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Description
From Viz:
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 group of boys who try to save the world.
Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award in the category "Best General Manga" in 2001, the Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, the Shogakukan Manga Award in the "General Category" in 2003 and the first ever Angoulême International Comics Festival... More...
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 group of boys who try to save the world.
Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award in the category "Best General Manga" in 2001, the Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, the Shogakukan Manga Award in the "General Category" in 2003 and the first ever Angoulême International Comics Festival... More...
From Viz:
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 group of boys who try to save the world.
Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award in the category "Best General Manga" in 2001, the Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, the Shogakukan Manga Award in the "General Category" in 2003 and the first ever Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for a Series in 2004. It also won the the Grand Prize at the 37th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards, and the Seiun Award in the Comic category at the 46th Japan Science Fiction Convention, both in 2008 and Best U.S. Edition of International Material at the Eisner Awards in 2011 and 2013. Less...
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 group of boys who try to save the world.
Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award in the category "Best General Manga" in 2001, the Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, the Shogakukan Manga Award in the "General Category" in 2003 and the first ever Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for a Series in 2004. It also won the the Grand Prize at the 37th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards, and the Seiun Award in the Comic category at the 46th Japan Science Fiction Convention, both in 2008 and Best U.S. Edition of International Material at the Eisner Awards in 2011 and 2013. Less...
Type
Manga
Related Series
21 Seiki Shounen (Sequel)
20 Seiki Shounen no Wakiyaku (Side Story)
20 Seiki Shounen Tanteidan (Spin-Off)
20 Seiki Shounen no Wakiyaku (Side Story)
20 Seiki Shounen Tanteidan (Spin-Off)
Associated Names
20 Seiki Shōnen
20. Yüzyıl Çocukları
20th Century Boys
20th Século Meninos
20thCB
20世紀少年
20세기 소년
Abad ke-20 Anak Laki-laki
amigo símbolo chicos del siglo XX
Anak Laki-Laki Abad 20
Chłopaki z dwudziestego wieku
Garçons du 20ème siècle
I ragazzi del XX secolo
Jungen des 20. Jahrhunderts
Những Chàng Trai Thế Kỉ 20
Nijuu Seiki Shounen
Twentieth Century Boys
Мальчишки двадцатого века
فتيان القرن العشرين
20. Yüzyıl Çocukları
20th Century Boys
20th Século Meninos
20thCB
20世紀少年
20세기 소년
Abad ke-20 Anak Laki-laki
amigo símbolo chicos del siglo XX
Anak Laki-Laki Abad 20
Chłopaki z dwudziestego wieku
Garçons du 20ème siècle
I ragazzi del XX secolo
Jungen des 20. Jahrhunderts
Những Chàng Trai Thế Kỉ 20
Nijuu Seiki Shounen
Twentieth Century Boys
Мальчишки двадцатого века
فتيان القرن العشرين
Groups Scanlating
Latest Release(s)
v.22 c.9-13 (end) by Manga-Heaven over 16 years ago
v.22 c.8 by Manga-Heaven over 17 years ago
v.22 c.7 by Manga-Heaven over 17 years ago
Search for all releases of this series
v.22 c.8 by Manga-Heaven over 17 years ago
v.22 c.7 by Manga-Heaven over 17 years ago
Search for all releases of this series
Status
in Country of Origin
22 Vols (2000 - Complete)
11 Kanzenban (2016 - Complete)
11 Kanzenban (2016 - Complete)
Completely Scanlated?
