Apollo's Song [Paperback]

Osamu Tezuka (Author), Camellia Nieh (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 8, 2007

In a continuing effort to show Americans the more literary and adult side of Osamu Tezuka's manga-graphic novels, Vertical proudly introduces Apollo's Song, the story of Shogo, a troubled young man who has no faith in love. When his misanthropy reaches its peak, he is met by the Goddess of Love, who condemns him to an eternity of heartbreak.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than telling a multifaceted story, Apollo’s Song inspires. When the dust settles and the back cover is closed, Tezuka’s intent is laid bare to the reader and it’s a noble one. Shogo doesn’t merely learn a lesson about love and life — he transcends the agony of both." - MangaLife

"Tezuka’s work is about as essential and far-reaching as manga gets, and Apollo’s Song only adds that much more weight to an already massive reputation. Start here, and if you’re intrigued, Ode to Kirihito and Buddha also await you. There’s never been anything like Tezuka’s body of work, and there probably never will be again." - Serdar Yegulalp Anime Advanced Media Network

About the Author

Osamu Tezuka (1928-89) is the godfather of Japanese manga comics. He originally intended to become a doctor and earned his degree before turning to what was then a medium for children. His many early masterpieces include the series known in the U.S. as Astro Boy. With his sweeping vision, deftly interwined plots, feel for the workings of power, and indefatigable commitment to human dignity, Tezuka elevated manga to an art form. The later Tezuka, when he authored Buddha, often had in mind the mature readership that manga gained in the sixties and that had only grown ever since. The Kurosawa of Japanese pop culture, Osamu Tezuka is a twentieth century classic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Vertical (June 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932234667
• ISBN-13: 978-1932234664
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,616 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Osamu Tezuka (1928-89) is the godfather of Japanese manga comics. He originally intended to become a doctor and earned his degree before turning to what was then a medium for children. His many early masterpieces include the series known in the U.S. as Astro Boy. With his sweeping vision, deftly interwined plots, feel for the workings of power, and indefatigable commitment to human dignity, Tezuka elevated manga to an art form. The later Tezuka, who authored Buddha, often had in mind the mature readership that manga gained in the sixties and that had only grown ever since. The Kurosawa of Japanese pop culture, Osamu Tezuka is a twentieth century classic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wide Spaces, But Interesting Ideas, June 23, 2007

By 

Matthew Kirshenblatt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apollo's Song (Paperback)

Various elements and transitions in this story were very overly simplistic. Tezuka's art style, while very captivating and possessing a very unique quality all its own sometimes detracted from key emotional moments. Also, I wonder if it is the quality of the translation that loses a lot of the meaning behind the scenes and actions -- the context.

But, the ideas that he covers -- the philosophical and very mortal issues of love, existence, and death are very poignant. The protagonist Shogo is a very interesting character that both attracts the reader with the struggles of his own trauma, and repulses through some of his actions.

Ultimately, this story, through a succession of different stories within that do not always find the unity or smoothness they seek (though again are very interesting and poignant ideas) deals with the human condition of eros and thanatos -- love and death as the universals of human life and how we find the meaning between them.

It also briefly deals with reincarnation, and makes mention divinity, but the main focus you'll find is on the allegory of Apollo and Daphne as the eternal human experience. But in the end, how you perceive the ending will all depend on your own perspective. For, as Tezuka seems to ask us, are we doomed to repeat our actions, or do we learn from each repetition? You decide, and enjoy.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Epic, cosmic; transcendent, July 16, 2007

By 

animate ~ "Rob" (Fayetteville, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apollo's Song (Paperback)

Osamu Tezuka is called the father of manga and anime, and consequently, nearly all of animation in some form or another.

It's great to see another one of his works make it to American shores, and in such a respectable manner as well. "Apollo's Song" follows Shogo Chikaishi through many eras and time periods, parodying the story of the Greek god Apollo and his love, daughter to the river god, Daphne. It's difficult to give a summary, because -- well, it just shouldn't be done. This is an epic on (nearly) the scale of an ancient Greek history, and is drawn with a distinctive style that has become synonymous with the name Tezuka (or maybe "Astro Boy" to the American fans).

Tezuka seems to enjoy his philosophies, and they are certainly clear on several levels. This is worth noting - that a comic artist is able to create such emotion from such "cartoon" faces. At the same time, however, it also shows some of the past generation's faults; there are numerous occasions where women are treated badly (and this isn't just something experienced with this one publishing of his, trust me) and there is also some near-propaganda with some of the early chapters focusing on Shogo as a Nazi private.

All in all though, this is a fine edition to any comic fan's library, especially those who know the name, or those who wish to know more about Tezuka. He often says more with his pages that hold no text; his drawings have been called mechanical, but I have nothing but the opposite to say - they speak volumes louder than any size font. His characters nearly always have flaws, but I think that's why he's remembered -- for creating a style, as well as wonderful stories like this to envelope inside of it.

Recommended.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW another great graphic novel from the Godfather of Japanese Mangas!, June 25, 2007

By 

Graphic Novel / Manga Reader "ownstoomanybooks" (Land of the Palm Trees (USA)) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Apollo's Song (Paperback)

I loved Apollo's Song! I am a fan of Osamu Tezuka's works. I've read his Buddha & Phoenix series. Apollo's Song is as good as Buddha. A THICK graphic book of over 500 pages long filled with great artwork and story! As not to ruin the story, it moves slowly throughout the whole book all about life and death. It seems that Osamu is fascinated with life and death as it is in most of his books. A great great read!! You won't be disappointed! I'm looking forward to his next one, titled MW out in October of 2007!