“THE WILL OF HUMANITY”

RAHM JETHANI - Writer, 3rd Year, English

SPOILERS FOR TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGANN AND DRAGON BALL GT!

While admittedly a very simple archetype, characters who boast an indomitable will and an unyielding resolution to never surrender have the potential to be captivatingly portrayed in anime. They may commence their journey with a degree of naivety, gradually evolving their convictions as they navigate the complexities of their existence in the world. They might grapple with self-doubt only to undergo a transformative epiphany, emerging as staunch defenders of their principles and values. Or, in some instances, they might lack substantial character development but compensate with spectacular, visually stunning moments (as is the case with most popular shounen series nowadays). Regardless, this character trope has shown itself to be highly successful by appealing to the audience’s ideological sensibilities. However, within the realm of anime, such characters frequently encounter instances where they draw upon the collective “will of humanity” as a wellspring of power.

Take, for instance, Gurren Lagann’s grandiose “human will” themes, which hinge on Spiral Power—the ostensible force of evolution and humanity’s capacity to surmount any obstacle. Similarly, in Dragon Ball Z’s climactic battles, the Genki Dama occasionally becomes the linchpin, harnessing the energy relinquished by Earth’s populace. This concept is further magnified in Dragon Ball GT, where Goku rallies the denizens of the entire universe to manifest a Universal Genki Dama.

These moments invariably serve as climactic peaks within their respective narratives, amalgamating the characters’ ethical stances with humanity’s purported benevolent potential to illuminate rays of hope. Yet, while these instances are difficult to fault creatively, the notion of a singular “collective will” rings deeply hollow to me. Despite my inclination to appreciate these climactic moments, I find the notion of humanity’s will serving solely as an inexhaustible font of positivity rather uninspiring from a storytelling perspective. It essentially combines the power of friendship with deus ex machina—two tropes often criticized as among the laziest clichés in anime storytelling. Consequently, I am drawn more to subversive portrayals of human will, which delve deeper into thematic complexities to lay the groundwork for profound narrative climaxes.

Notable examples of anime that challenge the conventional portrayal of human will include Neon Genesis Evangelion and Babylon, among others. Evangelion explores humanity’s will through the lens of Jung’s collective unconscious, depicting a tumultuous convergence of disparate worldviews and ideologies—a chaotic yet neutral far cry from the overwhelmingly positive depiction seen in most anime. In contrast, Babylon poses the question: “What if humanity chooses wrongly?” The ensuing plot then delves into Camus’s “one true philosophical problem”—the question of suicide —and humanity’s susceptibility to manipulation. While certainly not flawless, Babylon adeptly showcases the darker underbelly of humanity’s purported limitless potential—a refreshing departure from the simplistic portrayals prevalent in mainstream anime.

Human will is often depicted as a dichotomous force, yet even this characterization oversimplifies reality. Most anime, and media in general, seldom explore the darker facets of humanity’s boundless willpower. Instances abound where morally corrupt individuals impose their beliefs on society, or where a single morally upright person makes a morally wrong misstep. However, scant are the examples where the collective will of humanity veers toward self-inflicted negativity.

Anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Babylon offer valuable counterpoints to the prevailing narrative of humanity’s unwavering righteousness. They challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the fragility of our moral convictions and the consequences of our choices. By delving into the murky depths of human psychology and societal dynamics, these series enrich the discourse surrounding the nature of human will, transcending the limitations of traditional storytelling tropes. In doing so, they remind us that the human experience is far more nuanced and unpredictable than the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. While it’s undoubtedly uplifting to witness humanity’s potential for unity and resilience, it’s equally, if not more important to explore the darker aspects of our collective will—our capacity for self-destruction, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.