From Kodansha: Neither a utopia nor a dystopia, it’s still a world of nations in strife, as dominated by corporations as ever. Technology hasn’t made humans nearly obsolete, but rather bettered us, if you will, attaching to our bodies and even brains as enhancements for those who can afford it. Comics artist Shirow Masamune’s vision of our coming society, animated to global acclaim and finally the basis of a major Hollywood production, branches out in five original stories by some of the most beloved SF novelists working in Japan today. A standalone collection, it requires no familiarity with the franchise to be enjoyed but is indispensable for fans for its thoughtful exploration of the series’ implications. While reality may never become virtual, it will be increasingly networked and augmented. Navigate herein age-old questions about a man that will return, not so ironically, in full force: What is the self? Is there such a thing as the soul?

*"Keep winning and we'll be able to see each other at nationals!"* In order to keep his promise with the girl next door who moved away, Keiki aims to be a basketball champion! But he quickly quits after getting his butt handed to him by a real basketball prodigy. As the seasons pass and his wounds heal, Keiki is once again drawn to basketball by an unlikely new arrival. (Source: MANGA Plus)

Miyatake and Saijou are the best of friends and the best of rivals. The two are exceptionally tall and skilled basketball players on the same team, but who would have thought their surprisingly harmonious friendship-slash-rivalry would continue off-court? With their eyes on the same goal - and the same boy - will they be able to remain the perfect team for much longer? "My Neighbor is Handsome and I'm Ugly": Manabu can tell you that the way you experience the world depends on whether you are handsome or ugly. Manabu has found himself to be in the latter group. With a grudge against handsome men seemingly floating through life, how will Manabu deal with his new neighbor, Ikeda, who is as handsome as handsome could be? (Source: Futekiya)

A testicular cancer diagnosis at age 35 rips through Kazuyoshi Takeda's life but also brings unexpected love, friendship, and the courage to tell his story. Treatment pulls him into long hospital days, yet he still notices the moments that keep him going—the kindness of nurses, the quirks of his roommates, and the bond he forms with a fellow patient who understands his fear. As his illness worsens, the people in his life show up with a tenderness he never expected. Their care pushes him back to the manga he has dreamed of finishing, giving him a reason to keep cheery even on the hardest days. (Source: Kana)

Delve deeper into the dark underbelly of super-stardom, where fame comes at a steep price. In this sequel anthology to the hit psychological thriller, Perfect Blue, creepy fans thrust their idols into struggles of life and death. Gruesome body switches, bloody fan letters, and a stalker in a terrifying rabbit costume–it’s a life of fame and misfortune that lies in wait for these hapless pop stars.

A cute story about Honoka and the guys she has to live with (a pair of twins in kindergarten, a junior high student, a high school student, a college student) as well as the other guys she meets in school. Honoka is generally a sweet, naive girl which draws an assortment of guys who instinctively want to protect her and maybe become her boyfriend...

Lost Universe Special is a one-book story featuring Kane and the Swordbreaker crew. (Source: Kanzaka.wikia.com)

Two friends wake up in a strange place. They find themselves in a room with a red cube and no exits. Then, suddenly, there are two more people. Are they friends or foes? Why are they all trapped here? And why does one of the strangers claim the room is alive…? (Source: Mangamo)

**"Trouble Train"**: Sano makes it a point to get on the same train at the same time every day. Not because it comes at the perfect time, but because it comes carrying the perfect man. One day, he finds him sleeping on the train. Trying to sneak a pic, Sano accidentally gets himself into a sticky situation... **"Behind Closed Doors"**: Ryota Kawamura has recently been promoted to the 1st division of the sales department. Working alongside the top salespeople of the company, he wonders how on earth did the clumsy and careless Aizawa become the TOP earner?... Some say it has to do with alcohol... Time for Kawamura to investigate! **"Dr. Aoyama, Perverted Therapist"**: Dr. Aoyama is a physical therapist. Takahashi is one of his patients. With a baby face like that, no one would suspect Takahashi to be hiding such a toned and muscular body. Even if Dr. Aoyama can resist his hands from wandering, he can't resist his wild imagination...! **"My Visions Betray Me"**: Nomura has always had a peculiar power that lets him glimpse into the future. They arrive as sudden migraines turned into visions, and as soon as it's gone, the event takes place... except... His visions are always the exact opposite of what happens in reality! What an emotional rollercoaster, especially now that he has hopelessly fallen for his senior at work! How will he be able to handle a vision about him!? **"Their Situation"**: Tetsuya Tanabe and Yuki Terasawa are the two most popular guys at their school. You would think they would get on well, but Yuki will never understand the mind of a womanizer like Tetsuya. So what will Yuki do when he's Playboy Tetsuya's next target!? (Source: Futekiya)

From Dark Horse: The Apocalypse didn't end with a BANG, but with a whimper. Silently, the "amnesia wind" swept away all of mankind's knowledge. Thousands of years of human civilization vanished overnight as people forgot how to use the tools of modern civilization; who they were--how to speak--everything. Technology decayed as mankind was reduced to an extremely primitive level. Two years after the devastation, a young man explores a nation reduced to barbarism: America. Miraculously re-educated after the cataclysm, a young man is accompanied by a strange woman--somehow spared the obliterating effects of the amnesia wind. Pursued by a relentless killing machine, they search for those responsible for stealing their memories.

From INKR: Zero is Jack Skellington's ghostly dog who gets himself stranded in Christmas Town. With the help of the residents of Christmas Town, they help him to return to his home. An adorable ghost dog's adventure in Christmas Town as he finds a way to return to Halloween Town.

Peaceful life in a perfectly constructed town bores ten-year-old Nico into mischief. Riding Creepers while they explode is fun and all, but what he really wants is to escape the blocky confines of his home and take his crafting skills on an adventure to the ends of the world. Just how big is the world, anyway, and what could possibly stand in his way? (Source: VIZ Media)