Regrets in Anime and Manga: A Christian's Perspective on Offensiveness and Disturbing Content

Since my childhood, anime has held a special place in my heart. It was one of the first forms of Eastern animation that captured my imagination long before I even knew the distinction between Eastern and Western animation. While I didn't delve into manga until my high school years, its stories quickly became a significant part of my reading journey. As a committed Christian, my faith guides my choices in media, ensuring that what I consume aligns with my values and doesn't require later repentance.

Checking Content Before Consuming

With my faith in mind, I always take the time to vet any new anime or manga for inappropriate or offensive content. This process often involves checking reviews or searching for community feedback to ensure that the content isn't morally questionable. Unfortunately, there have been instances where I missed the mark, leading to some regrettable choices. Here are a couple of examples:

Basilisk

As someone who is infatuated with all things ninja, Basilisk seemed like a perfect fit. However, after watching just the first episode, I found myself unable to continue. The reason for dropping it was a combination of graphic violence and sexual content, which were elements that knocked me out of the story. This was a significant regret, as the series earned positive reviews and there is a lot of potential for a captivating narrative.

Inuyashiki

Inuyashiki was another series that was recommended to me on Quora. Initially, I was eager to give it a chance. However, I forgot to perform my usual ritual of checking the series for observed graphic content. When I watched the second episode, the sudden influx of gratuitous sexual content was jarring and led me to repentance. Despite the engaging plot, the sexual content was too much for me to ignore, even if I wanted to overlook it. This was a shame, as I was hoping to enjoy the series despite the inclusion of this element.

Blood-C: A Difficult but Memorable Regret

Blood-C stands out as the only anime series that I have watched every episode of and feel regretful about. This series was a complete waste of my time, and the plot is a blur of pointless nudity and gratuitous violence. While the inclusion of nudity and violence doesn't bother me in moderation, Blood-C went far beyond what I could tolerate. The show was not only boring but also memorable for all the wrong reasons—its endless gratuitous content and lack of memorable storyline.

One of the most damning aspects of Blood-C was its inability to engage me. No matter how much nudity or gore was thrown at me, the show failed to capture my interest or imagination. This led to a highly unenjoyable viewing experience, culminating in a complete loss of recollection for the actual plot. Blood-C was possibly the least memorable anime I have ever watched, making it a difficult choice to even consider a full series run.

Conclusion: What Never You Will Read/Watch

Overall, it's rare for me to deeply regret watching an anime. Even in the worst anime, I can generally find something positive or entertaining. However, there are certain series that I will never, ever revisit due to their offensive or disturbing content. These include:

These examples highlight the importance of being discerning before immersing oneself in a new series, especially when it aligns with one's personal morals and values.