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Artwork Description

Tezuka’s ‘Mighty Atom’ Tetsuwan Atomu), better known by the English-speaking world as Astro Boy, initially appeared on television in 1959 in a live-action series, from which a number of episodes were compiled into a 1962 movie. This work features in Mangasia: Wonderlands of Asian Comics, a Barbican International Enterprises exhibition, curated by Paul Gravett. Mangasia presents a vivid journey through the art of Comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese ‘Manga’ and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters and publications.

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Artist Biography

Osamu Tezuka: The God of Manga

Early Life and Influences

Born on November 3, 1928, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, as 手塚治 (Tezuka Osamu).
His family was well-educated; his father worked in management, and ancestors included lawyers and doctors.
Early exposure to art: His mother frequently took him to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, influencing his later costume designs and visual style.
Walt Disney was a major formative influence, particularly films like *Bambi*, which he watched over 80 times.
He also drew inspiration from Chinese animation, specifically *Princess Iron Fan*.

Artistic Development and the Manga Revolution

Tezuka began drawing comics in elementary school, heavily inspired by Disney’s animation techniques.
In 1947, he published *New Treasure Island*, considered a pivotal work that initiated the manga revolution in Japan.
He adopted the pen name “Osamushi” (meaning “insect”) after discovering a beetle with a similar pronunciation to his given name.
Tezuka’s style was characterized by large, expressive eyes – influenced by Disney and Takarazuka Revue performers.

Major Works and Achievements

Created numerous influential manga series across various genres:

Children's Manga: *Astro Boy*, *Princess Knight*, *Kimba the White Lion*.
Adult-Oriented Series: *Black Jack*, *Phoenix*, *Buddha*.

*Astro Boy* (1952) was Japan’s first televised anime series, achieving widespread popularity.
His works often explored complex themes such as humanity, morality, and the impact of technology.
Tezuka experimented with cinematic techniques in manga, including panel layouts and dynamic compositions.

Influences and Legacy

He influenced countless manga artists and animators worldwide.
His storytelling approach and character designs became staples of the medium.
Tezuka’s work helped establish manga as a legitimate art form, both in Japan and internationally.
Often called “the Father of Manga,” “the Godfather of Manga”, or “the God of Manga”.

Historical Significance and Death

Tezuka’s death on February 9, 1989, from stomach cancer had a profound impact on the Japanese public.
A museum was constructed in Takarazuka dedicated to his life and work – The Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum.
Several animation projects were left unfinished at the time of his death, including final chapters of *Phoenix*.
His contributions continue to be celebrated through retrospectives, exhibitions, and ongoing appreciation of his extensive body of work.

osamu tezuka

1928 - 1989 , Japan

Quick Facts

Birth Date: 1928-11-03
Birth Place: Osaka, Japan
Death Date: 1989-02-09
Influenced By: Walt Disney
Movement: Manga, Animation
Name: Osamu Tezuka
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Works:
- Astro Boy
- Black Jack
- Phoenix
- Kimba the White Lion

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Astro Boy

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