Yes
Anime Start/End Chapter
N/A
User Reviews
Forum
2 topics, 6 posts
Click here to view the forum
Click here to view the forum
User Rating
Average: 8.8 / 10.0 (1766 votes)
Bayesian Average: 8.76 / 10.0
Bayesian Average: 8.76 / 10.0
10
38%
9+
29%
8+
18%
7+
7%
6+
3%
5+
1%
4+
1%
3+
0%
2+
0%
1+
2%
Last Updated
November 24th 2023, 5:52pm
Image [Report Inappropriate Content]
Genre
Categories
Category Recommendations
Usagi Yojimbo
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
The King of Hell is Unhappy
Monstress
Monster
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
The King of Hell is Unhappy
Monstress
Monster
Recommendations
Author(s)
Artist(s)
Year
1999
Original Publisher
Serialized In (magazine)
Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan)
Licensed (in English)
Yes
English Publisher
Viz (22 Vols - Complete; print | 11 Perfect Eds - Completed; print)
Activity Stats (vs. other series)
Weekly Pos #452 (+136)
Monthly Pos #965 (+200)
3 Month Pos #1844 (+130)
6 Month Pos #1997 (+159)
Year Pos #2164 (-6)
Monthly Pos #965 (+200)
3 Month Pos #1844 (+130)
6 Month Pos #1997 (+159)
Year Pos #2164 (-6)
List Stats
On 1049 reading lists
On 1760 wish lists
On 3523 completed lists
On 127 unfinished lists
On 562 custom lists
On 1760 wish lists
On 3523 completed lists
On 127 unfinished lists
On 562 custom lists
User Comments
[
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Must-read
by Dr. Love
May 21st, 2014, 6:46pm
May 21st, 2014, 6:46pm
Rating: N/A
A classic. Anyone who reads manga knows this manga. And even people who don't read manga know what 20th Century boys is! As usual Urakawa develops a world with loads of interesting and diverse characters yet manages to tie all their plot lines up neatly.
Personally I thought 21st Century Boys was unnecessary (or should've been added to 20th Century Boys).
Personally I thought 21st Century Boys was unnecessary (or should've been added to 20th Century Boys).
A good read, but it drags on and loses momentum.
by Neofit
April 25th, 2014, 5:25am
April 25th, 2014, 5:25am
Rating: 7.0 / 10.0
A great series, to be sure, but it wastes a lot of time on trivial things that do not add anything relevant to the main story. The second half is thus not as good as the first - too many characters are being introduced almost regularly and then quickly set aside, old characters fade into the background, plot elements that looked as if they would play a major part in the story later on are mostly forgotten or set aside as if the author just decided to drop it, and the whole story gets quite silly and loses the original detective thriller/mystery feel; a lot of implausible things get hand-waved just to set up a particular setting for the last part, which ultimately drags on the most without being particularly satisfying and does not even wrap up in the main series.
Ultimately, it is a very good read, it manages to entice and deliver on its suspense (most of the time), and I would gladly recommend it to anyone interested in conspiracy thrillers, but the second half is not quite as satisfying and interesting as the first.
Ultimately, it is a very good read, it manages to entice and deliver on its suspense (most of the time), and I would gladly recommend it to anyone interested in conspiracy thrillers, but the second half is not quite as satisfying and interesting as the first.
Loved it.
by Serendipity_
November 5th, 2013, 2:13pm
November 5th, 2013, 2:13pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
I'm officially in love with Urasawa Naokis work. His characters, stories, art, everything. This manga didn't disappoint, none of his Manga does really.
The thing with Urasawas manga is that it takes a certain type of audience to get his work. A rather mature audience. I'm not saying that some people here are immature, but if you haven't read many seinen manga or don't like this kinda theme at all, then you would have a hard time getting what Urasawa's trying to do. Personally I'm glad I waited this long before reading any of his work, because I know if I had read them earlier I wouldn't share the same opinion I have now.
Strongly recommended.
... Last updated on November 5th, 2013, 2:17pm
The thing with Urasawas manga is that it takes a certain type of audience to get his work. A rather mature audience. I'm not saying that some people here are immature, but if you haven't read many seinen manga or don't like this kinda theme at all, then you would have a hard time getting what Urasawa's trying to do. Personally I'm glad I waited this long before reading any of his work, because I know if I had read them earlier I wouldn't share the same opinion I have now.
Strongly recommended.
... Last updated on November 5th, 2013, 2:17pm
Overrated
by Kamugin
January 11th, 2013, 7:51am
January 11th, 2013, 7:51am
Rating: 5.0 / 10.0
20th Century Boys have its strong points indeed, the mystery hooked me pretty well at first, but man, what a lame bunch of "heroes"! I can't remember having seen before an equal or worse group of such powerless and witless protagonists that have to defeat a strong villain, specially the main character. Chapter after chapter I kept waiting that they would pull out something or do something out of the ordinary against the villains, but they didn't! They only won because the villain was a fan of the main protagonist, his childhood friend, and kind of gave up. Even the girl that had actual super powers didn't do much in the end. Lame, plain lame! I felt deceived after finishing it, the only character I liked was the girl that was the comic relief of the story, while she tried desperately to keep her head attached to her neck in that brainwashing prision school.
