20th Century Boys

20世紀少年

249 chapters

22 volumes

1999 – 2006

As the 20th century draws to a close, people worldwide grow uneasy, sensing that the world is shifting—and likely not for the better. Kenji Endou, an ordinary convenience store manager just trying to get by, learns that an old friend nicknamed "Donkey" has suddenly died by suicide. At the same time, a new cult led by a figure called "Friend" is gaining notoriety. Kenji begins to feel that something is deeply wrong. With a few crucial clues left by his deceased friend, he realizes this cult is far more than he ever imagined—not only is this mysterious organization directly targeting him and his childhood friends, but the entire world faces a grave threat that only the friends have the key to stop. Kenji's simple life of barely scraping by is turned upside down when he reunites with his childhood friends. Together they must uncover the truth of how their past connects to the cult, as the turn of the century could mean the possible end of the world.

Historical

Psychological

Award Winning

Sci-Fi

Mystery

Seinen

Drama

Información

Status: Finished
Format: Manga
Chapters: 249
Volumes: 22

Statistics

Rank: #24
Score: 8.90
Votes: 110,073
Members: 312,164
Favorites: 23,118

Authors

Urasawa, Naoki

Serialized in

Big Comic Spirits

Volúmenes & Capítulos22 vol · 240 cap

Volumen 1Cap. 1

Cap. 1

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Gallery

Background

20th Century Boys won the Kodansha Manga Award in the general category in 2001, an Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2002, and the Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2003. The series' combined storyline won the Grand Prize at the 37th Japan Cartoonist Awards on May 9, 2008. VIZ Media published the series in English under the VIZ Signature imprint from February 17, 2009, to September 18, 2012. VIZ Media licensed the series in 2005; however, at Urasawa's request, it was rescheduled for release after Monster finished its English publication due to a change in art style over time. It was also published as 2-in-1 omnibus volumes from September 18, 2018, to March 16, 2021. The series has also been published in Brazilian Portuguese by Panini Comics/Planet Manga since September 2012. The series was adapted into a trilogy of live-action films which released in Japan between August 30, 2008, and August 29, 2009.