Going to a museum can be a very hard sell to my 11-year-old (don’t even get me started about my 5-year-old!), but this is one exhibit we can all get excited about. Starting this weekend, the San Francisco Asian Art Museum presents Tezuka: Marvel of Manga, a show featuring more than 200 drawings from this deceased artist, often referred to as the God of Manga. TokyoMango‘s Lisa Katayama has just published a fascinating article on Wired about the history of Tezuka’s work, and expounds enthusiastically about the Asian Art Museum moving in this very contemporary direction. After reading her piece, I plan on discussing the hidden social commentary in Astro Boy. That should really get my 11-year-old enthralled (not)! He will, however, at least like the images.
My favorite quote in the article:
"I want the Western audience to know that it’s not just trashy child entertainment." — Philip Brophy, the Australian guest curator.
Tezuka: The Marvel of Manga and the Manga Lounge will be at the Asian Art Museum from June 2 through September 9. More information can be found at Marvelofmanga.org.
