Mister Zipangu #1

Mister Zipangu was created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the god of manga, and serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday starting in 1974. The story is a historical adventure set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japan, centering on a fictionalized version of a young Oda Nobunaga. Tezuka designed the series to blend his signature whimsical art style with actual historical figures, aiming to make complex periods of Japanese history accessible and engaging for a younger audience.

The series is noted for its experimental narrative structure and the characteristic expressive character designs that defined Tezuka's later career. While not as globally ubiquitous as his seminal works like Astro Boy or Black Jack, Mister Zipangu remains a significant piece of his vast bibliography, reflecting his lifelong fascination with humanizing historical icons through humor and lighthearted action. It is appreciated by collectors primarily as a testament to Tezuka's prolific creative output during the mid-1970s.