The last thing Kenji saw was a flash of blinding beauty, a face that promised euphoria. Then, like so many before him, he dissolved into nothing. In a world invaded by gods, seeing is quite literally believing at your own peril, especially when that belief turns you into so much seawater.
With a constant stream of new manga demanding our attention, finding one with true staying power feels like an endless quest. But I recently stumbled upon a dark horse that’s been quietly building one of the most intriguing fantasy worlds I’ve seen in ages: After God by Sumi Eno. This isn’t your typical shonen romp; it’s a complex, challenging work that earns a place on your shelf.
After God takes polytheism and spins it into a modern dystopian nightmare. In this reality, beings of immense power—gods, for lack of a better term—suddenly appear. Humanity scrambles to understand their rules, learning through trial and fatal error. The first, and most terrifying, is this: gods can’t be captured by cameras. To record them is to create a false idol, so the only way to see them is with your own eyes.
The Gaze of a God: Euphoria or Oblivion?
Think of the most beautiful thing you can imagine. Now, amplify it to an impossible degree. Rumor has it that seeing a god is experiencing the pinnacle of beauty, a wave of pure euphoria. But that’s the hook. Like an anglerfish, these beings lure you in before delivering the final blow: a kiss that turns you into water. Game over.
This threat has fractured society. Anti-god researchers, known as Idolatry Prohibited Organisms (IPOs), dedicate themselves to finding a way to eliminate the gods. Meanwhile, others treat them as deities, creating a volatile mix of religious fervor and forced submission. Acolytes flock to these beings, while those who wish to survive wear protective garments and masks, hoping to avoid a fatal encounter.
What is the main conflict in After God?
The core conflict is the struggle for survival and dominance between humanity and the invading gods. This plays out on multiple levels: scientific research versus religious zealotry, individual survival versus societal collapse. The gods are not merely invaders; they are agents of societal change, forcing humanity to redefine its values and beliefs.
And of course, where there’s danger, there are opportunists. Some venture into quarantined zones, areas devastated by the gods’ presence, to film sensationalist content for views, echoing the worst trends in online culture. Society, to put it mildly, is in dire straits.
Waka’s Quest: A High Schooler With a Godly Secret
Ever notice how in stories the hero is an outsider? After God centers on Waka Kamikura, a high school student searching for her missing best friend. Her quest leads her into one of the god-infested danger zones, where she’s stopped by a researcher, Tokigawa Sachiyuki. Their meeting is cut short when an acolyte seemingly kills Waka.
But this is just the beginning. Waka possesses the eyes of a god, and a hidden, ruthless personality. She vows to destroy every god involved in her friend’s disappearance. Her determination is a spark of hope in a world drowning in despair.
How does After God handle complex themes?
After God uses its fantastical premise to explore very real anxieties. It raises questions about faith, the dangers of unchecked power, and the corrosive effects of social media on truth and understanding. The manga examines how we react when faced with forces beyond our comprehension.
The plot unfolds in unexpected ways, making it best experienced without spoilers. Since reading Kasumi Yasuda’s Fool Night, about people volunteering to become plants to save a world engulfed in eternal darkness, I haven’t found a story so gripping. The art is both grotesque and stunning, particularly in the double-page spreads of the gods.
Biblically Accurate Angels and Social Media Memes
In After God, Sumi Eno’s art is reminiscent of the biblically accurate angel meme, rendered in a hauntingly beautiful manga style. The manga captures the feeling of distrust in a world saturated with information, where social media flattens complex issues into memes. Everyone has ulterior motives—gods, acolytes, Waka, Tokigawa, and the anti-God researchers—and will use each other to achieve their goals.
Who should read After God?
This series will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy, dystopian settings, and stories that challenge conventional morality. It’s also a good fit for those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and the impact of social media on society. It’s a thinking person’s manga, not just another action-fest.
But the series isn’t all doom and gloom. It balances its heavy plot and body horror with humor that actually works. Elements like the herd of cats add another layer to the story’s off-kilter feel. They bring levity to what is otherwise a depressing story.
If you’re looking for a manga series with an adult cast, world-building that feels purposeful, and stunning art, add After God to your reading list. I’d call it a diamond, but the series is a high-proof Molotov cocktail of modern mythmaking and brutal social commentary. Are you ready to light the fuse?
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