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20th Century Boys Kanzenban #10
20th Century Boys. Ultimate Deluxe Edition, Vol. 10
L’amico, divenuto il presidente del mondo, regna su una Tokyo circondata da alte mura. Un uomo supera la frontiera a nord suonando la chitarra. Kanna, la “Regina di Ghiaccio”, grazie a una canzone sempre più popolare ritrova la speranza: forse suo zio Kenji è ancora vivo. Lo troverà prima che si avveri l’ultima “profezia”?
418 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2016
21 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Naoki Urasawa
356 books2,798 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 7, 2022
4.5 stars.
Things really felt like they were coming to a head. After this I am beyond excited to blow through the final volume, its been such a long time coming I hope Urasawa sticks the landing!
Things really felt like they were coming to a head. After this I am beyond excited to blow through the final volume, its been such a long time coming I hope Urasawa sticks the landing!
January 19, 2021
One of the surprising things about 20th Century Boys is that with its multi-layered narrative that jumps from one timeframe to the next, it juggles so many characters, many of which have a role within the numerous timelines. Much like Naoki Urasawa’s previous manga Monster, even the most incidental character ends up having some significance and this particular volume, it showcases the supporting players more so than the main cast.
As Kanna and Otcho are approached by Inshu Manjome, who proposes a power-play against the Friend, an enigmatic man named Joe Yabuki appears on the northern border of Japan, wielding a guitar and sings songs that give people hope. No matter how much build-up Urasawa does into regarding the true identity of Yabuki, it comes to no surprise that our hero Kenji Endo has risen from the grave as he survived Bloody New Year’s Eve though suffered from amnesia. Once he regained his memory, Kenji is determined to reach the walled-up Tokyo and he will go through great lengths to reach his destination, such as persuading a former manga artist to draw transit permits get people to walk through the gates.
During the Kenji plot, we are introduced to a new character named Ichi the Spade, who dresses like John Wayne as a cowboy and wields a knife. Although we’ll be seeing more of him in the next volume, the few chapters he appears here, presents an element of surprise in where his allegiance, whether it is the poverty that he seems to be helping, or the army police that he tips off in arresting Chono, falsely accused as a fugitive. This question about one’s allegiance becomes a recurring theme, even towards Yanbo and Mabo, twin bullies from Kenji's class who grew up to betray Kenji and his allies on Bloody New Year’s.
As evil the Friend is, his disciples are just as horrible, including the Killer, an unnamed male who’s been part of the cult from the beginning. When Kenji confronts the Killer at the Kanto fortress, we discover that the two have previously encountered in 1989, when Kenji was a struggling musician and the Killer searches for a hero to challenge his villainy. As much as these antagonists are there to serve the plans of their masked leader, even they are trying to be their own masters, despite ultimately being puppets as Kenji states towards the Killer.
Another character that is under the spotlight of this volume is Kenji’s older sister Kiriko, known as the “Holy Mother” to the Friends as she contributed to the creation of the virus, as well as conceiving the leader’s child, Kanna. From her present-day situation where she becomes a guinea pig for a vaccine against a new virus that is set to be unleashed by the Friends, this contrasts with flashbacks of her relationship with Fukube, who was revealed as the Friend. However, along with her then-realisation about who her love really is, she also realises that the Friend who is now President of the World might be someone else from the Boys’ youth.
Given the scale of this story, which has so far run through ten volumes, you have to remember that many of the revelations are rooted in a somewhat soap opera about family and childhood memories. Still, the mystery continues!
As Kanna and Otcho are approached by Inshu Manjome, who proposes a power-play against the Friend, an enigmatic man named Joe Yabuki appears on the northern border of Japan, wielding a guitar and sings songs that give people hope. No matter how much build-up Urasawa does into regarding the true identity of Yabuki, it comes to no surprise that our hero Kenji Endo has risen from the grave as he survived Bloody New Year’s Eve though suffered from amnesia. Once he regained his memory, Kenji is determined to reach the walled-up Tokyo and he will go through great lengths to reach his destination, such as persuading a former manga artist to draw transit permits get people to walk through the gates.
