Storyline: 8/10
The story of Battle Royale is familiar to many people. Not only is it a manga, but also a popular japanese novel, and 2 movies in Japan. It's a very gruesume and violent story. Battle Royale centers around killing others in order to survive. I'll just say it right now. This manga is not for everyone. Even though the story is horific, it is a good one. I found the manga to get better as it progressed.

Characters: 9/10
This the high point in Battle Royale. Out of the 42 students, many will die quickly. But there are around 10-15 that I felt were great individuals. I felt passion for those characters. Battle Royale (while it may not seem like it) is a drama. You get to know these characters, and have feelings for them. Then they die. Battle Royale does a great job that developing many of the characters.

Artwork: 8.5/10
Battle Royale is a bloody manga. No, it's more than bloody. It's sick and disgusting. Some people may get sick stomachs by reading BR. If you have a weak stomach and/or are squeemish to blood and violence, avoid BR. I don't mean to sound "evil", but the violent scenes look great. Some characters are killed in the coolest ways. Another great aspect of the artwork is the emotions. BR strives by showing the emotions of the characters. I'm not sure what liquid you'll see more: blood or tears.

Overall: 8.5/10
Battle Royale was a very good manga, that's hard to recommend. If violence, sex, and more violence doesn't bother you, then you should read Battle Royale. You'll probably have a great time reading it.