Parasyte: The Maxim

Dear Readers,

I have decided to take a moment and talk about the visually dynamic anime called Parasyte: The Maxim. WARNING: this post may contain graphic images that may not be suitable for younger readers... thus I rate this post PG for parental guidance suggest.

Shinichi's parasite Migi (image link)

First, The Parasites: This alien species begins an interesting life cycle.

cropped screen shot from Episode 1: Metamorphosis

It starts off in an egg or spore like state that allows it to travel through space.

cropped screen shot from Episode 1: Metamorphosis

Once it lands, the shell cracks open and the larva emerges. This larva has sensory bulbs that could be considered eyes, similar to a slug, a body that can wiggle and move like a worm, and hard proboscis for burrowing like a mosquito. This creature's "instincts" are to burrow into the brain.

Episode 1: Metamorphosis (Image Link)

In a short time period, consumes and mimics the cells of the brain and other tissues, organs, and biological substances. However, it is limited on size, thus it only consumes the head and not the entire person.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978 (Image Link)

Admittedly, this is a very similar plot to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, however, the parasitic nature and potential for symbiosis allow it to stand apart.

The main character, Shinichi, manages to trap the parasite in his arm, where it became his arm instead of his head. As the parasite began to become aware of its own existence and learn, it gained the ability to recreate eyes, a mouth, etc.

Episode 20: Crime and Punishment

As the parasite continues to grow in skill and knowledge, it can recreate other organs if need be, such as a heart. It can also create dense substances like bone, and even a biological metal compound, likely derived from iron, like with the iron in blood.

Despite the possibilities of the parasite's mimicry, unless it consumed a brain, it cannot mimic a brain, its chemistry, and its nervous system and control. Indeed, it is shown that a parasite that replaces a woman's head can only control a female body, likely due to the difference in hormones and brain chemistry (Episode 5: The Stranger).

No matter what, it seems, this creature is always limited to being a parasite. It cannot exist or create all of the needed organs to survive away from the host body for an indefinite period of time. I believe this is derived from its lack of ability to produce new cells. It seems only able to manipulate the cells it has after initial gestation. This is done using a method of brain wave control, similar to radio waves. These waves are able to be sensed and even blocked and confused by other waves.

It also has potential of human intelligence, however skewed by physiological differences. By this, I mean that the parasite lacks true empathy, and usually emotion. If the parasite consumes the brain, it has a genetic directive to "destroy this species". This can often blind and distract the creature from learning other aspects. However, its will to survive can allow it to adapt to situations. Thus, the parasites can fight their cravings.

Sometimes, it is amazing to me how self preservation can compel us to become something better than we are. For the parasites, their desire to live and not be hunted down enable them to fight their strongest instinct, their strongest craving, and become "human".

BBC's Being Human (Image Link)

Second, I love the word "human". It has so many added implications. To be "human" does not mean to be a homo sapien. It is a whole attitude, or life, or character. One can be human and be a ghost, a vampire, a werewolf (the BBC television show Being Human). Even dogs can be or act human. I believe the key to this is being humane. Having charity, compassion, and love. These are the qualities of a human. Thus, human is as human does. Homo sapiens, or people can not act or be human.

Thus, the greatest lesson I learned what to do with the instincts we have. God has given us laws and commandments to help us become "human" to be "human". Many of these commandments, if not all, directly contradict our instincts or "natural man" (Mosiah 3:19). "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13) is the main one that the parasites struggle with... but what about humans. How often do we hear the world say, we are only animals? We have a desire to mate and reproduce, so why not give in to this desire? Thus, we can see that true humanity is using the desires God has given us in a way that makes us better. Sometimes it is needful to kill, usually for food, whether plant or animal. To have sexual relations within the bonds of marriage is and beautiful, wonderful thing, for it builds a strong family, as opposed to loose ties. All commandments are given us for our good.

The Deaths of Ian Stone 2007 (Image Link)

Though I desired to talk about the parasites themselves, I also wanted to talk about their, and our potential. The potential to be human. Thus, I will conclude with one of my favorite movies, The Deaths of Ian Stone. Though Ian turns out to be one of the "harvesters" his love for a mortal woman, a human, gives him strength. Indeed, one of the last lines is, "Thank you for making me human." How I long to find a woman to love, not just any woman, but a woman whose love makes me human.

Love,
Jacob Smithson