Latest news with #OsamuTezuka
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
My 11-year-old son stole this manga book from me — it's that good
Osamu Tezuka is revered as the 'godfather of manga'. When the Astro Boy creator died at the age of 60 in 1989 he left behind a legacy as one of the most influential cartoonists, but he also left one of his beloved characters without an ending. Unico is a 'brave, young unicorn' cursed to forget his identity, so he travels through space and time, spreading love wherever he goes, always on the run from the jealous gods and monsters who seek to destroy him. Unico first appeared in a manga magazine in the 1970s, but the series was never concluded. Now the baton — or should that be the magical, glowing unicorn horn? — has been passed to the American writer Samuel Sattin and two Japanese artists, Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano, better known by the name Gurihiru, who have been given permission to complete Unico's story in a rebooted series. The result is enchanting. Dropped by his protector, the West Wind, during a storm, Unico falls through the sky and wakes up in an abandoned factory town where he meets a resourceful mouse named Garapachi. In this strange, gloomy world he befriends Chiko, a sickly girl who lives with her grandfather. Unico learns that his new friends are trapped by Mother, 'the sinister robot who controls the town factory'. Mother is a great villain — imagine an AI nanny gone bad. She is a pointy, floating drone, no bigger than two paper hats stuck together, yet manages to be completely menacing. The artists have done justice to the cinematic sweep of Tezuka's work. It's not for nothing that he was admired by Stanley Kubrick, Akira Kurosawa and Guillermo del Toro. The artwork does all the emotional heavy lifting in the same way an orchestral score does in a film. The action leaps through multiple dimensions, from the gloomy, foreboding world of the factory to the celestial realm of the evil goddess, Venus, who brings a henchman back from the dead to hunt down poor Unico. Even the corny dialogue works: ''Why have I been awakened?' asks Iver, the resurrected ruler of the Red Forest. 'I have a task for you,' explains the goddess. 'There is a unicorn who imperils my reign. You will hunt him and kill him, but most importantly you will bring me a piece of his horn.'' This is the second volume of the series, but each one works as a standalone. Dav Pilkey, the creator of Dog Man, called it 'a spellbinding masterpiece' but don't take his word for it. No sooner had he finished it the first time, my 11-year-old son stole my review copy 'because I want to read it again'. • Read more book reviews and interviews — and see what's top of the Sunday Times Bestsellers List Unico: Hunted (Volume 2), for ages 8+, by Osamu Tezuka, Samuel Sattin and illustrated by Gurihiru (Scholastic £10.99 pp224). To order a copy go to Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dororo: The Timeless Tale That Reshaped the Samurai Genre in Anime
Based on Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga, the 2019 anime adaptation of Dororo delivered a moving and powerful story that redefined the potential of historical fantasy in modern anime. With emotionally driven storytelling, rich themes, and haunting visuals, Dororo not only honored its roots but left a lasting impact on the genre and its audience. Dororo: A Dark Story With a Human Heart Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a young warrior born without limbs, eyes, ears, and more—sacrificed by his father to demons in return for power and prosperity. Determined to reclaim what was stolen from him, Hyakkimaru hunts the demons one by one. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with Dororo, a witty orphan who gives the series its emotional center. The anime is more than just a demon-hunting adventure. It dives deep into questions about humanity, morality, and what makes a person whole. Hyakkimaru's journey isn't just about recovering body parts—it's about understanding the pain, joy, and connection that come with being human. Each encounter challenges his growing soul, and Dororo's presence constantly reminds him of compassion, loyalty, and trust. Breathing New Life Into Historical Fantasy Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready to Live in 2, 3 & 4 BHK from ₹3.60 Cr* in Sec 22 Ambience Creacions, Gurugram Learn More Undo In an anime landscape often crowded with high-powered battles and futuristic settings, Dororo's gritty, Edo-era backdrop felt refreshingly raw and grounded. It stood out not with flashy effects, but with meaningful storytelling and beautifully paced character development. Its art style was minimal but intentional—designed to evoke emotion and atmosphere. The score, often eerie and somber, added to the heavy themes without overwhelming the scenes. Studios