What do you think?
Rate this book
Battle Royale #ultimate 2; books 4-6
Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 2
Battle Royale, a high-octane thriller about senseless youth violence in a dystopian world, it is one of Japan's best-selling - and most controversial - novels. As part of a ruthless program by the totalitarian government, ninth-grade students are taken to a small isolated island with a map, food, and various weapons. Forced to wear special collars that explode when they break a rule, they must fight each other for three days until only one "winner" remains. The elimination contest becomes the ultimate in must-see reality television. A Japanese pulp classic available in English for the first time, Battle Royale is a potent allegory of what it means to be young and survive in today's dog-eat-dog world. The first novel by small-town journalist Koushun Takami, it went on to become an even more notorious film by 70-year-old director Kinji Fukusaku.
\
656 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2008
4 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Koushun Takami
100 books1,578 followersKoushun Takami (高見 広春 Takami Kōshun) is the author of the novel Battle Royale, originally published in Japanese, and later translated into English by Yuji Oniki and published by Viz Media and, later, in an expanded edition by Haika Soru, a division of Viz Media.
Takami was born in Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture near Osaka and grew up in the Kagawa Prefecture of Shikoku. After graduating from Osaka University with a degree in literature, he dropped out of Nihon University's liberal arts correspondence course program. From 1991 to 1996, he worked for the news company Shikoku Shimbun, reporting on various fields including politics, police reports, and economics.
The novel Battle Royale was completed after Takami left the news company. It was rejected in the final round of the literary competition for which it was intended, owing to its controversial content. It went on to become a bestseller when finally released in 1999 and, a year later, was made into a manga and a feature film.
He is currently working on a second novel.
Takami was born in Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture near Osaka and grew up in the Kagawa Prefecture of Shikoku. After graduating from Osaka University with a degree in literature, he dropped out of Nihon University's liberal arts correspondence course program. From 1991 to 1996, he worked for the news company Shikoku Shimbun, reporting on various fields including politics, police reports, and economics.
The novel Battle Royale was completed after Takami left the news company. It was rejected in the final round of the literary competition for which it was intended, owing to its controversial content. It went on to become a bestseller when finally released in 1999 and, a year later, was made into a manga and a feature film.
He is currently working on a second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 4, 2024
REREAD (2022):
TW: the same trigger warnings as for volume 1 stand (gore, sex, rape etc.), transphobic slur (on page 238 ff. at least in the German translation)
I'm not enjoying the series as much as I did the first time around and that is mostly due to the sexist/ pedophile depictions of women and girls, sometimes in the most ridiculous fashion, e.g. zooming in on a student's panties when she was literally just shot in the leg and lies on the ground bleeding to death. I also dislike how most of the female students are so much weaker (in mind and body) than the male students; Kawada, for example, is literally depicted being thrice the size of Noriko when he carries her in his arms. I understand that manga cater into a lot of male fantasies and that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, but the depictions in Battle Royale are so archaic and horrible, it's hard to enjoy the series as a woman.
Another thing that I noticed and started to dislike is how flat most of the characters are, we have the good ones, and the bad ones; the sporty ones, and the weak ones. Everyone is swooning over Shuya and Mimura. The "weak" characters belittle themselves in comparison to them, e.g. Yutaka constantly apologising to Mimura "I'm such a burden for you" etc.
Initially, I enjoyed that in Takami's concept for the games it's one class of school children competing. I think it's a cool idea because a) they're teenagers (around 15 years old) which makes the whole scenario more horrifying and b) they know each other (which makes it more high stakes). Unfortunately, both benefits don't play out in Battle Royale because Takami basically writes these kids as adults, in the first volume, we learn that some of the girls work as prostitutes and rip off rich old men (who did that in your high school? nobody? same.), many of the guys are perfect combat fighters (how in the hell?), and now in the second volume, we learn that Sho helped out his father who runs a brothel where trans prostitutes work... and it's depicted in the most ridiculous fashion, Sho, who is very stereotypically and negatively portrayed as being trans and/or a cross-dresser, threatens a costumer who starts acting up, grabbing him by his balls etc. – those are not the actions of a 15-year old high school student, I'm sorry. It's ridiculous!
Hirono's death was probably my favorite moment in this volume. Her hallucinating that she made it out of the well alive and Shuya and Noriko being there and telling her that they found a way off the island, man, only for the next panel to switch back to her at the bottom of the well... it was beautifully tragic!
