So, I saw the (fantastic) movie first, then read the (entertaining) book, and now I've read the manga.

Everyone knows the story so no need for me to waste your time lol.

Now, I really like the story and concept of Battle Royale, but the manga was ... actually pretty gross lol. Mitsuko was such a bamf in the movie and the book, but somehow in the manga, she was just really gross and blergh. Too sensationalist and exhibitionist. I knew she had issues, but... I don't know, she was too much in the manga. On the other hand, Takako Chigusa was awesome. She was played by Chiaki Kuriyama in the movie (loved her), but the Chigusa in the manga was this absolute bombshell. Also the guys in the manga were pretty great and came off better than they did in either the book or movie. Especially Shinji.

I guess for completeness you could read the manga, but sticking with just the movie and book would be a perfectly good option too. Sorry, you guys. I really wanted to like the manga too.