Buddha  (English, Paperback, unknown)

Buddha is a manga based on the mythological life events of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism by Osamu Tezuka.

Summary of the Book

When Siddhartha Gautama was a young prince, he was kept captivated within the confines of his father’s palace. His parents were in constant fear that a prophecy about Siddhartha would come true. If Siddhartha were to see the troubles of mankind in the outside would, he would leave his home forever in search of answers. They had no way of telling that Gautama’s awakening would save the world. One day, he leaves the palace and walks among his people in disguise, discovering the grief of old age, sickness, poverty and death. His mind begins to hurt under the pain he feels for his fellow men, and he soon leaves the city to find the meaning of life. What he discovers, secluded under the shade of a tree, leads to his enlightenment and sets the foundation of what we now know as Buddhism. This is his story, the story of Gautama Buddha.

About Osamu Tezuka

Osamu Tezuka was a Japanese mangaka, animator, film director and film producer. He is widely considered the Father of Manga, and the Kamisama of Manga. He is best known for creating the Astro Boy franchise, Kimba the White Lion, Message to Adolf, Princess Knight, and Black Jack.

Tezuka-san won several accolades for his work and contribution to the genre. He is the recipient of the 1983 Shogakukan Manga Award, the 2004 and 2005 Eisner Awards for Buddha, and the 2009 Eisner Award for Dororo.

The Buddha series was adapted into an animated film by Kozo Morishita, produced by Tezuka Productions, animated by Toei Animation and distributed by Toei Company and Warner Bros. Pictures.