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*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
basic information
- title: BEASTARS
- author: Itagaki Paru
- Publisher: Akita Publishing
- Publication: Weekly Shonen Champion
- Serialization period:2016-2020
- Number of volumes: Completed in 22 volumes
- Genre: Youth ensemble drama, suspense, love story, anthropomorphic animal drama
Set in a society where anthropomorphized animals live, the story depicts the contradictions, conflicts, love and hate that arise from the coexistence of "carnivores" and "herbivores." The protagonist is a large, kind-hearted gray wolf named Legoshi. The story depicts his growth and love life, as well as the issues of violence and discrimination that lurk in society, with detailed psychological portrayals.
Synopsis
In a world where animals live like humans, there is a huge divide between "carnivores" and "herbivores."
One day, an incident occurs on campus where an alpaca, a herbivore, is preyed upon. The culprit remains unknown, and anxiety spreads throughout the school. Meanwhile, Legoshi, a gray wolf who is a member of the drama club, meets Haru, a rabbit. While he is drawn to her small, fragile existence, but somehow bold, his carnivorous instincts begin to emerge, and he is torn between his feelings of love and his desire to prey.
The story is set not only within the school, but also in the underworld where carnivores trade meat, the political stance of herbivores, and the existence of social symbols known as "Beastars." Friendship, love, discrimination, and violence are intricately intertwined, and Legoshi must search for how to live both as a "beast" and as an individual.
The charm of the characters
- Legoshi:
A gray wolf. Though blessed with a large physique, it has a delicate heart. Its struggle between its instincts and kindness is human and evokes sympathy. - Haru:
A small rabbit. Although a herbivore, it has a strong sense of self-assertion and bold action. It understands its position as a weakling, but its unyielding attitude is appealing. - Louis:
Akashika is a star in the same drama club as Legoshi. He is proud and has a leadership nature, but he also has fragility and anguish. His journey through both the public and private realms of society greatly influences the story. - Jack:
Legoshi's best friend, a Labrador retriever. Cheerful and honest, he is a source of emotional support for Legoshi.
While the characters are burdened with racial characteristics, they each struggle and grow as individuals. This human touch is the game's greatest appeal.
Three social messages conveyed by "BEASTARS"
"BEASTARS" is a story about a group of people who take on the appearance of animals.A fable that reflects the very essence of humanity in modern societyis.
The differences between species are depicted as differences in values, hierarchy, and instincts, and universal themes such as "coexistence," "discrimination," and "self" intersect here.
Here, we explore three core themes that emerge throughout the story.
1. Coexistence and Discrimination: Can we overcome the "wall of instinct"?
A world where carnivores and herbivores live together
At first glance, it appears peaceful and orderly.
However, behind this lies a deep-rooted fear and prejudice that is determined from birth.
Legoshi is a being who lives within this contradiction.
While he tries to remain rational as a "gentle carnivore,"
They suffer because they cannot control their instinctive predatory appetite.
The desire to not hurt others
“It is also a symbol of the "anxiety of unconsciously hurting someone in human society."
This composition is,Discrimination, class, gender, and cultural divisions in the real worldIt is a sharp allusion to
It asks the question, "What does it mean to understand each other?"
② Love and Instinct - The Coexistence of "Desire" and "Kindness"
The greatest appeal of BEASTARS is that love is placed "between reason and instinct."
Legoshi's attraction to Haru isn't just love;
The dangerous emotion of losing sight of the boundary between "wanting to eat" and "wanting to love"is.
This is also a metaphor for the "duality of love" that modern people face.
Because I love you, I want to control you, protect you, and monopolize you.
Itagaki Paru brilliantly portrays the violence that lurks within those emotions.
"It is not a sin to have desires.
Being aware of this and caring for others gives rise to "humanity."
BEASTARS is not a story that denies instincts,
A story that explores "how to live with instincts"That's why.
3. Identity and Society: The Loneliness of “Being Oneself”
Both Legoshi and Louis are torn between "ideals" and "reality."
Although Louis is a herbivore, he enters the world of carnivores.
Legoshi is a carnivore, yet he chooses kindness.
This contrast is
It symbolizes the "pain of living beyond the role society has determined for you."
If you try to live your life the way you want to, you'll stand out.
If you conform to others, you lose yourself.
Their conflicts include employment, love, and family relationships.
It reflects our social life itself.
"Beastar" is not just a title,
“Respect for those who "stick to their beliefs in society."
This story begins withA fable about a world where everyone is forced to face the beast that is themselves.It can be said that.
Imagery and atmosphere
Paru Itagaki's style is unique and by no means "beautiful paintings that appeal to everyone." However, its roughness and energy match the worldview of the work very well.
- The lines are strong and the characters' emotional expressions are dynamic.
- The dramatic and battle scenes are dominated by the power of a dramatic manga, while the psychological portrayals take on a more delicate touch.
- The backgrounds are sometimes simplified, but this has the effect of highlighting the characters' feelings.
The overall imagery exudes a sense of instability and tension, which links to the theme of depicting social contradictions.
Memorable scenes
- The scene where Legoshi is first attracted to Haru
Legoshi's inner thoughts, torn between his desire to prey and his feelings of love, are a moment that symbolizes this work. - The scene where Louis steps into the underworld
The development in which Louis, a herbivore, finds himself in the world of carnivores is shocking and gives a sense of his complex pride. - Legoshi and Louis confront each other
The relationship between the two, where ideals and reality, friendship and conflict intersect, presents a human drama that goes beyond the scope of a simple boys' manga. - The decision in the final chapter
The scene where Legoshi chooses how to live is memorable as the culmination of his growth and the story.
Recommended for:
- People who want to enjoy a story about youth and social issues
- People who like anthropomorphic works and bestiaries
- People looking for a dark romance/friendship drama
- People who like works that emphasize psychological depictions
Similar works
- Zootopia: Another film that deals with the coexistence of herbivores and carnivores.
- Animal Doctor: Although both are humorous animal works, they share the common theme of depicting the distance between animals and humans.
- Parasyte: I resonated with the theme of coexistence and conflict across species.
- BANANA FISH: They share the scent of the underworld, friendship, and bittersweet youth.
Q&A
Q: What is the meaning behind the title BEASTARS?
A: "BEASTARS" is a coined word that combines "Beast" and "Stars." It refers to an entity that is admired as a symbol of society.
Q: What is the difference between the anime and manga versions?
A: Anime is a CG animation with a unique texture. Compared to the rough lines of the manga version, the images are more refined and each has its own charm.
Q: Is the theme heavy?
A: There are many serious themes such as discrimination, violence, and the importance of life, but there is also lightheartedness about love and friendship, so it is well balanced.
summary
"BEASTARS" is not just a manga about anthropomorphized animals, but an allegory that sharply reflects human society.
While centering on the easily understood conflict between carnivores and herbivores, the story carefully depicts the struggles and growth of each character living within that conflict. Legoshi's "beast-like yet human appearance" evokes deep empathy in readers, and makes each reader think about "how they want to live their life."
Since it is complete, you can read it all in one go, and it's also appealing that you can enjoy it in different ways as both the manga and the anime.
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