MÄR (MÄR, Meru), which stands for Märchen Awakens Romance, is a manga series created by mangaka Nobuyuki Anzai. The television anime based on the series is titled MÄR Heaven (MÄR -メルヘヴン-, MÄR -Meru Hevun-). MÄR is characterised by fairy tale motifs running throughout the series, Märchen being itself the German word for "fairy tale". A sequel to MÄR, entitled MÄR Omega, was announced in September 2006. However, it is not being written and illustrated by Nobuyuki Anzai, but by Kōichiro Hoshino.
Plot:
Ginta Toramizu is a 14-year old junior high student who is portrayed as a typical video game geek and underachieving student. One day and without warning, he finds himself summoned to the mysterious world of MÄR-Heaven, which he has only seen before in his dreams. In this fairy tale world, Ginta's physical weakness is replaced with superior physical strength as well as incredible stamina and endurance. However, it is not long before Ginta finds out that the world of MÄR-Heaven is not as peaceful as it seems, as he is attacked by thieves wishing to steal Babbo. Upon meeting Alviss, the person who summoned him using a ÄRM known as the Gate Keeper Clown, he learns of the sinister 'Chess Pieces' who six years ago tried to take over MÄR-Heaven. Alviss reveals he did so in order to gain assistance from a 'other-worlder' in the upcoming war, as was done in the previous war. Gaining both allies and enemies, the series follows Ginta as he opposes the Chess Pieces and their undead leader Phantom.