... Last updated on June 9th, 2017, 3:56pm
... Last updated on June 9th, 2017, 3:56pm
Captivating
by Choreboy
October 1st, 2012, 1:12pm
October 1st, 2012, 1:12pm
Rating: N/A
I've read many series with time skips, but never one who applied it so creatively. It is one of the most essential components of this series, if not the most, and is used masterfully. That said, this was a very compelling series about childhood friendships that constantly made you ponder and theorize who the true culprit was IMO. Looking back, I honestly can't believe I didn't catch on, but I'm glad the mysteries kept me fooled for some time. It's not like I scrutinized every every aspect of every character, either. I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys seinen with mystery or a classic (I've never read another manga quite like it). It's not like most of the manga today, centered around repulsively unreal awkward & cliche romance, giant breasts on what's essentially a child (with way too much fanservice), over-the-top super powers, and blushing for no reason (I hate it because most of the time nobody would actually do so is most situations). Quite the breath of fresh air to me. **FOR THOSE WHO'VE READ THE SERIES IN IT'S ENTIRETY ONLY. THIS WILL RUIN YOUR READING EXPERIENCE IF READ BEYOND THIS POINT.**
... Last updated on October 1st, 2012, 1:12pm
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
I will add that some aspects were a bit too convenient because too many of the main characters that were thought to be dead were actually alive until the end. This made the ending a bit boring and I wouldn't have tagged this as a tragedy because of that fact. Still, it was a great manga and completely worth the time put in to reading it.
... Last updated on October 1st, 2012, 1:12pm
Good...
by nail80
June 5th, 2012, 6:46am
June 5th, 2012, 6:46am
Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
But not great.
Having read a number of Urasawa's works it's clear to see that the story telling is there, the art is as good as ever and the intricate plot devices still continue to exist.
But at the same time all of his works pale in comparison with the masterpiece that was Monster.
Like Monster it has an epic plot, but in trying to make a bigger, more intricate plot he loses track of the flow of the story. It's understandable but a pity. One timeskip was interesting, although not quite to my tastes, and the second timeskip was completely unnecessary. The tendency to develop several subplots at the same time was also kind of misused, it confused me at times instead of shedding light into the plot.
The characters were fairly interesting showing great development. This of course applies to the protagonists, not the endless flow of secondary characters. These were in and out and in again, no clear decision on their part. The flashbacks were very interesting and a good plot device. I loved to see parts of the mystery delivered slowly and the various misconceptions that derived from there. I was very interested in knowing who was the mastermind.
20th Century Boys is a very good manga, very good indeed.
But it's not as great as Monster
Having read a number of Urasawa's works it's clear to see that the story telling is there, the art is as good as ever and the intricate plot devices still continue to exist.
But at the same time all of his works pale in comparison with the masterpiece that was Monster.
Like Monster it has an epic plot, but in trying to make a bigger, more intricate plot he loses track of the flow of the story. It's understandable but a pity. One timeskip was interesting, although not quite to my tastes, and the second timeskip was completely unnecessary. The tendency to develop several subplots at the same time was also kind of misused, it confused me at times instead of shedding light into the plot.
The characters were fairly interesting showing great development. This of course applies to the protagonists, not the endless flow of secondary characters. These were in and out and in again, no clear decision on their part. The flashbacks were very interesting and a good plot device. I loved to see parts of the mystery delivered slowly and the various misconceptions that derived from there. I was very interested in knowing who was the mastermind.
20th Century Boys is a very good manga, very good indeed.
But it's not as great as Monster
Another Great Work by Urasawa Naoki
by bull3thole
May 6th, 2012, 10:25am
May 6th, 2012, 10:25am
Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
The creativity for his works is so amazing. The plot draws you in just like his other mangas. There are a mass of characters mentioned in this manga that may cause confusion, but by finishing this in a couple of days, it helped me. There are many flashbacks in this manga to help reminisce the childhood of the characters and how they were when they were young so
The things that made me think that Naoki's other work "Monster" is better is because at times it seems like the plot drags on. Another is the massive amount of characters mention including the flashbacks for some characters can be very confusing for some people.
