Polygon.com / 30.07.25

The Summer Hikaru Died couldn't work without its queer themes

With shows like Dandadan returning and Gachiakuta being the hottest new shonen right now, theres never been a better time to be an anime fan. The one anime this season that has its claws, hooks, and alien-like tendrils stuck in me is none other than CygamesPictures latest production: The Summer Hikaru Died. [Ed. note: Spoilers ahead for episodes 1-4 of The Summer Hikaru Died.] Adapted from Mokumokurens 2012 manga, The Summer Hikaru Died follows teenage boys Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indo. One winter evening, Hikaru is lost in the towns mountains, where he is fatally wounded. Only his death isnt that simple. Hikaru ends up being consumed by an eldritch entity, which gains control of his body and physically becomes one with it. It gains his memories, but is still very much its own creature at the same time. When Yoshiki does eventually find Hikaru, Hikarus body is already cold. Yoshiki, assuming his best friend is dead, stumbles back home in a traumatized stupor. The next day, Hika...
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