGet a rare glimpse into the inner workings of The Michelin Guide, and the grueling yet rewarding life of an undercover professional foodie! Originally published in France, this inspiring story brings us behind the scenes as we follow Emma, the first woman to be hired as a Michelin Guide Inspector, on her adventures across France and abroad. This full-color manga will not only make your mouth water, but also encourage you to not give up on your dreams…

First serialized in 2006, Keiichi Arawi's nichijou went on to become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.This fall, we'll celebrate the series with a 15th Anniversary Box Set with all ten of the original volumes in an extraordinary package!! Join Mio, Yuuko, Mai and the rest of the cast of colorful characters of nichijou in this slice-of-surreal-life comedy series that explores every facet of their anything-but-ordinary lives... In this just-surreal enough take on the "school genre" of manga, a group of friends grapple with all sorts of unexpected situations in their daily lives as high schoolers.

From the bestselling novel series by renowned author NisiOisiN, comes the manga adaptation of the MONOGATARI Series featuring artwork by Oh! Great. The tale of Kabaru Suruga and the curse of the Monkey Paw. Can Koyomi and Hitagi remove the curse?

From two star creators Naoshi Arakawa (Your Lie in April) and award winning writer Mizuki Tsujimura (Anime Supremacy!) comes a psychological horror story filled with twists, turns, and hard truths about the lives of high school students and the pressures they face in modern society.Tick. Tock. As the clock starts again, Takano and his remaining classmates must face their fears and traumas, still trapped within the frigid walls of their school. Takano finds himself back at the origin point of this icy nightmare: the last day of the school festival. There, he finally remembers who it was that took their own life, and the surprising identity of that person begins to uncover the mysteries that have plagued Takano and his friends.But answering the question that’s hung dangerously over their heads will reveal one last puzzle to solve—and if they don’t act fast, they just might lose another precious friend…Final Volume!