Known as one of the most influential manga creators ever, and arguably the best, his artistic contributions have laid the groundwork for all subsequent manga and anime. His exceptional standard of quality and artistry remains scarcely equaled in today’s realm. For over four decades, his works have captivated fans globally across various entertainment platforms, ranging from printed comics to television shows.
When discussing Osamu Tezuka, many people instantly think of “Astro Boy,” his most renowned series. However, despite the significant impact of “Astro Boy,” there are numerous other series by Tezuka that warrant equal recognition and praise. One such series is “Black Jack,” a gripping tale that showcases resilience and determination. This work by Tezuka delves into the world of demons, bandits, thieves, and swordplay, making it a must-read for those captivated by samurai horror action.
Dororo Stars 1 of Manga’s Most Unfortunate Heroes of All Time
Hyakkimaru Was Down Since Before He Could Crawl
In the chaotic Sengoku era, the daimyo Kagemitsu Daigo resorted to an extraordinary act driven by his thirst for power. He made a pact with 48 demons, swearing they could claim anything that belonged to him in return for ruling his surroundings with authority and riches. True to their word, the demons each took a piece of Kagemitsu’s newborn son’s body. Born without limbs, eyes, and organs, the boy was abandoned by his mother in a river basket, hoping he would not be discovered by his cruel father.
A healer named Jukai encounters an infant, who later grows into a strong young man thanks to magical and alchemical prosthetics created by Jukai. This young man can endure almost any lethal injury and possesses multiple hidden weapons within his body. Upon learning about his unique condition, the man, now known as Hyakkimaru, ventures through war-torn Japan in search of the 48 demons to eliminate them. During his journey, he befriends a cunning street thief named Dororo, who initially appears mischievous but eventually proves to be an essential ally and friend to Hyakkimaru.
Dororo Is a Fusion of Japanese Horror, Historical Drama, & Plenty of Razor-Sharp Action
Hyakkimaru Is a One-Man Army in All the Best Ways
At first glance, “Dororo” is a thrilling journey through feudal Japan, where the partnership between Hyakkimaru and Dororo proves surprisingly powerful. Their mission: to track down the 48 demons that plague the land. The action remains constant as Hyakkimaru, equipped with swords in both arms, poisonous legs, and a detachable explosive nose, wreaks havoc. From goblins and ogres to snakes and fox demons, these vile creatures terrorize the countryside, only to meet their end at Hyakkimaku’s skilled hands. Tezuka’s artistic style beautifully complements the manga’s content, seamlessly combining his timeless simplicity with intricately detailed landscapes and monstrous beings.
Looking beyond Dororo’s superficial elements as a horror-infused action tale, one finds a profound exploration of the depths to which human spirits can descend. Kagemitsu, for instance, is a man who goes so far as to sacrifice his newborn child for wealth and territory. The marauding bandits across Japan prey upon the vulnerable, while the soldiers on horseback ruthlessly trample anyone in their path. While Dororo may be graphic and unsettling at times due to its portrayal of innocent lives being callously ended, it is this very aspect that underscores the narrative’s message. The 48 demons that Hyakkimaru pursues are indeed horrific, but the true horror lies in the daily cruelty inflicted by fellow humans. This story serves as a chilling reminder of how unchecked power can transform even the most compassionate into the bloodthirsty beasts of our own making.
Dororo Has Enjoyed Several Manga, Anime, & Video Game Adaptations
If Only the Dororo Game Was a Bit Cheaper
Although Dororo might not have achieved the level of fame or popularity that Astro Boy did, it remains a well-respected title today. Over the years, various manga adaptations and reinterpretations of Dororo’s original story have emerged. In 2012, there was a cross-over event between Dororo and Go Nagai’s world in Dororon Enma-Kun. In 2018, Atsushi Kaneko’s futuristic adaptation titled Search and Destroy was published as a three-volume series. Additionally, the original manga received a complete remake in 2018, titled The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru by Satoshi Shiki.
Two animated shows were produced, just like before, with the initial one debuting back in 1969 from Mushi Production and Group TAC. The intriguing thing about this 1969 anime is that the original manga was terminated prematurely, leaving the story unfinished. Consequently, the plotline was adjusted to center around Hyakkimaru. To compensate for the lack of source material, seven special episodes were created towards the end of the series exclusively for the anime.
Fast forward to 2019, a new version of this anime was released by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions. In contrast to the original, this adaptation changed Hyakkimaru’s power and instead emphasized his personal development through his bond with Dororo.
In 2007, the live-action movie “Dororo” was put out by Dentsu. Contrasting with the original comic, Hyakkimaru and Dororo are significantly older in this film adaptation, a shift that impacts their relationships and characters. The film’s narrative is reminiscent of the manga but features an entirely different conclusion where both Hyakkimaru and Dororo embark on a journey to vanquish the remaining demons.
2004 marked the debut of the action game “Blood Will Tell“, a production by Sega for the Playstation 2. In
Dororo Remains 1 Tezuka’s Most Exciting Stories Despite Its Production Issues
Dororo Would Fit Right in With Modern Manga & Anime Releases
Regrettably, the initial “Dororo” manga was unfortunately halted not once, but twice, and ended up with an abrupt conclusion due to circumstances beyond its creator’s control. While it’s important to acknowledge that Osamu Tezuka himself decided to leave the series, it was a choice he had every right to make given the grim direction the storyline took as it explored the oppression of Japan’s lower class with an increasingly dark tone. It wasn’t until 1969 that Tezuka resumed working on “Dororo”, but by then his editor had asked him to pause it in favor of a new project, “Noman” from 1968, a science fiction story. Consequently, the series never received a proper conclusion until Tezuka returned to it later.
In the original production of “Dororo,” Osamu Tezuka inserted a significant plot twist to create a powerful effect of dramatic irony, but due to dwindling viewership and an editorial mandate to wrap up the series prematurely, “Dororo” was concluded abruptly. Originally, Tezuka had planned for the protagonist, Hyakkimaru, to fight all 48 demons; however, that wasn’t meant to be for the wandering swordsman. Despite being hailed as one of the best anime of 2019, it is plausible that “Dororo” would have received a more favorable reception from fans if it had been released today. As it stands, “Dororo” remains one of Tezuka’s most intriguing and ambitious series during his career, even with its controversial ending. “Dororo” is an engaging and thrilling adventure story that appeals to fans of horror and samurai genres, despite the rocky resolution.
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2025-04-26 01:44