The intellectual hero's representation in anime : an exploration

Abstract

study documents the occurrence of the intellectual hero in anime, focussing on the anime series of Monster (2004), Paranoia Agent (Kon 2004) and Umineko no Naku Koro ni (Kon 2009). The characters, Doctor Kenzo Tenma, Detective Keiichi Ikari and Battler Ushiromiya represent the concept of the intellectual hero in anime. Each intellectual hero in anime exists as an embodiment of literature pertaining to the hero and the anime hero. The intellectual hero in anime is derived from key aspects of Thomas Carlyle's (1796-1881) writings concerning heroes and hero-worship. Antonia Levi and Susan Napier contribute further aspects pertaining to the depiction of the intellectual hero in anime, by discussing the concept of the anime hero. As such, the intellectual hero in anime exists as a concept encompassing elements of both the traditionally perceived styled hero and anime hero. Carlyle's theories reveal the intellectual hero in anime's preference for intelligence, genius and order versus disorder; while exhibiting aspects of an inborn morality. Levi and Napier document the fallibility, sincerity, the complex divided self, moral ambiguity and turmoil of the anime hero. This combined definition communicates an intelligent and exceptional character experiencing failure during his encounter with the antagonist -- an agent of disorder. This study thus appropriates these concepts on the hero and anime hero to construct a concise and viable definition. Moreover, this study strives to identify and promote the existence of the intellectual hero. The intellectual hero in anime acts as a possible bridge between the traditionally perceived hero and anime hero. By identifying this concept, the study opts to prove the validity of the intellectual hero in anime, by means of a qualitative content analysis. Furthermore, a semiotic analysis documents the visual depiction of the intellectual hero in anime. As such, the aim of the study is to document the occurrence of the intellectual hero in anime by means of a qualitative content analysis and semiotics.