Osamu Tezuka ​

Osamu Tezuka was a Japanese manga artist and animator. Known as the "father of manga", and often credited as the "godfather of anime", Tezuka's prolific output and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles. His most notable works include Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, and Black Jack.

Quick Facts ​

• Has been described as the "godfather of manga," and "Japan's Walt Disney."
• Created over 700 manga with more than 150,000 pages.
• His work, manga series Astro Boy, is one of the best selling manga series of all time, with over 100 million copies sold.
• Was a licensed physician but chose not to practice medicine, focusing on his manga career instead.
• Is the recipient of several prestigious manga awards.

Background ​

Tezuka was born in 1928 in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan. As a child, he developed an intense interest in animation and comics, a passion he pursued even while studying medicine at Osaka University. A prolific author and artist, he is often considered the "godfather of manga," with contributions to the genre that profoundly influenced its style and development. He abandoned his medical career in 1952 to became a full-time comic artist, and he launched his best-known series, Astro Boy, in 1952. This was followed by other successful series such as Kimba the White Lion and Black Jack. He also dabbled in animation and experimental film. Tezuka passed away in 1989, leaving a significant impact on the world of manga and anime.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Tezuka's body of work is vast and varied, but his writing is generally characterized by its imaginative plots, humanist themes, and frequent use of visual symbolism. He is best known for his contribution to the manga (Japanese comic books) and anime industries. Tezuka was instrumental in shaping the face of modern manga and his innovative storytelling and characterizations gained him recognition as the "father of manga". His work not only influenced subsequent manga artists but also had a big impact globally on animated storytelling.

Notable Works ​

• Kimba the White Lion (1950-1954)
• Astro Boy (1952-1968)
• Black Jack (1973-1983)
• The Three-Eyed One (1974-1978)
• Phoenix (1967-1988)