Shin Takarajima

It starts as a regular childish adventure tale, but the end has a really unexpected ending with strong and a bit bitter social and environemental message.
The artwork is rather easygoing, but the frames are made that way that you have a feeling of watching a movie. It's a must-read if you like Japanese manga for having a message behind the story.

A fun early Manga from Tezuka. The bulk of the manga is a lighthearted adventure story with the typical (but amusing) trappings of shipwrecks, pirates and island adventure. The end throws a curveball that’s (by far) the standout moment and recontextualizes the manga in an interesting way. This twist shows that, even early on, Tezuka wanted substance from the comics medium. Don’t expect an adaptation of Treasure Island, this has hardly anything to do with the original novel. The manga is rather western in appeal, feeling closer to a Little Nemo in Slumberland or old newspaper gag comics than contemporary manga. The art style is closer to “rubber hose” than I was expecting, but overall the character design is the most appealing part, it’s so cute! Strong poses from the characters as well. The uniform panels make you appreciate the power of modern panelling.

Read this if you want a quick peek into the bridge between older American comics and manga, or if you’re in the mood for a short and sweet fairy tale. Avoid if you can’t stomach classic newspaper comics, this is one half step away from those.