The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Manga›20th Century Boys
Entertainment • Manga

20th Century Boys

20th Century Boys is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

20th Century Boys is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa. It is a science fiction, mystery, drama, and thriller work that follows childhood friends whose imagined “Book of Prophecy” appears to become reality in adulthood. The series was serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits from 1999 to 2006 and later adapted into a live-action film trilogy.

Premise

The series follows a group of childhood friends whose invented stories and symbols from the late 1960s reappear in adulthood as part of a threatening conspiracy. The narrative moves across multiple time periods and centres on the consequences of memory, friendship, and belief.

Publication

20th Century Boys was serialized by Shogakukan in Big Comic Spirits and later collected in 22 volumes. The final portion of the story was released separately as 21st Century Boys.

Themes and genre

The manga blends science fiction, mystery, psychological tension, and thriller elements. Common themes noted in summaries include childhood, nostalgia, conspiracy, growing up, and the long-term impact of youthful imagination.

Adaptations

The manga was adapted into a live-action film trilogy released in 2008 and 2009. English-language publication was handled by VIZ Media.

Key facts

  • Serialized from 1999 to 2006 in Big Comic Spirits
  • Created by Naoki Urasawa
  • Collected in 22 tankōbon volumes
  • Concluding material published as 21st Century Boys
  • Adapted into a live-action film trilogy
🍁
Canadian context

The manga is available in English through VIZ Media, making it accessible to Canadian readers through the North American market.

Frequently asked questions

What is 20th Century Boys?
It is a manga series by Naoki Urasawa about childhood friends whose old stories and symbols become tied to a world-threatening conspiracy.
Who created 20th Century Boys?
The series was written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa.
When was it first published?
It was serialized from 1999 to 2006 in Big Comic Spirits.
How many volumes does it have?
The series was collected in 22 tankōbon volumes.
Was there an anime adaptation?
The provided sources identify a live-action film trilogy, not an anime adaptation.
What is 21st Century Boys?
It is the concluding material for the series, published after 20th Century Boys.

References

  1. eNotes — https://www.enotes.com/topics/20th-century-boys
    Supports: Creator, serialization in Big Comic Spirits, volume count, and English publication by VIZ Media.
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=3424
    Supports: Alternative title, genres, themes, volume count, and plot summary.
  3. Fandom — https://20thcenturyboys.fandom.com/wiki/20th_Century_Boys
    Supports: Serialization dates, volume count, and live-action trilogy adaptation.
  4. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century_Boys
    Supports: Genre classification and basic premise.