Books like Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, Volume 1

What a charming and unique series! I love the concept: a world where there is only darkness and an artificial sun to combat it, where society is split by a rigorously enforced caste system, where sending a simple letter from one town to another is a death-defying mission that requires a strong heart to survive. Volume one opens with Letter Bee extraordinaire, Gauche Suede and his "dingo" (a necessary companion for each Letter Bee), picking up a letter in the form of a young boy who must be delivered to a relative far away. The boy, Lag Seeing, witnesses the bravery and tenacity of the legendary Letter Bee and is determined to become one himself. 5 years later, he sets off for the capital in the hopes of training to become a Letter Bee. First, however, he feels compelled to deliver a letter in the form of a young girl, to whom he obviously relates. Since the girl has insufficient postage, no one else will deliver her. Lag sets off with the strange young girl, who expresses a desire to become his "dingo".Bits of commentary at the end hint at a rich and complex world, with the potential to turn into something far more intellectual than your average manga. Great series.