Mangaphilia discussion
This topic is about
Elfen Lied 1
Manga - Seinen
>
Elfen Lied
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
Oh Lucy, how amazing you were when I was a teenager. Elfen Lied was one of those animes when I was younger that everyone had watched. A time were end of the world genre like Evangelion, X/1999, Ergo Proxy, Appleseed, Blue Submarine, Gunnm, Trigun and so much more reigned supreme in avid manga and anime fans. I loved EL, this may have been my 5th or 6th times reading it. The grotesque psychological trauma the Lucy clones go through as science experiments for the destruction of mankind in order to place the Diicloni as populous of the world.
EL has many themes from social alienation, abuse, jealousy and revenge to identity crisis and the value of humanity or ones self worth. There are many stages and evolution to the story and characters. Although the story is complex, the anime and manga differs at some points, especially on the ending. I strongly recommend the manga over the anime for that reason alone.
Do I recommend it:
Yes, a must for anyone looking for a classic for animes in general, in its era, and its genre.
Mangaphilia
Books mentioned in this topic
エルフェンリート 10 (other topics)エルフェンリート 8 (other topics)
エルフェンリート 9 (other topics)
エルフェンリート 7 (other topics)
エルフェンリート 11 (other topics)
More...
Name
Elfen Lied
エルフェンリート
Written By
Lynn Okamoto
Total Volumes
12 Volumes
Original Run
2002 - 2005
Is there an anime adaptation?
Yes.
The story involves human mutations called "Diclonius", who grow horns on their heads and possess telekinetic powers, in the form of invisible "arms" called vectors.
The tendency for violence among Diclonii varies among characters. Certain scientists contain them in a Facility in cells, where they are subject to inhumane experiments to test their abilities or where they await execution for being too dangerous.
An infectious virus is also associated with the mutation. This virus is spread through non-lethal contact with the vectors of a diclonius.
The main non-mutant character in the story is Kouta, who ends up becoming increasingly involved with these dicloniuses, as they seek refuge from the scientists.
The main diclonius character is Lucy/Nyuu, a killer whose alter ego is a hapless and very cute child whose vocabulary and intelligence are quite limited.