Osamu Tezuka, renowned as the "God of Manga", is being celebrated through various commemorative events across Japan as fans and artists come together to reflect on his monumental contributions to the art of storytelling in comics and animation.
This year marks significant milestones, including the release of several special editions of his iconic works. One such notable publication is the "Missing Pieces" series, which features comparisons between the initial magazine prints and the later collected editions of Tezukas stories. The third volume of this series spotlights the "Phoenix" saga, particularly focusing on the "Nostalgia" episode, which showcases the significant revisions Tezuka made over time.
The two-volume set includes fullscreen reproductions of existing manuscripts alongside their reprinted versions, allowing readers to glimpse Tezuka's creative process. The first part of the series was released this January, and it has been met with enthusiasm from both longtime fans and new readers interested in exploring the nuances of Tezuka's storytelling techniques.
Meanwhile, the dramatic adaptation of his manga "Apollo's Song" is set to premiere, featuring actors Sato Shori and Takaishi Akari as the leads. This adaptation, exclusively available on Fuji TV's FOD service, is expected to bring Tezuka's darker, more complex narratives to life through modern performances.
Adapted from his original manga serialized in the 1970s, "Apollo's Song" delves deep within the human psyche and explores themes of love, pain, and existential growth. This noir piece is categorized among Tezuka's more serious works, reflecting his ability to address the intricacies of love amid personal turmoil.
Sato, who gained fame as part of the pop group Sexy Zone, has progressively morphed his career, stepping onto the screen as the tortured protagonist, Akio Chinoishi. His impressive résumé includes notable works like the "HaruChika" film and the drama series "Aono Kun ni Sawaritai kara Shinitai".
On the other hand, Takaishi will portray Hiromi Wata, Akio's childhood friend who aspires to be a singer, working part-time at a bar. Takaishi has garnered acclaim through her performances and is expected to captivate audiences once again following her standout role and award win at the 49th Hochi Film Awards.
Fans eagerly await the debut of "Apollo's Song" on February 18, hoping the drama captures the haunting beauty of the original manga's narrative. The episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays following the original broadcast.
The series is among many planned to showcase Tezuka's literature, and with the upcoming shows and publications, his legacy continues to thrive and resonate with audiences of all ages.