What do you think?
Rate this book
No. 6: The Manga #1-3
No. 6 Manga Omnibus 1
The classic dystopian manga returns! Experience the story of two boys who uncover a terrible conspiracy and turn City No. 6 on its head, in three collectible 3-in-1 omnibus editions featuring extra-large pages.
Includes volumes 1-3.
THE BOY, THE RAT, AND THE CITY
The classic dystopian manga returns in three 3-in-1 omnibus editions! An elite student named Shion lives a seemingly perfect life in the city of No. 6, where life is carefully controlled down to the last detail. However, everything changes one fateful night when Shion offers an injured young man shelter from a storm. Known only as Rat, this boy is a VC--a fugitive living outside the computerized tapestry of city control--and helping him throws Shion’s life into chaos and starts him down a path to discovering the appalling secrets behind the superficial perfection of No. 6.
Includes volumes 1-3.
THE BOY, THE RAT, AND THE CITY
The classic dystopian manga returns in three 3-in-1 omnibus editions! An elite student named Shion lives a seemingly perfect life in the city of No. 6, where life is carefully controlled down to the last detail. However, everything changes one fateful night when Shion offers an injured young man shelter from a storm. Known only as Rat, this boy is a VC--a fugitive living outside the computerized tapestry of city control--and helping him throws Shion’s life into chaos and starts him down a path to discovering the appalling secrets behind the superficial perfection of No. 6.
480 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2023
15 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 28, 2023
3/5 Stars: ‘NO.6 (Omnibus Vol.1)’ by Atsuko Asano.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction.
→ Book Type: Manga.
Favourite Quote: ‘His eyes are mesmerising, like a sky on the verge of daybreak.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★★
→ Setting: ★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★
→ Art (If Applicable): ★★★★
General Comments: A beautiful façade hiding conspiracy and corruption; a society devastated by a catastrophic disaster leaving nothing but rubble behind. The world-building is pretty standard, with small glimpses into the government’s amoral intentions. The rich characters and their relationships are the highlight - while subtle hints of a romance are raised, it cannot be labelled. Taking a closer look at the juxtaposition between nature and technology, and the founding members of NO.6 would have been insightful - as several plot-holes arose. Though simple, it was thoroughly entertaining.
Time Read: Three Days.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Trigger Warnings:
→ Trypophobia.
→ Massacre.
→ Gore (Murder, Death and Injury).
→ Segregation.
→ Unethical Experimentation.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction.
→ Book Type: Manga.
Favourite Quote: ‘His eyes are mesmerising, like a sky on the verge of daybreak.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★★
→ Setting: ★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★
→ Art (If Applicable): ★★★★
General Comments: A beautiful façade hiding conspiracy and corruption; a society devastated by a catastrophic disaster leaving nothing but rubble behind. The world-building is pretty standard, with small glimpses into the government’s amoral intentions. The rich characters and their relationships are the highlight - while subtle hints of a romance are raised, it cannot be labelled. Taking a closer look at the juxtaposition between nature and technology, and the founding members of NO.6 would have been insightful - as several plot-holes arose. Though simple, it was thoroughly entertaining.
Time Read: Three Days.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Trigger Warnings:
→ Trypophobia.
→ Massacre.
→ Gore (Murder, Death and Injury).
→ Segregation.
→ Unethical Experimentation.
![Profile Image for n [larrythelatypus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1693283233i%2F151129940._UX200_CR0%2C77%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 30, 2025
reread: the info tidbits I didn't remember are so interesting and I can't wait to keep going. I'll watch the anime after I finish this series too
good I'm just mad that Rat is kind of a bitch sometimes but eventually he'll soften up I think
good I'm just mad that Rat is kind of a bitch sometimes but eventually he'll soften up I think
May 25, 2024
i unfortunately got bored really fast so probably not going to continue this
September 5, 2023
Yum I enjoyed love the main 2 guys and can't wait to find out what happens next!
August 31, 2022
This was a buddy read with one of my friends for the Magical Readathon. The German Luxury Edition volume 1 includes volumes 1-3 of the regular publishing. My friend and I have watched the anime together some years ago and I really enjoyed it, so it was just a matter of time until I'd get my hands on the manga. I decided to get myself the Luxury Edition (3 hardcover volumes) and now finally read volume 1.
The setting and premise of this story are quite interesting even if it might not be a completely new idea. But especially nowadays, with Covid in this world, stories like this one hit especially close. Sometime in the future, one of the so-called perfect cities, "No. 6" has to deal with a new, mysterious disease that makes people age rapidly and die, all of the sudden. Trigger of this is a type of wasp that lays its eggs into human flesh, the "birth" of a new wasp breaking through the host's skin, consuming all of that person's life in the process.
