Is it  manga?  Is it a comic?  Answer yes, but it is so much more.  It is the story of buddha from birth to death.  For those who may not know Osamu Tezuka is legendary in the manga/anime world. 
What makes this work truly amazing is that it tells the tale of buddha in all seriousness while staying true to manga and most of all his style of manga.  There are plenty of jokes, modern day refrences and the occasional curse word.  However, it is riviting and for all ages if you don't mind discussing the use of certain language, brief nudity, and helping to pronounce Indian words.  My 9 year old nephew read all 8 volumes.  There where times when he was so glued in, nothing else got through.  It is no available in soft cover aswell.
For a truly unique but authentic look into the life of buddha please do your self the favor of reading this series.