21st Century Boys

21世紀少年
21stCB
21 Seiki Shounen

Manga8.456925 votes2 volumes · 16 chaptersFinished

Award WinningDramaMysterySci-FiPsychologicalSeinen

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About this title

Synopsis

As the conflict between Kenji Endo, his childhood friends, and cult leader "Friend" comes to an end, two mysteries remain—Friend's true identity and whether the threat of an "anti-photon bomb" before his death was legitimate. Hoping to find an answer, Kenji, alongside the United Nations, decides to use a virtual reality program created from Friend's childhood memories in this conclusion to a long journey that will span decades. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Publication notes

20th Century Boys and 21st Century Boys' combined storyline won the Grand Prize at the 37th Japan Cartoonist Awards on May 9, 2008. VIZ Media published the manga in English under the VIZ Signature imprint from January 15, 2013, to March 19, 2013, and later as a 2-in-1 omnibus volume. It was also released in Brazilian Portuguese by Planet Manga; in French by Panini Comics; in German by Planet Manga; and in Spanish by Planeta DeAgostini. A complete edition of 21st Century Boys was released on December 28, 2016, in Japan by Shogakukan. It features the entire series in colored pages and a new ending unique to the publication. VIZ Media published the version under the title 21st Century Boys: The Perfect Edition on June 15, 2021.

Published

Dec 25, 2006 to Jul 14, 2007

Authors

Urasawa, Naoki

External links

MyAnimeList page Wikipedia Wikipedia

MAL rank: #227
Members (MAL): 110,087
Favorites (MAL): 1,093

Related titles

Prequel

20th Century Boys

Main characters

Kenji Endou2517 fan favorites
External profile
Endou Kenji grew up in late-1960s/early-1970s Japan, at a time when American phenomena, notably the space race and the era of Woodstock, were resounding around the world. An avid reader of manga who often saw apocalyptic scenarios playing out, he always responded with the cry of "I would fight!" During this time, he and his friends made up a scenario for world conquest in order to play heroes. Flash forward to 1997, a time where Kenji has taken charge of his families liquor shop and turned it into a convenience store. He is now raising the daughter of his sister, Kiriko (who disappeared immediately after leaving her daughter to Kenji), and living a fairly ordinary life. However, after events from the prophecy he made up earlier begin to come true, he learns of an evil organization, led by a masked man called "Friend", which is using his plans to conquer the world. As the organization's hold on the government strengthens, he becomes a wanted man and lives on the streets, continuing to (covertly) oppose Friend, partially through terrorism and partially through a protest song he wrote (named "Bob Lennon"). No voice actors have been added to this character. Help improve our database by searching for a voice actor, and adding this character to their roles .
Friend2332 fan favorites
External profile
Friend is the main antagonist of the series, and his true identity is the main mystery of the story. Friend is an mysterious and charismatic cult leader who seems to possess otherworldly powers such as flight. His followers and Friend himself use an unique symbol that Kenji and his group of friends created as a symbol of a 'true friend,' implying that Friend is someone within their friend group. He has enough followers to fill large venues like the Budokan, yet Friend's goals are not clear. In 2000, the cult goes another step by establishing the Friendship Democratic Party (FDP), which gains serious traction and political standing. No voice actors have been added to this character. Help improve our database by searching for a voice actor, and adding this character to their roles .
Kanna Endo1080 fan favorites
External profile
Kenji's niece, she serves as the protagonist for the events in the aftermath of the "Bloody New Year's Eve". She is shown to have ESP at an advanced level, and is capable of predicting the future (To a small extent), bend spoons with her mind, and even once strangled a woman without touching her (in a fit of emotional rage). She loves rock&roll, due to Kenji's obsession with it. She idolizes Kenji despite what the rest of the world thinks of him, and is also quite skilled at the guitar. She lives by herself in a low-rent apartment and works part-time at a small noodle shop in the middle of Thai/Chinese Mafia territorium. No voice actors have been added to this character. Help improve our database by searching for a voice actor, and adding this character to their roles .