The country's leading manga publisher launches its fifth Rising Stars of Manga competition. The top ten talented winners will score prizes and have their winning entries published in this anthology. Illustrations.

With a long list of activities and events to attend, cousin Thomas paints a picture of city life that makes Jessie’s world seem a little dull in comparison. When her mother suggests they invite Thomas to visit their island, Jessie wonders glumly what she could possibly write in her letter that would sound as exciting as zoos, planetariums or video arcades. But as Jessie looks out over her island home, she sees a world of endless variety, from killer whales in the strait and bald eagles soaring overhead to anemones in tide pools and tiny hermit crabs on the shore. She thinks of countless days spent exploring, fishing, swimming and canoeing.

Naofumi Iwatani, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction. As the Shield Hero, the weakest of the heroes, all is not as it seems. Naofumi soon finds himself alone, penniless, and betrayed. With no one to turn to, and nowhere to run, he is left with only his shield. Now, Naofumi must rise to become the legendary Shield Hero and save the world!

In the dark, hidden corners of the Mausoleum, Dinah begins to understand the true nature of Vincent's sacrifice for her. But she must confront her innermost emotions if she plans on setting free the spirits that have been locked away. As time quickly disappears in the sleepy town of Bizenghast, the riddles become more complex and intricate - and their answers may be in the choice Dinah is forced to make between the lost souls and her closest friend... The debut series from the creator of the hit Webtoon Stagtown.

This exclusive compilation features the work of the top ten prize-winning manga artists in America. Illustrations.

TOP COW is proud to bring you issues 1-8 of the critically acclaimed series RISING STARS. This is the first story arc written by J. Michael Straczynski and tells the tale of the beginnings of the Specials. With new cover by MIDNIGHT NATION artist Gary Frank. This collection is the perfect way to revisit the earlier issues of RISING STARS in one sitting or to discover fro the first time the mose realistic superhero epic since Alan Moore's Watchmen.

The continuing adventures of Jaden, Cali, and the Cross Ups crew. When Jaden gets a call inviting him to Comicon to test out a new version of his favorite game, Cross Ups, he is thrilled . . . sort of. He’ll get to go with his best friend, Cali, they’ll be in New York City, and best of all, he’ll meet his idol and the greatest gamer of all time, Yuudai Sato. But he’s got no time to practice, and worse, his signature moves no longer work. His trip starts to feel less and less exciting, and more and more like one big problem. Jaden has to come up with some solutions—fast. He looks to some older gamers for guidance, but is JStar willing to change who he is for the sake of a game? With its sharp dialogue and relatable characters, Rising Star, the third book in the Cross Ups series, chronicles the ups and downs of middle school with a relevant, contemporary twist.

Born into a family of knights, Fia has always dreamed of following the path to knighthood too, except she's the least talented of them all. On the day of her initiation test, a deadly injury prompts her life to flash before her eyes...and reveal her former life as a powerful Saint who defeated the Demon King in a bygone era! Her painful death as a Saint made her swear she'd never accept sainthood and its dangers again. But now, with her saintly power returned, Fia has the chance to be a more powerful knight than she'd ever dreamed--that is, if she can last long enough!

When Ami takes out Tamon on his birthday to the amusement park, the brilliant lights and thrilling rides put her in the mood to finally confesses her feelings toward him. As they become a couple, Ami feels that she can't be happier. Later, Ami meets Sana, a new girl at school, who seems to bond quickly with Ami. Young adult.

"First published in 2001 by Media Works Inc, Tokyo, Japan"--Prelim.