The young scientist Shion, who has originally lived a privileged life in No. 6, is unjustly accused of murder in connection with the diseased, but with the help of an old friend - Nezumi - he manages to escape from the strict authorities of No. 6 to the West Block, an area where not so privileged people daily fight for their existence. The young man wants to uncover the truth and save his mother, who's still living in No. 6. Not completely sure, if Nezumi is a friend or an enemy, Shion decides to stay by his side and trust him.
The series is based on a novel, and in my opinion, sometimes, that shows. It feels like the author of the manga tries to include some explanations which must be necessary for prose form, into the manga, but it sometimes feels rather forced than natural. Some scenes are a bit too hasty for my taste and so far I feel like the characters lack depth and definitely still have quite some character development ahead (hopefully). Tbh, I can barely remember much of the plot and the characters, since it's been quite a while since I've seen the anime, but I knew I'd have quite some expectations on the manga adaptation, which have not completely been met yet. The drawings are good and similar to the anime, also I think that the style of the author has already improved from the beginning of the series to the end of the third volume.
So far I'm giving 3 stars with the potential to increase with future volumes!
The setting and premise of this story are quite interesting even if it might not be a completely new idea. But especially nowadays, with Covid in this world, stories like this one hit especially close. Sometime in the future, one of the so-called perfect cities, "No. 6" has to deal with a new, mysterious disease that makes people age rapidly and die, all of the sudden. Trigger of this is a type of wasp that lays its eggs into human flesh, the "birth" of a new wasp breaking through the host's skin, consuming all of that person's life in the process.
The young scientist Shion, who has originally lived a privileged life in No. 6, is unjustly accused of murder in connection with the diseased, but with the help of an old friend - Nezumi - he manages to escape from the strict authorities of No. 6 to the West Block, an area where not so privileged people daily fight for their existence. The young man wants to uncover the truth and save his mother, who's still living in No. 6. Not completely sure, if Nezumi is a friend or an enemy, Shion decides to stay by his side and trust him.
The series is based on a novel, and in my opinion, sometimes, that shows. It feels like the author of the manga tries to include some explanations which must be necessary for prose form, into the manga, but it sometimes feels rather forced than natural. Some scenes are a bit too hasty for my taste and so far I feel like the characters lack depth and definitely still have quite some character development ahead (hopefully). Tbh, I can barely remember much of the plot and the characters, since it's been quite a while since I've seen the anime, but I knew I'd have quite some expectations on the manga adaptation, which have not completely been met yet. The drawings are good and similar to the anime, also I think that the style of the author has already improved from the beginning of the series to the end of the third volume.
So far I'm giving 3 stars with the potential to increase with future volumes!
April 1, 2022
No. 6 Luxury Edition 1 (aka Volumes 1-3): 5 Stars ♥
absolutely ADORE this. I am just gonna binge this series. DAMN.
absolutely ADORE this. I am just gonna binge this series. DAMN.
April 23, 2023
love the anime, will be naming my future cat nezumi 😽🫶🏽
June 28, 2023
I'm ready to be hurt again...
No. 6 is one of my personal favorite anime. It was recommended to me by a friend who wanted revenge for the emotional ordeal I put her through with a book recommendation, and I'm eternally grateful that this was what she offered in return. As someone who ultimately love angst and loves stories that are post-apocalyptic/utopia, this was the perfect story for me. Add to that queerness, and I'm sold. The story has me in the palm of its hand.
Anyway.
As for this collection of 3 volumes, I loved it. I felt comforted coming back to this world. It was both familiar and new as I rediscovered what it was about the story that made it so compelling to me back when I watched maybe 3 anime a year.
Ultimately, Shion and Rat are the archetypes I'm always weak for. You give me a hopeful sunshine boy with hidden strength and a dejected and emotionally unavailable boy, and I will inevitably cling to them for dear life. I adore them with my whole heart. I want only their happiness and safety. I suffer when they suffer. I love them.
As an English major, I also will always be weak to stories that contemplate the notion of creating a "perfect" society. I will come back again and again for stories that thoughtfully explore societal control and the notion of safety and peace. The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas is an early example of a text I read that explores these themes that continue to stick with me. I wouldn't say No. 6 is the most eloquent exploration of these themes, but I also think it's safe to say that it does a fair job. You don't get multiple light novels, a manga adaptation, and an anime adaptation if your story is awful. That's just not how things go.
Regardless. I'm getting off track. My point is that I'm glad I picked this up. I can't wait to pick up the next omnibus and continue the story! I know that by the time I read the third omnibus, I will be wrecked. I can't wait!