and creators took notice. Dororo's success showed that audiences crave deeper narratives rooted in timeless themes like loss, redemption, and resilience. For fans of classic samurai anime or dark fantasy, Dororo reintroduced a genre with new depth, reminding us that a strong emotional core is just as vital as the action. Why Dororo Still Matters Dororo didn't just entertain—it made viewers think. In a world full of fast-paced anime, it slowed things down and made each moment count. Its themes of identity, trauma, and survival are universal and timeless, giving it continued relevance even years after release. Today, Dororo remains a touchstone for emotional storytelling in anime. It paved the way for more mature and thought-provoking narratives in genres that often prioritize spectacle over substance. As fans continue to recommend it and studios look to revive older works with fresh eyes, Dororo stands as proof that powerful storytelling can come from the most painful, personal journeys. For anyone looking for a meaningful, unforgettable anime experience, Dororo remains a must-watch—and a quiet revolution in itself. Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SkySet entertainment announces Blu-ray release of Tezuka's 1983 anime 'A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose' with english dub
SkySet Entertainment has announced that it will release a remastered edition of Osamu Tezuka 's 1983 anime special A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose on Blu-ray Disc, complete with an English dub. Scheduled for release on June 14, 2025, this will mark the anime's first-ever North American release, making it a significant event for both Tezuka fans and anime enthusiasts in the region. A fresh look at Tezuka's timeless anime classic Based on Tezuka's Prime Rose manga serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 1982 to 1983, A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose is set in a dystopian future where powerful forces collide. A destructive entity known as Death Mask hurls Kujukuri City, Japan, and Dallas, Texas, 10,000 years into the future, transforming them into brutal battlegrounds. The story follows Gai Tanbara, a hero determined to defeat Death Mask and restore order to time itself. Along the way, Gai forms an alliance with Emiya, a fierce warrior committed to reclaiming her city. Together, they face the grim realities of a shattered world. A Time Slip of 10000 Years english dub cast For the Blu-ray release, SkySet Entertainment has assembled a talented English voice cast to bring the characters of A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose to life. The cast includes: KyLeigh Zimmerer as Emiya Tachi Jacob Eiseman as Gai Tanbara Christina Costello as Bunretsu Tanbara David Wald as Pilar John Swasey as Jinba by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Additional cast members include Bryan Massey, Bradley Gareth, and others. The English dub will be directed by Phebe Fabacher, with Hayden Davis as the engineer. The adaptation was handled by Kym Rose, and Ralph Villegas oversaw the timecoding. Special Blu-ray features for fans The Blu-ray edition of A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose will include a host of special features, providing fans with an in-depth look at the creation of the anime. These features include: English dub outtakes Interviews with the English voice cast Staff commentary Pre-production sketches from Tezuka Productions Trailer videos These bonus features will allow viewers to explore the making of the anime, offering insight into the production process and the challenges of adapting Tezuka's iconic work into an English-language version. Tezuka's influence on anime and manga Osamu Tezuka, widely known as the "God of Manga," revolutionized both the manga and anime industries with his iconic creations. His works, including Astro Boy, Black Jack, Jungle Emperor Leo, Princess Knight, Phoenix, and more, are considered foundational to the medium. In addition to his pioneering manga, Tezuka's studio, Mushi Production, was instrumental in the creation of Astro Boy, Japan's first animated series, which set the stage for the anime industry as we know it today. Release information: Where to watch and buy The Blu-ray release of A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose will be available for purchase starting June 14, 2025. Fans can pre-order the Blu-ray from various North American retailers and streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video. This release offers a rare opportunity to experience a lesser-known gem from the masterful Osamu Tezuka, and with the English dub, it makes the anime accessible to a wider audience. For more information on A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose and upcoming Tezuka releases, stay tuned to official announcements from SkySet Entertainment.
