From Transylvania to Tokyo: the transculturation of gothic and its representation in manga and anime

Abstract

Japanese culture, where tradition, history, and culture have given rise to aesthetic and narrative characteristics that have forged a narrative and audiovisual style unique to the region. However, despite the importance of these elements within the medium, it has been greatly influenced by international artistic expressions, giving rise to a vast variety of works that unite manga and anime with other regions of the world.

One of the main sources of inspiration taken outside the islands' borders is Western literature and aesthetics, one of the most relevant being Gothic narrative. Born in England in the 18th century, it became especially relevant from the 19th century onwards thanks to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula. This movement has spawned great works while simultaneously creating a world of characters, narratives, aesthetics, and tropes that have permeated the collective imagination, giving rise to the creation of Gothic as a genre within audiovisual media.

In this study, we will focus on the gothic as a transcultural narrative that has permeated manga and anime, the quintessential medium of transtextuality. Through several examples, we will highlight how a narrative is constructed in which the gothic is intertwined, giving rise to a rich and complex narrative heritage.