Customer Reviews

Ananda (Buddha, Vol. 6)

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This series has really picked up with the last two books. Ananda is the best so far, with a lot of references to the actual history of the Buddha (though some big liberties taken with Ananda's real story). This is a softer book, without a lot of the violence from the first few books. It also continues the trends towards depth that book five started so well.
I thought about quiting this series after the first couple of books, now I'm glad I haven't. I just hope the quailty continues through the final two books.

Osama Tezuka is a legend, often called "Japan's greatest cartoonist." He is worthy of this praise. His detailed black and white drawings are moving, vivid and cinematic. In this wonderful volume, he tells the tale of Ananda, a young man that is born in adversity and blessed by a demon god, who commands him to kill the Buddha.

The secret to Osama Tezuka's power is his story-telling ability. His tales are like the Arabian Nights fables, stories within stories within stories. I am simply astounded by his raw story-telling finesse. Throughout all of his work, he advances themes of environmentalism, the dangers of modern society, redemption, and the simplicity of Buddhism. What is remarkable is he is able to do this while entertaining; as readers, we become spellbound by his picture-perfect drawings and fantastical settings. Wow - Buddha Vol 6 is a tour-de-force; an engaging, fast-paced treat to lovers of the graphic novel medium.