Sea Prince TanTan | Umi no Ōji TanTan - pg12

Page 12
Published in Shōnen Book
Pencil and ink on drawing paper
26,5x36,5 cm

Umi no Ōji TanTan (海の王子タンタン) is a short underwater adventure manga by Yukio Izumi (泉ゆき雄) that ran as a supplement (furoku) in Shōnen Book from September to December 1965.
The story follows TanTan, a young sea prince born in a mystical underwater world, who is unusual even among the ocean’s children: instead of a typical fish tail, he has legs like a human child. This peculiarity causes friction with his peers, particularly with the minister’s son, Toro, with whom he constantly quarrels. One day, during a heated fight, the two boys are swallowed by a huge, monstrous sea creature (whale). Thanks to TanTan’s courage and quick thinking, they manage to escape, and he becomes celebrated as a hero and Toro becomes his loyal companion.

Beyond this early adventure, TanTan explores the depths of a fantastical ocean world, confronting bizarre hybrid sea monsters, described as having “heads like Garamon, waists like Daimajin”, and forming alliances to overcome threats. TanTan’s bravery, cleverness, and humanlike qualities highlight Izumi’s vision of an Aquaman-inspired underwater hero navigating both wonder and danger. Izumi’s fascination with underwater life also extends to social commentary: the manga reflected concerns about sea pollution, showing a subtle awareness of environmental issues within the narrative.

Although the name may recall Hergé’s Tintin, TanTan is entirely original, and the story has no connection to the Belgian character. The series short run and imaginative artwork have made it a rare collector’s item, though a reprint compilation by AppleBOX preserves it, allowing modern readers to experience Izumi’s inventive, environmentally conscious, and adventurous underwater world.