Captain Ozma
1961/08/13-1964/10/09
STORY
Captain Ozma is a science fiction illustrated story set in the near future.
A Japanese scientist, Dr. Aoyama, invents a drug that accelerates the development of living bodies. Infants injected with this drug grow up with greatly enhanced intelligence and physical abilities. Eventually, they form the World Children’s Federation, an organization with branches all over the world, dedicated to keeping watch over corrupt adults.
Ozma, Dr. Aoyama’s only son, is a member of this federation. Together with his colleague, a girl named Appe, he takes on and solves a wide range of challenging cases.
DESCRIPTIONS
1961/08/13-1964/10/09 Serialized in Sankei Newspaper
In this work, Tezuka’s signature science-fiction elements are packed as many as possible. The opening development of a scientist entrusting a precious invention to his son before disappearing recalls Big X and Number 7. The humanoid Chil, created by combining different animals, closely resembles Mimio from The Underground Men all the way through to the finale.
The spore-like organism that can transform into creatures from other planets is reminiscent of the Moopies from Phoenix, while the evil aliens’ plan to scatter these spores across Earth as part of the Replacement Strategy is straight out of Ambassador Magma. There’s even an episode in which a robot car gains emotions and runs amok—something that also appeared in The Three-Eyed One. The list goes on and on.
During the time this series was serialized, the first Astro Boy anime series began airing. It was a period when Tezuka’s Sci-Fi energy burst forth to the public.
If you’re interested in science fiction but find novels full of text a bit daunting, Captain Ozma is just right for you. Spanning five volumes, it offers a thoroughly satisfying read.
