The internet is awash with cat videos, from the hilarious to the heartwarming. But beyond the viral sensations, there’s a whole world of feline-inspired stories unfolding in the realms of manga and webtoons. In this edition of Beat’s Bizarre Adventure, we delve into a trio of tales where cats play a central, sometimes surprising, role in romance, art, and even motorcycle chases.
The Enduring Allure of Cats on the Internet
Before diving into specific narratives, it’s worth acknowledging the cultural phenomenon of cats online. These creatures have become a staple of internet culture, with countless videos of their antics racking up billions of views. From the early days of “Surprised Kitty” to the more recent rise of “That Little Puff” who has garnered over 7.5 billion views on YouTube, cats have consistently captured our attention. Their unpredictable behavior, combined with their inherent cuteness, makes them a perennial favorite for online content.
Viral Cat Moments
The internet cat video landscape is diverse. There are the classic compilations of funny cat fails and goofy expressions that never fail to make viewers laugh. Some notable examples include “Cat vs Zombies” and “Cat Bath Freak Out,” which showcase the lighter side of feline behavior. Then, there are the heartwarming videos like “My Cat Saved My Son,” highlighting the heroic and loyal nature of our feline companions. These videos often go viral, racking up millions of views and sparking widespread conversations.
Cats as Cultural Icons
Cats have also become cultural icons. “Simon’s Cat,” a popular animated series, humorously portrays the daily lives of a mischievous cat and his owner. Cats are featured prominently in memes and TikTok trends, further solidifying their position in the digital sphere. Even video games, like Stray, have featured cats, drawing millions of views on related content. This popularity translates into the world of comics and manga, where cats often serve as both adorable companions and intriguing characters.
Manga and Webtoons: A Different Kind of Cat Story
While the internet cat craze focuses on real-life antics, manga and webtoons use these feline friends to explore different narrative terrains. The current Beat’s Bizarre Adventure explores three titles: I”s, a classic shonen romance, Mars, a psychological romance featuring motorcycles, and a yet-unnamed cat-centric romance from the 2020s. These diverse stories highlight how cats can enrich a story in unexpected ways, adding layers of emotion and symbolism.
I”s: A Classic Love Triangle
Masakazu Katsura’s I”s is a romantic comedy manga, focusing on the high school student Ichitaka and his affections for his classmate Iori. It’s a story of first love, complicated by the return of Ichitaka’s childhood friend Itsuki. While not explicitly a cat-centric manga, it’s worth mentioning in the context of romance and the manga style which is known for its detailed and emotional artwork. I”s often gets overlooked, but it’s an excellent example of the type of romantic narratives that paved the way for more contemporary stories, some of which now feature cats.
Mars: Motorcycles and More Than Meets the Eye
Mars, similarly to I”s, focuses on the romance of two teenagers, Rei and Kira. Rei is a motorcycle-riding heartthrob, and Kira is a shy artist. This manga has a meet-cute, with Rei asking Kira to sketch a map for him in the park. This initial interaction is, however, juxtaposed with a conversation about the loss of a leg in a motorcycle accident, setting the stage for a romance that delves into deeper themes of psychology and art history, interwoven with motorcycle racing. Although there are no cats mentioned in the context of Mars, the story serves as an example of the wide array of subjects manga can tackle.
The Cat-Centric Romance: A Contemporary Take
The final piece of our trio is a cat-centric romance from the 2020s, highlighting the more recent trend of using cats as significant characters within romantic narratives. This specific story remains unnamed but serves to illustrate how the feline influence is finding its way into more modern storytelling. It’s a reminder that cats are not just internet sensations, but are now also active participants in complex storytelling.
The Unnamed Cat-Centric Romance: A Glimpse into the Future
The unnamed cat-centric romance represents a growing trend. Contemporary manga and webtoons are increasingly featuring cats in significant roles, often exploring their relationship with humans and delving into their perspectives on life and love. This highlights a shift in storytelling, where the pet-human bond is not just background noise, but a central part of the narrative.
Cats in Unique Roles
In some of these cat-centric romances, cats are not merely cute sidekicks but are characters with their own agency, motivations, and even romantic interests. These stories often incorporate elements of fantasy, where cats might have magical abilities, or they might possess a unique understanding of the world. This type of storytelling adds a refreshing dimension to the romance genre.
Blending Genres with Felines
These newer stories also demonstrate how cats can be integrated into a variety of genres, not just romance. Cats are seen in action-packed scenarios, psychological dramas, and even science fiction settings. This adaptability solidifies their place as versatile characters with broad appeal. It also hints at the creative potential of integrating internet-fueled cat love into more complex narratives.
The Evolution of Cat Content
The evolution of cat content, from funny videos to nuanced narratives, reflects the ever-changing nature of media consumption and storytelling. While viral cat videos will likely continue to dominate the internet, manga and webtoons offer an opportunity to explore more profound and imaginative themes involving our feline companions. The Beat’s Bizarre Adventure explores a few of those narratives, indicating a promising trend for further creative content.
The Enduring Power of Cats
Ultimately, the enduring popularity of cats, both online and in various forms of storytelling, speaks to our fascination with these enigmatic creatures. Whether they’re providing comic relief, showcasing their loyalty, or driving the plot of a complex romance, cats continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. The convergence of cat-centric storytelling and the widespread internet appreciation for felines signals an exciting future for this unique form of content.
