What do you think?
Rate this book
20th Century Boys [20世紀少年] #1-24
20世紀少年 全22巻+21世紀少年 上・下
20世紀少年(ビッグコミックス)全22巻+21世紀少年 上・下
Paperback
First published September 28, 2007
19 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Naoki Urasawa
356 books2,817 followersUrasawa Naoki (浦沢直樹) is a Japanese mangaka. He is perhaps best known for Monster (which drew praise from Junot Díaz, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner) and 20th Century Boys.
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 25, 2020
1) I had forgotten most of this manga
2) it’s definitely not the best Urasawa, but still one I am very attached to
3) the ending is still far too messy for my taste
I definitely want to reread Monster at some point and maybe get to Pluto, which I never read. XD
2) it’s definitely not the best Urasawa, but still one I am very attached to
3) the ending is still far too messy for my taste
I definitely want to reread Monster at some point and maybe get to Pluto, which I never read. XD
January 3, 2016
Este es sin duda alguna el mejor manga que he leído en mi vida (si, por encima de Gantz y Death Note) y desde su primer tomo no podía evitar sentir que algo como esto es lo que escribiría Stephen King si fuera un mangaka (las similitudes narrativas con "Eso" y otras obras de ese autor saltan a la vista).
Increiblemente lo que me capturó no fue tanto la intriga que rodeaba a "Amigo" y su poder, sino los personajes. Conocer sus vida a traves de cuatro décadas, ver lo que sufrían, la forma en que sus vidas daban vuelcos y las pocas alegrías que podían permitirse en este extraño mundo me mantuvieron en vilo a traves de los meses que duré leyéndolo, pero sobre todo ese tema melancólico sobre la infancia y los sueños que quedan atras.
Totalmente recomendado. Así no se consideren lectores de manga o le huyan a este medio quiero que hagan el esfuerzo de buscar este tremendo thriller. No saldrán decepcionados.
Increiblemente lo que me capturó no fue tanto la intriga que rodeaba a "Amigo" y su poder, sino los personajes. Conocer sus vida a traves de cuatro décadas, ver lo que sufrían, la forma en que sus vidas daban vuelcos y las pocas alegrías que podían permitirse en este extraño mundo me mantuvieron en vilo a traves de los meses que duré leyéndolo, pero sobre todo ese tema melancólico sobre la infancia y los sueños que quedan atras.
Totalmente recomendado. Así no se consideren lectores de manga o le huyan a este medio quiero que hagan el esfuerzo de buscar este tremendo thriller. No saldrán decepcionados.
October 23, 2021
I think I just zoomed through 5000 pages in 4 days because this series is just that bloody good
After the first arc, a regular manga artist might've ended the series already because it already presented a grand enough story and colorful characters, but Urasawa just kept pushing the limits. I was just left in awe every time he managed to extend the story further into the future, the past, and the truth underlying the whole mystery. I think the principal reason he managed to do so was his disregard of the normal rules of the shonen genre. He allowed his characters to age, for their ideals to triumph and crash, for their lives to become more than the adventures they have been on but also the years in which they've just been living like normal human beings. This is the type of punkness that allowed Urasawa to experiment with the genre in a way I've never seen before, and the product was something so incredibly unique and brightly gorgeous.
After the first arc, a regular manga artist might've ended the series already because it already presented a grand enough story and colorful characters, but Urasawa just kept pushing the limits. I was just left in awe every time he managed to extend the story further into the future, the past, and the truth underlying the whole mystery. I think the principal reason he managed to do so was his disregard of the normal rules of the shonen genre. He allowed his characters to age, for their ideals to triumph and crash, for their lives to become more than the adventures they have been on but also the years in which they've just been living like normal human beings. This is the type of punkness that allowed Urasawa to experiment with the genre in a way I've never seen before, and the product was something so incredibly unique and brightly gorgeous.
August 28, 2022
Classic
June 19, 2020
Writing this before I finish up with 21st Century Boys, so it's possible that some of my concerns will be resolved by the time I'm all the way done!
Overall, pretty fantastic series. Twists and turns, cliffhangers, incredible characters, and raw emotions that I didn't expect. By about volume 18, I was starting to get frustrated by the number of unanswered questions and the number of new mysteries being created since there are only 22 volumes in the series. As I got through those last 4 volumes, I remained utterly captivated by the story (if occasionally confused and needing to backtrack) but more and more frustrated by how much was left unexplained and how many additional twists were being crammed in.