I'm curious about the backstory of Shogo and Keiko (my guess is that he was in love with her but couldn't save her during his last games) and what will happen between Sugimura and Kayoko (will he find her? or will it be too late?).
Also, the showdown between Kaz and Shuya was pretty fucking epic, when Kaz came swinging from the sky he literally looked like Batman. :D
ORIGINAL REVIEW (2016):
Volume 4:
This volume continues Takako's fight with Niida, Niida is killed but Mitsuko kills Takako, Hiroki finds her dying body and she dies in his arms. Shinji is disheartened to discover that his plan has failed, yet it is discovered that the prodigy had a back-up plan by the way of his beloved, deceased Uncle and a well hidden Aunt. It shows some of Shogo's past with Keiko. Until it comes to Kaori Minami and Hirono Shimizu in a gunfight, Kaori shoots Hirono in the arm (she escapes) and Kaori is killed by Shogo.
I loved the inclusion of the backstory of Takako and Hiroki! And not gonna lie, I cried a little when she died, it is definitely my favorite tragic moment of the series thus far! Also, the reveal about Shogo being a victor had me shook, like??? He's literally my fave right now! I love that he helped Shu and Nori – Team Power for the win! Also, Mimura is a boss as motherfucker; get 'em with that bomb, queen, kill that bitch Kamon!
Volume 5:
The volume introduces Sho Tsukioka and his past and Kazuo's sneaky plan which kills Sho. It also continues Hirono's escapades until she is shoved into a well by Toshinori Oda and drowns. Shuya, Noriko and Shogo are staying in a nearby house while Noriko is resting from a wound.
Yutaka's and Mimura's friendship is everything. The fact that Yutaka pissed on his bullies to save the puppy—ICONIC! I'm very curious to see if their plan will work out in the end; I mean, probably not, but I really need them to succeed!
Also, the showdown between Sho and Kazuo was epic. Sho was such a bitch, and I still love Kaz (even though or maybe because? he's a psycho). I also enjoyed learning more about Shuya, especially his family situation and how he became a just man after the death of his mother.
Volume 6:
This volume shows Shuya's fight with Kazuo, Hiroki Sugimura saves Shuya's life by jumping in the ocean with him from the crazed Kazuo. Hiroki then finds Yukie Utsumi and her gang who offer to help the unconscious Shuya (having received bullet wounds from Kazuo). Shogo runs away with Noriko away from the battle.
Hiroki meeting the trio was everything, I really wanted him to join them! It's very hard to keep track of all of the relationships, for a second I thought he was in love with Nori, but no, it is later revealed that he actually fancies Kayoko. And why is Kaz such a bitch tho?
TW: the same trigger warnings as for volume 1 stand (gore, sex, rape etc.), transphobic slur (on page 238 ff. at least in the German translation)
I'm not enjoying the series as much as I did the first time around and that is mostly due to the sexist/ pedophile depictions of women and girls, sometimes in the most ridiculous fashion, e.g. zooming in on a student's panties when she was literally just shot in the leg and lies on the ground bleeding to death. I also dislike how most of the female students are so much weaker (in mind and body) than the male students; Kawada, for example, is literally depicted being thrice the size of Noriko when he carries her in his arms. I understand that manga cater into a lot of male fantasies and that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, but the depictions in Battle Royale are so archaic and horrible, it's hard to enjoy the series as a woman.
Another thing that I noticed and started to dislike is how flat most of the characters are, we have the good ones, and the bad ones; the sporty ones, and the weak ones. Everyone is swooning over Shuya and Mimura. The "weak" characters belittle themselves in comparison to them, e.g. Yutaka constantly apologising to Mimura "I'm such a burden for you" etc.
Initially, I enjoyed that in Takami's concept for the games it's one class of school children competing. I think it's a cool idea because a) they're teenagers (around 15 years old) which makes the whole scenario more horrifying and b) they know each other (which makes it more high stakes). Unfortunately, both benefits don't play out in Battle Royale because Takami basically writes these kids as adults, in the first volume, we learn that some of the girls work as prostitutes and rip off rich old men (who did that in your high school? nobody? same.), many of the guys are perfect combat fighters (how in the hell?), and now in the second volume, we learn that Sho helped out his father who runs a brothel where trans prostitutes work... and it's depicted in the most ridiculous fashion, Sho, who is very stereotypically and negatively portrayed as being trans and/or a cross-dresser, threatens a costumer who starts acting up, grabbing him by his balls etc. – those are not the actions of a 15-year old high school student, I'm sorry. It's ridiculous!
