The Book of Human Insects

Osamu Tezuka is widely considered the 'God of Manga' due to high output of work and inescapable influence on the medium. However, due his Disney-esque art style and the fact that his most popular works were primarily marketed to younger audiences, a newcomer could easily be forgiven for thinking his works are largely kiddie fluff. The Book of Human Insects blows any perceptions that Tezuka couldn't handle the heavy stuff to bits, with a story that could stand up to any number of hard-nosed 1970's Hollywood thrillers. STORY Japan. 1970. The first generation born with no memory of Japan's shattering defeat in the Second World War andraised during the postwar economic boom has reached adulthood and is entering the workplace in droves. And ironically, these Baby Boomers are remarkably similar to their American counterparts, remaking the social norms in ways unthinkable to the older generations. 'Kids these days' indeed. But one particular kid is enigmatic even by the standards of the time: Toshiko Tomura. A woman of seemingly inexhaustable talent, she is far more- and in some ways far less- than meets the eye. To tell more would get deep into spoiler territory, but rest assured this woman will pull the reader in as inexorably as she does to the men (and even a few women) in her life. Now on to the actual craft of the story. If you ever had the impression that Tezuka's content was strictly lightweight, rest assured this manga will dissuade you of that misconception. Tense, creepy, mysterious, and definitely not designed for kids, Human Insects will keep you thinking and reading all the way to the end. Go in looking for something along the lines of the American movie "Chinatown" and you'll be satisfied. ART The artwork remains in Tezuka's signature Disney style despite the adult nature of the story, but you'll quickly learn to overlook that. There's a high level of detail put into the backgrounds and costumes and soon you'll be so engrossed in the images you'll think you're reading an episode of 'Mad Men' as you get sucked into the early 70's. The art is excellent, hands down. CHARACTERS The plot centers around Toshiko Tomura, a woman who deserves wider recognition as an original manga bad girl. She's hardly sympathetic, but endlessly fascinating as she sheds her skin time and time again to adapt to whatever the situation demands. And if she happens to leave a trail of human wreckage in her wake, what of it? The good, the bad, and the sorry find themselves trapped by her against their will, even when they think they know what they're getting into. The supporting cast is solid as well, and their story arcs play out in surprising ways as they come under the spell (or perhaps curse) of Toshiko Tomura. Not every character or secondary arc was flawless, but still more than enough to make the story interesting. OVERALL A taut mystery thriller and unintentional period piece with more than a little commentary on the nature of fame and success in a mass-media world. Tezuka shows he can play hardball in a manga most definitely meant for adults. If you have a friend who's a fan of 70's movies that you want to get into manga, this just might be the perfect gateway drug starting point.

I don't even know where to begin. This story has a great plot that is quickly paced yet very understandable. The art is just like Osamu's iconic art style, but more detailed and refined. I feel that the characters were used well. If the plot isn't being developed, then a a character is. The main character has a very complex personality and its sometimes hard to tell what she'll do or why she's doing it. This story can also be viewed as a commentary on the struggles that women faced during this time period. This is because there is only one successful female character and shehad to fake her fame. Most other female characters either serve under a man or are unsuccessful/unhealthy. I recommend this work if you're looking for a short, mature, story from the 70s. I will add that this manga reminded me of the noir aesthetic.