Osamu Tezuka, sometimes referred to as Tezuka Osamu in traditional Japanese style, is often called "the father of Japanese manga," or comic books. Tezuka was instrumental in fostering manga's boom in popularity following World War II, transforming the medium from simple cartoon stories into full-length novels with a highly cinematic look. In addition to writing and drawing comic books, Tezuka also created several popular animated cartoon characters, such as Astro Boy (originally named Tetsuwan Atomu) and Kimba the White Lion, who are known throughout the world.

Encouraged as a Boy

Tezuka came from a prominent family, many of them doctors and lawyers, who were interested in the arts. When he was a little boy, his parents would normally leave a fresh sketchbook at his bedside each night so that he could draw all the next day. In the third grade he would make cartoons to pass out among...