Comments on: *20th Century Boys Book 1 — Recommended http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/ Independent Opinions on Comics of All Kinds Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:42:16 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: The Doombin | Doomkopf.com http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-107077 The Doombin | Doomkopf.com Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:35:59 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-107077 [...] covered the first volume of Pluto, Manga Worth Reading has helpful reviews of the first volumes of 20th Century Boys and Monster. [...]

[...] covered the first volume of Pluto, Manga Worth Reading has helpful reviews of the first volumes of 20th Century Boys and Monster. [...]

]]> By: *20th Century Boys Book 4 — Recommended » Manga Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-105933 *20th Century Boys Book 4 — Recommended » Manga Worth Reading Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:23 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-105933 [...] years ago in 1988. We also discover what happened to Professor Sikishima and his family. Remember, volume 1 opened with police investigating the Sikishima family’s disappearance. 20th Century Boys Book [...]

[...] years ago in 1988. We also discover what happened to Professor Sikishima and his family. Remember, volume 1 opened with police investigating the Sikishima family’s disappearance. 20th Century Boys Book [...]

]]> By: *Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka Book 4 — Recommended » Manga Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-105347 *Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka Book 4 — Recommended » Manga Worth Reading Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:57:27 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-105347 [...] question keeps coming up: Which is the better series, this or 20th Century Boys? I was firmly in the latter camp until reading this volume. While both are excellent, I’m [...]

[...] question keeps coming up: Which is the better series, this or 20th Century Boys? I was firmly in the latter camp until reading this volume. While both are excellent, I’m [...]

]]> By: Free Viz Manga Online at Sigikki.Com » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-105239 Free Viz Manga Online at Sigikki.Com » Comics Worth Reading Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:25:50 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-105239 [...] of a partnership between the Viz Signature line (which publishes titles aimed as adults, including 20th Century Boys, Oishinbo, Detroit Metal City, and Pluto) and the monthly manga magazine IKKI. The Japanese [...]

[...] of a partnership between the Viz Signature line (which publishes titles aimed as adults, including 20th Century Boys, Oishinbo, Detroit Metal City, and Pluto) and the monthly manga magazine IKKI. The Japanese [...]

]]> By: *20th Century Boys Book 3 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-104891 *20th Century Boys Book 3 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:06:25 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-104891 [...] series, we leave them up to one reviewer or the other instead of switching off. Although Ed’s previously reviewed the first two volumes, I wanted to get in on recommending this astoundingly good series. [...]

[...] series, we leave them up to one reviewer or the other instead of switching off. Although Ed’s previously reviewed the first two volumes, I wanted to get in on recommending this astoundingly good series. [...]

]]> By: *20th Century Boys Book 3 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-104892 *20th Century Boys Book 3 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:06:25 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-104892 [...] series, we leave them up to one reviewer or the other instead of switching off. Although Ed’s previously reviewed the first two volumes, I wanted to get in on recommending this astoundingly good series. [...]

[...] series, we leave them up to one reviewer or the other instead of switching off. Although Ed’s previously reviewed the first two volumes, I wanted to get in on recommending this astoundingly good series. [...]

]]> By: *20th Century Boys Book 2 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-103523 *20th Century Boys Book 2 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading Fri, 01 May 2009 13:07:42 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-103523 [...] book to book. The plot focus of this volume is the identity of Our Friend. If you’ve read the first volume, then you already know who he is. Part of the fun of this book is watching how different characters [...]

[...] book to book. The plot focus of this volume is the identity of Our Friend. If you’ve read the first volume, then you already know who he is. Part of the fun of this book is watching how different characters [...]

]]> By: Two Cool Contests: Bite Me, 20th Century Boys » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-103300 Two Cool Contests: Bite Me, 20th Century Boys » Comics Worth Reading Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:25:45 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-103300 [...] you have a chance to win a 20th Century Boys “Friend” pin by participating in this trivia quiz. Enter by April 19; winners announced [...]