During the Kenji plot, we are introduced to a new character named Ichi the Spade, who dresses like John Wayne as a cowboy and wields a knife. Although we’ll be seeing more of him in the next volume, the few chapters he appears here, presents an element of surprise in where his allegiance, whether it is the poverty that he seems to be helping, or the army police that he tips off in arresting Chono, falsely accused as a fugitive. This question about one’s allegiance becomes a recurring theme, even towards Yanbo and Mabo, twin bullies from Kenji's class who grew up to betray Kenji and his allies on Bloody New Year’s.
As evil the Friend is, his disciples are just as horrible, including the Killer, an unnamed male who’s been part of the cult from the beginning. When Kenji confronts the Killer at the Kanto fortress, we discover that the two have previously encountered in 1989, when Kenji was a struggling musician and the Killer searches for a hero to challenge his villainy. As much as these antagonists are there to serve the plans of their masked leader, even they are trying to be their own masters, despite ultimately being puppets as Kenji states towards the Killer.
Another character that is under the spotlight of this volume is Kenji’s older sister Kiriko, known as the “Holy Mother” to the Friends as she contributed to the creation of the virus, as well as conceiving the leader’s child, Kanna. From her present-day situation where she becomes a guinea pig for a vaccine against a new virus that is set to be unleashed by the Friends, this contrasts with flashbacks of her relationship with Fukube, who was revealed as the Friend. However, along with her then-realisation about who her love really is, she also realises that the Friend who is now President of the World might be someone else from the Boys’ youth.
Given the scale of this story, which has so far run through ten volumes, you have to remember that many of the revelations are rooted in a somewhat soap opera about family and childhood memories. Still, the mystery continues!
June 5, 2024
Tutto comincia ad avere una spiegazione… Io però non me la sento di terminare questa storia e salutare tutti 🥹
December 18, 2020
It was SO. GOOD.
So many plot points were explored in this book and all of the best emotional parts would be spoilers so I’ll refrain. However, this is a MUST read series that is simply out of this world. *eyebrow wiggles*
So many plot points were explored in this book and all of the best emotional parts would be spoilers so I’ll refrain. However, this is a MUST read series that is simply out of this world. *eyebrow wiggles*
July 9, 2024
4.5
”There is no good and no evil in my cosmos.”
”There is no good and no evil in my cosmos.”
February 8, 2021
Approximately 4500 pages into this thing, and I'm going to have to wait like a month to finish it out, but it's already been so worth it. So much stuff to think about here. Generational guilt, learning to get over that you aren't who you dreamed you'd be, watching the kids you knew go all their own ways as adults, watching kids throw off where they came from to be what they want, how our memories fail us and are limited by our perspective at the time. Just so much stuff, but never bogged down in it. Just willing to let it be there on its own.
There's a weird sorta side plot in the last few volumes about a Catholic Church in Kabukicho that seems a little out of place, but in thinking about it now, it's easy to see how the Catholic idea of Confession ties into this, that telling a priest what you've done can get you absolved of your sins. It doesn't work that way for anyone in the book, as they have to deal with their lives by just moving forward and dealing with it, but they are still haunted by their past actions, their childhoods, their family, and so on. There's no confessing their way out of it.
I mean, there's also a resurrection, so. You know.
Argh, it's so good. I don't know how I'm going to deal with waiting.
There's a weird sorta side plot in the last few volumes about a Catholic Church in Kabukicho that seems a little out of place, but in thinking about it now, it's easy to see how the Catholic idea of Confession ties into this, that telling a priest what you've done can get you absolved of your sins. It doesn't work that way for anyone in the book, as they have to deal with their lives by just moving forward and dealing with it, but they are still haunted by their past actions, their childhoods, their family, and so on. There's no confessing their way out of it.
I mean, there's also a resurrection, so. You know.
