Naoki Urasawa, a renowned Japanese manga artist, has left an indelible mark on the manga industry with his intriguing stories and memorable characters. Today, in this rating, we will highlight some of his masterpieces that have captivated thousands of readers around the world.
5. Yawara!
Yawara! represents a departure from the thriller to an inspiring portrait of women’s judo. The story follows Yawara Inokuma, a young woman talented in judo, who struggles with the expectations of society and family. Urasawa skillfully combines sports drama with an exploration of personality and relationships.
Image: Shogakukan
4. Billy Beth
Billy Bat takes us into a meta-fictional thriller that challenges the boundaries of reality and fiction. The story follows Kevin Yamagata, a comic book artist who discovers a character named Billy Bat who seems to influence events in the real world. In this unique work, Urasawa combines elements of conspiracy with philosophical inquiry.
Image: Shogakukan
Pluto
Pluto reinvents Osamu Tezuka’s classic Astro Boy while adding a bit of darkness and complexity. Urasawa, along with co-writer Takashi Nagasaki, presents a detective story set in the world of robots, exploring themes of identity and ethics. Respect for Tezuka’s legacy is masterfully combined with Urasawa’s distinctive vision.
Image: Shogakukan
20th century boys
In 20th Century Boys, Urasawa takes us into an epic thriller that spans decades. The plot, which begins with a group of friends creating their own imaginary world, develops into a fight against an apocalyptic cult. Urasawa’s skill lies in intertwining the destinies of characters with historical events, creating a unique epic.
Image: Shogakukan
1. Monster
“Monster” is a masterpiece of psychological tension. Urasawa tells the intense tale of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon, and Johan, a mysterious young man whose dark history triggers unimaginable events. The exploration of moral themes and careful character creation make Monster an unforgettable journey.
Image: Shogakukan
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