Seinen Manga, a genre for mature audiences, explores philosophical themes that go beyond the typical story. Existentialism is one of the most powerful ideologies that are woven into these stories. It explores the nature of life, the concept of free will and the idea of personal responsibility.
The core tenets of Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophy popularized in the 20th century by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche and others. It emphasizes freedom of expression and searching for meaning within an often uninteresting universe. It encourages people to face the absurdity of their lives and find their purpose. This philosophy is often seen in seinen manga raw characters who struggle with moral dilemmas and societal expectations.
Existential Anxiety and Identity in “Monster
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is the quintessential existentialism example in seinen manga. The story is about Dr. Kenzo, a neurosurgeon, who saves a boy’s life, Johan. He then discovers that he unleashed an evil killer on the world. Tenma’s quest to stop Johan raises existentialist issues: Is mankind inherently good? Can one act define a person’s entire existence?
The Search for Meaning in Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow explores existential questions of identity, consciousness and humanity. Major Motoko, a cyborg who has a human mind, often questions whether the “ghost” defines her humanity. This struggle reflects existentialist themes as she navigates in a world that blurs the line between man and machine.
Existential Freedom in “Berserk”
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk depicts Guts’ brutal journey, as a lone and mercenary fighting against overwhelming odds in order to carve out his path within a chaotic universe. The series is a manifestation of existentialist ideas, as it presents a world without inherent justice and fairness. Guts must find meaning to his life in a world that lacks these qualities. Sartre’s belief that people must find their essence by acting, even when they are in despair, is reflected in Guts’ unrelenting desire to survive and protect the ones he loves.
Nihilism Versus Existential Meaning in “Death Note
Death Note is a manga written by Tsugumi Ahba and illustrated Takeshi Obata. It pits two intellectual giants, Light Yagami, and L, against each other in an intellectual battle. Light’s descent to nihilism and his belief that he is the arbiter between life and death contrasts sharply against L’s commitment to justice. The series examines the dangers associated with unchecked liberalism and the existential crisis that can arise when people impose their moral orders on a chaotic society.
Characters as Existential Heroes
Seinen Manga often portrays its protagonists in the role of existential heroes – figures who face the absurd and accept responsibility for their own lives. They endure great suffering, challenge societal norms and make meaningful decisions despite uncertainty. The emphasis of existentialism on authenticity and courage to live life without external validation or predefined structure is reflected in this.
The conclusion of the article is:
Seinen Manga is a powerful medium to explore existentialist philosophy. It combines profound ideas with captivating storytelling. Monster, Ghost in the Shell and Berserk are works that challenge the reader to confront their values, face the absurdity and find meaning in chaos. These manga, which explore existential themes and offer intellectual and emotional experiences, transcend entertainment.
