BTOOOM! Series by Junya Inoue

By all counts, Ryouta Sakamoto is a loser when he's not holed up in his room, bombing things into oblivion in his favorite online action RPG... moreBy all counts, Ryouta Sakamoto is a loser when he's not holed up in his room, bombing things into oblivion in his favorite online action RPG. But his very own uneventful life is blown to pieces when he's abducted and taken to an uninhabited island, where he soon learns the hard way that he's being pitted against others just like him in a explosives-riddled death match! How could this be happening? Who's putting them up to this? And why!? The name, not to mention the objective, of this very real survival game is eerily familiar to Ryouta, who has mastered its virtual counterpart-BTOOOM! Can Ryouta still come out on top when he's playing for his life!? less

On a mysterious deserted island, Ryouta Sakamoto, who has been thrust against his will into a vicious game of survival, manages to defeat his first enemy player. While struggling with the guilt of having murdered another person, he stumbles upon Kiyoshi Taira, an older man who fills in some of the blanks about their situation. Ryouta begins to harbor the suspicious that the company behind the virtual "BTOOOM!" world is also behind this very real bomber death-match... moreOn a mysterious deserted island, Ryouta Sakamoto, who has been thrust against his will into a vicious game of survival, manages to defeat his first enemy player. While struggling with the guilt of having murdered another person, he stumbles upon Kiyoshi Taira, an older man who fills in some of the blanks about their situation. Ryouta begins to harbor the suspicious that the company behind the virtual "BTOOOM!" world is also behind this very real bomber death-match. Intent on escape, Ryouta ventures into the heart of the island... But then, an even more formidable foe attacks. less

After Ryouta Sakamoto is deposited on an island and forced to kill others with unique bombs called BIMs in order to stay alive as a player in live-action "BTOOOM!", he and his newfound ally, Kiyoshi Taira, search for a way off the island. En route, he encounters a heavily armed teenage girl, who, suspicious of his motives, unleashes a vicious barrage of BIMs in his direction. Though initially unwilling to engage, Ryouta decides to fight back... moreAfter Ryouta Sakamoto is deposited on an island and forced to kill others with unique bombs called BIMs in order to stay alive as a player in live-action "BTOOOM!", he and his newfound ally, Kiyoshi Taira, search for a way off the island. En route, he encounters a heavily armed teenage girl, who, suspicious of his motives, unleashes a vicious barrage of BIMs in his direction. Though initially unwilling to engage, Ryouta decides to fight back. But will earning another victory on the island lead to him losing more of his humanity and committing yet another unpardonable sin?! less

What happens when you cross the ultimate line?!Men and women, old and young, have been forced onto an island in the middle of nowhere and into a murderous game using small bombs called BIMs. Now accustomed to the gameplay of real-life "BTOOOM!", expert player Ryouta Sakamoto coolly and calmly disposes of opponents and giant lizards alike as he protects his allies and their rations... moreWhat happens when you cross the ultimate line?!Men and women, old and young, have been forced onto an island in the middle of nowhere and into a murderous game using small bombs called BIMs. Now accustomed to the gameplay of real-life "BTOOOM!", expert player Ryouta Sakamoto coolly and calmly disposes of opponents and giant lizards alike as he protects his allies and their rations. But in the lawless microcosm of the island, is it really such a smart idea to play by the rules? When a mysterious player confronts Ryouta with not a handful of bombs but the cruel blade of a knife, will he be able to think outside the video game box long enough to find a way to survive?!! less

Unwilling to play by the rules of the twisted minds behind the live-action version of "BTOOOM!", Ryouta Sakamoto, with his comrades Himiko and Kiyoshi Taira, vows to find a way off the deserted island that doesn't involve murder. Still, with giant carnivorous lizards and stab-happy ex-soldiers inhabiting this island hell, Ryouta finds that getting a little blood on his hands is inevitable if he's to escape with both his life and wits about him.. moreUnwilling to play by the rules of the twisted minds behind the live-action version of "BTOOOM!", Ryouta Sakamoto, with his comrades Himiko and Kiyoshi Taira, vows to find a way off the deserted island that doesn't involve murder. Still, with giant carnivorous lizards and stab-happy ex-soldiers inhabiting this island hell, Ryouta finds that getting a little blood on his hands is inevitable if he's to escape with both his life and wits about him... But when he and Himiko are accosted by an otherworldly white specter as they take shelter in an abandoned building, is Ryouta instead losing his grip on reality and the game?! less

