Who is “Friend”?
Manga has always been my all time favourite. Written by the three-time recipient of the prestigious “Japan Shogakukan Manga Award” Naoki Urasawa, who also wrote another popular title, Monster, introduced us to a world filled with adventure, mystery and the unknown.
In 1969, as young boys Kenji and his friends, created a symbol to celebrate their friendship, they envisioned a future where villains would try to destroy the world and the boys would be there to save it. In 1997, as a coming disaster slowly started to unfold, that symbol began to appear. A series of horrifying incidents started with their childhood friend’s mysterious suicide. The death seemed to be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult – Friend. Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunited with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it.
Meanwhile, Friend, the enigmatic cult had been carrying out its plan for world destruction: the emergence of a mysterious virus and bomb explosions at a major Japanese airport. Scary enough, all the events unfolding were suspiciously close to a book Kenji wrote as a child which he titled “The Book of Prophecy”. Kenji and his friends tried to piece together what the plan contained, and predict the next attack in attempt to stop the terror from Friend.
Who is “Friend”? Is the cult leader one of their childhood friend’s? Will Kenji and his friends succeed in their attempt to save the world? If you like Monster, if you like Death Note, this is a must-read manga for you. Don’t give up after reading the first volume of the book because it seems a bit slow. Author Naoki Urasawa carefully planned out different hints to show you the full picture of the Friend’s conspiracy. The mystery grows deeper, the fear becomes more intense as we near the final battle. For anyone that loves apocalyptic and conspiracy themes I recommend the 20th century boys. Be warned, this is not a light hearted and funny read. TPL has the first five volumes of the 20th century boys so far, I can’t wait to read the sixth one when it becomes available. After all, this is a story of a gang of boys who try to save the world.
41 thoughts on “Who is “Friend”?”
This seems like an interesting anime. Can’t wait to get the book soon!!!!:)
I really liked death note because of the subtle physcologic (sorry about the spelling) message, I remember I saw this at the library , will take out next time I go (today) 🙂
I enjoyed Death Note and I’ve always wanted to read Monster, so this will definitely be on my list.
I remember this series! Another classic by the same author of Monster. The ending, 21st century boys, is a bit disappointing…
I prefere more of high school life and romance.I like Death Note and Bleach of the genre shounen, but I like this yaoi graphic novel called “Only the Ring Finger Knows”. It’s really good, I love it. You should try it too! I’d like to suggest the manga: “We Were There”, really shoujo.
P.S. The movie of Death Note was amazing, Light died before L(Ryuzaki)!!!
So yea…Rock on Ryuzaki!!!
Watch the Movie,You’ll love it…Near rocks!
Heeyyyyoooo, Urasawa is also the author of Pluto, which is suuuper. 20th Century Boys has been on my list of series to read for a long while, I need to get to reading them…
Thanks for the reminder 😀
@Elisa: I remember Only the Ring Finger Knows! My sister read that at least five times…
OMG!
Monster is one of my favourite manga and anime. =D
I still need to finish it, this just reminded me, haha.
Urasawa-sensei ‘Monster’ was just EPIC! I finished the series last year, and that was one of the few series I had to read volume after volume! And the end…just amazing!! He is the master of suspense! Urasawa sensei has a great gift of storytelling and amazing art skills.
I’m currently reading 20th century boys,and enjoying it!! I also watched the live action as well!! ^___^
If you guys never checked out Moster do so!! I can assure you, it will take you on an incredible journey on you will be on untill the last page is turned.
I love Death Note! Sounds interesting! I’ll probably check this out.
i looked atthe symbol and first thing i think is Count Olaf from Series of unfortunate events
HAHAHAHHAHA
I’m not really a Manga fan, but the plot sounds interesting.
I admire the uniqueness of the symbol they chose to represent ‘friendship’. I wonder what the story is behind the design of their symbol.
Wow…I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. It sounds like an epic adventure ^_^
I haven’t read Monster or 20th Century Boys, but I’ve read Death Note, and I really really like it because it’s very very smart how the “Good Guys” try to find out “Kira’s” identity and “Kira” is also very very smart at eluding them. It’s also very realistic, because some people would agree with “Kira’s” POV, but also “L’s” POV.
