My Sci-Fi Maddness #2 Science Fiction Elements in Manga

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Hello, dear readers! In this installment of "My Sci-Fi Madness" series, I'm coming to you with a different format. This time, we'll be diving into the science fiction elements frequently and excitingly featured in manga.

Let me quickly define manga: Manga is a genre of comic books originating from Japan, characterized by its black-and-white illustrations and distinctive stylistic features, and it is typically read from right to left. Also, I'll be using AI-generated visuals. Searching for official images would significantly delay the publication of this article.

I should also give you a heads-up: I had to include some spoilers when discussing certain works. If you come across a manga you're thinking of reading, you can skip to the next paragraph. Are you ready for a journey filled with fantastic worlds, mysterious powers, and technological advancements? Here are some key elements you should check out:

Superpowers and Abilities

How much can works that feature superpowers and supernatural abilities be considered science fiction? I haven't fully made up my mind or convinced myself yet, but if the origin of these superpowers is explained in a technological or scientific way, the (unknown to me) authorities tend to classify these works under the science fiction umbrella. In many manga, the main characters are often endowed with superpowers or special abilities. These powers place the characters at the center of the story and lead them on various adventures.

One-Punch Man (Wanpanman):

The story revolves around the main character Saitama, who can defeat his enemies with a single punch.

My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia):

Set in a world where people are born with superpowers known as "Quirks," and each individual has their unique Quirk. The manga follows the main character's journey of developing his powers and his path to becoming a superhero.

World Trigger (Warudo Toriga):

The story focuses on an organization called "Border," which fights against creatures using a special technology known as "Trigger." These Triggers allow users to possess special powers. The manga showcases how the characters develop their powers and use them in battles.

Dystopia and Alternate Worlds

Dystopia - when it involves advanced technology, it's also called Cyberpunk - is a concept that describes a negative, oppressive, and dark society or world order. It is often used in stories set in the future, depicting a world where society has collapsed or become corrupt due to a repressive government, totalitarian regime, resource shortages, natural disasters, or other catastrophes. Dystopian stories focus on fictional worlds where individual freedoms are restricted, human rights are violated, or society is controlled through fear.

Although dystopian worlds are fictional, we can still analyze them under the science fiction umbrella because there is no scientific proof for their existence or non-existence. These worlds can feature changes in historical, geographical, and social structures, or include elements like fantastical features.

Pluto (Purūtō):

A dystopian story based on Asimov's "Robot Series." It focuses on solving a series of mysterious murders in a world where humans and robots coexist.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin):

Set in a world where giant creatures hunt humans. People are forced to live in cities surrounded by high walls, struggling in a dystopian society.

Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru):

Set in a dystopian future. The story revolves around a deadly game organized by a totalitarian government, where students are forced to fight each other to the death.

Alternate History and Parallel Universes

Alternate history is a fictional concept that depicts a story or timeline different from actual historical events. In these types of stories, history unfolds differently as a result of a decision that changes the course of real-life historical events or characters.

Parallel universes are fictional worlds that feature a universe or timeline different from the real world. These universes can emerge as a result of alternative decisions or events. A parallel universe may include differences in history, geography, social structures, or fantastical elements.

Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi):

The story is set in an alternate history and universe where the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, use the power of "alchemy." In this world, "alchemists" are known for their ability to transform matter.

Re:Life in Another World (Re:Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu):

Tells the story of the main character Subaru Natsuki, who is reborn in a parallel world. Subaru is sent to a world where time rewinds after death, causing events to unfold differently. After each death, he must start over and try to achieve better outcomes by altering events.

Space Travel

In space travel-themed stories, astronauts or space travelers often embark on challenging missions, adventures, and explorations. Technological elements such as spaceships, hyperspace travel, artificial gravity, space colonies, or interplanetary communication are frequently used. Space travel works reflect humanity's desire for exploration, the excitement of the unknown, and the quest to understand the depths of the universe. They may also address social, ethical, and philosophical questions, examining humanity's place and role in the universe.

Planetes (Puranetesu):

A story set in the near future, following the lives of a team of "Space Debris Collectors" who work to clean up debris in space. The story presents a compelling narrative about the daily realities of space travel, human relationships, and the future of space colonization.

Astra Lost in Space (Kanata no Asutora):

Tells the adventures of students who participate in an interplanetary camping trip but are suddenly lost in space and dragged to an unknown planet. The story follows their attempts to return home and the challenges they face in space travel.

Time Travel

The "time travel" theme in manga often involves a character's efforts to change the past or influence the future. Time travel encompasses elements like correcting mistakes, altering fate, or exploring the past. These themes provide readers with a different perspective on time and allow characters to confront the past, the future, and their own decisions.

Steins;Gate (Shutainzu Gēto):

One of the most beloved manga that explores time travel and alternate history themes. The main character, Rintarou Okabe, discovers the ability to change time using a microwave oven and travels across alternative timelines. These journeys result in changes in history and events, leading the story in different directions.