Argh, it's so good. I don't know how I'm going to deal with waiting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
Vorletzter Band und ... es sieht nicht aus, als ob ich das grandiose Ende bekomme, das ich herbeigesehnt habe. Warum erzähle ich jetzt in einer SPOILER-PASSAGE, also aufgepasst, was als nächstes kommt:
Erst einmal war ich super enttäuscht zu erfahren, dass der Grund, warum Kenji so lange von der Bildfläche verschwunden war, daran lag, dass er sein Gedächtnis verloren hat. Es tut mir Leid das zu sagen, aber das ist lazy storytelling. Die Anmesie-Nummer wurde in Mangas und Büchern ein wenig zu oft aus dem Hut gezaubert und für eine so gut durchdachte Story wie 20th Century Boys war das einfach nur lame... Außer es kommt eine andere Auflösung im letzten Band. Der zweite Grund, warum ich hier ein wenig enttäuscht war, ist dass wie so viele Bände zugebracht haben, um die Identität vom Freund herauszufinden. Dann finden wir die Identität und dann... müssen wir eine zweite Identität herausfinden. Derselbe Plot nochmal neu aufgelistet.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass der letzte mich doch noch überrascht, halte es aber nicht für wahrscheinlich.
Erst einmal war ich super enttäuscht zu erfahren, dass der Grund, warum Kenji so lange von der Bildfläche verschwunden war, daran lag, dass er sein Gedächtnis verloren hat. Es tut mir Leid das zu sagen, aber das ist lazy storytelling. Die Anmesie-Nummer wurde in Mangas und Büchern ein wenig zu oft aus dem Hut gezaubert und für eine so gut durchdachte Story wie 20th Century Boys war das einfach nur lame... Außer es kommt eine andere Auflösung im letzten Band. Der zweite Grund, warum ich hier ein wenig enttäuscht war, ist dass wie so viele Bände zugebracht haben, um die Identität vom Freund herauszufinden. Dann finden wir die Identität und dann... müssen wir eine zweite Identität herausfinden. Derselbe Plot nochmal neu aufgelistet.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass der letzte mich doch noch überrascht, halte es aber nicht für wahrscheinlich.
May 29, 2025
This is still a great manga, but it feels stretched thin. The revelations are just a rehashing of what has already happened, and the introduction of amnesia is a bit overdone. The plot just kinda keeps going with no rise and fall, which makes it exhausting to read. Exhausting, but interesting. I look forward to some real resolution.
July 21, 2021
Was ein Cliffhanger wieder :-O
October 1, 2023
“It’s hard being evil. It’s a lot easier being a good guy.”
September 16, 2024
Kanna: "Zio Kenji... Sa chi sei?"
L'Amico: "Certo. Perché sono io... il vero... ragazzo del XX secolo."
IT'S. JUST. SO. PEAK. 😭🙏
L'Amico: "Certo. Perché sono io... il vero... ragazzo del XX secolo."
IT'S. JUST. SO. PEAK. 😭🙏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
5 ⭐
I knew it! Not ready for the end of this beautiful story...
I knew it! Not ready for the end of this beautiful story...
December 24, 2020
Very good one. This series had some lower one, but overall after 10 dual-issues volume it's a strong build story, with good characters and background stories. I really enjoy it!
July 7, 2023
AHHHH THIS IS SO GOOD!!!
September 8, 2024
I love how old characters appear again and have a role to play as we near the end. The storyline is getting a little wack, but I still love the characters and the world that has been created. Kenji's return is very weird and using amnesia as a plot device is so lame. Overall the intriguing and well-written series is starting to show cracks right at the end.
October 3, 2023
3,5
C’était bien, l’histoire continue maaaais sans plus ?
J’ai l’impression que le climax qui dure depuis un moment va juste s’essouffler et pas exploser
C’était bien, l’histoire continue maaaais sans plus ?
J’ai l’impression que le climax qui dure depuis un moment va juste s’essouffler et pas exploser
December 1, 2023
Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2023/...
