Ever get tired of reading about the same old human heroes in manga? Want something a little… different? Well, prepare to have your world turned upside down! There's a whole universe of manga out there where the main character isn't even human.
Beyond Humanity: Manga's Unusual Heroes
Forget your typical school kids and aspiring adventurers. We’re talking about protagonists who are slime, demons, or even sentient robots! It's a wild ride, and trust me, it's surprisingly relatable.
Slime? Seriously?
Yes, slime! Think about That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. This isn't your average blob. Rimuru, the slime, starts off weak, but through absorbing others and gaining their powers, he becomes a total powerhouse. It’s a story about building a nation, making friends, and learning what it means to be a leader, even if you're made of jelly.
Who knew slime could be so inspiring? The humour and surprisingly deep themes of community make it a winner. It's a great example of how a non-human protagonist can explore very human themes.
Demons With a Heart (Or Maybe Horns)
Demons aren't always the bad guys, you know! In many manga, they are complex characters struggling with their own identities. They often must choose between their demonic nature and the human world.
Manga like Blue Exorcist show us demons that are fighting against their own kind. Rin Okumura, despite being the son of Satan, becomes an exorcist! Talk about irony.
Robots: More Than Just Metal
Robots in manga aren’t just cold, calculating machines. Many are portrayed as having feelings and desires. They strive to understand humanity, and sometimes, even surpass it.
Consider the heartwarming stories like Chobits. Hideki Motosuwa finds a persocom (a personal computer shaped like a girl) named Chi. Chi is a blank slate and needs to learn everything. Watching her grow and develop emotions is truly touching.
Why It Works
So, why are these stories so popular? It’s simple: they offer a fresh perspective. When the main character is an outsider, they see the world in a new light. They ask questions we might not think to ask.
These stories often use the non-human perspective to critique humanity. They highlight our flaws and celebrate our strengths. It's a clever way to make us think about what it means to be human.
Plus, let's be honest, it's just plain fun! Seeing a slime strategize battles or a robot fall in love is unexpected and delightful. It breaks the mold of traditional storytelling.
It allows creators to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and belonging in unique ways. They are not burdened by our everyday expectations of human behavior.
Give It A Try
So, next time you're browsing for something to read, consider taking a leap of faith. Dive into a manga where the main character isn't human. You might be surprised by what you discover.
You might laugh, you might cry, and you might even start to see the world a little differently. Who knows? You might just find your next favourite character is a slime, a demon, or a robot with a really big heart.
