Ludwig B

Plot

The narrative kicks off in Vienna with the birth of Franz Kreuzstein, a boy who swears to despise every person named Ludwig after a peacock bearing that name screeched and caused his mother's death. In 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven is born in Bonn, Germany. His father drives him relentlessly to practice piano, aiming to land a wealthy aristocrat as the family's patron. By age six, Beethoven has earned renown, but his father sinks deeper into alcoholism.

While still in Bonn, young Ludwig crosses paths with Franz Kreuzstein, who flies into a fury and hits Ludwig in the ear, resulting in the boy's deafness. Undeterred, Beethoven pushes forward in his musical studies, spending a short time learning from an older Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart before heading home. He continues to refine his skills despite obstacles like his father's drinking, a brief romance with a noblewoman, and the upheaval of the French Revolutionary Wars. Eventually he gains a mentorship under the famous composer Joseph Haydn and presses on toward musical greatness.

Did You Know?

• The manga was inspired by the success of Tezuka's ten-year project Buddha.
• Tezuka visited Vienna and touched Beethoven's own piano during a trip to Europe.