If you enjoy reading books by Osamu Tezuka then you might also like the following authors:
Shotaro Ishinomori created iconic stories filled with exciting adventures and imaginative concepts. Like Osamu Tezuka, he explored themes of humanity, technology, and justice in his stories.
Ishinomori is especially famous for the manga series Cyborg 009, where a team of cyborg heroes from around the world unite against evil forces, blending exciting action with thoughtful reflections on identity and freedom.
Hayao Miyazaki tells stories that are filled with warmth, magic, and a deep appreciation for nature. Similar to Tezuka, Miyazaki emphasizes compassion, morality, and the importance of harmony with the environment.
His film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind follows a courageous heroine navigating a post-apocalyptic world torn by conflict and environmental catastrophe, revealing Miyazaki's gentle yet powerful storytelling.
Leiji Matsumoto captivates readers with his expansive sci-fi stories, memorable characters, and a romantic view of space exploration. Like Tezuka, Matsumoto examines human ambition, loneliness, and the meaning of life through imaginative imagery.
His manga Galaxy Express 999 depicts an epic train journey across the universe, bringing together themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the transient nature of existence.
Go Nagai is famous for developing bold, intense stories featuring action-packed narratives and vivid characters. Sharing Tezuka's knack for exploring deeper ethical questions beneath the surface, Nagai confronts morality, violence, and humanity's darker side head-on.
His influential manga Devilman is a gripping tale about a human who merges with a demonic entity, forcing readers to reflect on good, evil, and humanity itself.
Fujiko F. Fujio crafted heartfelt, humorous, and whimsical stories that charm readers of all ages. Similar to Tezuka's ability to blend humor, imagination, and gentle life lessons, Fujio creates relatable characters navigating everyday problems through fantastic solutions.
His beloved manga Doraemon follows a robotic cat who helps a young boy overcome challenges with futuristic gadgets, highlighting creativity, friendship, and perseverance.
Mitsuteru Yokoyama was a pioneer of manga whose stories often feature historical adventures, robots, and action-packed storytelling. He blends imaginative plots with engaging visuals, similar to Tezuka's approachable yet thoughtful style.
A great example is Tetsujin 28-go, known internationally as Gigantor, which follows a young boy controlling a powerful giant robot against various threats.
Machiko Hasegawa, known for her warmth, humor, and authentic portrayal of everyday Japanese family life, appeals to readers who enjoy Tezuka's gentle yet insightful observations.
Her signature work, Sazae-san, humorously captures the lives, relationships, and challenges of a Japanese household, becoming a beloved classic loved across generations.
Shigeru Mizuki is famous for his imaginative stories about yokai (Japanese supernatural creatures) and folklore, often using playful narratives and quirky characters like those found in Tezuka's manga.
His masterpiece, GeGeGe no Kitaro, creatively explores Japanese traditions through the adventures of Kitaro and his spooky companions, highlighting Mizuki's love of folklore and imagination.
Rumiko Takahashi blends fantasy, humor, and well-developed characters in her manga, making her appealing to Tezuka fans who appreciate storytelling with playful yet heartfelt moments.
Her work Ranma ½ is a lively tale that combines martial arts with hilarious gender-bending transformations, showcasing her skill in mixing comedic plots and original character designs.
Akira Toriyama's style is dynamic, action-driven, and filled with lighthearted fun, making him a perfect fit for readers who enjoy Tezuka's energy and imaginative worlds.
His iconic series, Dragon Ball, brings readers exciting martial arts adventures, quirky characters, and a playful sense of humor, much like Tezuka's vibrant storytelling.
Naoki Urasawa is known for intricate storytelling and well-developed characters. He creates suspenseful narratives with emotional depth, often exploring humanity's darker side. If you enjoyed Osamu Tezuka's mature themes in works like MW, you might appreciate Urasawa's Monster.
It's a psychological thriller about a surgeon on a tense, morally complex quest to fix his past mistakes.
Jiro Taniguchi excels at quiet, reflective stories with beautiful, realistic art. His subtle storytelling emphasizes introspection, daily life, and nature.
For readers who appreciate Tezuka's sensitivity and humanity, Taniguchi's manga, such as The Walking Man, offers gentle narratives about simple pleasures and inner peace.
For those who enjoyed Tezuka's more mature storytelling, Yoshihiro Tatsumi offers a gritty and unvarnished glimpse into everyday life. Tatsumi pioneered a realistic and gritty style called gekiga, offering stories on social issues, loneliness, and urban alienation.
Try his collection Abandon the Old in Tokyo to experience powerful, thought-provoking short stories rooted in reality.
Moto Hagio played a pivotal role in expanding manga's horizons, especially within the shōjo genre. Like Tezuka, she explores complex psychological themes along with character-driven drama.
Her influential work The Heart of Thomas deals sensitively with identity, guilt, love, and coming-of-age struggles. Readers who enjoy the emotional complexity and innovative narratives of Tezuka will find much to appreciate in Hagio.
Keiko Takemiya, alongside Moto Hagio, revolutionized manga by introducing deeper emotional themes into shōjo storytelling. She often explores layered psychological insights, identities, and relationships.
If you're drawn to the boundary-challenging nature of Tezuka's storytelling, Takемиya's classic The Poem of Wind and Trees, known for its beautiful artwork and emotional depth, could be a great match.