Cyberpunk Elements delves into the often-overlooked world of action manga to dissect cyberpunk themes like corporate dominance and social alienation. Exploring how Japanese creators interpret the genre, the book argues that manga provides a unique lens for examining technology's impact on society. It highlights how these visual narratives, filled with dynamic action, reflect and shape our perceptions of technological advancements, often presenting dystopian visions that mirror anxieties about globalization and eroded autonomy.
The book begins by tracing cyberpunk's historical and philosophical roots, acknowledging influences like Neuromancer and Blade Runner. It then examines key themes such as transhumanism and the blurring of reality before analyzing specific manga titles. A unique aspect involves comparing cyberpunk themes across different manga, identifying both common threads and distinctive variations.
Ultimately, Cyberpunk Elements aims to demonstrate how action manga contributes to the evolution of cyberpunk, offering valuable insights for students and general readers interested in technology, film, television, and media studies. By focusing on action manga, the book sheds light on a largely unexplored area within cyberpunk scholarship, revealing its relevance to contemporary debates about artificial intelligence, surveillance, and social inequality.