No. 6 is one of my personal favorite anime. It was recommended to me by a friend who wanted revenge for the emotional ordeal I put her through with a book recommendation, and I'm eternally grateful that this was what she offered in return. As someone who ultimately love angst and loves stories that are post-apocalyptic/utopia, this was the perfect story for me. Add to that queerness, and I'm sold. The story has me in the palm of its hand.
Anyway.
As for this collection of 3 volumes, I loved it. I felt comforted coming back to this world. It was both familiar and new as I rediscovered what it was about the story that made it so compelling to me back when I watched maybe 3 anime a year.
Ultimately, Shion and Rat are the archetypes I'm always weak for. You give me a hopeful sunshine boy with hidden strength and a dejected and emotionally unavailable boy, and I will inevitably cling to them for dear life. I adore them with my whole heart. I want only their happiness and safety. I suffer when they suffer. I love them.
As an English major, I also will always be weak to stories that contemplate the notion of creating a "perfect" society. I will come back again and again for stories that thoughtfully explore societal control and the notion of safety and peace. The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas is an early example of a text I read that explores these themes that continue to stick with me. I wouldn't say No. 6 is the most eloquent exploration of these themes, but I also think it's safe to say that it does a fair job. You don't get multiple light novels, a manga adaptation, and an anime adaptation if your story is awful. That's just not how things go.
Regardless. I'm getting off track. My point is that I'm glad I picked this up. I can't wait to pick up the next omnibus and continue the story! I know that by the time I read the third omnibus, I will be wrecked. I can't wait!
October 22, 2023
No. 6 Omnibus is a collection of volumes 1 - 3.
I kind of went into this one blind. All I knew was that it had a dystopian story with BL vibes. Honestly, that's what it is, but the BL is super subtle, like there are very tiny signs of something developing between Rat and Shion, but nothing that says outright. I loved the dystopian feel.
No. 6 is a city of different factions held inside of a wall / protector from the outside world. The government is definitely hiding a lot of terrible sh*t and keeping people pretty much brainwashed. When Shion was twelve, he helped out a boy who escaped from a correctional facility. Years later, Shion feels like No. 6 is fake and not perfect, but if you voice those concerns, you could get reported. When one of his co-workers dies mysteriously, he is framed by the government, and before he is taken away, he is saved by Rat.
There is one moment that was weird between Shion and his friend Safu in volume 1 that I was like, why the ef is this here, but after that weird experience, the story is very good. It is a little jumbled but easy to understand. I like Shion and Rat's relationship, but I wish we knew more about Rat's past. We get a little bit here and there, but not enough over the course of three volumes.
I'm going to get the next omnibus.
No. 6 reminds me a little tiny bit of Divergent.
I kind of went into this one blind. All I knew was that it had a dystopian story with BL vibes. Honestly, that's what it is, but the BL is super subtle, like there are very tiny signs of something developing between Rat and Shion, but nothing that says outright. I loved the dystopian feel.
No. 6 is a city of different factions held inside of a wall / protector from the outside world. The government is definitely hiding a lot of terrible sh*t and keeping people pretty much brainwashed. When Shion was twelve, he helped out a boy who escaped from a correctional facility. Years later, Shion feels like No. 6 is fake and not perfect, but if you voice those concerns, you could get reported. When one of his co-workers dies mysteriously, he is framed by the government, and before he is taken away, he is saved by Rat.
There is one moment that was weird between Shion and his friend Safu in volume 1 that I was like, why the ef is this here, but after that weird experience, the story is very good. It is a little jumbled but easy to understand. I like Shion and Rat's relationship, but I wish we knew more about Rat's past. We get a little bit here and there, but not enough over the course of three volumes.
I'm going to get the next omnibus.
No. 6 reminds me a little tiny bit of Divergent.
December 23, 2024
This was really fun to read. The story is interesting, the characters are well thought through and the concept is great.
I've heard from many people that they expected this story to be something else after seeing edits on tiktok, but to be very honest, i am pleasantly surprised. The story is much better than I expected. The love story is kind of out of place still, but maybe it'll make sense in the following volumes.
The role of animals in this manga is quite fascinating. Rats, dogs and wasps as trademarks for certain characters or organisations is interesting. At first Nezumi's name didn't make sense at all, because mouses are acclaimed to be cute and weak, but in the position of a rat, he fits in perfectly.
Sometimes their conversations were a little out of place, but honestly, the whole thing was great. I'm looking for more stuff like this. If anybody has recommendations, I'd appreciate it!
EDIT:
I read through some other reviews and forgot to mention the weird sperm scene with Safu 😭😭
Hell that was certainly something. I wasn't ready for that dialogue...