Extrait :
La fin approche à grand puisque après ce tome, il ne me restera que le dernier tome, plus celui sur 21th century boys et le spin off. La folie semble avoir gagnée d’autres membres de la secte d’Ami, si bien que c’est à se demander comment ils arrivent à faire « fonctionner » leur « royaume ». Les personnages continuent de se retrouver, de se regrouper, et certains continuent même de revenir d’entre les morts. D’autres, qui n’avaient pas voulu participer, ce sont réveillés et ont aussi commencé à agir. Reste à savoir si cette fois-ci, ils pourront arrêter Ami avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.
Avec ce tome, on en apprend enfin un peu plus sur les alentours de Tokyo depuis la création des murs. Visiblement, afin de pouvoir entrer, il faut un laisser passer, mais évidemment, ceux-ci ne sont pas donnés à tout le monde. La contrefaçon fait donc inévitablement son apparition, mais manque de bol, la plupart ne marche pas, réduisant la vie des malheureux l’ayant payé à néant. Beaucoup de familles ont été séparées, volontairement ou non, lors de la nouvelle vague de maladie. Certains avaient quittés la ville, pour x raisons, mais d’autres ont été forcés de rejoindre des camps (dont on n’a pas plus de détail que ça non plus). Pour qu’elle raison « Ami » a voulu séparer ses familles ainsi ? Dois-je encore chercher la moindre logique derrière tout ça, surtout que le « Ami » présent n’est pas celui d’origine, mais un fanatique encore plus extrême ? L’attirance pour Mars et pour une attaque venant de l’espace est vraiment puissante, j’imagine qu’après des années de lavages de cerveaux, il est plus difficile pour certains de faire la différence entre le vrai et le faux.
Certains fidèles d’Ami ont la folie encrée en eux, comme la femme de Manjôme qui souhaite plus que tout être la sainte mère. La meuf souhaite juste se taper Ami, alors que bon, vu le temps qui passe elle doit sans doute déjà être « stérile », et elle n’est pas scientifique pour un sous, donc être la sainte mère, ça me fait bien rire. Elle n’a même pas remarqué qu’il ne s’agissait pas d’Ami derrière le masque, mais de quelqu’un d’autres. D’ailleurs, cet individu semble aussi connaître Kenji, puisqu’il évoque la chanson 20th Century Boys. On voit, via le souvenir de sa sœur, qu’il y a une autre personne masquée autre que Sadakyo dans la bande de Fukube. Le nouveau Ami est donc forcément ce personnage, même si du coup, on ignore de qui il s’agit. En tout cas, tout le groupe commence à se réunir et à n’avoir qu’un but, tuer Ami coûte que coûte. Je me demande juste si la vérité à son sujet éclatera enfin ou non, parce que bon, il fait des coups de plus en plus foireux et il y en a encore pour croire en lui quand même.
[...]
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2023/...
Extrait :
La fin approche à grand puisque après ce tome, il ne me restera que le dernier tome, plus celui sur 21th century boys et le spin off. La folie semble avoir gagnée d’autres membres de la secte d’Ami, si bien que c’est à se demander comment ils arrivent à faire « fonctionner » leur « royaume ». Les personnages continuent de se retrouver, de se regrouper, et certains continuent même de revenir d’entre les morts. D’autres, qui n’avaient pas voulu participer, ce sont réveillés et ont aussi commencé à agir. Reste à savoir si cette fois-ci, ils pourront arrêter Ami avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.
Avec ce tome, on en apprend enfin un peu plus sur les alentours de Tokyo depuis la création des murs. Visiblement, afin de pouvoir entrer, il faut un laisser passer, mais évidemment, ceux-ci ne sont pas donnés à tout le monde. La contrefaçon fait donc inévitablement son apparition, mais manque de bol, la plupart ne marche pas, réduisant la vie des malheureux l’ayant payé à néant. Beaucoup de familles ont été séparées, volontairement ou non, lors de la nouvelle vague de maladie. Certains avaient quittés la ville, pour x raisons, mais d’autres ont été forcés de rejoindre des camps (dont on n’a pas plus de détail que ça non plus). Pour qu’elle raison « Ami » a voulu séparer ses familles ainsi ? Dois-je encore chercher la moindre logique derrière tout ça, surtout que le « Ami » présent n’est pas celui d’origine, mais un fanatique encore plus extrême ? L’attirance pour Mars et pour une attaque venant de l’espace est vraiment puissante, j’imagine qu’après des années de lavages de cerveaux, il est plus difficile pour certains de faire la différence entre le vrai et le faux.
