Manga Recommendation - "Barrage"

So, I read Anime News Network's review of the "Barrage" manga and decided I had to check it out. It was cancelled early and has only two volumes with 16 chapters between them, so picking up both volumes wasn't a major endeavor. But, it was a worthwhile one. The premise is basically "The Prince and the Pauper IN SPACE!" plus a lot of shounen manga cliches. And, I loved it. It hits all the right notes for me - the big-hearted hero, his obligatory magic weapon, and good guys winning against the odds. Oh, and the magic spear later reforms into this. Arm-blades for the win!

But, more than that, it's the little details that make the story memorable. The hero, Astro's, absolute dedication to the mismatched family of street children he's taken under his wing is heartwarming. And, an interesting student/mentor relationship develops between Astro and Tiamat, the chief lieutenant assigned to be Astro-as-Prince-Barrage's bodyguard and trainer. Of course, Tiamat on his own is a fun character. He's a master swordsman and highly regarded by the king, and yet so awkward around women he addresses them while looking pointedly in another direction.

For all that there was obviously more story to tell, the author does a good job of bringing "Barrage" to a satisfying stopping point. But, not before dropping a twist that, while not entirely surprising, makes me dearly wish he had been able to continue. It opens several new directions for the story, casts doubt on the fate of a character thought to be long gone, and just generally makes me want to write a fanfiction continuation.

....Right after I finish "Nameless". If the bunny is still gnawing by then.