The Sky Crawlers

is a Japanese novel series by Hiroshi Mori. First published by Chuōkōron-shinsha in June 2001 and spanning six books, it follows the journeys and tribulations of a group of young fighter pilots involved in dogfight warfare, and is set during an alternate historical period. The series is unlike other works by Mori, noted for his series of mystery novels. The series is illustrated by manga artist Kenji Tsuruta. The series was adapted into an animated film, a video game and a manga series. Publishing history The first book written and published, but meant to be the last in the series, was The Sky Crawlers, first released in June 2001. A shinshobon (refurbished) edition of the book followed in October 2002, while the bunkobon (paper back) edition followed in October 2004. The second, but chronologically first, book in the series, , was released in June 2004, while the shinshobon edition for this volume followed in October 2004 and the bunkobon edition followed in November 2005. The third book in the series, , followed in June 2005, while its shinshobon edition followed in December 2005 and its bunkobon edition followed in November 2006. The fourth book in the series, , followed in June 2006. The fifth book in the series, , was released in June 2007, while the sixth book, , a short story collection, was released in June 2008.