The only other thing about the series that left me mildly disappointed was the character development of Kanna following the last year AD. It really felt as though her character devolved somewhat and became erratic, which is not something I expected of her. Kenji's disappearance is another thing that seemed to blight his character arc, though I'm open to that being explained in 21st Century Boys. We'll see!
Overall, pretty fantastic series. Twists and turns, cliffhangers, incredible characters, and raw emotions that I didn't expect. By about volume 18, I was starting to get frustrated by the number of unanswered questions and the number of new mysteries being created since there are only 22 volumes in the series. As I got through those last 4 volumes, I remained utterly captivated by the story (if occasionally confused and needing to backtrack) but more and more frustrated by how much was left unexplained and how many additional twists were being crammed in.
The only other thing about the series that left me mildly disappointed was the character development of Kanna following the last year AD. It really felt as though her character devolved somewhat and became erratic, which is not something I expected of her. Kenji's disappearance is another thing that seemed to blight his character arc, though I'm open to that being explained in 21st Century Boys. We'll see!
April 9, 2018
Será la edad, pero me ha parecido una historia floja, con cliffhangers tan repetitivos que terminan perdiendo interés, con personajes rígidamente estereotipados, con unos protagonistas sin interés (Kenji el panoli descreído, Kanna la perfecta "intensita", Otcho que, tras un prometedor inicio, se hunde en la miseria del secundario predecible, Yoshitsune que, a fuerza de lágrimas de "humildad" termina creando una sensación a medio camino de lástima y aborrecimiento, "Amigo" pierde fuelle e interés casi tan rápido como Otcho, los "malos", con Manjoume a la cabeza son el vivo ejemplo del estereotipo.
He terminado las incontables páginas de esta historia un poco por cabezonería y con la ligera esperanza de que Urasawa terminara imprimiendo el ritmo y el interés que caracterizó a Monster (quizá, como digo, es la edad).
En la (limitada) parte positiva, como siempre el Urasawa, el trazo y el dibujo fluidos, que hacen de todas sus obras, un placer visual (4/10)
He terminado las incontables páginas de esta historia un poco por cabezonería y con la ligera esperanza de que Urasawa terminara imprimiendo el ritmo y el interés que caracterizó a Monster (quizá, como digo, es la edad).
En la (limitada) parte positiva, como siempre el Urasawa, el trazo y el dibujo fluidos, que hacen de todas sus obras, un placer visual (4/10)
November 12, 2015
The characters are likeable, and the art really is very impressive.
Unfortunately thats where the positives end. The plot/story gets pretty unbelievable and convoluted. The time jumps and shifts in various subplots is constantly used to maintain mysteries which gets tiring very quickly. As a result by the end there are a number of elements that never really get explained and its a little underwhelming.
Conclusion, terrible story but gets a third star for the great drawings.
Unfortunately thats where the positives end. The plot/story gets pretty unbelievable and convoluted. The time jumps and shifts in various subplots is constantly used to maintain mysteries which gets tiring very quickly. As a result by the end there are a number of elements that never really get explained and its a little underwhelming.
Conclusion, terrible story but gets a third star for the great drawings.
March 4, 2017
Più che la storia i personaggi, più che la trama gli amici. Questo nonostante una narrativa tendente a grandiosi momenti epici ma che, forse, perde grandezza nel disegno generale. Se vi è piaciuto cercatevi sul tubo Bob Lennon cantata dall'autore e quadrerete il cerchio su quanto Urasawa abbia riversato sè stesso nell'opera.
September 24, 2017
I finished this whole 5000 pages long manga in almost 4 days and I remember having exams but still I didn’t stop reading it. One of my all time favorite mangas. I remember being obsessed with it.
Might write a long review later.
Might write a long review later.
September 9, 2022
What a journey it was! All 5000 pages was worth it! I'm in absolute awe. Specially Vol 24 was really a closure. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 25, 2022
My first Manga. Amazing 😁
January 14, 2024
Sigo procesando esto 🤣🤣
December 3, 2025
5/5
"I am Collins. From my position in the moon's orbit, I watched Armstrong and Aldrin walk on the surface. I was so close to the ground of the moon, yet I returned without having trod upon it. I am Collins."
