Netflix’s hit series,The Summer Hikaru Diedhas becomeone of the best-rated animeamid the stacked season of Summer 2025, proving how a well-constructed psychological horror can be more captivating than the typical jump scares in the genre. This is all thanks toThe Summer Hikaru Died’sinspiration being two of the most controversial psychological horror anime ever.
The Summer Hikaru Diedcombines supernatural phenomenaand an unnerving atmosphere of isolation in the countryside that is different from any other anime. In an exclusive panel attended by ScreenRant at Anime Expo 2025,the author Mokumokuren revealed that the shocking influence behindThe Summer Hikaru Died’s psychological horror representationwas two of the most iconic manga of all time.
The Summer Hikaru Died Follows the Steps of Two Iconic Manga
The Summer Hikaru Died Has an Unexpected Influence
The Summer Hikaru Died’sauthor revealed that the manga they grew up with weren’t shōnen hits, such asNarutoandJojo’s Bizarre Adventure,that would later go on to inspire them, but ones with mentally tortured protagonists.Tokyo Ghoulwas one of their biggest influences on their storytelling approach, especially itsportrayal and unique exploration of a character’s psychological struggle.
Mokumokuren also stated how they were particularly drawn to an early scene whereTokyo Ghoul’s protagonist, Kaneki,is physically and mentally tortured, with the author also taking note ofBerserkdue to its intense depiction of physical and psychological torment, which was a big source of inspiration for them.
Mokumokuren is likely referencing Kaneki’s torture at the hands of Jason inTokyo Ghoul Season 1finale, which perfectly displays the deterioration of his mental state after being traumatized by Rize’s manifestation, symbolizing the shift in his character. This shows aconnection betweenThe Summer Hikaru DiedandTokyo Ghoul,as inboth series, the characters struggle with their humanity.
Berserk Keeps Inspiring the New Generation of Anime
Both Animes Explore Humanity in Unique Ways
Despite both manga belonging to the seinen demographic,The Summer Hikaru Diedis nothing likeBerserkin terms of story or graphic violence. However, the influence of Kentaro Miura can be seen in howThe Summer Hikaru Diedtackles themes like grief, asBerserkhas a realistic portrayal of Guts spiraling into a depressive state in his torturous journey.
Berserk’s expressionism and exploration of human relationships may have helped Mokumokuren when transmitting Yoshiki’s deteriorating mental health as he tries to accept the presence of the other ‘Hikaru’. By following the steps of one of thebest manga of all time, it’s no mystery howThe Summer Hikaru Diedhas managed to attract the audience.
Tokyo Ghoul Shares Similarities with The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died is All About Eldritch Horror
Mokumokuren probably pays homage toTokyo Ghoulin Hikaru’s character design, which is similar to Kaneki, as well as his real form resembling a kagune. Additionally, Kaneki internally fights his nature as a ghoul and tries to overcome his trauma, which ties both to Hikaru’s identity as an unknown being and Yoshiki’s inability to cope with his friend’s death.
Nevertheless,The Summer Hikaru Diedhasmastered how to create a disturbing atmosphere filled with eldritch horror, and the fact thatBerserkandTokyo Ghoulare capable of such different anime proves there’s no limit to the anime medium and how classic manga keeps building their legacy even decades after their release.
