The first Friend, Fukubei, never had any powers but the second Friend, Katsumata, is said to have precognitive powers as a result of experiments carried out by the cult.
Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys is a must-read manga that appeals to a broad audience, no matter their preferred genre. The series is an intricate sci-fi mystery filled with suspense and a remarkable level of detail that hooks readers from start to finish. The story follows a group of childhood friends who discover that a mysterious cult leader, known only as "Friend," is using their childhood fantasies as a blueprint for world domination. As they reunite to uncover the identity of this enigmatic figure, Kenji, one of the friends, embarks on a complex journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing world.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for 20th Century Boys.
What are the powers of Friend in 20th Century Boys?
In 20th Century Boys, Friend does not have supernatural powers in the usual sense. However, the story hints at elements that suggest otherwise, especially with Katsumata, the second Friend, who is rumored to have precognitive abilities. This idea is hinted at through experiments involving Kanna Endō's powers, implying he might perceive future events, which gives his character a seemingly supernatural aspect.
Friend’s power is primarily rooted in deception and psychological manipulation, rather than actual mystical abilities. The original Friend, Fukubei, uses magic tricks and staged events to create the illusion of supernatural powers, convincing his followers of his prophetic abilities. This manipulation of perception was crucial in maintaining his control over the cult and society. Through propaganda, he constructs a persona that appears almost messianic to his followers. Fukubei’s version of Friend’s influence extends to the political sphere as well, with the formation of the "Friendship Democratic Party," which gained significant control in Japan and beyond.
His hold on power is further solidified through a bioterrorism attack using a deadly virus, which he exploits to instill fear and consolidate authority. His influence is strengthened by his ability to manipulate key individuals, including scientists who develop the virus and political figures who align with his regime.
Who is Fukubei?
Fukubei Hattori plays a crucial role in "20th Century Boys" as the main antagonist who takes on the persona of "Friend." As Friend, Fukubei leads a cult bent on achieving global control through fear and manipulation. His descent into villainy traces back to his childhood, marked by deep-seated envy and bitterness, especially toward Kenji Endō and his friends.
Fukubei's sharp intellect and strategic thinking enable him to manipulate people and orchestrate significant events. Using the Prophecy Book, originally crafted by Kenji's group, Fukubei cleverly crafts scenarios to appear as though he possesses foresight, enhancing his cult's devotion to him. His time as Friend comes to an end when he is killed by his followers—a calculated act to sustain the myth of Friend's immortality and keep the cult's power intact even after his demise.
Who is Katsumata?
Katsumata emerges as a key figure in "20th Century Boys," ultimately becoming the second person to take on the role of "Friend" following Fukubei Hattori's death. As a child, Katsumata was on the outskirts of Kenji Endō's group of friends, always lingering in the background. His feelings of jealousy and resentment towards them grew over time, shaping his future actions.
After Fukubei's assassination, Katsumata steps into the Friend role, continuing the cult's agenda and intensifying their push for global domination. He cleverly uses the Prophecy Book and preys on societal fears to keep his grip on power, leveraging his skills in psychological manipulation to craft an image of near-omniscience.
Also Read: Who is the villain in 20th Century Boys?
FAQs on the powers of Friend in 20th Century Boys
A. No, Fukubei has no supernatural powers and instead uses magic tricks and staged events to fool his followers into thinking he has powers.
A. Kanna Endo seems to possess ESP and weak telekinesis powers after the events of Bloody New Year’s Eve.
A. Fukubei was obsessed with Kenji after he grew jealous of Kenji’s status as the popular kid during high school and wanted attention for himself as well.