Hirono's death was probably my favorite moment in this volume. Her hallucinating that she made it out of the well alive and Shuya and Noriko being there and telling her that they found a way off the island, man, only for the next panel to switch back to her at the bottom of the well... it was beautifully tragic!
I'm curious about the backstory of Shogo and Keiko (my guess is that he was in love with her but couldn't save her during his last games) and what will happen between Sugimura and Kayoko (will he find her? or will it be too late?).
Also, the showdown between Kaz and Shuya was pretty fucking epic, when Kaz came swinging from the sky he literally looked like Batman. :D
ORIGINAL REVIEW (2016):
Volume 4:
This volume continues Takako's fight with Niida, Niida is killed but Mitsuko kills Takako, Hiroki finds her dying body and she dies in his arms. Shinji is disheartened to discover that his plan has failed, yet it is discovered that the prodigy had a back-up plan by the way of his beloved, deceased Uncle and a well hidden Aunt. It shows some of Shogo's past with Keiko. Until it comes to Kaori Minami and Hirono Shimizu in a gunfight, Kaori shoots Hirono in the arm (she escapes) and Kaori is killed by Shogo.
I loved the inclusion of the backstory of Takako and Hiroki! And not gonna lie, I cried a little when she died, it is definitely my favorite tragic moment of the series thus far! Also, the reveal about Shogo being a victor had me shook, like??? He's literally my fave right now! I love that he helped Shu and Nori – Team Power for the win! Also, Mimura is a boss as motherfucker; get 'em with that bomb, queen, kill that bitch Kamon!
Volume 5:
The volume introduces Sho Tsukioka and his past and Kazuo's sneaky plan which kills Sho. It also continues Hirono's escapades until she is shoved into a well by Toshinori Oda and drowns. Shuya, Noriko and Shogo are staying in a nearby house while Noriko is resting from a wound.
Yutaka's and Mimura's friendship is everything. The fact that Yutaka pissed on his bullies to save the puppy—ICONIC! I'm very curious to see if their plan will work out in the end; I mean, probably not, but I really need them to succeed!
Also, the showdown between Sho and Kazuo was epic. Sho was such a bitch, and I still love Kaz (even though or maybe because? he's a psycho). I also enjoyed learning more about Shuya, especially his family situation and how he became a just man after the death of his mother.
Volume 6:
This volume shows Shuya's fight with Kazuo, Hiroki Sugimura saves Shuya's life by jumping in the ocean with him from the crazed Kazuo. Hiroki then finds Yukie Utsumi and her gang who offer to help the unconscious Shuya (having received bullet wounds from Kazuo). Shogo runs away with Noriko away from the battle.
Hiroki meeting the trio was everything, I really wanted him to join them! It's very hard to keep track of all of the relationships, for a second I thought he was in love with Nori, but no, it is later revealed that he actually fancies Kayoko. And why is Kaz such a bitch tho?
November 12, 2011
The only reason this took a week was because I literally did not pick it up once this week. I started this late last Saturday night and read up to page 558 all on Sunday. It doesn't take all that long to read, but it does take a toll. This story is incredible intense and I sit tensed up the entire time I'm reading. Even after I read I need a little time to recover once I'm done for the evening so I've stayed away from reading it all week. I focused on my other reading and knew I'd finish this the next time I picked it up. And I did. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. Glad a friend shared this with me despite the violence involved in it.
January 7, 2021
God, the art of this manga series is breathtaking!
Really liked the second collection. More action, more stories, more development.
Especially during the last pages the action scenes were STUNNING!
Well, I hate the fact that every character I like dies, but...oh well...
Really liked the second collection. More action, more stories, more development.
Especially during the last pages the action scenes were STUNNING!
Well, I hate the fact that every character I like dies, but...oh well...
November 25, 2015
It's been about a year since I've last read
Battle Royale
, and there's so much that happens in that book that it's hard to keep track of what and when. And that makes this a good reading experience, because the story is familiar but I'm not 100% sure what's going to happen next. (Plus, I don't know if the manga is a perfect adaptation, or if there are some changes to the story. So it's all a little pleasant surprise.) I do think that this story is very well-suited to a manga adaptation, I'm really enjoying this visual way of reading it. And, like I mentioned in my last review, I really like the side stories. I like reading about the characters' lives before the Program, it's nice to see them as more than dead classmates. It really fleshes things out.
