Anime and manga have long been beloved forms of entertainment, enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, throughout their history, there have been several series that stirred intense debates and controversy due to their themes, violence, or portrayal of sensitive topics. These works pushed boundaries in ways that led to both praise and backlash, making them stand out in the history of the medium. Here’s a look at some of the most controversial anime and manga ever released.
1. Attack on Titan
Themes: War, Nationalism, Oppression
Genre: Action, Psychological Drama, Fantasy
“Attack on Titan” is one of the most commercially successful anime and manga franchises in recent years, but it hasn’t escaped controversy. Created by Hajime Isayama, the series deals with the battle for survival between humanity and giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The anime’s themes of war, oppression, and the exploration of nationalism have sparked debates.
Many critics pointed out that the early seasons of “Attack on Titan” seemed to glorify nationalism, with the protagonist, Eren Yeager, displaying traits of extreme patriotism. Some fans also questioned the portrayal of the Titans, which seemed to evoke imagery of certain real-world historical events, including the Holocaust. Furthermore, the final seasons of the anime and the manga’s resolution created further controversy due to the handling of characters and political themes, particularly the moral complexity of the series’ ending.
2. Death Note
Themes: Morality, Justice, Crime
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
“Death Note,” written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, revolves around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that grants him the ability to kill anyone by writing their name in it. While the manga’s gripping story and intellectual battles between Light and the genius detective L are lauded, the series has faced backlash for its exploration of justice and morality.
The central theme of “Death Note” — the blurred line between justice and vigilantism — has led to controversies. The idea that a teenager can become a judge, jury, and executioner resonated with certain segments of the audience but disturbed others, especially as Light’s actions grow increasingly ruthless. The manga was banned in some countries for fear that it might encourage violent behavior, and some critics argued that it presented a dangerous glorification of vigilante justice.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Themes: Depression, Mental Health, Religious Imagery
Genre: Mecha, Psychological, Drama
“Neon Genesis Evangelion,” directed by Hideaki Anno, is one of the most influential anime of all time. Yet, its complex narrative, emotional depth, and use of religious symbolism have made it incredibly controversial. The show subverts the typical mecha genre, mixing traditional giant robot action with deep psychological and existential themes, resulting in a series that is both beloved and divisive.
The psychological struggles of the characters, particularly Shinji Ikari, who battles feelings of depression, loneliness, and self-worth, are central to the series. Many viewers found the show’s treatment of mental health to be a powerful and honest portrayal, while others found the bleakness and the ambiguous, open-ended nature of the narrative to be unsettling. Additionally, the heavy use of Christian and Kabbalistic symbols throughout the show has generated significant debate, with some viewing it as an attempt to provoke or shock viewers by employing religious imagery without context.
4. Berserk
Themes: Violence, Abuse, Corruption
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Action
Kentaro Miura’s “Berserk” is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence, trauma, and the dark side of human nature. The series follows Guts, a lone mercenary, as he embarks on a journey filled with brutal battles, grotesque creatures, and personal vengeance. “Berserk” has long been a target of controversy due to its depictions of extreme violence, sexual assault, and psychological horror.
The most controversial aspect of “Berserk” is its portrayal of sexual violence. Several key scenes in the series involve characters being sexually assaulted or experiencing abuse, often in extremely graphic and disturbing ways. While some argue that these moments serve to highlight the darkness of the world Miura created, others feel that these scenes are exploitative and unnecessary. The series’ stark portrayal of human suffering and the brutality of its world has made it both a critical success and a source of intense debate.
5. Tokyo Ghoul
Themes: Identity, Death, Cannibalism
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Psychological
Sui Ishida’s “Tokyo Ghoul” is a modern example of an anime and manga series that has sparked considerable controversy. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a young man who becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter with one of the flesh-eating creatures. The series delves into themes of identity, the blurred line between good and evil, and the grotesque reality of cannibalism.
The controversy surrounding “Tokyo Ghoul” stems from its graphic depictions of violence and the complex moral questions it raises. The exploration of identity and the psychological toll of becoming something other than human resonate deeply with viewers, but the series also faced criticism for its portrayal of extreme violence, gore, and moral ambiguity. Fans argue that these elements contribute to the series’ emotional depth, while others believe the show glamorizes violence and presents a pessimistic view of humanity.
6. Elfen Lied
Themes: Abuse, Discrimination, Violence
Genre: Horror, Psychological, Supernatural
“Elfen Lied,” created by Lynn Okamoto, is a psychological horror anime and manga known for its shocking level of violence and disturbing content. The series follows Lucy, a Diclonius, a mutant species with telekinetic abilities, who escapes from a research facility. Her violent revenge against the people who tormented her leads to numerous graphic scenes of bloodshed, dismemberment, and trauma.
The series’ controversy stems from its explicit violence and the themes of abuse and discrimination that are prevalent throughout the story. The way in which the show depicts human suffering, especially the horrific abuse of the protagonist and other characters, led to debates over the ethical responsibility of media that depicts such extreme violence. Additionally, the psychological trauma explored in the series, coupled with its horrific imagery, makes “Elfen Lied” one of the most polarizing works in the anime and manga world.
7. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Themes: Betrayal, Misogyny, Redemption
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Action
While “The Rising of the Shield Hero” has gained popularity, it has also become a point of controversy, primarily due to its portrayal of false accusations of sexual assault. The protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani, is accused of raping the princess of the kingdom, which leads to his ostracization and the start of his journey. Many viewers were disturbed by the way the series handled such a sensitive topic, with some feeling that the narrative trivialized or sensationalized sexual assault.
The depiction of women in the series also sparked debates. Naofumi’s relationship with the female characters, particularly the character of Raphtalia, is seen by some as a healthy development, while others argue that it reinforces unhealthy gender dynamics, including themes of abuse, subjugation, and power imbalance. These elements made “The Rising of the Shield Hero” a highly controversial series in the anime community.
8. School Days
Themes: Toxic Relationships, Consequences of Actions
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Romance
“School Days” is a visual novel adaptation that became notorious for its shocking conclusion. The series centers around a love triangle involving the protagonist, Makoto Itou, and two girls, Sekai Saionji and Kotonoha Katsura. While the story initially seems like a typical high school romance, it escalates into a disturbing and violent conclusion that shocked fans.
The final episodes of “School Days” involve extreme acts of betrayal, manipulation, and murder, and the narrative takes a dark turn that many viewers found both unsettling and morally questionable. The controversy surrounding the series lies in its portrayal of toxic relationships and the consequences of unchecked desire, and it sparked widespread discussion about the ethics of using such dramatic and violent twists in anime.
Conclusion
Anime and manga have the power to evoke strong emotions, spark debates, and challenge societal norms. The series discussed here represent the diverse ways in which these mediums can push boundaries, whether by exploring taboo subjects, using graphic violence, or presenting morally ambiguous characters. While these works may not be for everyone, they have left an indelible mark on the anime and manga communities, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, examine their beliefs, and question the boundaries of art and storytelling.