20th Century Boys Manga - An Epic Masterpiece Spanning Generations

The Epic Story of 20th Century Boys

20th Century Boys is widely considered one of the greatest manga series of all time. Written and illustrated by acclaimed mangaka Naoki Urasawa, this sci-fi thriller debuted in 1999 and unfolded over 22 volumes until its completion in 2006. Here's an in-depth look at this monumental manga and why it deserves its legendary status.

The Complex Plot

Spanning five decades from the late 1960s to the early 2110s, 20th Century Boys weaves a complex time-jumping narrative. It centers on Kenji Endo and his friends, who spent their childhoods in the late '60s dreaming up a secret evil organization called "The Friends" that tries to destroy the world in dramatic attacks. But as adults in the late '90s, the friends realize with growing horror that "The Friends" have become real and are enacting the deadly events they imagined as kids.

This launches them on an epic battle to uncover The Friends' true identity and stop their sinister plans to unleash a deadly virus upon the world. The story grows in scope and scale with conspiracies, secret identities, martyrs, hidden clues, macabre murders, and more. Spanning generations and continents, 20th Century Boys is truly an elaborate, globe-trotting epic.

Realistic Characters

Despite its grand ambitions, 20th Century Boys stays grounded through relatable, everyday characters. Kenji runs a convenience store, while his friends work as a civil servant, guitarist, and buddhist monk. They're an unlikely group of heroes forced to confront an unspeakable evil. We see them grow and change throughout their decades-long struggle.

In particular, Kenji emerges as the unlikely heart of the series. He's an unremarkable middle-aged man who simply wants to live a quiet life but rises to the occasion when the world needs him. His courage and sacrifice make him one of manga's most inspiring underdog heroes.

Thought-Provoking Themes

20th Century Boys packs serious philosophical depth beneath its action thriller trappings. At its core, it's a story about childhood dreams and facing the sometimes crushing realities of adulthood. It explores man's tendency towards apathy in the face of evil and the courage required to stand up for one's principles.

The series also contains insightful social commentary on cult psychology, political demagoguery, environmental dangers, and the hold that memory and nostalgia have over us. Urasawa weaves real cultural touchstones throughout, with references to iconic manga, monster movies, rock bands, and more.

Acclaim and Legacy

Upon its release, 20th Century Boys received tremendous acclaim in both Japan and abroad. It earned high praise for its intricate plotting, strong character writing, and thematic ambition. It won several major manga awards, including the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.

Since its completion, 20th Century Boys' legend has only grown. It's frequently ranked among the greatest manga of all time and has often placed #1 in various all-time manga polls. It has over 50 million copies in print worldwide.

Beyond the manga, 20th Century Boys has seen numerous adaptations, including three live-action film trilogies, a TV anime series, and stage plays. But the manga remains the definitive version that continues to inspire new generations of fans.

A Must-Read Masterpiece

For manga fans, 20th Century Boys is simply required reading. It's an uncompromising epic, packed cover to cover with great characters, cerebral sci-fi thrills, and insightful commentary on the human condition. Naoki Urasawa's manga magnum opus earns its place among the legends.

FAQs

What is 20th Century Boys about?

20th Century Boys is about a group of childhood friends who have to stop an evil organization they imagined as kids from destroying the world through deadly viral attacks and conspiracies. It's an epic sci-fi thriller that spans generations.

Who is the main character?

The main character is Kenji Endo, an unremarkable middle-aged man who runs a convenience store but eventually emerges as the unlikely hero who leads the fight against evil.

How many volumes are there?

20th Century Boys was released over 22 volumes from 1999 to 2006.

How did critics receive 20th Century Boys?

20th Century Boys received tremendous acclaim both in Japan and internationally. It is frequently ranked as one of the greatest manga series of all time.

Has 20th Century Boys been adapted to other media?

Yes, 20th Century Boys has been adapted into three live-action film trilogies, an anime series, and stage plays. But the manga remains the definitive version.