Thus far, Ryouta Sakamoto and Himiko have narrowly managed to survive on the cruel island battlefield of the survival game “BTOOOM!” with the aid of their BIMs and each other. But now, confronted by a man who just might be the strongest opponent on the island, Ryouta is at a serious disadvantage. Not only is the man fearless, but also his movements are precisely calculated, and he possesses a superior athleticism that allows him to entrap his enemies... moreThus far, Ryouta Sakamoto and Himiko have narrowly managed to survive on the cruel island battlefield of the survival game “BTOOOM!” with the aid of their BIMs and each other. But now, confronted by a man who just might be the strongest opponent on the island, Ryouta is at a serious disadvantage. Not only is the man fearless, but also his movements are precisely calculated, and he possesses a superior athleticism that allows him to entrap his enemies. Just who is this guy?! As the action ramps up, it becomes apparent that playing solo spells one’s doom!! The game progresses with speed as the players lay their bets on teaming up to survive!! less

How will Sakamoto confront the demon doctor?!In "BTOOOM!", a twisted live-action game of survival underway on a mysterious deserted island, actual people must use bombs to murder their opponents in order to live. Ryouta Sakamoto has overcome countless near-deaths in this game, while finding allies in Himiko and Kiyoshi Taira as he searches for a way out. But after Masahito Date, a former doctor who treats the injured Taira, is welcomed to the group, Ryouta begins to see the doctor's true colors... moreHow will Sakamoto confront the demon doctor?!In "BTOOOM!", a twisted live-action game of survival underway on a mysterious deserted island, actual people must use bombs to murder their opponents in order to live. Ryouta Sakamoto has overcome countless near-deaths in this game, while finding allies in Himiko and Kiyoshi Taira as he searches for a way out. But after Masahito Date, a former doctor who treats the injured Taira, is welcomed to the group, Ryouta begins to see the doctor's true colors...!! Combining his past experience of having already beaten the game once with his wicked shrewdness, this demon doctor starts to eat away at the trust between Ryouta and Himiko. How will they beat Date and his sinister scheme?! less

The demonic death game finally reaches a climax!!Sakamoto and Himiko have thus far succeeded in hanging on to their lives on the mysterious island battlefield, using their BIMs to compete in the murderous gameplay of live-action "BTOOOM!" The two find themselves pitted in a life-or-death struggle with Date, a victor from an earlier round, who has all sorts of knowledge about the game unfolding around them... moreThe demonic death game finally reaches a climax!!Sakamoto and Himiko have thus far succeeded in hanging on to their lives on the mysterious island battlefield, using their BIMs to compete in the murderous gameplay of live-action "BTOOOM!" The two find themselves pitted in a life-or-death struggle with Date, a victor from an earlier round, who has all sorts of knowledge about the game unfolding around them. After being cornered by Date, they escape his clutches and rush to the side of their third ally, Kiyoshi Taira, only to find that his state of terror and his horrific wounds have caused him to lose his mind...?! less

One wrong move, and it's all over!!The death game "BTOOOM!" charges headlong into the final phase!! Ryouta survives a fierce battle against his sworn ally, Kiyoshi Taira, but the scars left behind on his heart from the confrontation run deep. Meanwhile, Kousuke Kira, hungry for a rematch with Ryouta, wanders the island in the hopes of a chance to get back into the game... moreOne wrong move, and it's all over!!The death game "BTOOOM!" charges headlong into the final phase!! Ryouta survives a fierce battle against his sworn ally, Kiyoshi Taira, but the scars left behind on his heart from the confrontation run deep. Meanwhile, Kousuke Kira, hungry for a rematch with Ryouta, wanders the island in the hopes of a chance to get back into the game. But when Kira runs into a mysterious group with unfamiliar BIMs and a merciless team strategy, the devious junior high schooler has to think fast if he wants to live long enough to settle the score with world ranker SAKAMOTO...!! less

