A random class of 9th graders have been chosen for the 'program.' They must now kill each other until the final winner is decided. In protest, it's up to Shuuya to gather a group to fight back and deliver a counter-punch to the government that ruined their lives. But they must be careful, for there are those among them who have decided to try to 'win' this cruel game.

Shuuya Nanahara
Shuuya dreams of being a rock n' roll star despite the laws against it. From the age of 5, Shuuya grows up at the Jikeikan orphanage due to a tragic accident that took the lives of his parents. He becomes best friends with Yoshitoki Kuninobu. A great athlete, Shuuya runs the 100 meter dash in 11 seconds: an impressive ability for a junior high school student. Shuuya was also well known in Little League as a great shortstop. He debuted as a star rookie player at his junior high but was kicked off the team. Soon after, he joined the music club. His nickname 'Wild Seven' stands for 'Wild Card Shuuya.' Although government laws prohibit rock n' roll, Shuuya often tries to sneak away to play his electric guitar.

Yoshitoki Kuninobu
Best friend of Shuuya. Grew up with him at the Jikeikan orphanage. Is the first student killed by the psycho teacher Mr. Kamon.

Yonemi Kamon
The "teacher" in charge of The Program. Psychotic, homicidal, and intensely cruel, he runs The Program with an iron fist and a lack of morals.

Ms. Ryoko
Head of the Jikeikan orphanage. Has raised Shuuya and Yoshitoki since they were very young

Mr. Hayashida
The original teacher for the 9th grade class picked for The Program.

Noriko Nakagawa
Like other girls in her grade, she is attracted to Shuuya. They've been friends since they met in their first year of Junior High. She is the girl that Yoshitoki has grown to like. She's normally quite shy and timid but her inner strength comes out when Shuuya is in danger. She has a younger brother and leads a normal family life.

Shogo Kawada
The winner of the previous program, Shogo shows affection and care for both Noriko and Shuuya. His father was a doctor, but was killed for protesting when Kawada was picked for the program last year. He's experienced it all, but has he told it all? Possibly the unluckiest guy in the world being picked for the program twice in a row, but his knowledge is a valuable asset to Shuuya and crew for their survival.

Kazuo Kiriyama
The leader of the delinquents of Class B, Kiriyama is heir to a large corporation. Rumor has it that he's not blood related to the father. From liberal arts to martial arts, he is one smart cookie with a helluva poker face. He and Mitsuru may decide to fight the government, but it's hard to tell what he'll do. He is the expected winner of this year's program. The fact that he started with the submachine gun probably helps his odds.

Mitsuko Souma
A teenage girl with enough sex appeal to take down every guy in the class (with the exception of Kiriyama), Mitsuko is the top runner for the girls. Using her innocent demeanor, she kills her classmates without hesitation. Her attitude toward life seems to be affected deeply by her relationship with her stepfather. Whether she'll gain some human emotion or not is the key to her success in winning the program.

Koshun Takami's first novel, 'Battle Royale,' was a finalist for the Kadokawa Mystery Novel Prize and was then published in 1999. Takami went on to pen the manga of the same name, collaborating with artist Masayuki Taguchi for over 8 volumes. The book and manga have been adapted into a movie by director Kinji Fukasaku which has spawned a legion of fans.

Keith Giffen (English adaptation) is a veteran comic book artist and writer who is best known for his critically acclaimed work on Justice League and Legion of Super Heroes. He is currently working on several projects for DC Comics and co-writes and illustrates Dominion for Image Comics.