If there is a Mt. Rushmore of manga artists, Osamu Tezuka undoubtedly belongs on it. The upcoming Tezuka: God of Manga documentary aims to explore why this legendary creator is often referred to as "the god of manga" and compared to Walt Disney.
Directed by Jason Andrew Cohn (No Straight Legacy: The Rise of Queer Comics) and produced by Bread & Butter Films, the project is a feature-length deep dive into a creative titan. You can already catch a glimpse of the film's vision via the trailer available on YouTube.
Exploring the Life of a Legend
The Tezuka: God of Manga documentary traces Tezuka’s postwar life and career, highlighting his massive impact on the global entertainment landscape. As the mastermind behind classics like Astro Boy, Buddha, and Kimba the White Lion, his influence stretches far beyond the borders of Japan.
To capture the full scope of his importance, the film features an incredible lineup of industry legends, including:
- Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira)
- Naomi Urasawa (Monster)
- Go Nagai (Devilman)
- Toshiyuki Tomino (Gundam)
- Masao Maruyama (MADHOUSE co-founder)
- Riyoko Ikeda (Rose of Versailles)
- Rintaro (Metropolis)
The film also brings in scholarly perspectives from figures such as Helen McCarthy, Natsu Onoda Power (God of Comics: Osamu Tezuka), and Fred Schodt (Manga! Manga!). Additional interviews with Paul Pope (THB) and Ron Wimberly (Prince of Cats) are planned once the project secures further funding.
A Vision for the Tezuka: God of Manga Documentary
Director Jason Andrew Cohn views this project as a way to honor a creator who changed the medium forever. In a recent statement, Cohn emphasized the scale of Tezuka's achievement.
“TEZUKA! God of Manga celebrates Tezuka-sensei as a preposterously prolific, enigmatic creator who forever altered popular culture by introducing young readers to a brand-new, DIY medium that rocketed around the world,” Cohn said. He noted that the creative cross-fertilization between Japanese and international artists made Tezuka one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century.
The Tezuka: God of Manga documentary promises to be a moving, immersive, and visually stunning journey through comics history. The goal is to celebrate his enduring legacy while introducing his incredible creations to a brand-new generation of fans.
The project is coming soon to Kickstarter. For more manga content, check out our guides on the best manga for beginners and the 10 greatest romance manga.
