A semi-autobiography manga made by one of the legendary mangaka from early era of manga industry. While not as well known Osamu-Tezuka sensei in the west, Shigeru Mizuki is one of the few accomplished mangaka from the same period with Gegege no Kitaro being his most well known works.
Spanning over 4 large volumes, Showa manga retells the life of Japan during Emperor Hirohito rule which spans from 1920s until late 80s through the perspective of the mangaka. To put it simply, Showa offers a superb insight on 20th Century Japan through a commoner perspective and a consistent one at that. Despite its simple style drawing, Showa is a particularly very good manga if you want to take a glimpse at WW2 Imperial Japan frontline as the mangaka himself had a surviving wartime experience from it.
While the manga itself might be hyperbolised, Shigeru-sensei lived quite a colorful life despite filled with full of hardships. What makes Shigeru-sensei a legendary figure in the manga world is that his works accomplishment is on par with Osamu Tezuka's despite he lost one of his arm during WW2 which just shows physical disability will not hinder a man if he puts his effort. Among historical manga that covers modern period Japan, Showa is a good main choice as it offers a comprehensive experience from 1st hand account of a man who accomplished something big despite facing setbacks.
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