"I am Collins. From my position in the moon's orbit, I watched Armstrong and Aldrin walk on the surface. I was so close to the ground of the moon, yet I returned without having trod upon it. I am Collins."
April 24, 2013
"20th Century Boys" by Naoki Urasawsa is a phenomenal manga series comprising of 22 volumes. The story is largely character-driven but there's still a great story to unfold. I would class the manga as 'psychological sci-fi/adventure/suspense/thriller' but as with "FMA" it includes elements belonging to other genres - specifically drama and humour. I'll be reviewing the English translation.
TRANSLATION:
The English translation is well done and includes minimal spelling and grammatical errors. Still wondering if it would've been better for the translators to leave the sound effects untranslated, as the English equivalents don't make much sense.
ART:
Not stylish but realistic and incredibly well-drawn. Lots of close-ups of people's faces, allowing for an incredible subtlety of emotions. Easy to tell the differences between cultures eg. Japanese and American people. Urasawa's artwork is cinematic and suspense-ridden. He knows what to reveal and what should be left to the reader's imagination. Characters are distinct and this is important when the story contains such a large cast.
CHARACTERS:
There's a myriad of characters. Children, cooks, convenience store owners and assistants, musicians, soldiers, homeless people, scientists, politicians, terrorists, citizens, cultists, priests, criminals and even the pope - amongst many others. All are portrayed with depth. Our 'hero' is a convenience store worker called Kenji Endo. But there are more than one hero in this story. The main characters, of which there are many, are so well-developed the reader feels they know them. The main villain is cartoony to a degree but also very, very human.
STORY:
The series surrounds a group of children, mostly boys and the events that happen one Summer in the late 1960's. What happens during this Summer affects their lives as adults. Jump to 1997, their childhood games are coming back to haunt them. The childhood/adult aspect reminded me of Stephen King's book, "IT" (of which I've admittedly only read half). The scope of the story, variety of characters (likely and unlikely) and some of the themes therein, remind me of King's "The Stand". There are many echoes of the Cold War. Elements of the story have been torn straight from the pages of the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation. And yet, despite all that, the story is largely unpredictable and very, very suspenseful. This really is one series where the reader will need to turn the pages to find out what happens next. Many themes are covered, including but not exclusive to - community versus the individual, the desire to belong and believe in something, Truth versus truth, family and friendship. Also, the importance of eating food (particularly ramen) in community.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Urasawa is an incredible storyteller. Some readers may find the story slowly-paced (and it is) but this allows time for a real exploration of characters. It's remarkable that such a complex story remains so consistent. That said, I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic, rushed and confusing. Also, it leaves the reader with many questions. All in all, a highly enjoyable manga series.
Not for children. "20th Century Boys" Contains moderate violence and mature themes.
9/10
Edit: "21st Century Boys" ties up most of the loose ends and provides a highly satisfying conclusion to the series.
TRANSLATION:
The English translation is well done and includes minimal spelling and grammatical errors. Still wondering if it would've been better for the translators to leave the sound effects untranslated, as the English equivalents don't make much sense.
ART:
Not stylish but realistic and incredibly well-drawn. Lots of close-ups of people's faces, allowing for an incredible subtlety of emotions. Easy to tell the differences between cultures eg. Japanese and American people. Urasawa's artwork is cinematic and suspense-ridden. He knows what to reveal and what should be left to the reader's imagination. Characters are distinct and this is important when the story contains such a large cast.
CHARACTERS:
There's a myriad of characters. Children, cooks, convenience store owners and assistants, musicians, soldiers, homeless people, scientists, politicians, terrorists, citizens, cultists, priests, criminals and even the pope - amongst many others. All are portrayed with depth. Our 'hero' is a convenience store worker called Kenji Endo. But there are more than one hero in this story. The main characters, of which there are many, are so well-developed the reader feels they know them. The main villain is cartoony to a degree but also very, very human.
