13 Mind-Blowing Tezuka Animations: The Manga Master’s Experimental Works (1964-1987)

If you are a fan of modern Japanese animation, you probably have a list of favorite masterpieces that come to mind instantly. From popular series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop to the works of acclaimed filmmakers like Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki, the world of anime has given us timeless classics. But have you ever stopped to think about the significant influence of Astro Boy on these iconic creations?

Originally known as Tetsuwan Atom in Japan, Astro Boy was the brainchild of the legendary artist Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “Godfather of Manga.” This groundbreaking series was brought to life in 1962 as an animated television show, a project that Tezuka himself oversaw despite facing budget constraints.

Despite the challenges of working under tight financial limitations, Tezuka’s creativity shone through. As Matt Alt highlights in Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World, the unique hallmarks of Japanese animation that we love today, such as dramatic poses and limited motion ranges, were born out of innovative solutions to save costs.

Tezuka’s experimental spirit extended beyond Astro Boy to projects like Tales from a Certain Street Corner, a short film that showcased his anti-Disney aesthetic. This early work reflected Tezuka’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation for artistic purposes, setting the stage for the revolutionary styles he would explore in the years to come.

Explore the playlist featuring a collection of Tezuka’s experimental animations from the 1960s to the 1980s. From satirical pieces like Pictures at an Exhibition to thought-provoking works like Memory, Tezuka’s imagination and humor shine through in each frame.

As Tezuka continued to evolve his animation style, he delved into diverse themes and storytelling techniques. From the first-person perspective of “Jumping” to the post-apocalyptic world of “Push,” Tezuka’s later works explored complex narratives with a mix of realism and fantasy.

Tezuka’s legacy lives on in the countless animators worldwide who continue to be inspired by his work. From his imaginative storytelling to his technical innovations, Osamu Tezuka’s impact on the world of animation remains unparalleled.

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Colin Marshall, a writer and broadcaster based in Seoul, shares his insights on cities, language, and culture. Follow his projects like the Substack newsletter Books on Cities and his book The Stateless City: A Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles. Connect with him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.