WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the Gantz manga.
Gantz is not for the faint of heart. Serialized from 2000-2013 in Weekly Young Jump, Hiroya Oku's science-fiction horror manga is shocking and surprisingly philosophical. An anime and several films -- both live action and CGI -- have followed throughout the years, and there are even rumors that a live-action Hollywood film is on the way.
The story follows teen protagonist Kei Kurono, who meets a gruesome, untimely fate while helping Masaru Kato save a man from an oncoming train. The boys don't truly die, though. They are revived in a seemingly random location where they are informed by a black sphere, referred to as Gantz, that they must fight against alien invasion, hunting and destroying specific targets. The participants who survive the mission at hand are able to live their lives normally until their next assignment, and they are even offered various rewards for their efforts.
One thing about Kei Kurono: he's terrible. Self-absorbed, rude, and far from compassionate, Kei is an utter jerk. He starts Gantz hesitant to help others and blatantly admits to looking down on everyone else. There are a few moments that hint at Kei's more sensitive side, such as his concern that Kato might be dead, but he is generally not a great person. When readers are introduced to Kei, he is ogling a woman in a magazine, and the walls of his bedroom are covered by photos of scantily clad ladies. Of course, these facts alone do not condemn him; however, his preoccupation with losing his virginity and apparent frustration when he fails to manipulate the vulnerable Kei Kishimoto into sleeping with him suggest a darker perversion.
Kato's contrast to Kei's character provides proof of Gantz's masterful storytelling and character building. Noble and kind, Kato strives to protect humans while being compassionate towards aliens. He undoubtedly influences Kei to become more considerate and courageous, which is ironic considering Kato was actually influenced by a cooler Kei when the boys were children. The fact that Kei used to be a role model for Kato demonstrates his potential to be greater than he is. This potential is manifested when Kei is called upon to become a hero throughout the manga, fighting terrifying monsters and even dying at one point.
Kei's character development throughout Gantz makes him an admirable and well-written protagonist. Honestly, it would be completely understandable if Kei refused the alien Eeva Gund's final challenge at the end of the series. The giant obliterates everyone who faces him, and defeating him in no way guarantees the human race's safety. There does not seem to be any good choice for Kei to make. But despite being tearful and clearly afraid, Kei answers Eeva's call and stands up for humanity. He is no longer the selfish, uncouth boy he once was.
Kei Kurono begins the series reluctant to save one man. In the end, he risks everything for the sake of the world. And on a more relatable level, he is kinder and more respectful of others. Gantz is more than an ultra-violent, action-packed sci-fi manga. It poses several philosophical questions about what it mans to be human, and Kei is a wonderfully written protagonist who encompasses the best and worst of humanity.
