Naoki Urasawa

The Profile

Naoki Urasawa is a Japanese manga author celebrated for intricately plotted, character-driven thrillers such as Monster and 20th Century Boys, active since the 1980s.

Award-winning manga creator (including Shogakukan Manga Awards and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize), known for series such as Yawara!, Master Keaton, Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto, and Billy Bat.

Two glowing reviews praise Urasawa’s mastery of intricate, human-centered plotting. Monster is hailed as a heartbreaking, existential thriller; 20th Century Boys is lauded for childhood echoes, pop‑music nods, and dark conspiracies. The only caveat: 20th Century Boys runs long and leaves a mystery hanging. Overall sentiment is enthusiastic admiration.