20th Century Boys
20世紀少年
Would You Love or Hate This?
AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
As the 20th century approaches its end, people all over the world are anxious that the world is changing. And probably not for the better. Kenji Endou is a normal convenience store manager who is just trying to get by. But when he learns that one of his old friends going by the name "Donkey" has suddenly committed suicide and that a new cult led by a figure known as "Friend" is becoming more notorious, Kenji starts to feel that something is not right. With a few key clues left behind by his deceased friend, Kenji realizes that this cult is much more than he ever thought it would be—not only is this mysterious organization directly targeting him and his childhood friends, but the whole world also faces a grave danger that only the friends have the key to stop. Kenji's simple life of barely making ends meet is flipped upside down when he reunites with his childhood friends, and together they must figure out the truth of how their past is connected to the cult, as the turn of the century could mean the possible end of the world.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 106 sampled reviews
What 106 readers settled on.
Polarized
σ 1.86 · split reception
5.6 pts
Recommenders 9.3 · others 3.7
↓ 0.42
Running avg · Aug 2007 → Mar 2026
- 10 “I wanted to talk about this manga as I am reading it. I am up to chapter 19 and let me just say, "Wow" what a page turner! You can get the basics of the story from the bio above or the more well...”
- 10 “OH BOY WHERE DO I START. This manga is probably one of the best works of Urasawa san. hmm how do I explain it, ah it's one of those manga's that really pull you or make you want to keep reading it....”
- 9 “This manga is an amazing thriller, with lot of world building, time jumping, charming characters, beautiful art, and a deep and complex story full of mysteries that are discovered chapter after...”
Read Order & Related
Explore the 20th Century Boys universe
Cast
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A Manga Publication
- Format 249 × 22 ch × vol
- Total read 33h 12m approx
- Published Sep 1999 – Apr 2006
- Source Manga media type
- Ref. BS-M0003 catalog