STORY:
The series surrounds a group of children, mostly boys and the events that happen one Summer in the late 1960's. What happens during this Summer affects their lives as adults. Jump to 1997, their childhood games are coming back to haunt them. The childhood/adult aspect reminded me of Stephen King's book, "IT" (of which I've admittedly only read half). The scope of the story, variety of characters (likely and unlikely) and some of the themes therein, remind me of King's "The Stand". There are many echoes of the Cold War. Elements of the story have been torn straight from the pages of the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation. And yet, despite all that, the story is largely unpredictable and very, very suspenseful. This really is one series where the reader will need to turn the pages to find out what happens next. Many themes are covered, including but not exclusive to - community versus the individual, the desire to belong and believe in something, Truth versus truth, family and friendship. Also, the importance of eating food (particularly ramen) in community.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Urasawa is an incredible storyteller. Some readers may find the story slowly-paced (and it is) but this allows time for a real exploration of characters. It's remarkable that such a complex story remains so consistent. That said, I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic, rushed and confusing. Also, it leaves the reader with many questions. All in all, a highly enjoyable manga series.
Not for children. "20th Century Boys" Contains moderate violence and mature themes.
9/10
Edit: "21st Century Boys" ties up most of the loose ends and provides a highly satisfying conclusion to the series.
January 14, 2020
> This is a review of the entire series.
This is basically the manga equivalent of a Stephen King novel, channeling themes and plot devices from the likes of It, Dreamcatcher, The Running Man and quite a few others. A young group of friends that make an innocent promise which ends up creating the most dangerous cult in the world, a 'friend' turned into the world's greatest evil, a strange suicide that reunites a group of adults to solve a mystery from their childhood which ended up leading to an apocalyptic police state, clever use of cultural references, rock songs and historical allegories to tell the full story, extremely small actions resulting in extremely massive consequences, an eerie threat lurking in the shadows that may or may not be of supernatural origins, kids overthrowing a totalitarian regime and rebelling against society while fighting against a sinister threat that no one else knows about; sound King enough for ya?
Though I don't think it's quite as good as Monster by the same author, it's definitely very close. It's a masterpiece of intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, deep character development and psychological complexity. The villain's presence is suffocating from the very beginning while remaining mysterious and terrifying until the final chapter. It's intense, it's relatable, it's horrifying and it's an emotional rollercoaster. Be careful who you call your friend and be careful of the promises you make. You might just end up causing the end of the world.
This is basically the manga equivalent of a Stephen King novel, channeling themes and plot devices from the likes of It, Dreamcatcher, The Running Man and quite a few others. A young group of friends that make an innocent promise which ends up creating the most dangerous cult in the world, a 'friend' turned into the world's greatest evil, a strange suicide that reunites a group of adults to solve a mystery from their childhood which ended up leading to an apocalyptic police state, clever use of cultural references, rock songs and historical allegories to tell the full story, extremely small actions resulting in extremely massive consequences, an eerie threat lurking in the shadows that may or may not be of supernatural origins, kids overthrowing a totalitarian regime and rebelling against society while fighting against a sinister threat that no one else knows about; sound King enough for ya?
Though I don't think it's quite as good as Monster by the same author, it's definitely very close. It's a masterpiece of intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, deep character development and psychological complexity. The villain's presence is suffocating from the very beginning while remaining mysterious and terrifying until the final chapter. It's intense, it's relatable, it's horrifying and it's an emotional rollercoaster. Be careful who you call your friend and be careful of the promises you make. You might just end up causing the end of the world.
September 21, 2022
One of my favorite manga ever! Read under a good recommendation from a friend with whom I share taste, so I knew I was gonna like it. Let's start with the bad stuff: The setup however is waaaay better than the payoff, this manga shines when building up the conspirations and backgrounds, but then seems to tear it all apart when paying them off, even going back to change parts of the setup and do some dubious character and situation inserts that seem to come out of nowhere. The first "big reveal" from "Friend", the antagonist, was the best for me and then consequent reveals just fell off.
There is a point that I see repeated on negative reviews, which is the kinda supernatural/convoluted/scifi-ish?? turn that the story takes by the end, but for me this is a positive aspect of the story. Again, I just wish it was perhaps done more according to the setup, but it's not the turn itself that I have a problem with because in my opinion this is a story that belongs in the realm of the children/adult inner children, in which fantasy and convolution are always at the center of the stage.