Certains fidèles d’Ami ont la folie encrée en eux, comme la femme de Manjôme qui souhaite plus que tout être la sainte mère. La meuf souhaite juste se taper Ami, alors que bon, vu le temps qui passe elle doit sans doute déjà être « stérile », et elle n’est pas scientifique pour un sous, donc être la sainte mère, ça me fait bien rire. Elle n’a même pas remarqué qu’il ne s’agissait pas d’Ami derrière le masque, mais de quelqu’un d’autres. D’ailleurs, cet individu semble aussi connaître Kenji, puisqu’il évoque la chanson 20th Century Boys. On voit, via le souvenir de sa sœur, qu’il y a une autre personne masquée autre que Sadakyo dans la bande de Fukube. Le nouveau Ami est donc forcément ce personnage, même si du coup, on ignore de qui il s’agit. En tout cas, tout le groupe commence à se réunir et à n’avoir qu’un but, tuer Ami coûte que coûte. Je me demande juste si la vérité à son sujet éclatera enfin ou non, parce que bon, il fait des coups de plus en plus foireux et il y en a encore pour croire en lui quand même.
[...]
February 8, 2024
4.5
Urasawa is an absolute madman
Let's get straight into it
The first half is such a cool concept. Now that Kenji is reintroduced Urasawa makes sure to truly reintroduce him. Rather than him coming back and taking over the spot light with this new storyline we've been experiencing with other characters, he makes sure Kenji gets his own little western style return story before he comes into the fold of things and I think that is absolutely perfect. The first half with Kenji is absolutely an old fashioned western. A lone wanderer comes into a poverished town and soon liberates them against the oppressors. His weapon a guitar and his guile unmatched. God this was just so frickin cool. I love how they empahsise the power of art beyond just music. How a manga artists amazing forgery skills frees everyone stuck on the border. How Kenji alone just through his true amiability forms his own group. He truly is the inverse of the friend. What I didn't care for is the Killer character. I find him a redundant antagonist especially since he's been absent for so long and there's really nothing much to be said about him as a villain. I kinda hope they quickly move on from him. Also didn't like how Chono got written out of this storyline so quickly. Hopefully they do him better in the finale.
Second half is PACKED
Let's start with the friend assassination attempt. Very intriguing turn of events and really makes me question who exactly Kanna is. I got theories but I'm holding out because now I've got no idea. (I'm still holding out on her relation to Kamisama in some form) I love that Yukiji is Alive and since she's been in a paternal role for most of the series that they don't forget she's a fighter and can kick ass. Interesting to see the Yanbo and Manbo twins reintroduced and especially the context. I genuinely cannot believe Urasawa is gonna give us a Mecha vs Alien finale in a grounded realistic thriller/Dystopian story. This guy is David Fincher in drama and Sam Raimi in compulsive insanity rolled into one. I cannot wait for how insane this is gonna be.
Finally is Maruo meeting up with Keroyon and Kiriko. We get a lot of answers and backstory here and it is very much confirmed the friend is not Fukube. The final stinger at the end genuinely has me questioning everything we have seen from these Flashbacks so far. I had a theory but even now I have no idea whether that is true. I've literally got one book left and I have no idea where this story is going to go in the best way possible. I'm nervous but Urasawa once again don't dissapoint. I am just so pumped for this finale. I do think there is a LOT to resolve in just one volume but I'm holding out hope he nails it.
