Mokumokuren’s The Summer Hikaru Died has become one of the most acclaimed anime of summer 2025. Its success comes not only from a gripping story but also from a unique, deep psychological horror style. The creator revealed that their work was not inspired by popular shonen manga like Naruto or Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, but rather by stories featuring protagonists tormented mentally.
The Summer Hikaru Died Follows in the Footsteps of Two Classic Manga
Mokumokuren stated that the two biggest influences on their storytelling are Tokyo Ghoul and Berserk. They were especially drawn to an early scene where Tokyo Ghoul’s protagonist Kaneki undergoes brutal physical and psychological torture. They also admired Berserk for its intense portrayal of physical and mental suffering, which served as a major source of inspiration.
Mokumokuren likely refers to the scene where Kaneki is tortured by Jason in the final episode of Tokyo Ghoul season 1. This moment clearly shows Kaneki’s mental breakdown after traumatic events involving Rize, symbolizing a shift in his personality. This connection highlights how The Summer Hikaru Died and Tokyo Ghoul both explore characters struggling with their human nature, a haunting theme.
Berserk Continues to Inspire a New Generation of Anime
Although both manga are seinen, The Summer Hikaru Died differs from Berserk in plot and graphic violence. Still, Kentaro Miura’s influence is clear in how the anime tackles themes of grief. Berserk vividly depicts Guts’ descent into depression during his painful journey.
Berserk’s expressionism and exploration of human relationships may have helped Mokumokuren portray Yoshiki’s deteriorating mental health as he struggles to accept another “Hikaru”’s presence. By following in the footsteps of one of the greatest manga ever, it’s no surprise The Summer Hikaru Died has captivated audiences.
Tokyo Ghoul Shares Many Parallels with The Summer Hikaru Died
Mokumokuren seems to pay tribute to Tokyo Ghoul through Hikaru’s character design, which resembles Kaneki, and his true form, similar to a kagune. Kaneki’s internal battle with his ghoul nature and trauma relates to Hikaru’s anonymous identity and Yoshiki’s inability to face his friend’s death.
Yet The Summer Hikaru Died succeeds in creating a chilling atmosphere filled with strange horror. The fact that Berserk and Tokyo Ghoul have very different anime adaptations shows that anime has no limits, and classic manga continue to build their legacy decades after release.
Source: Screenrant