A genius player steels himself!!"BTOOOM!"--the death game that forces flesh and blood people to kill each other with explosives--charges into its final stage! Ryouta has an unexpected meeting on the island with his former acquaintance Tsuneaki Iida, now one of the masterminds supervising the murderous game for Tyrannos Japan... moreA genius player steels himself!!"BTOOOM!"--the death game that forces flesh and blood people to kill each other with explosives--charges into its final stage! Ryouta has an unexpected meeting on the island with his former acquaintance Tsuneaki Iida, now one of the masterminds supervising the murderous game for Tyrannos Japan. There, Iida reveals the true nature of this bomb game and proposes a surprising plan to Ryouta!! Then the few remaining players left on the island instigate a final battle to secure their escape. Tougou and Sakamoto, both planning to get off the island with their teams of four, take on Oda in a three-way fight to the death! less

A forbidden partnership forms?!"BTOOOM!" and its trademark explosives have decimated both the island playing field and players alike, but is the final stage of this live death-game now in sight?! Tsuneaki Iida, programmer for Tyrannos Japan, shares key information about the game's masterminds and the conspiracy, and he lets Ryouta in on a secret function hidden in the BIMs, asking him to take down the game's system... moreA forbidden partnership forms?!"BTOOOM!" and its trademark explosives have decimated both the island playing field and players alike, but is the final stage of this live death-game now in sight?! Tsuneaki Iida, programmer for Tyrannos Japan, shares key information about the game's masterminds and the conspiracy, and he lets Ryouta in on a secret function hidden in the BIMs, asking him to take down the game's system. Still plagued with doubt, Ryouta steels himself for battle and carries out his do-or-die plan to hijack the Tyrannos Japan helicopter. There's no turning back now!! But the price Ryouta will pay for his operation is heavy...and an unexpected turn of events awaits!! less

A price too great...On an island where people are forced to fight each other to the death using explosives, Ryouta places his bets on escape via a hijacked helicopter. But what happens when his plan goes abruptly awry?! As his allies drop left and right in a hail of bullets and as an unexpected ally lends him a hand, Ryouta becomes mired in the fiercest battle he has yet experienced on the island... moreA price too great...On an island where people are forced to fight each other to the death using explosives, Ryouta places his bets on escape via a hijacked helicopter. But what happens when his plan goes abruptly awry?! As his allies drop left and right in a hail of bullets and as an unexpected ally lends him a hand, Ryouta becomes mired in the fiercest battle he has yet experienced on the island. When the veil concealing the true intent behind "BTOOOM!" is ripped away, will the precarious war Ryouta has been waging on the live-action death match's sponsors finally come to a head?! less

In a hell called the Sanctuary...When his plan to escape the island ends in failure, Ryouta drags his battered body ashore, only to be approached by a mysterious girl who leads him to a community of seven combatants managing to peacefully co-exist... moreIn a hell called the Sanctuary...When his plan to escape the island ends in failure, Ryouta drags his battered body ashore, only to be approached by a mysterious girl who leads him to a community of seven combatants managing to peacefully co-exist. With Ryouta's arrival, though, the balance is shattered as the eight chips needed to win a ticket back to civilization are suddenly within reach! It doesn't take long before the first death is discovered, and so a brand-new arc commences with an explosive tropical murder mystery!! less

The Sanctuary arc comes to an end!!While lying unconscious on a beach, Ryouta is approached by a mysterious little girl, Kaguya, who later leads him to the Sanctuary, where seven "BTOOOM!" players have been eking out a peaceful coexistence... moreThe Sanctuary arc comes to an end!!While lying unconscious on a beach, Ryouta is approached by a mysterious little girl, Kaguya, who later leads him to the Sanctuary, where seven "BTOOOM!" players have been eking out a peaceful coexistence. But Ryouta's arrival means there are enough chips to send one player home, and a string of ghastly murders follows!! The killer cuts down player after player, and Ryouta soon discovers that he has fallen into the villain's clutches, only to escape by the skin of his teeth! As the curtain falls on the battle of wits between Ryouta and the murderer, another rises on the most ferocious fight the Sanctuary has ever witnessed!! less

