Kapilavastu: Book 1 (Buddha)

Kapilavastu (Buddha | Book 1) is the first volume of Buddha | the manga or graphic novel | by the father of Japanese mangas | Osamu Tezuka. Buddha is about the life and times of Gautama Buddha and how he came to be worshipped by many. It is a unique depiction of how Siddhartha Gautama | the young prince | broke away from the brutality of the caste system prevalent in ancient Nepal and embarked on a journey to find enlightenment. Book1 | Kapilavastu | is about Chapra | who shunned the caste system and wanted to make a better life for himself.Tezuka's rendition of Buddha's life is unconventional and it has every aspect of a true manga. The characters have been drawn like usual manga characters and beautifully rendered images and sharp detailing adds to the essence of the tale. Chapra | the main character | wants to become a nobleman. Along with him is Tatta | who has an uncanny ability to communicate with animals.Naradatta is another character in the manga | who wants to uncover the omens that might be linked to Buddha's birth.