Manga (Japanese comics) versions have been made of both the SO2 and SOBS storylines. Both the SO2 manga and the SOBS manga were illustrated by Azuma Mayumi.

The SO2 manga follows the game storyline exactly, with the exception that some characters (see: Opera, Ernest, Bowman) are left "unrecruited" and instead play various roles in the story. The anime, Star Ocean EX, was initially based off this manga. Ashton very much plays the comic relief, possibly even moreso than in the game. He is often drawn chibi or SD, to emphasize uncertainty or unfortunate situations.

Again, this manga very closely mirrors the events of the game. NPCs are (in general) more fleshed-out, but everyone necessary makes their appearance and plays an important role. Ashton, again, plays the comic relief, but also gets some immensely cool sequences of his own.