On the downside, my library couldn't track down a copy of Volume 3, so it looks like I'll be downloading them from here out.
On the downside, my library couldn't track down a copy of Volume 3, so it looks like I'll be downloading them from here out.
December 30, 2019
2.5/5
This second 3-in-1 edition barely gets three stars from me. All the flaws I'd complained about with the first 3-in-1 are back and probably worse than ever. I don't know who thought it'd be a good idea to put over-emphasis on all the grotesque aspects of Koushun Takami's original work, or why he felt it necessary to drag the story out to accommodate extended gruesome fight scenes and a 60-page rape scene or endless pages of fifteen-year-old students in hentai-graphic sex scenes with older men.
It's all just so goddamn unnecessary. The original novel is one of my favourite books of all time; a masterwork of YA horror fiction, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the cruelty of the real world, among other things. All of that is still here, but it's pushed into the back for endless exploitation and overly grotesque character designs for anyone who isn't meant to be a protagonist or a sex object. I'm no softy when it comes to sex and violence in fiction, but goddamn, I don't think any work requires sixty pages of a male student attempting to violently rape one of his family classmates. I don't know why everything has to be so fucking extreme, but there you have it.
Masayuki Taguchi's artwork is top-notch, even if it is in the service of making everything look as hideous and graphic as possible. The English translation is... not great. It seems like it was adapted by someone from the UK, which itself isn't much of a problem, but it doesn't suit a lot of the teenage characters. The dialogue also drags on and on, going in endless circles. Everything's repeated eighty times. It's tedious to read.
I still have the third 3-in-1 to read, since I'd found the first three hardcovers for only $60 (a bargain for anything that's OOP and in good condition), but I doubt I'll be seeking out the last two volumes for a very long time unless I find one at a cheap price, and what's the likelihood of that?
This second 3-in-1 edition barely gets three stars from me. All the flaws I'd complained about with the first 3-in-1 are back and probably worse than ever. I don't know who thought it'd be a good idea to put over-emphasis on all the grotesque aspects of Koushun Takami's original work, or why he felt it necessary to drag the story out to accommodate extended gruesome fight scenes and a 60-page rape scene or endless pages of fifteen-year-old students in hentai-graphic sex scenes with older men.
It's all just so goddamn unnecessary. The original novel is one of my favourite books of all time; a masterwork of YA horror fiction, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the cruelty of the real world, among other things. All of that is still here, but it's pushed into the back for endless exploitation and overly grotesque character designs for anyone who isn't meant to be a protagonist or a sex object. I'm no softy when it comes to sex and violence in fiction, but goddamn, I don't think any work requires sixty pages of a male student attempting to violently rape one of his family classmates. I don't know why everything has to be so fucking extreme, but there you have it.
Masayuki Taguchi's artwork is top-notch, even if it is in the service of making everything look as hideous and graphic as possible. The English translation is... not great. It seems like it was adapted by someone from the UK, which itself isn't much of a problem, but it doesn't suit a lot of the teenage characters. The dialogue also drags on and on, going in endless circles. Everything's repeated eighty times. It's tedious to read.
I still have the third 3-in-1 to read, since I'd found the first three hardcovers for only $60 (a bargain for anything that's OOP and in good condition), but I doubt I'll be seeking out the last two volumes for a very long time unless I find one at a cheap price, and what's the likelihood of that?
April 11, 2023
Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 2 is an outstanding continuation of Koushun Takami's harrowing and unforgettable tale of survival and morality. This volume picks up where the first left off, and the action and suspense don't let up for a single moment.
The story follows a group of high school students who are forced to participate in a government-sponsored program called "Battle Royale." The rules are simple: the students must fight to the death until only one survivor remains. As the plot unfolds, we see the struggles and sacrifices that each of these young people must make in order to survive.
Takami's writing is gripping, with each scene expertly crafted to build tension and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are all distinct and memorable, with their own unique personalities and motivations. It's impossible not to feel invested in their stories and root for them as they fight for their lives.
But what truly sets this book apart is its exploration of morality and human nature. Takami isn't afraid to delve into the darker aspects of humanity, showing us what can happen when desperation and fear take over. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the power of our choices.
The art by Masayuki Taguchi is also exceptional, bringing the story to life with its intense action scenes and emotional character moments. The attention to detail is astounding, and every panel is filled with nuance and meaning.
