Skip to main content

Buddha, Volume 1: Kapilavastu

Review

Buddha, Volume 1: Kapilavastu

Osamu Tezuka’s manga series takes a different approach to telling the life story of Buddha. While staying essentially true to the classic story of Buddha, Tezuka varies from it greatly in parts, introducing new characters and turning Buddha into a dashing, daring, sexy hero. And before anyone gets the idea that it’s disrespectful or cheeky, consider that the books—eight in all, available in either hardcover or paperback—are done by one of the most respected creators in the Japanese comic industry. His retelling of the story of Buddha is epic in tale, as such a story deserves to be, and fundamentally human through and through. Often, graphic interpretations of religious works tend to be bland and boring, and something that only a hardcore believer would even remotely enjoy. Not so with Buddha; it’s a grand and rollicking adventure for anyone.

Reviewed by John Hogan on July 13, 2012

Buddha, Volume 1: Kapilavastu
by Osamu Tezuka

  • Publication Date: May 2, 2006
  • Genres: Graphic Novel
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Vertical
  • ISBN-10: 193223456X
  • ISBN-13: 9781932234565