An irreverent and humourous rendition of the life and times of Prince
Siddhartha, this is the first book in the classic eight volume graphic novel
series.This is the first book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series
from the godfather of the genre, an irreverent and humorous rendition of the
life and times of Buddha. Originated in the 1970s, "Buddha" is Osamu Tezuka's
unparalleled rendition of the life and times of Prince Siddhartha. Tezuka's
storytelling genius and consummate skill at visual expression blossom fully as
he contextualizes the Buddha's ideas; with an emphasis on action, emotion,
humour and conflict as Prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across
India and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste
oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezuka's
"Buddha" predicates enlightenment upon recognizing the interconnectedness of
life, having compassion for the suffering, and ordering one's life sensibly,
his approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that
Western commentators often eschew, namely, humour.