Urasawa is an absolute madman
Let's get straight into it
The first half is such a cool concept. Now that Kenji is reintroduced Urasawa makes sure to truly reintroduce him. Rather than him coming back and taking over the spot light with this new storyline we've been experiencing with other characters, he makes sure Kenji gets his own little western style return story before he comes into the fold of things and I think that is absolutely perfect. The first half with Kenji is absolutely an old fashioned western. A lone wanderer comes into a poverished town and soon liberates them against the oppressors. His weapon a guitar and his guile unmatched. God this was just so frickin cool. I love how they empahsise the power of art beyond just music. How a manga artists amazing forgery skills frees everyone stuck on the border. How Kenji alone just through his true amiability forms his own group. He truly is the inverse of the friend. What I didn't care for is the Killer character. I find him a redundant antagonist especially since he's been absent for so long and there's really nothing much to be said about him as a villain. I kinda hope they quickly move on from him. Also didn't like how Chono got written out of this storyline so quickly. Hopefully they do him better in the finale.
Second half is PACKED
Let's start with the friend assassination attempt. Very intriguing turn of events and really makes me question who exactly Kanna is. I got theories but I'm holding out because now I've got no idea. (I'm still holding out on her relation to Kamisama in some form) I love that Yukiji is Alive and since she's been in a paternal role for most of the series that they don't forget she's a fighter and can kick ass. Interesting to see the Yanbo and Manbo twins reintroduced and especially the context. I genuinely cannot believe Urasawa is gonna give us a Mecha vs Alien finale in a grounded realistic thriller/Dystopian story. This guy is David Fincher in drama and Sam Raimi in compulsive insanity rolled into one. I cannot wait for how insane this is gonna be.
Finally is Maruo meeting up with Keroyon and Kiriko. We get a lot of answers and backstory here and it is very much confirmed the friend is not Fukube. The final stinger at the end genuinely has me questioning everything we have seen from these Flashbacks so far. I had a theory but even now I have no idea whether that is true. I've literally got one book left and I have no idea where this story is going to go in the best way possible. I'm nervous but Urasawa once again don't dissapoint. I am just so pumped for this finale. I do think there is a LOT to resolve in just one volume but I'm holding out hope he nails it.
July 22, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
Humanity, having faced extinction at the end of the 20th century, would not have entered the new millennium if it weren't for them. In 1969, during their youth, they created a symbol. In 1997, as the coming disaster slowly starts to unfold, that symbol returns. This is the story of a gang of boys who try to save the world. Failed rock musician Kenji's memories of his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all.
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.
Humanity, having faced extinction at the end of the 20th century, would not have entered the new millennium if it weren't for them. In 1969, during their youth, they created a symbol. In 1997, as the coming disaster slowly starts to unfold, that symbol returns. This is the story of a gang of boys who try to save the world. Failed rock musician Kenji's memories of his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all.
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.
November 21, 2020
Esplendido! Cada vez vamos llegando al final de la historia y en este tomo se van resolviendo los misterios planteados desde el tomo I. La historia empieza a tener más sentido y vamos descubriendo las verdaderas intenciones detrás de las acciones de algunos personajes.
No podría mencionar quien tiene más protagonismo en este tomo ya que cada personaje pone su granito de arena para sorprendernos. Podría mencionar un papel más protagónico por parte de los personajes ausentes desde los inicios.
En lo que al estilo de narración se refiere, volvemos al pasado por escenas, con la finalidad de que el espectador pueda entender el actuar de los personajes en ese momento o para aclarar algunos los misterios de la trama. Hay más fluidez respecto al desarrollo y mucha más emoción conforme van avanzando.
Casi llegando al final, esta lectura te atrapa y no puedes dejar de resolver el misterio más grande de esta historia: "Amigo"
No podría mencionar quien tiene más protagonismo en este tomo ya que cada personaje pone su granito de arena para sorprendernos. Podría mencionar un papel más protagónico por parte de los personajes ausentes desde los inicios.
En lo que al estilo de narración se refiere, volvemos al pasado por escenas, con la finalidad de que el espectador pueda entender el actuar de los personajes en ese momento o para aclarar algunos los misterios de la trama. Hay más fluidez respecto al desarrollo y mucha más emoción conforme van avanzando.
Casi llegando al final, esta lectura te atrapa y no puedes dejar de resolver el misterio más grande de esta historia: "Amigo"
April 28, 2024
I really wanted to enjoy this penultimate (Perfect Edition) volume of 20th Century Boys, but this doesn't give me the very same effect that I have felt in the previous volumes. Sure there are twists, break-ins, big revelations - all elements that have been done before. Yet this time, they don't feel earned. For me it seems like everybody just seems... tired.
