20th Century Boys Signed Editions Reference

20th Century Boys is Urasawa’s twenty-two-volume conspiracy epic (serialized 1999–2006 in Big Comic Spirits, with the sequel 21st Century Boys in 2007). A group of childhood friends discover that a cult leader known as “Friend” is enacting their childhood fantasy scenarios as a real-world apocalyptic plan. The series moves between past and present, gradually revealing connections between childhood play and adult catastrophe.

English Editions

Viz published twenty-two volumes in single format (2009–2012) and later released Perfect Editions. First printings of the single volumes are bibliographic firsts.

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed English volumes: $200–$500 each
• Unsigned first printing volumes: $8–$20 each

20th Century Boys was adapted into a Japanese live-action film trilogy. Its intricate plotting rewards the sustained attention that collecting (and re-reading) provides.