1 World Manga: Global Warming -- The Lagoon of the Vanishing Fish

Fifteen-year-old orphan Rei survives by his wits and guts on the mean streets of the world. His fortunes seem to look up when he meets a mysterious stranger who offers to help him achieve his dream of becoming the greatest martial artist in the world...But Rei's trainer is more interested in developing his mind, spirit and - ugh - heart than his thrashing, raging, fighting moves. Rei's latest training mission takes him to an island paradise complete with coral reefs, fluorescent fish, and pristine beaches. There he befriends an aged fisherman with nothing to catch... What is the secret behind the Lagoon of the Vanishing Fish? Rei puts his life on the line as he tries to stop the unseen forces threatening to swallow up this tropical sanctuary. Manga are Japanese-style comics or graphic novels which have become the rage among young readers around the world. Teaming up with Viz, a leading English-language manga publisher, the Bank has launched a new series of comic books, each highlighting a key development issue. The stories follow the adventures of 15-year-old Rei who discovers that the only way to become a true warrior is to understand the challenges facing the poor and disadvantaged people he befriends along the way. Rei's humorous side-kick is a wise 'spirit guide' which morphs into different animal guises as it introduces Rei to each new challenge. The first three volumes will focus on poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the environment. An appendix in each book provides further information, websites, and other resources so readers can explore the themes introduced in the story.