Capeta -- SODA Masahito

 

Synopsis:

Taira Capeta was a fourth-grade boy who had lost his mother when he was very young. Although he pretended to be tough in front of his father, he actually felt lonely. One day, his father brought home some junk parts from his workplace and made a racing kart. They soon went to a circuit to drive the kart. However, Capeta found that its frame was bent and it could hardly run straight. But, with his technique, he managed to drive the kart. Moreover, he followed closely behind the fastest kart on the track and nearly left it behind. The driver in the kart was Minamoto Naomi, the champion of the East Japan Junior Kart. Watching their chase, Naomi's mother, Minamoto Nanako, advised Capeta to take part in the official race.

NOTE:

• Won the Kodansha Manga Award for Shounen in 2005.

Stand By Me -- OBA Takahiro

Synopsis:

Miyamoto Tomoya, a problem student at Hino High School, secretly harbors feelings for his childhood friend, Yuki. Up until this point, it's a familiar story. But there's one difference: Japan is at war. In the year 20XX, six months after the outbreak of war, the government, struggling with a military shortage, requests that each school select volunteers for the military. Struggling to respond, Hino High School decides to forcibly send Tomoya. However, Yuki finds out about the decision before Tomoya does, and without telling him, she enlists in the Self-Defense Forces in his place. What will Tomoya do when he finds out all about it? A youthful war love story that realistically depicts the "future" that awaits us! Set in a future Japan where war has become a daily occurrence... Six months after the outbreak of war, the government, struggling with a military shortage, requests that each school select volunteers for the military. Struggling to respond, Hino High School decides to forcibly send out problem student Miyamoto Tomoya. Tomoya, unaware of the situation, is filled with thoughts of his childhood friend Yuki. But one day, he learns that Yuki has volunteered to join the Self-Defense Forces...!?

NOTE:

• 2 volumes (END)