User rating of this review - 4.91 out of 5
Story/Plot - 5 out of 5
Characters - 5 out of 5
Drawing Style - 5 out of 5
Enjoyment - 5 out of 5
Overall - 5 out of 5
Plot/Story
To be the greatest superhero you have to understand one thing and thats how to be the greatest supervillian. Kenji runs a former liquor store that is now refurbished into a convience store. Running on hard luck, Kenji has had to fumble with his duties to his convience store and his niece, left in his care by his runaway sister. All these pressures pale in comparison to the coming of a conspiracy that only he and his childhood friends will have to face. Will he be able to figure out the mystery? Can he stop what is to happen in time? Can they really prevent what is foreseen to happen? It really seems impossible.
Characters
The story begins with Kenji and mostly centers around him with his childhood friends. I'm not going to give every character since there is way to many to describe. I will say that each character has his/her own personality. You will start to feel as if you are these character's friend and not just reading a manga... more like you are part of the story trying to save the world along with them.
Drawing Style
I was really amazed by this style. At first I was skeptical thinking it was just another typical style, I was completely wrong. I truly appreciate the characters that exist in this manga and the detailed backgrounds. Urasawa Naoki doesn't do the sexy girls/guys. If you are hoping to find busty girls this manga doesn't have your ecchi intentions in mind. You will find scenes that will give you goosebumps and make your hair stand on the back of your neck as you read on.
Enjoyment
Enjoyed isn't capable of describing what I felt about this manga. I spent 8 hours one night trying to finish this series off. I couldn't put down the volumes even if I had wanted to. The complex and always changing storyline keeps you wanting more. Even if you aren't a fan of mystery which by chance I'm usually not, you will most likely appreciate this one. May turn out not to be a favorite but I have a feeling you will still enjoy reading. When I do finally finish this manga I truly believe I'll be satisfied but at the same time begging for more.
Overall
Excellent story, great artwork, and this all adds up to be one of my all time favorites. I've read lots, lots, lots, (this could go on for a bit) of manga. In the end I always mention 20th Century Boys as a manga someone should pick up or download. Every person I've passed this manga along to has become a radical fan as I have. Nothing more to say than I hope you will join the fan ranks as well.
Absolutely mind blowing! This one alone is what got me hooked on reading manga. I am probably going to reread it now after reading some parts of this review. Goosebumps indeed.
It was one of the manga ive read but it also by far one of the best. It had a great story to it and the concept kept you wanting more and more. Like another person said i couldn't put it down and i found myself reading 4 or 5 volumes in one day.
This is the finest of completed manga, out of all that I've read. The storytelling is compelling in the way only Urasawa can pull off, the multiple story threads weave together seamlessly, and as the series continues its morality becomes more complex, where a simpler black and white story might have faltered in the face of some of the good-vs-evil shonen greats. If you are ever interested in trying out seinen manga, start with the best and read this.
Also, look up Bob Lennon by Endou Kenji. Urasawa performs this song. Save it on your HD and play it when the time is right in the series. It'll make a beautiful story even more beautiful, and I guarantee you'll find the song as unforgettable as the manga itself.
Absolutely brilliant, this manga writes in a way that few mangas can. It sucks you in and captures it with its optimistic realism in a troubling time. I've never seen a story so wonderfully and tightly written. Not only is its plot fantastic, but the characters are empathetic and fantastic. It delves into the human and societal psyche without it feeling fake. If you haven't picked up, you have no idea what you are missing.
Well... I think a review wouldn't be enough to cover 20th Century Boys' greatness. One of the masterpieces from Urasawa sensei (yo.. the others ar Monster and Pluto - his latest project). The drawing style got its own style (better than Monster), but the most fascinating aspect is the story itself. Damn good!! How can a human made such a fantastic story like this!!!
I've read well over 200 series over the years and this is definately one of the best.
Well worth anyone's time.
This series does deserve the top score it recieves. I would have given it a 4 instead of a 5 in art though. The art is great for telling the story, but it isn't the best around. Don't get me wrong, i like the art alot, but i don't consider it on par with the best of the best. The story however, is the best of the best.
This is a masterpiece. Great ways to know that such manga are exist.
I'm a new fans and shame that this manga still in v.11 in my local.
BTW, Naoki Urasawa is the man of his time
it is one of the most thrilling manga i've ever read.
it gives me the creeps when i'm reading it.the story was so complex and i just can't put down the manga,,
urasawa sensei is a jenius!!
honto ni sugoi no manga!!!!!