Overall, Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 2 is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, action, and social commentary. It's a thought-provoking and powerful work that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story that challenges their beliefs and leaves them breathless.
The story follows a group of high school students who are forced to participate in a government-sponsored program called "Battle Royale." The rules are simple: the students must fight to the death until only one survivor remains. As the plot unfolds, we see the struggles and sacrifices that each of these young people must make in order to survive.
Takami's writing is gripping, with each scene expertly crafted to build tension and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are all distinct and memorable, with their own unique personalities and motivations. It's impossible not to feel invested in their stories and root for them as they fight for their lives.
But what truly sets this book apart is its exploration of morality and human nature. Takami isn't afraid to delve into the darker aspects of humanity, showing us what can happen when desperation and fear take over. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the power of our choices.
The art by Masayuki Taguchi is also exceptional, bringing the story to life with its intense action scenes and emotional character moments. The attention to detail is astounding, and every panel is filled with nuance and meaning.
Overall, Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 2 is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, action, and social commentary. It's a thought-provoking and powerful work that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story that challenges their beliefs and leaves them breathless.
August 7, 2023
It's been years since I've read this series, and re-reading it now made me realize how much I love Battle Royal. The story is great (albeit dark). The art is great, even if it makes the kids look like 45yo adults. But I guess having the kids look so old (and ugly, not gonna lie) makes it easier to read since they are all so horny and sexual and murderous. Still an excellent series. It's got everything you didn't know you wanted in a story about kids fighting to the death.
January 11, 2025
EN If you enjoyed the first volume, this one will not disappoint.
The stakes are still high, and the action remains as spectacular as ever. This volume places greater emphasis on character development, though it still delivers a solid dose of action, particularly toward the end.
The fight scenes are a standout, and they sparked the thought of how amazing a manga focusing entirely on real martial arts movements would be. While fight sequences are common, the use of authentic martial arts techniques here adds a unique and thrilling edge.
Overall, this is shaping up to be a fantastic series!
--
PT Se gostaste do primeiro volume, este não te vai desiludir.
As apostas continuam elevadas, e a ação mantém-se tão espetacular como sempre. Este volume dá maior ênfase ao desenvolvimento das personagens, embora ainda ofereça uma boa dose de ação, especialmente para o final.
As cenas de luta destacam-se e fizeram-me pensar no quão incrível seria um manga focado inteiramente em movimentos reais de artes marciais. Apesar de as cenas de combate serem comuns, o uso de técnicas autênticas de artes marciais aqui acrescenta um toque único e empolgante.
No geral, esta série está a revelar-se fantástica!
The stakes are still high, and the action remains as spectacular as ever. This volume places greater emphasis on character development, though it still delivers a solid dose of action, particularly toward the end.
The fight scenes are a standout, and they sparked the thought of how amazing a manga focusing entirely on real martial arts movements would be. While fight sequences are common, the use of authentic martial arts techniques here adds a unique and thrilling edge.
Overall, this is shaping up to be a fantastic series!
--
PT Se gostaste do primeiro volume, este não te vai desiludir.
As apostas continuam elevadas, e a ação mantém-se tão espetacular como sempre. Este volume dá maior ênfase ao desenvolvimento das personagens, embora ainda ofereça uma boa dose de ação, especialmente para o final.
As cenas de luta destacam-se e fizeram-me pensar no quão incrível seria um manga focado inteiramente em movimentos reais de artes marciais. Apesar de as cenas de combate serem comuns, o uso de técnicas autênticas de artes marciais aqui acrescenta um toque único e empolgante.
No geral, esta série está a revelar-se fantástica!
July 2, 2021
Every volume just gets better and better!
March 28, 2009
The thrill and the horror of the game continues. By now, there are only 20 students remaining. And the game continues. Two students plot to do major damage, but then a kink comes into their plans. And so it goes. The character development in this is outstanding. The plot is tight, and the action is fast-paced and just takes the reader in, not letting go until the very end. This is dystopian literature at its best, but it is also a great manga and work. Definitely a must-read, and I will be reading the rest.
Now if only certain reality shows would grow some balls and be more like this, we would really get "must-see tv, hehe. Just a thought.
Now if only certain reality shows would grow some balls and be more like this, we would really get "must-see tv, hehe. Just a thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2013
Very good
September 9, 2016
Similar to volume 1. Brutal. Not for kids despite it's anime overtones.
January 14, 2015
So Gory! not for the faint hearted!
March 12, 2015
4.5 ...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews