Win a copy of MW for Tezuka Month!

To begin the first of three — yes, three — contests for Tezuka Month here at Ani-Gamers, we will be giving away two new paperback copies of one of the darkest manga series ever to come out of the mind of Osamu Tezuka: MW. The story follows the exploits of the bisexual criminal mastermind Michio Yuki and his lover, Catholic priest Father Gurai. Both men were survivors of a poisonous gas leak, and the effects of the poison have warped Yuki's mind, turning him into a twisted monster. The series, created in the late 1970s, represents the darkest time for Tezuka, both in his personal and professional life.

For more information on MW, read our very own Mitchell Dyer's review of the mind-blowing one-volume story. But how do you get your hands on a copy from us? Well, we're starting this first contest off with something pretty simple. In the comments below, let us know what your favorite Tezuka manga is, and WHY (that part is important). If you haven't read any Tezuka manga, let us know which one you're most looking forward to checking out and why.

At midnight EST next Sunday (March 14), we will randomly select two winners, and they will receive brand-new paperback copies of MW, courtesy of the fine folks at Vertical, Inc. Have fun, and don't hesitate to discuss your choices with each other in the comments!

Check out more articles about Osamu Tezuka in our March 2010 Tezuka Theme Month!

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Ani-Gamers' Top 3 Manga of 2008

To begin our countdown of the best titles of 2008, we present to you our picks for the Top 3 Manga of 2008. These titles had to have started their English-language publication in North America during the 2008 calendar year to be eligible for the Top 3. Unfortunately, we have a limited staff that actually reads manga, so this is far from a comprehensive list. We apologize, but trust us when we say that this list has some really fantastic titles on it. The writeup for each winner has the author's nickname next to it. [Vampt Vo], for example.

Following the steady downturn in the American economy, the manga industry also had troubles this year. Riding into 2008 on the coattails of a massive rise in manga popularity over the past half-decade, publishers expected more big sales to come. However, the industry faltered, and sales figures began to show small decreases. Eventually former manga giant Tokyopop cracked under the strain, cutting their production in half, and newer players like Del Rey and Yen Press jumped in to take its place. These new companies (as well as the ever-present Viz and the retro-centered Vertical) have defined the manga world in 2008 with fantastic new titles covering a wide range of topics.

Below, our staff-voted choices for best manga of 2008.

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Third Place ••• Me and the Devil Blues Story and Art by: Akira Hiramoto Published by: Del Rey Who would have thought that a Japanese manga – much less one from the creator of a childish "gag comic" – could provide a gripping story about an American blues musician? Akira Hiramoto does just that in this starkly illustrated and disturbingly realistic manga. Everything from faces to guitars are shown with exquisite attention to detail, and no historical reference is spared as legendary blues musician Robert Johnson meets thieves like Bonny & Clyde and faces cold-blooded Southern racism. Dark, brooding, and downright cool, Me and the Devil Blues easily deserves a spot in our Top 3. [Vampt Vo]

Second Place ••• MW Story and Art by: Osamu Tezuka Published by: Vertical, Inc. Tezuka's darkest book is full of nothing but nasty: murder, rape, genocide... This isn't exactly what you'd expect from the guy, but he knocks it out of the park with a great story that's full of characters you love to hate. The killer ending that caps off the epic tale of a vengeful sociopath is one of the biggest "OH SNAP!" moments in manga history (despite being sort of predictable), and Tezuka manages to hammer home every point with uncomfortable poignancy. [MitchyD]

First Place ••• Black Jack Story and Art by: Osamu Tezuka Published by: Vertical, Inc. Osamu Tezuka wrote Black Jack in the 1970's, but that doesn't make its 2008 U.S. release any less relevant. Readers both new and old who come to Black Jack for the first time will not find an "old," dated manga, but a vibrant work that still manages to touch readers' hearts three decades after its original publication. The mysterious Doctor Black Jack's battles with strange (and improbable) diseases are more than interesting mini-plots for Tezuka to try out – they are complex studies of the human condition. No other manga this year can compete with the brilliance and beauty of Tezuka's classic. [Vampt Vo]

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Personal Choices
(The top manga choice from each of our staff members that voted)

• Evan "Vampt Vo" Minto: Black Jack (Tezuka)
• Mitchell "MitchyD" Dyer: MW (Tezuka)

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Review: MW (Manga)

Media: Manga
Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, Political
Author: Osamu Tezuka
Number of Volumes: 1
Licensed? Yes (Vertical)

Uncovering the ultimate motivations and true history behind Yuki, MW’s antagonist, is entertaining in a sadistic, morbid way. His goal is horrifying, and how he gets there is equally disturbing, but seeing it play out is like watching the most beautiful train wreck play out in slow motion. Osamu Tezuka’s brilliant presentation in the darkest, most racy story written across his entire career is unsettling, sickening, and truly one of the most fantastically told tales ever created.

It was also, for me, a hell of an introduction to the man’s work.

Jeez, even the cover will make you uneasy. The hardcover-slip screams “panic,” while the spine-image hints at (falsely, I’ll point out) bestiality. Beneath it, a black and white gas mask screams of fear, while the inner covers contain images of homosexuality at its most intimate. This isn’t exactly the kind of manga you’d want your mother to find, no matter how smart and well done it is. If your poor maternal-figure/guardian were to open to any page, they’d be privy to any number of unsettling things; rape, murder, cross-dressing, spousal abuse and vivid sexual activities, to name a few.

Yet these things are integral to the story. Everything that makes you feel sick or disgusted should, as it isn’t there to be glorified in any way. Tezuka’s portrayal of evil incarnate is the perfect contrast to protagonist Father Garai, a priest whose beliefs are questioned and morality is challenged. His lifelong relationship with the tricky but still-loyal Yuki is a constant issue for Garai as he struggles between helping his “sinful” lover and doing the right thing, which causes some of the most intense narrative tension in the entire 582 pages, with a crescendo to a climactic finale that pays off in spades.

I’ve yet to mention any specific details about the story, but that’s not an oversight. The detailed plot is so intricate and full of life that to spoil it would ruin what MW is all about. With such a heavy focus on story, it relies on your naiveté to its direction to succeed, which it absolutely will if you opt to avoid any details.

The character evolution of Garai and the inversed progression of Yuki clash in a dramatic story of lifelong revenge against humanity in what is without a doubt Tezuka’s most politically charged and mature story. The design is simplistically classic and what we’ve come to expect from the artist/author, but specific detailed imagery throughout brings forth a more daunting atmosphere in an already completely-grim thriller.

MW is a must-read for anyone with an open mind. The ultra-serious overtone is something that’ll catch fans of most of Tezuka’s work – even more so than Ode to Kirihito – totally off guard. I can’t emphasize enough how messed up everything is in this single stack of hardcover excellence, but everything becomes clear as the stunning narrative advances, builds up, and comes completely crashing down on itself in the best way.

Art:		3.0		Average: (3.667 stars)
Plot:		4.0
Overall:		4.0

Release Quality: 4.0

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