The Forest of Uruvela: (Book 4 Buddha)

The fourth book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre. In book four, unfulfilled by the teachings of renowned ascetics, Siddhartha agrees to follow Dhepa into the forest of trials. But the final ordeal of little Assjai proves to be his most poignant lesson. As Siddhartha searches his heart and yearns for his family, the Kosalans discover the true caste of their queen – a despised shudra, disguised as a noble kshatriya. For the insult, the Buddha’s homeland will pay dearly. 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.

About the Author :
Tezuka Osamu was born the eldest son of three children on November 3rd, 1928, in Toyonaka City, Osaka. An extremely witty and imaginative boy, he grew up in a liberal family exposed to manga and animation. As a boy he also had a love for insects reminiscent of Fabre, and, reflecting the level of his interest in the insect world, later incorporated the ideogram for "insect" into his pen name. Having developed an intense understanding of the preciousness of life from his wartime experience, Tezuka Osamu aimed to become a physician and later earned his license, but ultimately chose the profession he loved best: manga artist and animated film writer. Tezuka Osamu's manga and animated films had a tremendous impact on the shaping of the psychology of Japan's postwar youth. His work changed the concept of the Japanese cartoon, transforming it into an irresistible art form and incorporating a variety of new styles in creating the "story cartoon." Changing the face of literature and movies, his work also influenced a range of other genres. His impact on animated film was equal to that which he had on the manga world. The lovable characters appearing in works such as Japan's first animated TV series "ASTRO BOY," the color animated TV series "Jungle Emperor Leo", and the two-hour animated special "Bander Book," captured the hearts of the Japanese through the medium of television, propelling the animated film to tremendous popularity in Japanese general society. Tezuka Osamu's work was exported to the U.S., Europe, and other Asian countries, becoming the stuff of dreams for children around the world. He also ventured into the world of full-length adult animation, exploring all possibilities of the field of animation. In addition to his record of achievement in TV and commercial animation, he also received international acclaim for his work in experimental animation in his later years. His enduring theme that of the preciousness of life, formed the crux of all of Tezuka Osamu's works. Tezuka Osamu, creator of a great cultural asset and gifted with an unbeatable pioneering spirit combined with an enduring passion for his work and a consistent view to the future, lived out his entire life tirelessly pursuing his efforts, passing away at the age of 60 on February 8th, 1989.

Review :
'A stunning achievement.' Publishers Weekly 'If you've never tried something like this before, check it out; it's fascinating stuff. An engrossing read that you'll get through in no time. And then you'll want the other seven instalments.' Starburst 'If it weren't for [Tekuza] and his ripping religious yarns, we wouldn't have had Akira.' Arena 'You simply won't find anyhting else quite touches Tezuka's innovative use of the manga format, his humour, his intuitive understanding of human nature and his sympathy for the main characters.' Neo [the UK's number one manga magazine]