Monstrous adolescent

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[edit] Origin of the term

The term "monstrous adolescent" is often used in discussing Japanese anime and the subjects involved. Anime in its contemporary form is known to explore society's fears of ever-growing technology, the rebellious actions of children, and the apocalyptic scenarios that are suggested by combining these two themes. A "monstrous adolescent" is often a quick-tempered or psychologically disturbed child with remarkable and world-changing powers, which were usually a result of scientific experiments, revolutionary technology, or human-caused pollution. These children have the power to improve or alter the world , but because of their personality the child is often on the verge of destroying it completely. The source of this create/destroy idea is usually traced back to the effects of Hiroshima and the capabilities of nuclear power and atomic bombs. The term itself can be credited to Susan J. Napier, who discusses the character type at length in an essay in her book Anime: From Akira to Princess Mononoke.^[1] The theme of the "monstrous adolescent" is one that is often discussed in the Japanese art world; many consider it to be one of the many subtle repercussions of the bombing of Japan, similar to Godzilla and the Superflat art movement led by Takashi Murakami.

[edit] Examples

Tetsuo Shima, prototype of the now common character

Arguably the most well known examples of this character type appear in Katsuhiro Otomo's epic graphic novel and film Akira. The story describes a bizarre group of superpowered (yet docile) children bred by the government in a future Tokyo, which falls into chaos when a psychotic teenager with remarkable abilities, Tetsuo Shima runs rampant throughout the city in search of another powerful child named Akira, whose power supposedly triggered World War III.

Tetsuo proved to be a prototype for many later anime villains or antiheroes who would have similar devastating powers. Several notable examples are:

• The teenage pilots in Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu - all three possess the ability to control giant mecha of enormous power; likewise their mental states are questionable.
• Hotaru Tomoe, in the manga and anime Sailor Moon. As Sailor Saturn, she possesses the power to destroy the world.
• Ashitaka in 'Princess Mononoke', a young Emishi prince who is cursed by a demon. Though currently limited to just his arm, the curse will soon spread throughout Ashitaka's body, eventually killing him. Should he experience any rage or hatred, he gains immense strength and fortitude.
• Gaara in "Naruto" is the son of the leader of his village, and was forcibly made the host of a tremendously powerful Tanuki demon, the Shukaku while he was still in his mother's womb. He was deemed a threat to the village by his own father, and must constantly protect himself from assassins employed to kill him. This has led to him developing a seriously unstable personality, and to "love only himself", regarding everyone else as worthless.

[edit] References