Manga and Philosophy

edited by Josef Steiff and Adam Barkman

Arguably the most important pop-culture import from the East to the West, manga is a phenomenon that can no longer be ignored. Yet just as much as it is a source of visual splendor and riveting storylines, manga —the herald of the exotic and über-hip — stimulates intense philosophical interest. Drawing from Japanese art traditions, influenced by the impact of World War II, and a significant player in cross-cultural exchange, manga has rapidly become a literary force worldwide. Readers of all ages eagerly await the next installment of their favorite manga series and delight in discovering new titles. Manga and Philosophy joins the lively discussion about manga by examining some of its major forms (lolicon toshonen toshojo), best titles (Death Note to Space Battleship Yamato to Gunslinger Girl), and the cultural factors surrounding it. Can demons be good? Is it morally wrong to sexualize schoolgirls? What do giant robots teach us about the ethics of war? All of these questions and more are dealt with professionally and accessibly, making Manga and Philosophy all but indispensable for fans and scholars alike.