I've heard from many people that they expected this story to be something else after seeing edits on tiktok, but to be very honest, i am pleasantly surprised. The story is much better than I expected. The love story is kind of out of place still, but maybe it'll make sense in the following volumes.
The role of animals in this manga is quite fascinating. Rats, dogs and wasps as trademarks for certain characters or organisations is interesting. At first Nezumi's name didn't make sense at all, because mouses are acclaimed to be cute and weak, but in the position of a rat, he fits in perfectly.
Sometimes their conversations were a little out of place, but honestly, the whole thing was great. I'm looking for more stuff like this. If anybody has recommendations, I'd appreciate it!
EDIT:
I read through some other reviews and forgot to mention the weird sperm scene with Safu 😭😭
Hell that was certainly something. I wasn't ready for that dialogue...
March 5, 2024
I remember this being way better lmao! I did enjoy it, I read it when I was younger and definitely don’t remember Safu asking Shion that question at the beginning 😂, caught me off guard 😅 Also the story seems like its missing a block or page sometimes. Ill finish a page and turn, then feel like I’ve missed something completely. But it’s nostalgic and Im happy I got to read it again so, yay!!
June 24, 2024
More of a 2.5.
It's all right. While I enjoy the dynamic between Rat and Shion, everyone else is kind of annoying. (I'd be okay if Safu never shows up again, but I know I'm not going to get that lucky.) Like 98% of everyone's dialogue in West Block is, "Rat, I can't believe you took in this naïve idiot. He's totally going to die out here." It gets really old after a while.
It's all right. While I enjoy the dynamic between Rat and Shion, everyone else is kind of annoying. (I'd be okay if Safu never shows up again, but I know I'm not going to get that lucky.) Like 98% of everyone's dialogue in West Block is, "Rat, I can't believe you took in this naïve idiot. He's totally going to die out here." It gets really old after a while.
June 10, 2025
Interesting Manga… I was originally expecting the story to incorporate quite a bit of romance, but it actually didn’t involve any. (At least in the first 3 volumes) which is ok, but the story wasn’t exactly all that exciting. I sort of want to continue reading to see what happens next but at the same time I feel like I’m better off reading something else.
August 8, 2023
Interesting dystopia story. I really enjoy the two main characters. Rat is a complex character who makes me want to learn more about how he has lived his life in the slums.
Story does at times feel rushed. Believe the author could of expanded on certain scenes or provide a few more details. I
Story does at times feel rushed. Believe the author could of expanded on certain scenes or provide a few more details. I
March 31, 2025
just as interesting as i remember!
very fresh take on dystopia (at least for manga of the time) and the characters are really fun!
i know I’ve seen the entire story but my terrible memory means im watching this all unfold like it’s new again!
very fresh take on dystopia (at least for manga of the time) and the characters are really fun!
i know I’ve seen the entire story but my terrible memory means im watching this all unfold like it’s new again!
June 15, 2025
(Physical book) So amazing to revisit my favorite anime/manga/light novel series for the first time in YEARS. I’m so grateful the author decided to pick up this story again and have my boys reunite this year :’))))))
April 4, 2023
3 1/2 stars. Definitely potential to improve, but pretty mediocre despite my love of dystopian fiction.
April 24, 2023
A bit juvenile for my liking -the "I need your sperm" scene, tf was up with that??- but overall it's a promising start.
May 20, 2023
Geez, why did I like this in 2008?
May 23, 2023
This. Was. So. Good. I don’t read a lot of manga but regardless I thoroughly enjoyed this! Will definitely be picking up vol 2.
This was full of dystopian, tension-filled, endearing, goodness.
This was full of dystopian, tension-filled, endearing, goodness.
May 31, 2023
has some missteps here and there but overall I’m intrigued and will continue on!
June 9, 2023
Considerably less impressed by this manga than I expected to be. Had always heard it was good, but at least the first two books were pretty meh.
August 2, 2023
I always forget how much I love this series!! Perfect dystopian universe 😭
January 30, 2024
it has been 11 years since i’ve read/watched no.6 and i am still insane
February 27, 2024
As mangas go this one is amazing. Perfect ratio of action to world building and slight slow burn romance and everything just feels so natural.
September 6, 2024
already read novel like 3 times and this second times i read the manga
Shion and Nezumi still beautiful as always 😭💕💕💕
Shion and Nezumi still beautiful as always 😭💕💕💕
September 8, 2024
i love this story so much and i love nezumi and shion they're such cute babies😍
December 18, 2024
Oh. This was really good. I’m sad I missed the anime when it was out. Once I finish, the hunt for the anime will begin.
January 11, 2025
I loved every second of this. 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews