Ayako – The Best Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga Books

August 1, 2019August 1, 2019 by

Part of our ongoing article series highlighting the best Comic Books, Graphic Novels, And Manga.

Today’s Favorite Comic, Manga, Graphic Novel:

Ayako

Writers, Artists, Illustrators For Book:

Osamu Tezuka, Mari Morimoto

Description of Book / Series:

Ayako, pulls no punches, and does not allow for gimmicks as science-fiction or fantasy may. Instead Tezuka weaves together a tale which its core simply focuses on a single family, a family that could be considered a metaphor for a rapidly developing superpower. Overflowing with imagery of the cold war seen through Japan’s eyes, Ayako is firmly set in realism taking inspiration from a number of historical events that occurred over the American occupation and the cultural-revolution which soon followed. Believed to be Tezuka’s answer to the gekiga (dramatic comics) movement of the 60s, Ayako should be considered one of the better early examples of a seinen (young adult) narrative to be published. Initially set in the aftermath of World War II, Ayako focuses its attention on the Tenge clan, a once powerful family of landowners living in a rural community in northern Japan. From the moment readers are introduced to the extended family, it is apparent that the war and American occupation have begun to erode the fabric that binds them all together.