Review – Buddha Volume One – Kapilavastu
Osamu Tezuka Writes an Epic Manga on the Birth of Buddhism
Oct 19, 2009
Interspersed with the questions that Buddhism seeks to answer, Buddha by Osamu Tezuka stands as a straightforward adventure tale appropriate for young teens with an interest in Eastern philosophy. Buddha establishes the conditions in ancient India that led to Buddhism prospering, while also engaging in a tale that swings from serious to silly as it traces the paths of various characters.
A Manga About Ancient India
Master Asita, an enlightened Brahmin, sends his disciple Narradatta to find a mystery person who is destined for accomplishing great things. A theme quickly emerges as Tezuka explores the injustices and constraints of the caste system. Chapra and his mother are slaves who become acquainted with Tatta, a pariah, from the lowest caste of society. Tatta however has special powers that enable him to possess animals. As an army attacks their town, this group bonds as they try to survive.
With his mother captured by the invading army, Chapra seeks to rescue her with Tatta’s help. Chapra later sees an opportunity to rescue the life of cruel General Budai who quickly adopts Chapra. Chapra’s ambition to transcend his class and become a renowned warrior comprises a significant part of the book, as his mother, Narradatta, and Tatta wander northern India in order to reunite with him.
Chapra’s caste is ultimately exposed, and his mother’s status as a slave marks her for death as well. Narradatta, failing at his own quest for enlightenment, is magically transformed into a brute by Master Asita as penance, while the magical boy Tatta is left to fend for himself. The story dwells on sacrifice, and is filled with emotional content mixed with high adventure. Its ending leaves the reader with enough curiosity to approach the next volume in the series.
The Birth of the Buddha
There are three streams in Buddha, Chapra’s growth as a warrior, his mother’s search for him, and the story of the Buddha’s birth. In the city of Kapilavastu, a young king and his wife witness various portents as they await the birth of their son, who they name Siddhartha. In this volume he remains a baby and is secondary to the main story. Tezuka does ask questions about class/caste, god worship, and the cycle of life throughout however, laying the foundation for Siddhartha’s life in further volumes.
Osamu Tezuka’s Manga Art
Buddha is drawn with a mix of styles ranging from the inane to whimsical silhouettes. Osamu Tezuka’s full page panels will leave readers lingering over the art, while his shorter panels are drawn with a very cartoonish style. The Asterix comics would be a stylistic equivalent as would early Disney animation. This playful style will engage younger readers and while less likely to amuse adults, it does set a rapid pace throughout. The light art mixed with violent scenes may also provide a disconnect with readers.
Buddha Volume One – Kapilavastu (ISBN 1-932234-56-X) by Osamu Tezuka was published in 2006 by Vertical, Inc
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