New Release Books by Tow Ubukata

Neither a utopia nor a dystopia, it’s still a world of nations at 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 man that will return, not so ironically, in full force: What is the self? Is there such a thing as the soul?

MAKE A FRESH START IN EDEN ? Wounded in a tragic and bloody fight with Boiled, Rune is rescued and brought to Eden, a former research institution. In Eden, she finds peace... but all of that could come crashing down around her when an assassin invades the tranquil garden of her new home.

PLACE YOUR BETS Rune Balot has discovered the location of Shell’s erased memories – hidden inside the four $100 million casino chips at Eggnog Blue, the casino operated by Shell himself! Will Balot and Dr. Easter be able to turn two thousand dollars into $400 million to recover Shell’s memories and hold him accountable for murdering Balot? The casino showdown begins here!

The youth of Tatsumiya Island lived ordinary lives, but their peaceful existence was all a lie. The invasion of the Festum transforms their peaceful island into a high-tech military fortress! Toh Ubukata, series organizer and script writer, novelizes the hit anime series! Introducing the beginning of a whole new Fafner, this novel details the thoughts of Soshi, Maya, Shoko, and others that didn't appear in the anime series, along with battles of the Fafner and Festum in Ubukata's exciting style.

"I'd rather be dead." Rune Balot was a lost girl with nothing to live for, when a man named Shell took her in and cared for her... until he tried to murder her. Standing at the precipice of death, Rune is saved by Dr. Easter, a private investigator, who uses an experimental procedure known as "Mardock Scramble 09." The procedure grants Balot extraordinary abilities and now Rune must decide whether to use her new powers to help Dr. Easter bring Shell to justice, or if she has the will to keep living a life that's been broken so badly. Includes special extras after the story!

Rune Balot is a prostitute who is nearly murdered by Shell, an enigmatic casino manager, who suffers from a disease that forces him to remove and store his memories. A victim for most of her life, Balot faces a choice. While on the brink of death, she is given the opportunity to live. It is not a simple choice for a victim, but Balot takes it. A professor brings Rune back to life as a cyborg with the ability to control electronics and partners her up with a self-aware universal tool named Oeufcocque. Together they begin to unravel the mystery behind Shell and Balot sheds the role of the victim, but must struggle between seeking justice and vengeance. VICTIMIZED OR VICTORIOUS? After Rune Balot was nearly murdered, an enigmatic casino manager gave her a new purpose in life - vengeance! Rebuilt as a cyborg with the ability to control electronics, she starts a crusade to cleanse her haunted past. But when the relentless Boiled wanders into her life, ruining and shredding all she cherishes, Balot's mental state and very well-being are threatened. Includes special extras after the story!