Tough guys meet time travel in this Omnibus collection of a standard-fare, fairly juvenile teen-delinquent-drama manga series with a sci-fi angle. Hanagaki Takemichi, a former thug, gains the ability to travel back in time after falling in front of a train. When he learns on the news that his girlfriend from junior high, Hinata Tachibana, and her younger brother both died due to gang violence, Takemichi decides to try to use his powers to save their lives. But the mechanics of time travel prove complicated, and he ends up changing the past and future in ways he doesn’t expect, saving some people while accidentally causing the early deaths of others. Wakui’s art is quirky but occasionally off-putting, with thin lines and viscerally detailed brawls. The friendships between the gang members will draw readers in, but the girls that hang around lovelorn for the ruffians have little else going on. The time travel adds puzzle-like complexity to what would otherwise be a bonanza of teens brawling: most problems that arise are resolved by punching. Regardless, the series has proven a hit in adaptation, whose followers will surely revel in the ample fistfights and plot twists. (Aug.)

Takemichi's life isn't going according to plan. Stuck in a dead-end job, he's just learned that his middle school girlfriend Hinata, along with her little brother Naoto, have just been murdered by Tokyo gang members. When he finds out he's able to travel back in time exactly 12 years, the decisions he makes during this do-over are enough to at least keep Naoto from dying later in the present. With Takemichi and Naoto now aware that such a phenomenon is possible, can the two work together to prevent Hinata's death at the hands of Tokyo gang violence? These titles take readers on a wild ride. Not only does the plot bring an interesting science fiction wrinkle to the table, the action and drama also contribute to a riveting reading experience. Some could make the argument that this title glorifies gangs and gang violence, but it's even more clear that the protagonist Takemichi has his heart in the right place and is someone worth rooting for. Artwork is done in a very fun style, and scenes containing action are sincere standouts. VERDICT The story's pacing is well done, resulting in a very dramatic story where there never seems to be a dull moment on any page. While shonen manga narrative unfolds can be very predictable, there isn't any of that in this bookfans are going to have a blast wondering what's going to happen next. Joe Pascullo