One Woman and the War

A melancholic portrait of Tokyo at the edge of collapse during the final days of World War II, by a celebrated Garo cartoonist.

Adapted from Ango Sakaguchi’s famous historical fiction/romance writing, the graphic novel follows two people bound not by love, but by proximity to ruin.

A former sex worker, she is emotionally sealed off, incapable of feeling pleasure in any familiarway. A writer, he is numb and adrift, and drawn to her detachment from the unraveling world.

Together, they have made an agreement: they will stay together until the war ends—or they die.

Drifting through bomb shelters, burned-out streets, and nights heavy with smoke, desire, and resignation, terror becomes a strange fascination; destruction takes on an erotic charge. There is something beautiful, almost intoxicating, about the end.

Kondō’s minimalist manga style heightens the void—thin lines, empty rooms, distant gazes.

Translated by award-winning David Boyd (Breasts and Eggs), this long-awaited release will be an instant classic.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs