20th Century Boys GN (2009-2012 Viz) By Naoki Urasawa comic books 2013

Volume 15 - 2nd and later printings.

Story and art by Naoki Urasawa.

Sorting through the volumes of research his dearly departed mentor left behind, a young priest, recently returned to Rome, stumbles across a mysterious (and potentially dangerous) book that prophesizes the end of the world. Uncertain as to the text's true meaning, Brother Luciano's search quickly leads him to a startling revelation: the Friends may have operatives inside the Vatican, and the young priest's life is most likely now in danger.

Around the globe, the mysterious and deadly virus continues to spread as the death toll mounts. However, Kanna, Otcho and Yoshitsune have another concern: despite what is being reported in the media, several people have claimed to see the Friend alive and walking the streets of Tokyo. But what does this bode for the pope's visit to Japan and the 2015 World Exposition in Tokyo?

Softcover, 6-in. x 7-in., 232 pages, B&W. Rated T+

NOTE: These are Japanese manga-style GNs and are meant to be read right-to-left.

Cover price $12.99.

Volume 16 - 2nd and later printings.

Story and art by Naoki Urasawa.

Contrary to what his actions as an adult have led Kenji and his pals to believe, back when they were children, Fukube really wanted to be their friend. Fukube even went so far as to let them read all the latest manga magazines he diligently purchased in the hope of winning their friendship. Yet despite all this, Fukube still felt like an outsider. Fostering a sense of superiority toward all the other children around him, how did Fukube's actions as a little boy serve as an indication of the kind of man he would eventually become?

Next, the clock is rolled forward to the third year of the Friendship Era, a frightening time in which the virus has decimated most of the world's population, and the vaccine is available only to a lucky few. Tokyo has been quarantined behind a giant wall that is patrolled by both the Global Defense Forces and the Friend's secret police, and yet while life on the inside is made to resemble Kenji's childhood from the 1960s, the world beyond the wall is a desolate wasteland. Two young siblings come to the aid of an injured man who has managed to break through the barricade, and his name is Otcho!

Softcover, 6-in. x 7-in., 216 pages, B&W. Rated T+

NOTE: These are Japanese manga-style GNs and are meant to be read right-to-left.

Cover price $12.99.

Volume 19 - 2nd and later printings.

Story and art by Naoki Urasawa.

The man with the guitar heads for Tokyo and arrives at a rough-and-tumble border town with an ominous-looking checkpoint. Only those who have a pass may go through, and those who try to get by without one are summarily shot. Many have tried, and many are buried nearby. Who can change this horrific situation and get through the checkpoint? And who or what could be waiting on the other side?

Softcover, 6-in. x 7-in., 208 pages, B&W. Rated T+

NOTE: These are Japanese manga-style GNs and are meant to be read right-to-left.

Cover price $12.99.