Blood Rain #8

Two figures dominate this striking red-drenched cover — a forward-facing woman bathed in crimson and a second figure shown in cool profile behind her, the stark contrast between them immediately suggesting tension and duality. Mio Murao's Blood Rain volume 8 from Soleil Manga carries that signature intensity right through to its presentation, with the bold vertical title design reinforcing the series' brooding atmosphere. If you've been following this mature-rated manga through 2006, this eighth installment looks every bit as compelling as what came before.