A friend of mine kept talking about Urasawa's latest series. He said I'd like it because it dealt with 1940s comics and history and Urasawa's notable conspiracy tones. Then he also said something about Jesus and Judas and the moon.
Well, I finally caught up with him.. about chap 16.. though means that I shall not mention,. and... just...
What?
I'm enjoying it and am curious how it fits, but.. a book that ties together spoiler[a golden age comic artist with a character a cross between Batman and Mickey Mouse, a conspiracy within the Japanese occupation around a mysterious text, Kennedy and the moon landing, Jesus and Judas, and... I'm sure I'm forgetting something else ]. All under a mysterious symbol. Just.. wow. My head is still spinning.
I picked up volume 1 just for fun when I was in Tokyo this summer, since Urasawa's my favorite mangaka. Just read up to chapter 6 or so in scans, and it's pretty good so far, I'm liking it's start a little better than 20th Century Boys, I feel like it jumps into the action faster, but manages to keep the suspense. I'll finish it up soon and post back.
I also found the setting kinda funny. Since Kevin is American born with Japanese parents (if I recall correctly) but moved to Japan, and Dr. Tenma from Monster was Japanese born and moved to Germany.
As a huge Monster, 20th Century Boys and Pluto fan, I just realised this was out there in scans and had to check it out.
At first I thought it was some sort of strange Dick Tracy homage. Strange enough. But soon enough that changes over to the "main" storyline.
Then the main storyline reminded me of Monster somewhat. Man accused of a crime, on the run from authorities. OK, it's pretty decent, but Urasawa's done this before in Monster.
But then.. oh then.. Chapter 14 comes, the "main" storyline isn't what you think it is, and this whole thing takes a left turn to the moon. Chapter 14-17 of Billy Bat is quite possibly some of the best storytelling I've ever read in manga.
Billy Bat has the potential to be another Urasawa epic. "Watchmen" epic if he plays his cards right.
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