[...] you have a chance to win a 20th Century Boys “Friend” pin by participating in this trivia quiz. Enter by April 19; winners announced [...]

]]> By: Viz Promo Poster Quotes Site » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-102853 Viz Promo Poster Quotes Site » Comics Worth Reading Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:38:37 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-102853 [...] has released a promotional poster for 20th Century Boys that prominently quotes site reviewer Ed [...]

[...] has released a promotional poster for 20th Century Boys that prominently quotes site reviewer Ed [...]

]]> By: *Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka Book 1 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101537 *Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka Book 1 — Recommended » Comics Worth Reading Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:17:14 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101537 [...] fascinating read. I was completely drawn into the world that Urasawa created in this book. Like his 20th Century Boys, this series is written by an adult for adult readers. Those of us with more than a couple of [...]

[...] fascinating read. I was completely drawn into the world that Urasawa created in this book. Like his 20th Century Boys, this series is written by an adult for adult readers. Those of us with more than a couple of [...]

]]> By: Bahamut http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101513 Bahamut Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:19:44 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101513 To be fair, it's been a long while since I've read the first volume , so maybe I'm remembering certain things happening sooner. Heck, I never even finished the series...I stopped reading scanlations once I knew it was coming out here(I've been checking Amazon every day like a madman in the hopes they have it early...they usually do have Viz titles at least 2 weeks early).But, all the things you say about this volume definitely hold true throughout what I have read. Either way, the bottom-line is this is must-own title!! The fact that Viz decided to release Pluto at the same time is almost too much joy to bear. To be fair, it’s been a long while since I’ve read the first volume , so maybe I’m remembering certain things happening sooner.
Heck, I never even finished the series…I stopped reading scanlations once I knew it was coming out here(I’ve been checking Amazon every day like a madman in the hopes they have it early…they usually do have Viz titles at least 2 weeks early).But, all the things you say about this volume definitely hold true throughout what I have read.
Either way, the bottom-line is this is must-own title!! The fact that Viz decided to release Pluto at the same time is almost too much joy to bear.

]]> By: Ed Sizemore http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101496 Ed Sizemore Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:49:23 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101496 Bahamut, I can't comment on the rest of the series, since I've only read volume 1. We will have to agree to disagree on the focus of this particular book. I felt the focus of this volume was getting to know Kenji, his past, and his circle of friends. The mystery element is there, but it's not the center of the narrative. As for comparing it to Lost, I'd be interested in what others think. I never watched the show, since I couldn't even stomach the commericals. Bahamut,

I can’t comment on the rest of the series, since I’ve only read volume 1. We will have to agree to disagree on the focus of this particular book. I felt the focus of this volume was getting to know Kenji, his past, and his circle of friends. The mystery element is there, but it’s not the center of the narrative.

As for comparing it to Lost, I’d be interested in what others think. I never watched the show, since I couldn’t even stomach the commericals.

]]> By: Bahamut http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101493 Bahamut Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:44:31 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101493 Great review...but in some ways completely misleading (you didn't even mention Friend!). Your review makes it seem like a full on character driven drama. While that is definitely part of it, you kinda skip over the meat of the series. At it's core, it's a suspense, mystery story. I always says this is the Lost of manga (well actually...it came first so Lost is the 20thCB of TV). It has the same mix of well developed characters and having a million mysteries and cliffhangers, which is the truly addicting part. Like Lost, weird things happen, and they might have a logical explanation or they might not, and you always think you might know what's going, but you have no clue. I also find it interesting that you say it's so American. You're right about the stuff you mentioned, but I also feel a lot of it is just SO Japanese. A lot of things refer to not only Japanese pop culture, but OLD Japanese pop culture. For instance, for anyone new to manga, one scene with a character looking at Inuyasha saying "Is this Urusei Yatsura?" would completely go over their heads. I'm assuming that for some volumes they'll have some notes in the back to explain certain things. Great review…but in some ways completely misleading (you didn’t even mention Friend!). Your review makes it seem like a full on character driven drama. While that is definitely part of it, you kinda skip over the meat of the series. At it’s core, it’s a suspense, mystery story. I always says this is the Lost of manga (well actually…it came first so Lost is the 20thCB of TV). It has the same mix of well developed characters and having a million mysteries and cliffhangers, which is the truly addicting part. Like Lost, weird things happen, and they might have a logical explanation or they might not, and you always think you might know what’s going, but you have no clue.
I also find it interesting that you say it’s so American. You’re right about the stuff you mentioned, but I also feel a lot of it is just SO Japanese. A lot of things refer to not only Japanese pop culture, but OLD Japanese pop culture. For instance, for anyone new to manga, one scene with a character looking at Inuyasha saying “Is this Urusei Yatsura?” would completely go over their heads. I’m assuming that for some volumes they’ll have some notes in the back to explain certain things.

