Lace Group

20th Century Boys seems to have been inspired in parts of the story by the works of Stephen King, containing allusions to It and The Stand. However, the story draws allusions mostly from rock and roll, with its title based on T. Rex's famous song, "20th Century Boy".

Set in Tokyo the series revolves around Rin Asôgi, an immortal female private investigator, as she explores the dark and disturbing secrets of modern and near-future world and the supernatural events that surround the fictional society of immortals like herself.

Growing older is pretty rough and Kenji is finding out just how hard it can be as life starts wearing down on him. Memories of youth make it easier, until those memories come back to haunt him.

Who is the mysterious "Friend" and how does he tie into Kenji's youth? Why are there disappearances and deaths tied into Ochanomizu University? Their memories hold the keys to the puzzle, but time and age have clouded their minds.The strange occurrences and the reach of the "Friend" conspiracy grow by the day. It will all culminate on New Year's Eve 2000.