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Named after one of the series’ most complex characters, this volume explores ambition, resentment, and the darker sides of human nature. Devadatta, Siddhartha’s cousin, is portrayed as a tragic figure driven by anger and jealousy, offering a sharp contrast to Siddhartha’s growing compassion. Tezuka avoids simple moral judgments, instead showing how circumstances and choices shape destiny. Violence, revenge, and rivalry dominate much of the narrative, making this one of the most intense installments. Through Devadatta, the series asks difficult questions about free will, responsibility, and redemption.

Osamu Tezuka’s Buddha is an ambitious eight-volume manga series that reimagines the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. First serialized between 1972 and 1983. The series blends historical research, philosophical inquiry, and Tezuka’s unmistakable narrative style.

Rather than presenting a distant, idealized saint, Tezuka portrays Buddha as a deeply human figure shaped by suffering, doubt, compassion, and moral struggle. Alongside Siddhartha’s journey, the manga introduces fictional characters whose lives intersect with his, allowing Tezuka to explore themes such as caste oppression, violence, desire, and spiritual awakening. The result is a sweeping epic that is both accessible and profound, appealing to readers interested in history, religion, and visual storytelling.

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