The dark, edgy fantasy series faces new scrutiny as a Republican lawmaker vows to ban the series from schools and go after the vendors who sell it.
A Texas legislator has noted goblin slayer like an “obscene” book.
As reported by the houston chronicleMatt Shaheen, the Republican representative from Texas’ 66th district, has pointed to the avant-garde fantasy novels and manga by writer Kumo Kagyu and illustrator Noboru Kannatsuki as an example of “obscene” works that should be banned from Texas schools. Shaheen did not specify which schools published the book, whose English-language manga release features an explicit content warning on its cover, but used the story as an example of the kinds of work he and other Texas lawmakers are trying to ban in schools. schools. . “Specific examples found in public schools that align with the definition above include graphic images of women being raped by demons and young children performing sexual acts on each other. Anyone who believes this is acceptable is mentally ill,” he said. Shaheen. In addition to banning libraries from carrying the book, the lawmaker also brought legal action against vendors that carry the series. “We will go after the vendors who sold this garbage to the children of Texas.”
goblin slayer is no stranger to controversy. The anime adaptation, which was produced by Re: ZERO Animation studio White Fox received harsh criticism upon its 2018 release for its gratuitous depictions of sexual violence. The series’ graphic content caused retailer Kinokuniya to withdraw the manga from its stores in Australia. The anime series was streamed internationally by Crunchyroll, who added a content warning to the series shortly after it premiered. A second season of the show is currently in production.
Shaheen is part of a broader movement of lawmakers in the United States who have sought to ban media outlets that discuss issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, race relations, and other controversial topics. The push has seen graphic novels like Jerry Craft’s Newberry Award winner. new guy and Pulitzer Prize-winning Art Spiegelman mouse Banned in McMinn County Schools in Tennessee. The push in Texas to ban obscene media in schools has primarily focused on Gender Queer: A Memoir, an autobiographical comic about adolescence by non-binary author Maia Kobabe. Supporters say the bans are necessary to protect children from obscene and pornographic material, while critics have accused the bans of infringing on free speech rights and focusing primarily on authors and stories from minorities and other marginalized groups. .
Kagyu and Kannatsuki’s original light novel series and its manga adaptation by author Kosuke Kurose are available in English through Yen Press.
Source: The Houston Chronicle via Anime News Network
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