20CB: The Lies of 1970 and 1971

Summary

In this analysis of *20th Century Boys*, the focus is on the significance of the lies told by Fukube in 1970 and 1971. These lies — about not attending the World Expo and staging his own hanging — play a crucial role in shaping Fukube's identity and motivations. They represent his deep insecurities and his desperate desire for recognition and validation. The lies not only advance the plot but also tie into the broader themes of identity, self-worth, and the creation of the 'Friend' persona. The analysis highlights how these key moments tie into the larger narrative and character development across the series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lies of 1970 and 1971 in *20th Century Boys* are crucial plot points that delve into Fukube's character and motivations.
• 😀 The lie of 1970 revolves around Fukube pretending to attend the World Expo in Osaka after failing to go, highlighting his insecurities and need for validation.
• 😀 The House on the Hanging Hill incident ties into the 1970 lie, with Fukube creating a ghost story to gain attention, further reflecting his fear of being unnoticed.
• 😀 The lie of 1971 is a more extreme version, with Fukube staging his own hanging to gain recognition and redefine his identity as 'Friend.'
• 😀 Fukube's lies are connected to his desire to kill off his past self and forge a new, more significant identity, central to his transformation throughout the series.
• 😀 Both lies—1970 and 1971—serve as narrative setups that are revisited later in the story, providing key context for Fukube's character arc.
• 😀 The lie of 1970 sets the stage for Fukube's later obsession with recognition and his deep sense of insecurity, which continues through the series.
• 😀 The 1971 hanging incident is not just a lie, but also a major plot point that foreshadows the resurrection theme and Fukube's ultimate rise to power as 'Friend.'
• 😀 Fukube's need for attention and validation is the central theme behind both lies, reflecting his inner turmoil and desperation to be seen as important.
• 😀 These lies, though they initially seem like small incidents, have far-reaching consequences, shaping Fukube's character and the overarching mystery of *20th Century Boys*.

Q & A

What are the 'lies' referenced in the transcript, and why are they significant to the story?

The 'lies' refer to two key moments in Fukuba's past, namely his fabricated claim of attending the 1970 World Expo and his staged hanging in 1971. These lies are significant as they reflect Fukuba's deep-seated desire for recognition and attention, setting up his transformation into the character of 'Friend' later in the series.

How do the lies of 1970 and 1971 contribute to the character development of Fukuba?

The lies reveal Fukuba's internal struggles with self-worth and his need for validation. The 1970 lie highlights his frustration with being ignored, while the 1971 lie demonstrates his desperate attempt to reinvent himself by staging his own death. These acts of deception show his evolving psyche and foreshadow his eventual identity as 'Friend'.

Why is the lie of 1970 tied to the 'house on the hanging hill' incident?

The lie of 1970, where Fukuba falsely claims to have attended the World Expo, sets the stage for the 'house on the hanging hill' incident. After being stuck at home during the Expo, Fukuba participates in the creation of a ghost, which ties into his desire for recognition. This event furthers his sense of alienation and reflects his inner conflict about his identity.

What role does the hanging hill incident play in the larger story of *20th Century Boys*?

The hanging hill incident serves as a crucial moment in Fukuba's character arc, showcasing his need for attention and his failure to gain recognition despite his efforts. It highlights his growing desperation and sets up his more dramatic actions in 1971, ultimately leading to his transformation into 'Friend'.

How does the lie of 1971 differ from the lie of 1970?

The lie of 1971, where Fukuba stages his own hanging, is a more extreme and desperate attempt to gain recognition compared to the 1970 lie. While the 1970 lie revolves around a harmless fabrication about attending the Expo, the 1971 lie involves a public spectacle that shocks those around him and has far-reaching consequences.

What psychological themes are explored through Fukuba's lies in the story?

Fukuba's lies explore themes of self-worth, identity, and the need for validation. His actions reflect a deep-seated insecurity and a desire to escape being ignored, illustrating the lengths he is willing to go to in order to create a new identity and gain the recognition he craves.

What is the significance of Fukuba's transformation from the 'egghead' identity to 'Friend'?

Fukuba's transformation from the 'egghead' identity to 'Friend' symbolizes his rejection of his past self and his attempt to forge a new, more powerful identity. His 'egghead' persona represents the ignored, insecure version of himself, while 'Friend' is the culmination of his desire for power, recognition, and influence.

How does the 'lie of 1971' relate to the theme of resurrection in *20th Century Boys*?

The 'lie of 1971', where Fukuba stages his own hanging and apparent resurrection, directly ties into the theme of resurrection in the series. It foreshadows the literal and symbolic death and rebirth of Fukuba as he transforms from a powerless, ignored figure into 'Friend', a larger-than-life character.

What is the narrative impact of revealing the truth about the lies in the final arc of the story?

The revelation of the truth about the lies in the final arc of *20th Century Boys* provides significant closure to the mystery of 'Friend'. It ties together earlier plot threads and character developments, offering a deeper understanding of Fukuba's motivations and the impact of his lies on the overall story. However, their emotional weight is somewhat diminished by Fukuba's death before the final reveals.

How does the structure of the series, particularly the pacing of the 'lies', affect the storytelling in *20th Century Boys*?

The pacing of the 'lies' across the series is crucial to the development of both the narrative and characters. By introducing the lies gradually—first in 1970 and later expanding upon them in 1971—the series keeps the mystery and tension alive, weaving these events throughout the story and ensuring that they contribute to the overarching plot while offering insights into Fukuba's psychological state.