Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys: v. 1

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.

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.
Library Journal

As a boy, Kenji wanted to save the world. In college, he wanted to be a rock star. In his late thirties in the late 1990s, he runs the family convenience store while raising his missing sister's baby girl. When a local professor disappears, the man's house is marked with a strange symbol that nags strongly at the memories of Kenji and his childhood friends. When another old friend seemingly commits suicide after asking Kenji about that same symbol, Kenji decides to investigate. Unbeknown to him, the symbol is that of a burgeoning cult enthralled by an anonymous charismatic leader who might be behind a string of mysterious deaths—and might be a member of Kenji's childhood gang. Urusawa's (Monster; Pluto) naturalistic characterizations complement accomplished realistic artwork; his narrative deftly shifts from past to present, expertly building suspense and hinting that Kenji may get the chance to fulfill his childhood dream. VERDICT A multiple award winner in Japan, Viz rates this 22-volume series for ages 16 and up; its nostalgia and real-life adult concerns (along with some sexuality) aim it toward adults.—S.R.
More Reviews and Recommendations
Biography

Naoki Urasawa has been a highly recognized and successful manga artist for more than twenty years. Creator of popular series such as 20TH CENTURY BOYS and YAWARA, Urasawa has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the first Japanese Media Art Festival Manga Award of Excellence, the Osamu Tezuka Culture Award in 1999, and the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award. Naoki Urasawa's Monster has thrilled and entertained well over 25 million readers in Japan.