Taking Care of God Manga Review: Exploring Humanity’s Responsibility
A review of Taking Care of God manga, a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s responsibility towards an alien civilization. The manga delves into themes of empathy, xenophobia, and the challenges of an aging population.
Taking Care of God Manga Review: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Humanity’s Responsibility
Taking Care of God, a manga translated by Giuseppe di Martino and lettered by Brandon Bovia, presents a captivating story that delves into the complexities of humanity’s response to the arrival of an alien civilization. Written by Cixin Liu, an acclaimed Chinese sci-fi author, this manga adaptation offers a unique perspective on the age-old theme of first contact. In this review, we will explore the intriguing plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes that make Taking Care of God a must-read.
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Synopsis: Mysterious Visitors and Humanity’s Responsibility
Without warning, Earth finds itself surrounded by 20,000 donut-shaped spaceships, obscuring the sun and raising questions about the purpose and identity of these mysterious visitors. After six months of silence, the arrival of humanoid aliens, known as the “Progenitors,” through a rain of falling stars sparks a new chapter in human history. Claiming to be the creators of humanity, the Progenitors seek care and companionship from their creations. This sets the stage for an exploration of humanity’s responsibility towards these powerful beings.
Review: A Fresh Take on First Contact
Fans of Chinese sci-fi will recognize Cixin Liu as the author of the original short story that inspired Taking Care of God. With his rising popularity, this manga adaptation marks the first time this particular Liu story has been translated into English. The concept of first contact between humanity and a technologically advanced alien civilization has been a recurring theme in science fiction. Taking Care of God draws inspiration from classics like Arthur C. Clark’s Childhood’s End and the TV miniseries V, offering a fresh take on the genre.
The story revolves around Zhihan, a second-grader with a penchant for violence and a seemingly elective muteness. When the Progenitors arrive and propose an arrangement with Earth’s governments, Zhihan’s family is initially skeptical. However, they eventually welcome an elderly male Progenitor into their home, leading to unexpected bonds and a reflection on the treatment of the alien visitors.
Taking Care of God examines how humans treat one another when presented with incentives and how their behavior changes when those incentives are removed. It explores themes of suspicion, racism, and xenophobia, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding. The characters, particularly Zhihan, showcase personal growth and introspection, creating a compelling narrative arc.
The manga also raises pertinent questions about the challenges faced by developed nations with rapidly aging populations. As the elderly outnumber the working-age population, economic uncertainties arise. Taking Care of God prompts readers to contemplate potential solutions, such as immigration or incentivizing younger generations to have more children. By using an absurd situation, the manga sheds light on real-world issues.
While the story’s ending may feel like a deus ex machina, it serves to remind readers that humanity does not currently possess all the answers to the impending demographic collapse. This open-ended conclusion leaves room for reflection and discussion, emphasizing the importance of finding sustainable solutions.
The art in Taking Care of God is expressive and visually engaging, capturing the essence of the characters and their emotions. Zhihan’s body language and facial expressions effectively convey her thoughts, despite her limited vocalization throughout the story.
In conclusion, Taking Care of God is a thought-provoking manga that combines an engaging plot, well-developed characters, and important themes. Cixin Liu’s unique storytelling, coupled with the captivating artwork, makes this adaptation a standout in the genre. While it may not provide definitive answers, the manga encourages readers to consider their own perspectives on humanity’s responsibilities.