]]> By: MangaBlog » Blog Archive » Tuesday news roundup http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101464 MangaBlog » Blog Archive » Tuesday news roundup Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:15:24 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101464 [...] which I think covers just about everybody. I somehow missed this when it went up, but Ed reviewed vol. 1 of 20th Century Boys last week. Erica also recently posted her take on the yuri light novel vol. 2 of Wild Bouquet. Over [...]

[...] which I think covers just about everybody. I somehow missed this when it went up, but Ed reviewed vol. 1 of 20th Century Boys last week. Erica also recently posted her take on the yuri light novel vol. 2 of Wild Bouquet. Over [...]

]]> By: jun http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101340 jun Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:26:01 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101340 Great review and I, too, loved <i>Ultraman</i> as a kid. :) Great review and I, too, loved Ultraman as a kid. :)

]]> By: there it is, plain as daylight. » A few links on a sick day http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101328 there it is, plain as daylight. » A few links on a sick day Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:40:34 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101328 [...] of all, I keep re-reading Ed Sizemore’s review of Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys and find myself desperately wanting to read the manga. [...]

[...] of all, I keep re-reading Ed Sizemore’s review of Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys and find myself desperately wanting to read the manga. [...]

]]> By: Journalista - the news weblog of The Comics Journal » Blog Archive » Jan. 22, 2009: Game over on the current model http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101319 Journalista - the news weblog of The Comics Journal » Blog Archive » Jan. 22, 2009: Game over on the current model Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:09:31 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101319 [...] first installment of a conversation with the author of Monster. Related: Ed Sizemore reviews the first volume of 20th Century Boys, one of two new Urasawa series about to make their [...]

[...] first installment of a conversation with the author of Monster. Related: Ed Sizemore reviews the first volume of 20th Century Boys, one of two new Urasawa series about to make their [...]

]]> By: Ed Sizemore http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101318 Ed Sizemore Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:35:33 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101318 20 volumes of this much goodness makes me weep for joy. 20 volumes of this much goodness makes me weep for joy.

]]> By: Johanna http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101317 Johanna Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:10:26 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101317 20 volumes? Wow! I've only read the first (which I need to re-read, since Ed's review pointed more things to notice out to me), but I can see how 20CB is better, if only because it's more ambitious. 20 volumes? Wow! I’ve only read the first (which I need to re-read, since Ed’s review pointed more things to notice out to me), but I can see how 20CB is better, if only because it’s more ambitious.

]]> By: Ed Sizemore http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/01/21/20th-century-boys-book-1/comment-page-1/#comment-101303 Ed Sizemore Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:50:57 +0000 http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=5032#comment-101303 Rob, I'm a big fan of 50's & 60's low-budget sci-fi films and the films of Ed Wood. I might not think Ultraman is as cool and radical as I did as a kid, but I think I would still enjoy its low-budget charms today. Rob,

I’m a big fan of 50’s & 60’s low-budget sci-fi films and the films of Ed Wood. I might not think Ultraman is as cool and radical as I did as a kid, but I think I would still enjoy its low-budget charms today.

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