What I liked the most about this story were the characters, maybe a bit stereotyped but always lovely and well constructed. Kanna and Otcho were my favorites, Kenji the one that fell a bit short, again, at the payoff of his arch (if it can be called a payoff at all). I also loved the sense of childish dreams and wonder that is embedded in the very structure of the story. Overall, great manga and entirely recommended!!
There is a point that I see repeated on negative reviews, which is the kinda supernatural/convoluted/scifi-ish?? turn that the story takes by the end, but for me this is a positive aspect of the story. Again, I just wish it was perhaps done more according to the setup, but it's not the turn itself that I have a problem with because in my opinion this is a story that belongs in the realm of the children/adult inner children, in which fantasy and convolution are always at the center of the stage.
What I liked the most about this story were the characters, maybe a bit stereotyped but always lovely and well constructed. Kanna and Otcho were my favorites, Kenji the one that fell a bit short, again, at the payoff of his arch (if it can be called a payoff at all). I also loved the sense of childish dreams and wonder that is embedded in the very structure of the story. Overall, great manga and entirely recommended!!
February 18, 2021
Gran historia, muy atrapante y bien llevado. Creo la habilidad para construir la trama de Urasawa dice mucho de el como autor y te da ganas de leer mas, poder maniobrar todas las piezas, es un trabajo arduo, sobre todo saber presentarlas. Otro merito esta en como mantiene a casi todos los personajes interesantes a lo largo de los casi 60 años de historia. La narración y el dibujo son muy buenos y cumplidores, poderosos y emotivos cuando tienen que serlo. Ahora bien, creo que en el tramo final se cae un poco ya que todo es demasiado grande y lo que ocurrió en los últimos tomos sobre la identidad de "Amigo", puede ser difícil de justificar, tengo que leer 21th Century Boys los dos tomos finales de la historia. Aun así, el concepto de "amigo" como antagonista y que su plan este afianzado en heridas y obsesiones de la infancia, y que hagas de ellas el calvario de la humanidad, tal vez pueda ser excesivo pero lo hace como enemigo poderos y de temer, ya que su solipsismo y concepción del mundo es bastante peliaguda. Con todo un clásico del manga.
February 5, 2023
(I read this in 2022 so this doesn't count towards my reading challenge)
"The 21st century is before our eyes. Let us enter it as friends."
It's been a couple of months since I've read this so my review may be a little hazy in some parts, but man what a ride this was. This series was my first ever experience with the Seinen genre as a whole, and I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. A fairly slow start, but once things started picking up I was hooked.
As someone who finds psychology interesting, the psychological elements of this story were exceptional, and by the time I had reached the end, I could see all the pieces of the puzzle coming together. Each chapter spun you round in different directions and sometimes you'd forget where you were, only to be brought back to reality at different points and shown connections that you didn't see before.
I will definitely be rereading this at some point in the future.
"The 21st century is before our eyes. Let us enter it as friends."
It's been a couple of months since I've read this so my review may be a little hazy in some parts, but man what a ride this was. This series was my first ever experience with the Seinen genre as a whole, and I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. A fairly slow start, but once things started picking up I was hooked.
As someone who finds psychology interesting, the psychological elements of this story were exceptional, and by the time I had reached the end, I could see all the pieces of the puzzle coming together. Each chapter spun you round in different directions and sometimes you'd forget where you were, only to be brought back to reality at different points and shown connections that you didn't see before.
I will definitely be rereading this at some point in the future.
August 30, 2022
It's a story about a conspiracy theory which starts off as just a miniature one but keeps getting bigger and stupendous with each and every single page.The more you read, the more you realize how little you know whats gonna happen next and just how deep it goes, I personally liked how author kept the Antagonist identity a secret for the most part of the story which made it even more of a worthwhile read, I can't think of single thing to criticize about it the pacing, protagonist, antagonist, dialogues literally everything was just perfect. Some people may complain about the ending but honestly it's Naoki Urasawa we know his endings can be "unusual" to say the least but frankly that's the charm of it. 💯 would recommend
October 5, 2022
Naoki Urasawa is a huge inspiration to me and while Monster is a groundbreaking masterpiece with no chance of being topped this story makes a valiant effort. Urasawa hops between time periods with such clarity it's like he's speckling a bunch of multicolored dots into one image. With such an epic story, there are definitely plot threads that don't seem to fully materialize, but they're made up for in spades by the moments that come from out of nowhere to grip your chest and stop your breath. Yeah, God sort of fizzles at the end- he probably should've just been killed- but when we meet 2000-era Otcho in the prison? Wowowow. Urasawa's a master of the craft and I hope to retain even a drop of the magic juice he's got.
