Souna

In the dystopian kingdom of Urunaria, the higher you live, the more you’re worth.

From the bold mind of Roku Souna - a gripping sci-fi debut where one boy dares to rise against a world built to keep him down.

In the towering kingdom of Urunaria, society is literally built on inequality. The wealthiest reside at the top, while the poor are confined to the dark, crumbling depths below. For Kuro, a young slave raised by his uncle in the lowest levels, life offers no future - only labor, loss, and silence. But when his uncle is executed by the state, Kuro inherits a mysterious device: Gizmo - a pair of mechanical gloves with the power to grip, scale, and defy the very system built to crush him.

Armed with nothing but this outlawed tool and his burning desire for freedom, Kuro begins his ascent, both up the tower and against a society that deems him worthless.

Blending sci-fi action with sharp social commentary, Roko Souna’s Gizmo Riser challenges readers to consider the cost of hierarchy and the courage it takes to rise. Perfect for fans of Blame!, Deadman Wonderland, and Made in Abyss, Roku Souna’s daring debut delivers explosive worldbuilding, unforgettable visuals, and a hero who refuses to stay in his place.

Roku Souna, also known as Hayana Roku, is a Japanese manga creator recognized for creating Gizmo Riser, a seinen manga series that shows they’re willing to explore niche and sensitive topics since the series blends action and social commentary in a technologically stratified society.