Overall, its a great manga that people should definitely read. I also recommend that you should read his Naoki' other great work called "Monster".
... Last updated on August 8th, 2014, 11:01am
The things that made me think that Naoki's other work "Monster" is better is because at times it seems like the plot drags on. Another is the massive amount of characters mention including the flashbacks for some characters can be very confusing for some people.
Overall, its a great manga that people should definitely read. I also recommend that you should read his Naoki' other great work called "Monster".
... Last updated on August 8th, 2014, 11:01am
One of the best out there
by Crenshinibon
January 23rd, 2012, 10:39am
January 23rd, 2012, 10:39am
Rating: 9.1 / 10.0
It's been a long time, but I suddenly felt like writing a review for this one, so bear with me a bit.
I tend to be extremely harsh in my critiques, from a generalized standpoint at least. The first thing I see in any work are its flaws. I'm not going to lie, here. We're dealing with a piece that has many. With such an enormous cast, character development is often sudden and relatively unprovoked. Like a bad shounen title, characters that should have died magically reappear, though admittedly to ravenous applause. The endgame has some slightly short-sighted psychological portrayals (though I'll refrain on saying much more, let's say some motivations are a little ridiculous, though thematically relevant).
And yet. And yet and yet and yet. Nijuu Seiki Shounen will likely always be Urasawa's greatest work. It is to Monster what 2666 is to Bolano's The Savage Detectives, what The Brothers Karamazov is to Crime and Punishment. Nijuu Seiki Shounen is very much a work at the level of a magnum opus. It takes the insight Urasawa honed with Monster, the humor he mastered with Yawara!, and rolls it into something altogether new, strange, and wonderful. For all of its flaws, 20th Century Boys is unmistakably insightful, masterfully plotted, and utterly gripping. It is, in the end, exactly what the title implies: a work that truly deserves to be the end result of growing up in the 20th century.
I tend to be extremely harsh in my critiques, from a generalized standpoint at least. The first thing I see in any work are its flaws. I'm not going to lie, here. We're dealing with a piece that has many. With such an enormous cast, character development is often sudden and relatively unprovoked. Like a bad shounen title, characters that should have died magically reappear, though admittedly to ravenous applause. The endgame has some slightly short-sighted psychological portrayals (though I'll refrain on saying much more, let's say some motivations are a little ridiculous, though thematically relevant).
And yet. And yet and yet and yet. Nijuu Seiki Shounen will likely always be Urasawa's greatest work. It is to Monster what 2666 is to Bolano's The Savage Detectives, what The Brothers Karamazov is to Crime and Punishment. Nijuu Seiki Shounen is very much a work at the level of a magnum opus. It takes the insight Urasawa honed with Monster, the humor he mastered with Yawara!, and rolls it into something altogether new, strange, and wonderful. For all of its flaws, 20th Century Boys is unmistakably insightful, masterfully plotted, and utterly gripping. It is, in the end, exactly what the title implies: a work that truly deserves to be the end result of growing up in the 20th century.
Triple A !♥
by HeeMello
November 26th, 2011, 8:33pm
November 26th, 2011, 8:33pm
Rating: 9.5 / 10.0
O.M.G !
I didn't sleep at night because of this manga lol . It made my heart beat so fast just to know who "Friend" really was . I got so into it that i even cried , got scared and other things . I really liked it ^u^
I didn't sleep at night because of this manga lol . It made my heart beat so fast just to know who "Friend" really was . I got so into it that i even cried , got scared and other things . I really liked it ^u^
Hooks you till the end
by tinman
October 26th, 2011, 7:14am
October 26th, 2011, 7:14am
Rating: N/A
I must confess this is the first manga of Urasawa naoki I have read and what a potboiler it was ! I could go on about the style and the plot and the mind boggling character development but you probably heard that in one line this one is a mystery thriller manga of the very best kind . RECOMMENDED!
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