Almost everything seems uninspired, like , or . At this point, it seems that the series could have benefitted with having a couple more volumes to make certain plot details more earned, or could have been shortened to make some story trails less padded.
I'm one volume away from finishing the series. Of course I'd read it! I know it's worth it. Hope my reading experience is better in the next book.
Almost everything seems uninspired, like , or . At this point, it seems that the series could have benefitted with having a couple more volumes to make certain plot details more earned, or could have been shortened to make some story trails less padded.
I'm one volume away from finishing the series. Of course I'd read it! I know it's worth it. Hope my reading experience is better in the next book.
July 12, 2023
Like any good story, the hero arrives just in the nick of time. The checkpoint in the border town is the next major obstacle for our shades wearing hero to overcome, and after motivating the whole town to rise up, he's giving me some major Monkey D Luffy vibes. A fated confrontation of evil vs good, and illuminating backstory involving the holy mother's crusade against the deadly virus.
It's really coming down to the wire now, as Kanna comes face to face with The Friend, our heroes are framed, and like any good battle of good and evil, right when the night seems darkest, a ray of light shines through, humanity might actually win. Gotta hand it to Urasawa, he's really keeping things neck to neck going into the home stretch!
It's really coming down to the wire now, as Kanna comes face to face with The Friend, our heroes are framed, and like any good battle of good and evil, right when the night seems darkest, a ray of light shines through, humanity might actually win. Gotta hand it to Urasawa, he's really keeping things neck to neck going into the home stretch!
December 5, 2023
Quando Kenji è riapparso dopo tutti questi anni la prima domanda che mi sono posto è stata: ‘Ma che diamine ha fatto finora?’, poi però è lui stesso ad aver spiegato di aver perso la memoria.
Kenji è sicuramente uno dei due personaggi simbolo di 20th Century Boys assieme a l’Amico.
Kenji rappresenta la lotta contro il sistema, l’emozione di una canzone contro il freddo logorio del governo che assoggetta a sé il popolo con una montagna di menzogne.
La lotta con l’Amico si fa serratissima e si è arrivati alla resa dei conti.
Kiriko può salvare l’umanità con il suo ultimo vaccino, ma una terribile domanda aleggia al termine del volume: chi è colui che ha preso il posto dell’Amico? E chi era quel ragazzo che andava in giro con Fukubee, Sadakiyo e Yamane?
Kenji è sicuramente uno dei due personaggi simbolo di 20th Century Boys assieme a l’Amico.
Kenji rappresenta la lotta contro il sistema, l’emozione di una canzone contro il freddo logorio del governo che assoggetta a sé il popolo con una montagna di menzogne.
La lotta con l’Amico si fa serratissima e si è arrivati alla resa dei conti.
Kiriko può salvare l’umanità con il suo ultimo vaccino, ma una terribile domanda aleggia al termine del volume: chi è colui che ha preso il posto dell’Amico? E chi era quel ragazzo che andava in giro con Fukubee, Sadakiyo e Yamane?
June 7, 2022
I kind of can't believe that they are doing the "Who Is the Friend?" mystery again. It was the biggest and longest running mystery throughout the first half of the series - being the major cliffhanger and teased moment for over 15 volumes. Now they've revealed that and they are going back to the same mystery - who is the NEW FRIEND? It just feels a little cheap and less earned.
In general all of my thoughts from the last several volumes apply - the art is still good and flows well. The pace seems a bit slower, episodic and sporadic - it feels like it's dragging it out and not for any particularly compelling reasons. I'm ready for it to wrap up at this point.
In general all of my thoughts from the last several volumes apply - the art is still good and flows well. The pace seems a bit slower, episodic and sporadic - it feels like it's dragging it out and not for any particularly compelling reasons. I'm ready for it to wrap up at this point.
August 16, 2025
Things are heating up!
