The following article contains brief discussion of suicide.
Naoki Urasawa’s seminal 20th Century Boys is an epic that can be enjoyed by just about anyone who loves manga -- regardless of favored genres. Its long, winding story is full of mystery and an astonishing degree of detail that keeps readers turning the pages fervently until the very end. While some of its tankōbon volumes can be a little difficult to pick up, there is luckily a kanzenban edition readily available.
20th Century Boys has also spawned a trilogy of films that are accessible for purchase and worth a watch for any fan. However, reading the manga first is ideal for those wishing to have the authentic Urasawa experience. Here's what the story is all about and how to get started.
The Plot of 20th Century Boys
20th Century Boys tells the story of Kenji Endō and his childhood friends (through a variety of time periods), who discover a strange cult after their friend mysteriously commits suicide. The cult’s leader, who is only known as “Friend”, sends Kenji, a simple convenience store manager who once dreamed of becoming a rock ‘n’ roll musician, on a spiraling journey of self-discovery as the new century unfolds.
From murders and disappearances to world-ending viruses and gigantic robots, Urasawa’s vision of an Orwellian dystopia is as disturbing as it is thrilling. To explain the plot of 20th Century Boys is nearly impossible, not only because of its intricacy but the number of twists and turns that might be spoiled if more detail is given. The only thing that can be said is that this story is ideal for fans of any genre, but especially those who are keen on mystery novels, dystopian fantasies or even slice-of-life dramas.
Where to Read The 20th Century Boys Manga
20th Century Boys was first serialized in Big Comic Spirits from 1999-2006 and comprised 249 individual chapters. These would later be published into 22 tankōbon volumes by Shogakukan from 2000-2006. The series’ sequel, titled 21st Century Boys, followed and ran for an additional 16 chapters which were later released into two volumes in 2007.
Both series were licensed for an English release in North America by Viz media in 2005; however, their release was delayed, causing the manga to premiere in 2009. By 2018, the kanzenban (perfect or complete) editions came out and were fully published by 2021. There are 11 volumes of 20th Century Boys and a single volume for its sequel.
Both editions are still available today. However, the original tankōbon volumes can be quite tricky to pick up cheaply or conveniently since there has not been a re-release in several years. To get ahold of these copies, fans will have to frequently visit a variety of online vendors (largely second-hand bookstores) to get their hands on the entire set. Amazon, AbeBooks, World of Books, eBay, Bookshop.org and Waterstones are all excellent places to keep an eye on.
Individual copies range in price. Certain volumes can be ludicrously expensive (a copy of 21st Century Boys Volume 2 is selling for nearly $180 on Amazon). Luckily most volumes can still be picked up for a reasonable price, ranging from $7-$15. Since it can prove difficult to get every volume online, it is always worth checking out local comic shops or secondhand bookstores to see if they have that copy you desperately need.
Thankfully, the kanzenban editions for both 20th Century Boys and 21st Century Boys are much easier to obtain at a reasonable price -- and the supply for each volume is largely stable within the marketplace. They are incredibly easy to purchase and can be found at any of the stores highlighted above for around $15-$20 each.
In December 2021, Urasawa announced that many of his works, including 20th Century Boys, would receive digital releases for Japanese e-book readers. Sadly, an international release has not as yet been developed. However, it is likely that Viz Media or another publisher is currently working on this, so fans would do well to keep their eyes peeled.
Where to Watch The 20th Century Boys Films
Currently there is no anime adaptation of this Naoki Urasawa classic, but three films have been made. The trilogy was directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and had a collective budget of $60 million. The first was released in August 2008, the second in January 2009 and the third in August 2009.
While each film can be purchased individually, it is almost certainly cheaper to buy all three films as a box set. Both DVD and Blu-ray formats are readily available and can be found for around $35-$40 for the box set. For online purchase, Amazon is likely the best bet. For those who prefer brick-and-mortar stores, heading to a local HMV (or your country's equivalent) is always a solid option as well.
For more information on the warning signs and prevention of suicide, click here. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you live outside the U.S., click here for a list of international hotlines.