Jason Andrew Cohn, director of the upcoming documentary ‘Tezuka: God of Manga’, has initiated a Kickstarter campaign to raise $49,999 in funding. The goal is to complete the film by 2028, coinciding with the centennial of Osamu Tezuka’s birth, a figure whose work profoundly shaped the worlds of manga and anime.
Osamu Tezuka, widely regarded as a pioneering force in post-World War II Japanese comics and animation, created landmark series such as ‘Astro Boy’ and ‘Kimba: The White Lion’. His influence continues to resonate across generations, making this documentary a significant tribute to his enduring legacy.
Insightful Perspectives from Industry Legends
Produced by Bread & Butter Films, the documentary promises to delve deep into Tezuka’s impact with interviews from a stellar lineup of esteemed manga and anime creators. Among those contributing are Katsuhiro Ōtomo of Akira fame, Riyoko Ikeda known for The Rose of Versailles, and Naoki Urasawa, the mind behind Monster and Pluto. The film also features insights from creators like Gō Nagai (Devilman), Yoshiyuki Tomino (Gundam), and Masao Maruyama, co-founder of MADHOUSE and producer of Tokyo Godfathers.
Additional voices include anime director Rintarō (Metropolis), fantasy author Ada Palmer (Too Like the Lightning), and Samuel Sattin (Unico Awakening), offering a broad spectrum of perspectives on Tezuka’s creative genius and its ripple effects throughout the industry.
The Kickstarter campaign, which launched today, invites fans and supporters worldwide to contribute toward this comprehensive exploration of Tezuka’s life and work. A trailer is available to give a glimpse into the documentary’s vision and scope.
With a completion target set for 2028, this project aims not only to celebrate the centenary of a legendary figure but also to preserve and share the story of a man often called the “God of Manga” with new audiences across the globe.