MW (manga)

MW is a graphic novel by Osamu Tezuka. It was originally serialized in "Big Comic" in Japan from 1976-78 [http://en.tezuka.co.jp/manga/sakuhin/m074/m074_03.html] and was published in English translation by Vertical Inc. in 2007. A Japanese film adaptation is currently in the works. [ [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-02/tezuka-mw-adapted-for-live-action-film-for-2009 Anime News Network on MW film] ]

"MW" is best classified as a thriller. The story follows a Japanese priest, Father Garai, his connection to criminal mastermind Michio Yuki and a mysterious chemical weapon.

This manga series is notable because is can be seen as Tezuka's response to the gekiga ("dramatic pictures") artists who emerged in the 1960s and 70s and an attempt to beat them at their own game. The gekiga artists of this period created gritty, adult-oriented works that sharply contrasted the softer, Disney-influenced style that Tezuka was associated with, a style that was seen as being out-of-step with the times.

References

External links

* [http://www.vertical-inc.com/books/MW/MW_preview01.html Official Vertical publicity page]
* [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6474886.html Publisher's Weekly interview with Vertical]
* [http://www.complete-review.com/reviews/comics/tezukao2.htm Complete Review reviews MW]