The curtain closes on the death match in the Sanctuary, and the climax approaches! Outside the game, Ryouta's stepfather joins forces with a hacking wizard, and they concoct a plan to take down the Themis Corporation. Meanwhile, Oda is separated from Himiko and intercepts Tougou's team single-handedly, getting his hands on an unthinkable "commodity." The battle between the two revs up in intensity, but how will its result affect the game.. moreThe curtain closes on the death match in the Sanctuary, and the climax approaches! Outside the game, Ryouta's stepfather joins forces with a hacking wizard, and they concoct a plan to take down the Themis Corporation. Meanwhile, Oda is separated from Himiko and intercepts Tougou's team single-handedly, getting his hands on an unthinkable "commodity." The battle between the two revs up in intensity, but how will its result affect the game...? In the midst of it all, a sudden announcement sounds out to all the players!! Takanohashi's unexpected news drastically shifts the balance of the game, and the island becomes a seething mess of chaos and discord!!<!--EndFragment--> less

The equilibrium on the island has been greatly thrown off by Takanohashi's sudden announcement. There's only one day to go before the game is up, and only three people left who can beat it...leaving the players bewildered by this sudden rule change. But that bewilderment turns into anger and leads to suspicion, causing the bonds between players start to fray. And when Himiko is wandering around the island, looking for Ryouta, another stray catches sight of her.. moreThe equilibrium on the island has been greatly thrown off by Takanohashi's sudden announcement. There's only one day to go before the game is up, and only three people left who can beat it...leaving the players bewildered by this sudden rule change. But that bewilderment turns into anger and leads to suspicion, causing the bonds between players start to fray. And when Himiko is wandering around the island, looking for Ryouta, another stray catches sight of her...Will Himiko ever be reunited with Ryouta?! Meanwhile, Ryouta himself is assaulted by a tragedy born out of suspicion!! less

Limiters down...Soga's death crushes Ryouta, freeing him from whatever was subconsciously holding him back. With thoughts of kindness and humanity left by the wayside, he zeros in on what it will take to beat the game most efficiently. In the process, he faces off against the duo of Kira and Tougou... moreLimiters down...Soga's death crushes Ryouta, freeing him from whatever was subconsciously holding him back. With thoughts of kindness and humanity left by the wayside, he zeros in on what it will take to beat the game most efficiently. In the process, he faces off against the duo of Kira and Tougou. How will Kira handle having his back to the wall now that he's grown up a little?! The dust settles on the island following the rule change, and a new team is formed! And the veil is lifted on Oda's unspoken past, as a new arc begins and an old face from Oda's past joins the fray! less

A new menace attacks the players...Even as Oda severs his ties to the past and splits up from him, Okita stands his ground. However, an unexpected ending awaits them both. The stage once again returns to the final day of the game, and a new battle breaks out!! The surviving players are few, a new weapon is deposited along with its operator, and a new item may be acquired upon the destruction of the new weapon...On the island, fate and fighting intersect... moreA new menace attacks the players...Even as Oda severs his ties to the past and splits up from him, Okita stands his ground. However, an unexpected ending awaits them both. The stage once again returns to the final day of the game, and a new battle breaks out!! The surviving players are few, a new weapon is deposited along with its operator, and a new item may be acquired upon the destruction of the new weapon...On the island, fate and fighting intersect. And there's a new development off the island as well!! One more battle enters its next stage...thanks to the actions of a single, precious sacrifice... less

The surviving players continue to struggle against one another in a desperate attempt to survive in the latest installment of BTOOOM!

A hero's last stand...Years ago, Tougou lost the entire team under his command in the line of duty. Carrying the weight of their souls on his back, he's tried to make it through the Game with honor while protecting those most vulnerable. Now, back up against the wall, he'll risk it all for a chance at redemption. Only one man is walking away from this battle to the death...

The mutiny begins!While Iida and Perrier finally make their move to take over Tyrannos Japan from within, Ryouta and Himiko are in a tight spot on the island. In his dreamlike state, will Ryouta end up doing something truly unforgivable?! But before they know it, Kira's back on the scene, and he has his sights set on SAKAMOTO! Kira's stronger than ever before-how did a child become one of the most dangerous players in the game?!