Orange (Orenji):

Tells the story of a group of high school students trying to prevent a friend from committing suicide in the future. The main character Naho receives a letter from her future self, learning about future events and how she can change them. This way, she tries to alter the future by going back in time.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo):

Tells the story of a young girl who discovers the ability to travel back in time. Our main character, Makoto, tries to correct her mistakes and change past events by traveling through time, but these journeys lead to unexpected consequences.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Manga often incorporates stories featuring technological and scientific developments that alter or provide characters with special abilities. These topics allow characters to explore their identities, their place in society, and moral questions. They also address themes such as power, control, ethics, and the nature of humanity.

Biomega (Baiomega):

Explores genetic engineering and biotechnology in a dystopian science fiction universe. The story is set in a future where humanity has been altered by nanomachines and genetic engineering. The characters struggle with the consequences of these technological advancements and explore the impact of genetic manipulation on humanity.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin):

This manga includes genetic engineering and biotechnology themes within its dystopian story. In the story, humans have the ability to transform into giants through a genetically engineered product called "Titan Serum."

Tokyo Ghoul (Tōkyō Gūru):

Set in a world where humans can transform into flesh-eating creatures known as "Ghouls." Ghouls are explained as having emerged due to genetic mutations, possessing different characteristics from humans.

I can't move on from biotechnology without mentioning metallic limbs. Metallic limbs are a common feature in science fiction manga. These limbs, especially those with mechanical, robotic, or cybernetic properties, are often found in characters' bodies or are adopted by them. These types of metallic limbs provide characters with enhanced strength, durability, or special abilities. In manga series, metallic limbs often play a significant role in fight scenes, adventures, or when characters use their superpowers, representing the fusion of human and machine and the impact of technology on the human body.

One of the best-executed science fiction elements in the manga Fullmetal Alchemist is automails. Automails are mechanical and metallic prosthetic limbs that can be connected to our muscles and nervous systems. The manga even mentions how painful and difficult the surgery is to attach these limbs to nerves, which you can move without a power source.

The main character, Edward, has an automail on his left arm and right leg. His metallic arm gets broken several times in hand-to-hand battles throughout the manga. When it breaks, of course, we don't see internal organs. A small metallic piece connected to the nerves never comes out; the rest of the limb is attached to that piece. In the story, it's even mentioned how the automail is customized and lightened to suit the cold, snowy conditions when Ed and Al travel to the northern region of the country. It doesn't even skip over how the metal absorbs heat and burns him when Edward goes to the desert.

Martial Arts and Battles

Many science fiction manga offer stories where martial arts and battles take center stage. Epic battles between characters can be filled with extraordinary abilities and unique weapons. These manga masterfully use martial arts and the characters' skills to present impressive battle scenes.

Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm):

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it tells the story of battles between half-human, half-robot (cyborg) warriors. The main character, Alita, is a cyborg with martial arts skills and fights against powerful enemies.

Terra Formars (Tera Fomazu):

Focuses on the colonization of Mars and humanity's struggle to survive on the planet. The insects living on Mars have been genetically manipulated and started fighting humans. The main characters undergo a scientific procedure to enhance their bodies and fight against the insects.

Virtual Reality and Games

In the world of science fiction, virtual reality has become a popular theme. Some manga tell stories where characters embark on thrilling adventures in virtual worlds or games. These manga blur the boundaries between reality and the virtual world, offering readers a unique experience.

Sword Art Online (Sodo Ato Onrain):

Has an intriguing scenario where characters are trapped in an MMORPG game by the virtual reality headset they wear and must fight for survival. The characters experience adventures where they struggle to survive within the game after being cut off from the real world. Don't say, "They can just take off the headset, cut off the internet, or the power"; it's a "science fiction" manga, dear reader - it kills the user who tries to escape.

Accel World (Akuseru Wārudo):

A science fiction manga series set in the near future. The story revolves around a virtual reality game called "Accel World," where players enhance their mental speed with a device. It follows Haruyuki Arita's journey of gaining strength and surpassing his limits.

Robots and Artificial Intelligence

Robots and artificial intelligence are also common elements in manga. Robots that can interact with humans, possessing emotional and intellectual abilities, form close relationships with characters and add depth to the story. These manga skillfully address the relationships between robots and humans, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from these relationships. One of the best works that touches on these ethical issues is, of course, Asimov's I, Robot. If you love science fiction, you should definitely read Asimov and Philip K. Dick. Okay, okay, I'm getting back to the manga.

We can also mention "Pluto" and "Battle Angel Alita" under this heading.

Ghost in the Shell (Kōkaku Kidōtai):

The story is set in a future where humans and artificial intelligence merge; it depicts a world where humans can upload their consciousness into mechanical bodies and AI has advanced. The main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and her team investigate crimes and cyberterrorism while exploring the boundaries between humanity and AI.

Chobits (Chobittsu):

The story revolves around human-like robots and artificial intelligence. It begins with a university student named Hideki Motosuwa discovering a personal assistant robot named Chi. Chi possesses advanced AI and emotional capabilities. Chobits explores the relationship between humanity and AI and the emotional bonds that form.

This article originally published in Medium