Oh man oh man,
I may just be your sister Violet, and if I am–you have read 20th Century Boys! At least the first 2 volumes and it is fantastic. Pluto is super awesome cool–it’s an interpretation of Astro Boy, but much darker, and I recommend it totally.
And if you are my sister, I didn’t read that book 5 times. You’re thinking of Antique, hoho.
I love reading manga! I will definitely read this. The symbol looks kind of odd and creepy to me….
I have read it…? Noooo I haven’t… *in high denial… I cannot such moments of reading…
You totally read that book five times, Tina! You borrowed that book at least three times. And then you borrowed Antique at least 7 times, until you finally bought it!
I read the first volume of 20th Century Boys, and I have to admit that I’m pretty interested.
One thing that I noticed was how it took almost the whole volume for Kenji and his friends to just scratch the surface of remembering their childhood memory of their club. Every time he saw that symbol, he kept thinking it seemed familiar. How could you forget something like that? He’s not that old…lol. But for the sake of suspense and building up the story, I understand his forgetfulness.
this managa sounds reallly intresting, maybe ill try to read that book and also watch the move too
I will definitely check out the titles you suggested. 🙂
Death Note movies are indeed amazing. However, the last one “L Change the World” disappoints me. :<
We have a family reunion here. LOL
I read Antique Bakery long time ago, if that is what you refer to. I love the cute and sweet desserts they drew in the manga. Yummy.
My friend recommends Monster to me, but I have never had chance to read it. I will put this to my HOlD list!
Thanks.
Daria, You should go ahead and book the 20th Century Boys and Monster. They worth a try.
I love Death Note! Not only the idea presented in the book, but the complexity of the smart plot.
Kyaahh! I’m a HUGE yaoi fan girl!!! ^o^V
I just adored Only the Ring Finger Knows!!! I read it 4x already >////.<' I'm really looking forward to seeing how it ends! Ryuzaki <3 Yaoi <3 Shoujo <3 ^.^
Oops, it never occurs to me that Pluto is also written by Urasawa. One more title to be added to my book list.
Thanks for the reminder 😀
I enjoyed the sweets + and the yummy yaoi/shounen ai :3
I found the trailer for the first 20th Century Boys movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W18Kup-eqQA
It’s always interesting to turn manga to true man show.
i totally enjoy death note…..i am more into movies does this have one?…
i am going to check this book out..or put it on hold….:)
hm……today! :p
Yes ! Antique Bakery 😀 I guess we started to just refer it to Antique after a movie version was created (which made looking at the desserts even better)
Hm…I prefer romance and fantasy genre, especially on books and mangas. But I like watching Death Note.
You know, you don’t have to wait for Monster to come out. Here is a complete collection:
http://www.onemanga.com/Monster/
http://manga.gamestotal.com/en/chapter/Monster/manga/
Also, there is one in http://www.mangatraders.com <-- only works if you have an account. The art looks good so I might give it a try. And as for the 20th Century Boys, here are more links (completed series): http://www.onemanga.com/20th_Century_Boys/
http://unixmanga.com/onlinereading/20th%20Century%20Boys.html
and again, on http://www.mangatraders.com
I totally love Death Note so I’ll try reading it. Thanks!
Finally! I’ve been looking for a good manga book for so long. I’ll definitely read 20th Century Boys
Go Yaoi!
Sad…Onemanga’s closing down.
I’ve heard of “20th Century Boys” in ads of the other manga I’ve read but thought it was a movie. It sounds interesting but sorry, I’m more into girly, shojo manga.
Yes, I just don’t understand why, when all the others are staying open…
I love death note me and my sister would gather every week to watch it along with our other favorite animes. so i might try reading this too
i loved death note too I think i might try this out.
I agree with you, this does sound interesting.
Haha! I haven’t read much yaoi but part of Antique’s awesomeness is that the story focuses beyond its yaoi content, eh? I remember reading more yaoi and being…surprised about its, er, lovely development in relationships that goes further then my immaturity could handle ;P Buuut not all of it is like that, so woo.
And yeah, gosh, those cakes looked so delicious. Especially when served in those antique plates and stuff!
Ohhhh wow I want to read it now can’t wait till it came out!!!!!!
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