Kenji faced the younger college student who killed his sisters first lover, and now he saved an entire town and heads for Japan. We get to know how he survived as he grew amnesia after the bloody new year and roamed around for 15 years.
Also, Kanna Otcho and Yukiji face the friend! However, it is not Fukube at all. It is someone else! THERE IS A FOURTH PERSON IN FUKUBES GROUP! Kanna is at risk and Otcho and Yukiji rush to save her
Also Mauro reunites with Keyeron. We get to see his life after moving away from Japan and it wasn’t glamorous. Though he saved Kirko, and her vaccine works!
Cannot wait for the final volume!
Kenji faced the younger college student who killed his sisters first lover, and now he saved an entire town and heads for Japan. We get to know how he survived as he grew amnesia after the bloody new year and roamed around for 15 years.
Also, Kanna Otcho and Yukiji face the friend! However, it is not Fukube at all. It is someone else! THERE IS A FOURTH PERSON IN FUKUBES GROUP! Kanna is at risk and Otcho and Yukiji rush to save her
Also Mauro reunites with Keyeron. We get to see his life after moving away from Japan and it wasn’t glamorous. Though he saved Kirko, and her vaccine works!
Cannot wait for the final volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
3,5 Sterne optimistisch aufgerundet. Man merkt, dass es zu Ende geht. Alle möglichen Handlungsfäden werden verdichtet oder gar zum Abschluss gebracht und Lücken geschlossen. Das Problem ist die Gemächlichkeit. Die fördert zwar das gewisse Gefühl eines epischen Handlungsbogens, aber ist eben auch ... gemächlich. Besonders das Zurückbringen eines Charakters, den man ewig nicht gesehen hat und die Westernstimmung in der Grenzstadt haben etwas an meinen Nerven gezerrt. Die letzten Kapitel sind eher gold.
March 3, 2021
It's been present in the series before, but think this volume quite blatantly suffers from minor pacing issues. Conversations go round about and don't get to the point until the final pages of each chapter (particularly the last several, with the twins and their professor and Kiriko, Keroyon and Maruo). This kindof padding weighs down an otherwise solid story. And the heart of the story is so strong that I still can't wait for the final book here in a couple of weeks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
📚🙋🏻♀️2024
Sognatori….
Okeeeeyyyy mi spiace ma davvero su questo volume non posso assolutamente dire molto perché farei troppi spoiler
Posso solo dirvi che sono stra felice di essere a questo punto della storia
Che ho dato 5 stelline
E che questo volume è pieno di parti esplosive, molto emotive, e sopratutto colpi di scena che fanno restare a bocca aperta il lettore
Continuerò a dirvelo fino all’ultimo libro leggete questa serie non ve ne pentirete
Buona lettura
July 8, 2024
-Que complicado es ser el malo, es mucho mas fácil ser el bueno.
BIENVENIDO A CIUDAD SPOILER !!!
LO BUENO: Kenji volvió !!!, POR FIN, ERA LA MALDITA HORA, y su encuentro, su ascenso es pausado, duele, te arrastra el corazón , y la parte de Kirino es potente y te duele, como la vida y ´amigo´ la arrinconaron y ella siempre actuó, por salvara la humanidad.
LO MALO: Tramitas e historias secundarias por aquí y por allá que pudieron ser mas rápidas .
BIENVENIDO A CIUDAD SPOILER !!!
LO BUENO: Kenji volvió !!!, POR FIN, ERA LA MALDITA HORA, y su encuentro, su ascenso es pausado, duele, te arrastra el corazón , y la parte de Kirino es potente y te duele, como la vida y ´amigo´ la arrinconaron y ella siempre actuó, por salvara la humanidad.
LO MALO: Tramitas e historias secundarias por aquí y por allá que pudieron ser mas rápidas .
May 6, 2021
As things start wrapping up, it does feel like the ending is being stretched a bit more than it should, but I'm still enjoying this weird end-of-the-world story despite how ridiculous it is. Some of the impact of character reveals are lost on me because I've been reading this story across such a long time that I don't remember them, but it hasn't caused the story to lose any of its fun.
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