Reviews

20世紀少年 1: ともだち by Naoki Urasawa

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mechem's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 ⭐

Tldr; local rowdy neighbourhood gang grows up into unimpressive adults who seem to have inspired a cult - we just can't remember the one who was with us at the time who started it. Weird. Whatever.

If you are looking for a mystery thriller told across multiple time frames, this is for you. I love the art and Naoki Urasawa definitely has a signature style that is unique, emotive, and fun. I can see why this is one of the most highly rated series out there. It's eccentric, the mystery is gripping, art is superb, and the characters are memorable and complex.

I loved it so much, but I did find it hard to keep track of the characters associated with each year explored. That being said, the transitions were well done and all background knowledge for those scenes was well relayed and interpreted. For the most part, I could understand what the author wanted us to know from the scene as opposed to being thoroughly confused.

smddly's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

sharonhurlbut's review against another edition

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2.0

This is the first volume of a series of manga, but unfortunately, it didn't really feel like it stands on its own. As an origin story, it's rather slow-paced and repetitive. The flashbacks were confusing at first, but I eventually became used to them and understood the way the story was being told. My main problem is, I'm not sure this volume is compelling enough to make me want to read the next. I kept hoping we would find out the meaning behind the cult and its leader, but that is clearly one (or more) volumes away. I feel the germ of an interesting story is here, but I'm not seeing quite yet.