While the world may be obsessing over Taylor Swift’s new album, it is fair to say that her most recent work pales in comparison to the monumental impact that Robert Pattinson’s new film, Dangerous Game, is having on the internet. Dangerous Game is finally the film adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s bestselling The Mortal Instruments and it has captivated audiences with its fresh take on gender roles and its exciting fantasy world. The film also features some of the most recognisable faces in contemporary cinema including:

  • Robert Pattinson as the cynical and dangerous vampire, Cedric, who is forced to team up with the beautiful, yet deadly, Estelle (played by Clare Bowen, a.k.a Julia Roberts‘ daughter)
  • Lily Collins as the naive and extremely determined Clary Fray
  • Jason Lewis as the dimwitted, yet kind-hearted and protective Simon Lewis
  • Romeo Miller as the troubled, yet lovable, Teddy Bundersid
  • Dacre Pollard as the sarcastic, yet fair-minded, Father Delight
  • Kevin J. O’Connor as the eccentric, yet heroic, Father Mick
  • Jonny Depp as the eccentric and mysterious Father Vidarr
  • Michael Caine as the sinister, yet charming, Father Sorrow

Based on the trailer alone, it would appear that Dangerous Game is set to capitalise on its phenomenal success and secure a spot near the top of the box office charts. However, while most of the film’s marketing material is rooted in traditional forms of media such as cinema and television, the internet has also given birth to an entire new medium known as porn manga. Now, more and more people are turning to manga to explore their sexuality and satisfy their curiosity about kinky subjects such as bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. Manga is a Japanese format for storytelling that is both graphic and visual. Typically, it uses a combination of two-dimensional images and text to engage with and inform the reader about a series of storylines. Because of this, manga is well-suited to exploring darker topics such as sex, aggression, and violence and it has become a popular choice for people seeking alternative narratives that reflect their own experiences.

The Rise Of The Online Community

For centuries, the art of manga has provided a space for people to explore their sexuality and satisfy their curiosity about new and innovative themes and content. However, in recent years, the internet has become a potent new cultural force, reshaping the way that people discover, consume, and interact with art.

Prior to the development of the internet, people would seek out manga and other forms of Japanese art to engage with, inform, and entertain themselves. However, with the arrival of the information super-highway, fans of Japanese culture have been able to access content on their phones and tablets, expanding their horizons and empowering them to consume art in new ways.

This is evidenced by the fact that while there are now many established anime and manga-focused social media channels, such as Twitter and Instagram, there was a time when these platforms did not even exist.

For instance, when the hashtag #manga4black began trending on Twitter last year, it was an indication of the platform’s growing role in the world of Japanese art. The hashtag is a call to action for fans of manga to celebrate the rich culture that is often overlooked by the mainstream media. Using manga as a tool for social change is especially powerful because it allows fans to engage with their favourite characters and themes in a way that is both unique and memorable.

The Influence Of Social Media

The anime industry, which is predominantly based in Japan, is currently valued at around US$14.9 billion annually and it continues to grow each year. In 2021 alone, it is expected to be worth more than US$15.9 billion.

Similarly, the manga industry, which is also mainly based in Japan, is valued at around US$5.3 billion annually and it continues to grow each year. In 2021, it is expected to be worth nearly US$6.3 billion.

Since Japan is one of the world’s most connected countries, it is not surprising that the two industries mentioned above have experienced a surge in popularity on social media, with many commentators hailing the arrival of a ‘Golden Age’ for manga and anime on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

It is important to note that while many established anime and manga series are now available to stream online, the majority of them are still best enjoyed by reading them on paper.

Based on this, perhaps the most effective and substantial way for people to engage with manga and other forms of Japanese art is via social media. With many talented and innovative creators active on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, it is an open forum for fans, critics, and other stakeholders to engage with and celebrate the cultural contributions made by Japan.