Dororo, Vol. 1

I only know of Tezuka through his massively popular manga Astro Boy. The animated version was my favourite ‘cartoon' as a kid, and I read the manga as an adult and still enjoyed it thoroughly. I was surprised to find that Tezuka had written another darker and supernatural manga as well and I had to check it out when I heard about it. I wasn't disappointed at all! Dororo is actually quite good. Tezuka's signature style (which may not be everyone's taste) is present, as well as familiar themes that are also very prevalent in Astro Boy, but in this story is much darker and more violent. Although Tezuka also manages to put in moments of humour as well and a lot more heart than I was expecting (although I don't know why- Astro Boy was all heart). It may seem ‘typical' by today's manga standards, but there is something unique about Tezuka's storytelling that manages to worm its way past the ordinary and becomes something just a little bit more special. I really enjoyed the mix of fantastical/supernatural, sword fights, journey/adventure and the growing comradeship between Dororo and Hyakkimaru. I think it's well worth a read especially if any of the above is your thing.