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Certain manga series follow multiple tales throughout their storyline, and Wonder Boy is a prime example. Like something like Cat-Eyed Boy, each chapter’s narrative follows certain themes. However, they’re not directly connected outside of involving a tale in the same sort of genre or with a similar type of topic. In the case of the first volume here, each situation involves the titular character and reader as observers watching humans in their defining moments that influence who they are and suggest insights into the nature of humanity and society as a whole.
Like Cat-Eyed Boy, the Wonder Boy manga features an otherworldly observer who subtly inserts himself into different situations across different periods of time on Earth. In each one, the character is essentially a supporting cast member or an observer. The Wonder Boy isn’t making major decisions. In some cases, he isn’t propelling the story forward. But he will always be there, and he’ll often interact with at least one of the people involved. As he does make his presence known or interact, we’ll see how a certain element of human nature will be showcased and connected to either the protagonist he’s tied to or people associated with them.
For example, the first story is “Bansaku and Yuujirou”. It’s a period piece in which the Wonder Boy inserts himself into a family dealing with the after-effects of World War II, taking over the part of younger-brother Yuujirou and discussing the nature of people and the conflicts that arise over greed with older-brother Bansaku. He even gets into how the child’s own family isn’t immune. In this situation, he’s more of an observer who almost provides an education of sorts for the human boy. We then see the two characters witness happenings together, and the Wonder Boy being there when the dust settles and, then later, when the two brothers potentially repeat patterns.
This also comes up in the second story “Emily and Charlotte,” though the Wonder Boy is more active there under the name Edward. He happens upon two orphaned girls who were left at a boarding house and school for young women on the same day. He connects with each, with his suggestions and inspiration setting them toward certain futures and fates. With Emily, his advice feeds into her vanity and darker impulses, leading her toward a more twisted role. In the case of Charlotte, he opens a door of sorts that sparks her imagination, gets her writing, and even sets her down a more honorable path. It feels more like a tale in which he sowed seeds, then saw what grew based on human tendencies, and watched to see if he’d win a “bet.”
Wonder Boy is a manga of showing the true nature of people during various periods with an otherworldly entity observing and encouraging thing. People typically aren’t at their best. They may even be at their worst. It almost seems like the title character even counts on that, but at the same time is fascinated when people change their fates and defy expectations too.
Volume 1 of the Wonder Boy manga is available via Yen Press, and volume 2 will release on July 28, 2026.
