Gantz

Gantz is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku. It was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2000 to 2009 and collected into 37 tankōbon volumes. The work blends science fiction and horror with action and psychological drama, and it is noted for its mature themes and graphic violence. It has a large international fanbase and has spawned various adaptations and related media.

Plot: After their deaths, Kei Kurono and a group of recently deceased strangers are revived by a mysterious black sphere named Gantz. They are forced to participate in dangerous missions on Earth to hunt aliens living undercover in urban environments. Each operative wears a high-tech black suit that augments strength, speed, and durability and uses advanced weaponry. Missions earn points, which can be used to resurrect fallen teammates or purchase equipment; the missions continue across multiple arcs and gradually reveal the true nature of Gantz and the larger game at stake. The story repeatedly confronts questions of free will, morality, and the value of life.

Characters and themes: The central figure is Kei Kurono, with a rotating cast of other players who join and leave the game throughout the series. The ensemble and shifting loyalties highlight themes such as survival, alienation, societal critique, and the limits of humanity when faced with existential threats.

Adaptations and legacy: An anime adaptation aired from 2004 to 2005, covering early portions of the manga. Two live-action feature films were released in 2011. A CGI film, Gantz: O, released in 2016, focuses on the Osaka arc. Gantz has influenced other works in the genre and remains a notable entry in mature action and science fiction manga.