by Matthew Russell - Posted 12 months ago
I read this, so you don’t have to. You're welcome.
Sidenote: If I go missing after this review is published, you ALL know what happened! I expect to be rescued quickly…please.
Aum Shinrikyo's manga are a unique and disturbing example of cult propaganda. The manga are often violent and disturbing, and they depict Asahara as a god-like figure. The manga were used by the cult to recruit new members and radicalize them.
One of the most well-known Aum Shinrikyo manga is called "Supreme Master." This manga tells the story of Shoko Asahara's rise to power, and it depicts him as a messianic figure who is destined to save the world. The manga is full of violence and gore, and it shows Asahara performing various miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead.
Another Aum Shinrikyo manga called "Apocalypse" (I did not read this one, I just unfortunately Googled it) depicts the end of the world as a fiery cataclysm. This shows only followers of Aum Shinrikyo being saved from the apocalypse. This was used by the cult to create a sense of fear and urgency among followers, and to make them more likely to obey Asahara's commands.
The artist and writer of Aum Shinrikyo's manga are unknown, although it is likely written by the leader; Asahara Shoko. The manga were produced by the cult itself, and they were not published or distributed through commercial channels, but were instead given to followers of the cult.
In 1995, after the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, the Japanese government banned all Aum Shinrikyo manga. The ban was put in place because the government believed that the manga where a form of propaganda that could be used to radicalize people and recruit them into the cult.
The manga are a strangely considered valuable historical document, but they should be read with caution. This is not for the faint of heart, and they can be disturbing and upsetting to read.
I was able to find a copy for roughly $150 USD on Ebay but I wouldn’t recommend picking this up. If you don’t believe me, check out my review.
This is what I would really call a Sh** Show. The manga often depicted violence against non-members of the cult. For example, one manga showed Asahara ordering his followers to kill all non-believers.
The manga also promoted the idea that the end of the world was imminent, and that only followers of Aum Shinrikyo would be saved. This created a sense of urgency and fear among followers, and made them more likely to obey Asahara's orders.
The manga also glorified Asahara and portrayed him as a god-like figure. This made followers more likely to trust him and follow his commands.
The manga are NOT well-written or well-drawn, but they are effective in conveying the cult's message. The manga are full of religious symbolism and imagery, and they often use graphic violence to shock and awe the reader.
In the interest of fairness, I cannot read Japanese and had to resort to a translation app to read this. Several times, it couldn’t translate the text and would often rearrange the words to a confusing degree where I would have to read a passage several times in order to decipher the meaning.
This is truly not meant to be enjoyed, they are meant to be indoctrinated. The manga are a form of brainwashing, and they are designed to make the reader believe in Aum Shinrikyo's teachings. Please, please, please do not spend any time or money on this trash. Don’t let it live rent free inside your brain.
In addition to the above, here are some other things to keep in mind when reading Aum Shinrikyo's work:
The manga was produced by a cult that is responsible for a number of serious crimes, including the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. (This was first brought to my attention when listening to the Rotten Mango podcast about the attacks and they mentioned that the cult had Manga.)
This is full of violence and gore, and they may be upsetting to some readers. Normally I would be okay with this. I generally enjoy the Horror genre. I read Baz’s work and believe me when I say that it is twisted. The problem I have with this is that Baz doesn’t believe in the mass genocide of everyone who doesn’t believe like them.
This is truly a form of cultist propaganda, and they should be read critically.
Overall, Aum Shinrikyo's manga is a unique and disturbing example of cult propaganda. They are not well-written or well-drawn, but they are effective in conveying the cult's message. They should be read with caution!
Negative 10 out of 5 stars. Yes, this gets a negative number.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Researchers of cults and religious extremism, people who are interested in the dark side of human nature.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: People who are easily disturbed, people who are sensitive to violence and gore, people who are under the age of 18.
I feel like I need some Eye-Bleach after reading this.
