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The third book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre.In the third of the Buddha series, as Siddhartha embarks on his journey towards enlightenment, he encounters many influences; some forceful, like the monk Dhepa who believes that purity is only attained through ordeals of the flesh, and some inspirational, like the strange young acolyte, Assaji. Meanwhile, Devadatta, the young orphaned son of Bandaka, is forced along a cruel path. Choosing to reject humanity and compassion, Devadatta’s journey will mould him into Buddha’s greatest adversary.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.
As Siddhartha begins his path toward enlightenment, he faces the divergent philosophies of his contemporaries while his future adversary, Devadatta, descends into a life of cruelty and rejection. Siddhartha navigates the complex social and religious landscape of ancient India, encountering figures who advocate for extreme asceticism and others who offer inspiration. Opposing his quest for compassion are the rigid caste structures and the hardening heart of Devadatta, who is shaped by trauma and abandonment. The narrative unfolds through a blend of historical reimagining and character-driven drama, capturing the internal and external conflicts of the Buddha's formative years.
This work is widely regarded as a foundational text in the manga medium, showcasing the narrative versatility of Osamu Tezuka. Readers and critics frequently highlight the balance between the gravity of the subject matter and the accessible, often humorous, visual style. The portrayal of Devadatta as a complex antagonist provides a necessary tension that grounds the more abstract spiritual themes. The series is consistently praised for its ability to humanize historical figures while maintaining a clear, engaging pace that appeals to a broad audience.
Page Count:
336
Publication Date:
2006-05-02
Publisher:
HarperCollins
ISBN-10:
0007224532
ISBN-13:
9780007224531
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