The main antagonist in 20th Century Boys is Friend, with Fukubei Hattori first taking up the role before relinquishing it to Katsumata.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest manga ever created, Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys delivers a compelling story of childhood friendships intertwined with mysterious prophecies and a sprawling conspiracy. Since its debut in 1999, this manga has enthralled readers across the globe. Despite its immense popularity among anime fans and the devoted following it has gained over the years, an anime adaptation has yet to materialize.
Nonetheless, 20th Century Boys has achieved international recognition, largely due to Urasawa's masterful storytelling and his ability to craft a vast array of well-developed and intriguing characters, including some of the series' unforgettable antagonists.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for 20th Century Boys.
Who is the villain in 20th Century Boys?
In 20th Century Boys, the central antagonist, known as "Friend," initially emerges as Fukubei Hattori. He is a cunning manipulator and the leader of a cult, using his charm and intellect to mislead and control those around him. Fukubei's ambition is to dominate the world through a combination of bioterrorism and psychological warfare.
After Fukubei's demise, Katsumata takes up the mantle of "Friend," driven by a deep-seated bitterness from his youth. He perpetuates Friend's malevolent agenda by inciting fear of alien invasions and orchestrating disastrous events to retain his grip on society, embodying a villain fueled by envy and vengeance. Naoki Urasawa deftly blurs the lines between good and evil, crafting characters with complex layers. Heroes may exhibit cowardice or deceit, while villains like "Friend" possess motivations that can evoke empathy, presenting them as both oppressors and victims.
What happens to Fukubei Hattori?
Fukubei Hattori, a pivotal figure in 20th Century Boys, assumes the identity of "Friend," becoming the leader of a cult with ambitions of global domination. Under the guise of Friend, Fukubei masterminds a series of devastating events, including unleashing a lethal virus, to spread fear and tighten his grip on society. His motivations stem from deep-seated childhood resentments and an insatiable thirst for power.
However, Fukubei's tenure as Friend ends abruptly when he is assassinated by his own followers during a staged public spectacle—a calculated move designed to reinforce the illusion of Friend's immortality and omnipotence. After Fukubei's death, Katsumata steps in to continue the sinister ideas and the dark plans he set in motion.
FAQs on the villain in 20th Century Boys
A. Yes, Friend from 20th Century Boys is evil. He is the main antagonist of the series.
A. Yes, Katsumata had precognitive powers which means he can see glimpses of the future.
A. Monster and 20th Century Boys are not directly connected beyond the fact that they are creations of the same mangaka in Naoki Urasawa.
