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Devadatta

Series: Buddha
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( 3,987 ratings, 166 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Devadatta by Osamu Tezuka weaves a captivating tale exploring the historical and spiritual journey of Devadatta, the cousin and rival of Siddhartha, who later becomes the Buddha. This graphic novel delves into themes of ambition, jealousy, and the quest for enlightenment, set against the backdrop of ancient India. It's rich with Tezuka's thought-provoking storytelling and artwork, offering a unique perspective on well-known Buddhist lore.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This graphic novel may appeal to you if you're intrigued by stories that explore philosophical themes through captivating visual storytelling. Osamu Tezuka brings to life a tale that intertwines spirituality, historical elements, and a deep exploration of human nature, perfect for readers who enjoy thought-provoking and visually engaging narratives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The third book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre.

All Life is sacred...

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The third book in the classic eight-volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre.

In the third of the Buddha series, as Siddhartha embarks on his journey towards enlightenment, he encounters many influences; some forceful, like the monk Dhepa who believes that purity is only attained through ordeals of the flesh, and some inspirational, like the strange young acolyte, Assaji. Meanwhile, Devadatta, the young orphaned son of Bandaka, is forced along a cruel path. Choosing to reject humanity and compassion, Devadatta’s journey will mould him into Buddha’s greatest adversary.

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.

Series: Buddha

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  • Devadatta
    The third book in the classic eight-volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre. In the third of the Buddha series, as Siddhartha embarks on his journey towards enlightenment, he encounters many influences; some forceful, like the monk Dhepa who believes that purity is only attained through ordeals of the flesh, and some...
    Paperback
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Devadatta by Osamu Tezuka is highly praised for its innovative storytelling and captivating use of the manga format. It's described as a fascinating and engrossing read that quickly captivates readers. The book is credited with influencing other significant works in the genre, and Tezuka's unique blend of humour, empathy, and intuitive understanding of human nature is notably highlighted.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007224531

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 May 2006

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperCollins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 150.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 261g

Pages: 336

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.

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