Buddha 8: Jetavana

by Osamu Tezuka

Book Overview

Osamu Tezuka's vaunted storytelling genius, consummate skill at visual expression, and warm humanity blossom fully in his eight-volume epic of Siddhartha's life and times. Tezuka evidences his profound grasp of the subject by contextualizing the Buddha's ideas; the emphasis is on movement, action, emotion, and conflict as the prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India, and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932234632
• ISBN13: 9781932234633
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Vertical Comics
• Length: 364 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The End

This is the final volume of Tezuka's 'Buddha'. It is one of the smallest of the books, and often feels rushed. Devadatta's plot to usurp Buddha's followers begins. The final fates of Tatta and Naradatta are decided. In order to ease their suffering Buddha teaches two Kings to forgive their fathers. Before dying, Buddha realizes the real thing he must teach the world. This book wraps up all of the story lines, and leaves us with the teachings of a great man.

Great volume, great series

At 4.5/t stars, 'Jetavana' is a solid read and a satisfactory (if a bit rushed) ending to the Buddha series. I was a bit sad to put this book down since the series was over, but the Buddha series has been a wonderful and compelling read. Some parts of the ending may be shocking, but others would certainly be expected. Two thumbs up.

Great set of books on the Buddha

I have enjoyed each of the 8 volumes of this work. I am not always moved by comics, but this form and the way it is handled is wonderful. I would recommend this set to everyone who is interested in Buddha and the spiritual practice of meditation.

you will have to read this again and that's a good thing

i was ill prepared to read buddha because it was sooooo in depth and had many plot points. at times the story can become confusing to the amount of characters and all the jumping around it does. that's why i say you'll have to re read this. my only real complaint is some of the translations. at times they use terms that couldn't be used, to my knowledge there was no internet back in 1989. i do like the cameos that are made (black jack, astro's prof) but unless you have a working knowledge of tezuka's other works these could confuse you even more. i'm glad i picked these up and recommend it to any comic fan.

Too much jammed into one volume and rushed ending.

Compare to previous volumes, this volume covers way too much ground and literally is pretty much jumping from places to places. I gave 5 stars for previous volumes but cannot on this one. Also the ending was a bit funny. It was very solemn at the end so it was a bit hard to read. I think what's cool about the whole series is the light-hearted portray of the characters and their stories, especially with the dark humor. I feel the author could stick to this style until the end. Out of respect for Buddha, the ending took a different tone, which was a bit incoherent IMHO. Maybe some stupid and funny attempts by Anand to save/prolong the series, and end with Anand's own enlightenment as a continuation of Buddha's teaching. That would be a much cool ending I think:-). Overall I enjoyed the reading so very much. Thank you for this great piece of work. Buddha would be smiling if he sees this.