Buddha, Vol. 6: Ananda
Japanese comics pioneer Tezuka's monumental account of the life of the Buddha continues. Little is known about the life of the sixth-century-B.C.E. spiritual leader, so Tezuka devotes much of the narrative to characters he created as well as figures from early Buddhist lore, through them portraying the violent society and cruel caste system that the Buddha challenged.Anandafocuses on the historical figure who is known as the Buddha's foremost disciple. In Tezuka's version, Ananda is given invincibility as a baby by Mara, the demon who is the Buddha's greatest adversary. He uses his power to become a fearsome and unstoppable bandit; but when the Buddha battles Mara to save Ananda's life, Ananda renounces banditry. Those expecting a solemn treatment of Buddhist foundations may be taken aback by Tezuka's approach, which encompasses humor and, indeed, broad slapstick and lowbrow, anachronistic jokes. Others may object to the frequent violence or the casual nudity. Those who approach the work open-mindedly can't but be impressed by Tezuka's compassionate humanism--a quality distinguishing his work throughout his long career--and masterful storytelling.Gordon FlaggCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved