Tezuka Osamu Monogatari – Boku wa Son Gokuu SP [Episode 1]

Tezuka Osamu Monogatari: Boku wa Son Gokuu SP – A Timeless Blend of Myth and Memory

If you’ve ever wondered how the “God of Manga” saw himself through the lens of his most iconic creation, look no further than Tezuka Osamu Monogatari: Boku wa Son Gokuu SP. This 1989 TV special from Tezuka Productions isn’t just another anime—it’s a heartfelt love letter to the man who shaped modern manga, wrapped in the playful chaos of Son Gokuu’s legend. At 70 minutes long, it’s a compact yet rich journey that weaves together Tezuka’s own life story with the mischievous monkey king we all know (and sometimes roll our eyes at).

First off, let’s get the basics straight: this isn’t your typical Dragon Ball Goku. No spiky hair or Kamehamehas here—this Son Gokuu is the classic, stone-born trickster from Chinese mythology, cranked up to 11 with Tezuka’s signature whimsy. The special kicks off with Gokuu’s wild rampage: he’s born from a stone, gets his hands on a magic staff, and basically causes havoc until Buddha steps in and slaps him with a mountain-sized time-out. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s the same core as Journey to the West, but Tezuka’s twist? He makes Gokuu a stand-in for his own inner child—curious, rebellious, and always chasing that next big adventure.

Now, let’s talk about the real star here: Tezuka himself. The special flips between Gokuu’s antics and snippets of Tezuka’s life, from his childhood love of drawing to his struggles as a young artist. It’s like watching a manga legend’s diary come to life, and honestly? It’s way more relatable than you’d think. One minute you’re laughing at Gokuu stealing the Dragon King’s treasure, the next you’re seeing Tezuka scribbling in his notebook while his mom yells at him to study. That back-and-forth keeps the story fresh, even if some fans (like one MyAnimeList user) wished the Gokuu parts were shorter. Fair enough—Tezuka’s life is just that interesting.

Visually, this special is a love letter to Tezuka’s art style. Think big eyes, expressive faces, and backgrounds that feel like they’re straight out of a 1960s manga panel. The animation is smooth for its time, and the color palette is warm and nostalgic—perfect for a story that’s half myth, half memoir. And let’s not forget the music: it’s upbeat, playful, and has that classic anime charm that’ll make you want to hum along. Even if you’re not into old-school anime, the art alone is worth checking out.

But here’s the thing that really stuck with me: the emotional core. Tezuka doesn’t just tell us he loves manga—he shows us. When we see him as a kid, drawing until his hands cramp, or as an adult, struggling to balance work and family, it’s impossible not to root for him. And when Gokuu finally calms down and starts his journey west? It feels like Tezuka’s own journey as an artist—full of mistakes, growth, and a whole lot of heart. As another fan put it, this isn’t just a movie; it’s a tribute to the man who made anime what it is today. R.I.P., Tezuka-sensei—you did good.

Is it perfect? No. The pacing can be a bit off (looking at you, extended Gokuu rampage), and some of the jokes might feel dated to younger viewers. But honestly? Those flaws just make it more endearing. It’s like listening to your grandpa tell a story—he rambles a bit, but you hang on every word because you know it comes from the heart. And let’s be real: in a world of flashy, action-packed anime, it’s nice to slow down and watch something that feels personal.

So, who should watch this? If you’re a fan of Tezuka’s work (like Astro Boy or Kimba the White Lion), this is a must-see. If you love stories that blend myth and reality, or if you’re just curious about the history of anime, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Even if you’re new to old-school anime, give it a shot—you might be surprised by how much you connect with it.

At the end of the day, Tezuka Osamu Monogatari: Boku wa Son Gokuu SP is more than just an anime. It’s a reminder that art is personal, that mistakes are part of growth, and that the best stories are the ones that come from the heart. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let Tezuka-sensei take you on a journey—you won’t regret it.

And hey, if you end up loving it? Go check out his other works. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Verdict: 4/5 stars. A heartfelt, nostalgic tribute to the God of Manga that’s perfect for fans old and new.

P.S. Keep an eye out for the Princess Iron Fan references—they’re a fun nod to Tezuka’s earlier work!