SAKAMOTO vs. Kira: the final showdown!! With their takeover of Tyrannos Japan a success, Iida and his team now have to contend with their hostages rebelling in a bid to regain control... moreSAKAMOTO vs. Kira: the final showdown!! With their takeover of Tyrannos Japan a success, Iida and his team now have to contend with their hostages rebelling in a bid to regain control. The situation rapidly deteriorates in the command center as Ryouta and Kira's final showdown heats up on the island! With both players pulling out all the stops in this last fight, will the curtain finally close on their heated rivalry? Who will be the last man standing when Perrier and his rescue team reach the island?! less

The calm before the storm...It's the beginning of the end as Perrier's troops arrive on the island to rescue the surviving players. Sakamoto and his friends are relieved the killing is finally over...or is it? An unidentified aircraft is approaching the island, carrying the US Army's drone troops. Xaviera is looking for a rematch--will the island become their collective grave after all?!

With multiple forces at work, the situation surrounding "BTOOOM! GAMERS" takes a turn for the complicated. In the control room, a psychological battle between Tyrannos Japan and Iida heats up. Online, cyber warfare ensues between the foundation, which is attempting to hack the system, and Perrier, who erects a firewall. And then on the island, the drone unit, led by Xaviera, clashes explosively with Sakamoto and his team, which holds the line with BIMs... moreWith multiple forces at work, the situation surrounding "BTOOOM! GAMERS" takes a turn for the complicated. In the control room, a psychological battle between Tyrannos Japan and Iida heats up. Online, cyber warfare ensues between the foundation, which is attempting to hack the system, and Perrier, who erects a firewall. And then on the island, the drone unit, led by Xaviera, clashes explosively with Sakamoto and his team, which holds the line with BIMs. In three battles that won't easily be won, who holds the key to the overall war...? less

The battle between Tyrannos Japan and the players rages on dual fronts! As Perrier clashes with Tomie for command over the game, the Queen's elite combat unit bears down on Iida and Ryouta's stepfather, who struggle to maintain their hold on the control room. The players on the island are up against it too, sustaining a barrage from yet another type of drone with unique weaponry that yields major losses to their dwindling numbers... moreThe battle between Tyrannos Japan and the players rages on dual fronts! As Perrier clashes with Tomie for command over the game, the Queen's elite combat unit bears down on Iida and Ryouta's stepfather, who struggle to maintain their hold on the control room. The players on the island are up against it too, sustaining a barrage from yet another type of drone with unique weaponry that yields major losses to their dwindling numbers. Regrouping afterward proves no easy task, especially when Ryouta squares off with his greatest rival and is left with agonizingly few choices... less

In this "happy ending" conclusion to the story, it's up to Ryouta to persuade Oda--who has taken Kaguya and Uesugi hostage--into believing there's no need to fight. Making his job harder, however, is Takanohashi, who fans the flames of their rivalry by declaring their duel a proxy war between the East and the West. Meanwhile, Perrier attempts to rescue the hostages, but approaching Uesugi only leads to disaster.. moreIn this "happy ending" conclusion to the story, it's up to Ryouta to persuade Oda--who has taken Kaguya and Uesugi hostage--into believing there's no need to fight. Making his job harder, however, is Takanohashi, who fans the flames of their rivalry by declaring their duel a proxy war between the East and the West. Meanwhile, Perrier attempts to rescue the hostages, but approaching Uesugi only leads to disaster...The fate of the players and the destruction of the THEMIS Project hinges on Ryouta, but will his ideals be enough to make a happy ending reality? less

In this "bad ending" conclusion to the story, Ryouta casts aside his history with Oda and, with it, his hesitation, as he squares off against his former friend and rival, who has taken Kaguya and Uesugi hostage. Meanwhile, Himiko and Kira hatch a plan to save their captured allies. But Ryouta's decision will have dire consequences for everyone involved, and even he might not emerge from this final battle unscathed...Who will be left standing as the curtain falls on this explosive drama?!