January 10, 2016
Seperti blurb diringkaskan plotnya, tetapi jangan tertipu dengan kulitnya yang keanak-anakan kerana jalan cerita cukup baik dan sedikit terimbau kenangan zaman kanak-kanak saya. Ia sebuah buku yang take its time untuk bercerita, seperti kebanyakan manga. Antara buku yang terbaik untuk dibaca (malahan sudah ada movie nya beberapa tahun lalu). Apa akan kamu buat sekiranya, semua plan kamu semasa kanak-kanak, tiba-tiba semasa dewasa satu demi satu tulisan olok-olok kamu menjadi kenyataan. Siapa yang mengetahui tulisan kamu? Menyentuh perasaan.
February 3, 2014
Art and characters were great but it should have been half the length. Also the plot went in circles a couple times. Had a little bit of the raiders of the last ark issue where it seemed like nothing would have happened differently if all of the main characters were absent. Still a really fun book though. Don't take that as a jab at Raiders. It's on of the best. And now for my review of Raiders of the Lost Ark...
April 18, 2020
Let´s pull it out now: the ending. Well, not the worst but definitely not good either.
Ok, now we can gladly praise what a fantastic ride this is. Urasawa may be a cheater, alright, but he´s so goddamn good. You better brace to your seat to endure that neverending stream of twists, side stories, new characters and what not! And all those references to music, wrestling and manga... and that lovely cast of amazing characters... You gotta love this.
Ok, now we can gladly praise what a fantastic ride this is. Urasawa may be a cheater, alright, but he´s so goddamn good. You better brace to your seat to endure that neverending stream of twists, side stories, new characters and what not! And all those references to music, wrestling and manga... and that lovely cast of amazing characters... You gotta love this.
January 3, 2025
Les dessins sont chouettes et le postulat de départ sympa. Les thématiques de l'emprise sectaire, la vision utopique du monde vu par les enfants. Les perso sont attachants mais à partir du tome 14 environ, on commence à être perdu dans l'intrigue. j'ai perdu de l'intérêt sur la fin car Kenji devient trop une caricature et les rebondissements deviennent un peu trop systématiques. C'est trop décevant et frustrant car cette série était vraiment super bien partie !
May 23, 2021
I love the way how Urasawa proceeds this story very much (it’s kinda like cinematic). 20th century boys has a lot of timelines so the story continues by switch past and present ingeniously. Although this manga has a lot of characters, every single character in 20th century boys always has an important part that impacts the story.
August 25, 2016
I got completely hooked on the movies first, then read the manga. It's a bit weird at times, partly because it's Japanese and culturally different for me, partly because it just is! A very imaginative story that keeps you guessing.
January 23, 2018
With such strong idea of issue, and amazing characters with all flaws and brilliance, this title is one of the best manga ever created!
I watched the movie based on the comics too and, to be honest, this story was haunting me for a while in the year 2012. So, WOW.
I watched the movie based on the comics too and, to be honest, this story was haunting me for a while in the year 2012. So, WOW.
January 29, 2019
La mejor obra de Urasawa, en ningún otro manga maneja mejor el misterio. Obra referencia para amantes del misterio en general. Planificada al milímetro. Maneja a gran cantidad de personajes con una sencillez abrumadora. Esto es lo que define a los maestros.
August 3, 2019
It's like Japanese Stephen King - enthralling, supernatural, mystical, nonlinear and most importantly, entertaining thriller about generational conflict and fighting for the future. Highly recommend it to manga readers and lovers of fiction alike (including the sequel, 21st Century Boys).
September 11, 2020
Me parecio muy bueno, al principio me saco de onda que se pasaban a otra epoca pero me mantuvo enganchado tanto que lo acabe en tres dias, quedaron algunas cosas sin resolver tuve que leer la continuación y varias cosas se aclararon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews