History CentralTheme / AnimeAndManga

** If you're fighting for others, then [[HurtingHero who will take away your pain]]?

** Sometimes, to be the best versions of ourselves, we just need a litte healthy motivation.

** How hatred and fear of [[{{Dehumanization}} the "other"]] breeds war.

* ''Literature/AccelWorld'': Can our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths?

* ''Literature/{{Baccano}}'': The appreciation of life regardless of its length.
* ''Literature/BakaAndTestSummonTheBeasts'': The conflict between internal values: how important are grades? How important is friendship?
* ''Literature/BanishedFromTheHerosParty'': Should the circumstances of your birth, such as the family and talents you were born with, decide who you are and what you become? Ruti's blessing of the Hero makes her both destined to and compels her to save the world, even as she grows to hate doing so and the Blessing suppresses those negative feelings. On the smaller scale, Ademi's Bar Brawler Blessing makes him quick to anger and prone to violence, neither of which are good qualities to be a guard like he actually ''wants'' to be.

* ''Literature/TheDevilIsAPartTimer'' - Can true evil even hope to thrive in the current day and age?

* ''Literature/{{Durarara}}'':
** Love is something that motivates everyone, even if for some people it becomes rather cracked and twisted. Whether it's good or evil, selfish or selfless, sane or insane, one-sided or mutual, everybody's in love with someone or something, and even if you're a freak or an outcast there's probably someone out there capable of loving you.
** Going too far in your attempts at making life more exciting for you and your friends have dire consequences, as seen with Mikado in x2.
** Keeping secrets from or avoiding present issues with your TrueCompanions can also lead to trouble.

* ''Literature/TheFamiliarOfZero'': When one rises above their intended station, it may inspire others to change their narrow-minded worldview in a world ruled by the nobility who hold a low opinion of, and often oppress those born in the peasantry.

* ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'': Can a soldier truly learn to be a normal civilian again?

* ''Literature/GoblinSlayer'':
** Respect the people who handle the little things. They are the reason those problems stay small.
** Reconnecting with others after a traumatic experience.

* ''Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya'':
** What you mean to others.
** In a mundane world, what does it mean to have adventures?

* ''Literature/HighSchoolDXD'': How far would you go for the ones you love?

* ''Literature/{{Hyouka}}'' - What constitutes as a "rose-colored life"? Is our current situation fine? Is there something we want more?

* ''Literature/KazeNoStigma'': Spirituality and Religion.

* ''Literature/KinosJourney'':
** The rules we live by.
** Is there any underlying point to the stories, any unifying concept? Perhaps. It could be seen as an extended lesson in the law of unintended consequences.

* ''Literature/KokoroConnect'': [[TheyreCalledPersonalIssuesForAReason Hiding]] and [[IAmWhatIAm accepting our flaws]], and the PowerOfTrust.

* ''Literature/KonoSuba'': The world isn't perfect and the people in it definitely aren't perfect either, but they still both have wonderful things worth treasuring regardless.

* ''Literature/LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes'':
** [[HistoryRepeats "In every age, in every place, the deeds of men remain the same."]] This theme is written in the opening of the show's first season. Despite the futuristic setting, the stories and motivations told in the ''Legend'' may as well have been set in any era of human history.
** [[TheCycleOfEmpires The rise and fall of civilizations]] (United Earth Government, Galactic Federation, [[spoiler:the Goldenbaum dynasty and later Free Planets Alliance]]), especially the insight on their aspects on [[RisingEmpire its zenith]] and [[VestigialEmpire decay]].
** The {{Deconstruction}} of GoodRepublicEvilEmpire with [[TheFederation Free Planets Alliance]] being corrupt, if not worse than the [[TheEmpire Galactic Empire]] who had a few "good" rulers, [[spoiler:especially Reinhard.]]
** An exploration of the question: "Is the worst democracy better than the best autocracy?"
** Take responsibility for your actions. The minute people start to look to others to solve their problems, disaster becomes inevitable.

* ''Literature/LoveChunibyoAndOtherDelusions'':
** Running away from and facing our problems.
** Also, the challenges of having to grow up.

* ''Literature/MyNextLifeAsAVillainessAllRoutesLeadToDoom'': The value of love, both platonic and romantic.
* ''[[Literature/MyYouthRomanticComedyIsWrongAsIExpected My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU]]'':
** Is there such a thing as a truly honest person? What are the effects of lying in society?
** The difficulty of solving problems instead of avoiding them.
** Also explores the complicated inner workings of relationships and social acceptance in general.

* ''Literature/{{Oresuki}}'': TeensAreMonsters, [[TookALevelInKindness but they aren't irredeemable]].

* ''Literature/OurLastCrusadeOrTheRiseOfANewWorld'': Hatred, rejection, and neglect for the other side will always be what fuels war. Mutal understanding, common ground, and even love are what are necessary for ending wars.

* ''Literature/ThePetGirlOfSakurasou'':
** Always seek to better yourself, and never give up, even when you fail.
** A lot of emphasis is put on "talent" and it impacts.... how much does talent, as we know it, matter in trying to live your passion? How do [[OvershadowedByAwesome your insecurities]] regarding someone more talented than yourself affect you?

* ''Literature/ReZero'':
** Loneliness, isolation, trauma, how that can have an effect on a person, and ultimately overcome all of that.
** Even the weakest person can have the greatest impact on the world around them.
** The expectations of manhood vs. what it means to be a man.
** It's fine to be selfless, but there is a such thing as SenselessSacrifice. You need to take care of your own person too.
** No matter how much you stumble or fall, you can always get back up and start over again... [[ArcWords from zero]].
* ''Anime/RevolutionaryGirlUtena'': Is it possible to be both an archetypal prince and female at the same time? Can someone like Utena who wants to be a "prince" also yearn for her own prince without contradicting herself? The show is also a deconstruction of fairytale archetypes and romance tropes present in many shoujo anime/manga of its time, showing just how unhealthy they would be if played straight.
* ''Literature/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero'':
** There are good reasons to become a [[TheCynic cynical]], [[HeManWomanHater misogynistic]] [[{{Jerkass}} prick]], but you still need to [[TookALevelInKindness grow out of it]].
** Treating someone like trash is never a good idea. You may just need their help the most.
** How should you treat [[UntrustingCommunity a society that betrayed you]]?
** Actions speak louder than words. And by extension, thoughtless actions have very real consequences.

* ''Literature/ShakuganNoShana'':
** The value of Life, both in general, as well as [[WhatIsOneMansLifeInComparison the value of single lives in the face of a greater good]], and not just regarding humans. [[OurGhostsAreDifferent Torches]] are remnants of humans who have lost their [[LifeEnergy Existence]]. Do they have value? Do humans have value at all in comparison to those who protect them, or in the face of an apocalypse?
** Identity. There is more to ''who'' you are than just ''what'' you are. You are not just "a human", or "a Flame Haze" or "a Torch".
** The reasons why someone would be unable, or unwilling, to be together with their loved one.

* ''Literature/{{Shiki}}'':
** HumansAreTheRealMonsters.
** When it's "kill or be killed", there's nothing people won't do.
* ''Literature/{{Shimoneta}}'': {{Fanservice}} is still needed in society and censorship cannot be taken [[BigBrotherIsWatchingYou too far]]. Or else tomorrow's children will be stunted in a [[{{Yandere}} bad way]].

* ''Literature/SwordArtOnline'':
** Can virtual reality change the way we experience love and friendship?
** The choices people make in their fantasy lives are a reflection of their character. It's never "just a game".

* ''Literature/ThatTimeIGotReincarnatedAsASlime'': The joy of building a community.

* ''Literature/{{Toradora}}'': The way that love hides in plain sight, eluding your efforts to find it until you realize it was right under your nose the whole time.

* ''Literature/TrappedInADatingSimTheWorldOfOtomeGamesIsToughForMobs'':
** Karma. Both in the LaserGuidedKarma sense of villains getting punished, but also having Leon and Marie constantly punished for selfishness, and rewarded for selflessness.
** The franchise explores the effects of children [[SpoiledBrat being spoiled]] quite a lot, accompanied by related issues such as ParentalFavoritism, sibling-complexes, and SiblingRivalry. Just about every variety of spoiled and sheltered personality imaginable is present, and the consequences explored.

* ''Literature/TheTwelveKingdoms'':
** Don’t try to fulfill everyone’s expectations. Follow your heart.
** Only children cry out of self-pity.
** Don’t blame others; instead, seek to improve yourself.
** Sense of purpose.

* ''Literature/VioletEvergarden'':
** The importance of communication and letting your feelings clear to others.
** Everyone has scars, but it's important to move on.

* ''Literature/WelcomeToTheNHK'':
** What makes the difference between [[LivingIsMoreThanSurviving simply surviving, and living]]?
** The ease of succumbing to feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and worthlessness, and figuring out how to manage these feelings in a healthier way.
** The importance of directly confronting one's personal problems in the real world, [[AntiEscapismAesop instead of endlessly distracting oneself with daydreaming and mindless entertainment]].

*** [[Determinator Being prepared to push on with your own road, and face the obstacles that come from it]], but without [[ItsAllAboutMe your single-mindedness pushing those close to you away]].

** The value of Life, both in general, as well as [[WhatIsOneMansLifeInComparison the value of single lives in the face of a greater good]], and not just regarding humans. [[OurGhostsAreDifferent Torches]] are remnants of humans who have lost their [[LifeEnergy Existence]]. Do they have value? [[WhatMeasureIsANonBadass Do humans have value at all in comparison to those who protect them]], or in the face of an apocalypse?

** Can there be a good demon? And how long can they hold onto the last remaining parts of their humanity? And what rewards lie ahead for a good demon? [[spoiler:For example, Nezuko gaining sunlight resistance and speech because she chose to not act like the other demons and receiving a curing medicine to change Nezuko back into human thanks to the help of the demon doctor Tamayo.]]

** Forgiveness and redemption are also central themes, as seen with all the [[HeelFaceTurn reformed villains]].

* ''LightNovel/{{Baccano}}'': The appreciation of life regardless of its length.
* ''LightNovel/BakaAndTestSummonTheBeasts'': The conflict between internal values: how important are grades? How important is friendship?

* ''LightNovel/TheDevilIsAPartTimer'' - Can true evil even hope to thrive in the current day and age?

* ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'':

* ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'': When one rises above their intended station, it may inspire others to change their narrow-minded worldview in a world ruled by the nobility who hold a low opinion of, and often oppress those born in the peasantry.

* ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'': Can a soldier truly learn to be a normal civilian again?

* ''LightNovel/GoblinSlayer'':

* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'':

* ''LightNovel/HighSchoolDXD'': How far would you go for the ones you love?

* ''LightNovel/KazeNoStigma'': Spirituality and Religion.

* ''LightNovel/KinosJourney'':

* ''LightNovel/KokoroConnect'': [[TheyreCalledPersonalIssuesForAReason Hiding]] and [[IAmWhatIAm accepting our flaws]], and the PowerOfTrust.

* ''LightNovel/KonoSuba'': The world isn't perfect and the people in it definitely aren't perfect either, but they still both have wonderful things worth treasuring regardless.

* ''LightNovel/LoveChunibyoAndOtherDelusions'':

* ''LightNovel/MyNextLifeAsAVillainessAllRoutesLeadToDoom'': The value of love, both platonic and romantic.
* ''LightNovel/MyTeenRomanticComedySNAFU'':

* ''LightNovel/{{Oresuki}}'': TeensAreMonsters, [[TookALevelInKindness but they aren't irredeemable]].

* ''LightNovel/OurLastCrusadeOrTheRiseOfANewWorld'': Hatred, rejection, and neglect for the other side will always be what fuels war. Mutal understanding, common ground, and even love are what are necessary for ending wars.

* ''LightNovel/ThePetGirlOfSakurasou'':

* ''LightNovel/ReZero'':

* ''LightNovel/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero'':

* ''LightNovel/ShakuganNoShana'':

* ''LightNovel/{{Shimoneta}}'': {{Fanservice}} is still needed in society and censorship cannot be taken [[BigBrotherIsWatchingYou too far]]. Or else tomorrow's children will be stunted in a [[{{Yandere}} bad way]].

* ''LightNovel/SwordArtOnline'':

* ''LightNovel/ThatTimeIGotReincarnatedAsASlime'': The joy of building a community.

* ''LightNovel/{{Toradora}}'': The way that love hides in plain sight, eluding your efforts to find it until you realize it was right under your nose the whole time.

* ''LightNovel/TrappedInADatingSimTheWorldOfOtomeGamesIsToughForMobs'':

* ''LightNovel/VioletEvergarden'':

* ''LightNovel/WelcomeToTheNHK'':

** Time, and its lack thereof.

** Seeing life through a new perspective.
** To experience a great life, you must approach new things, even if you're unfamiliar with them.

** ''Anime/DigimonTamers'': What is the line between fiction and reality? and What is the price of technology?

* ''Manga/VinlandSaga'': If you don't want violence then don't commit violence. ActualPacifist or none.

** Forgiveness and redemption is also a central theme, as seen with all the [[HeelFaceTurn reformed villains]].

** ''Anime/DragonBallSuperBroly'' has the legacy of the past. The first act delves with the fathers of [[PapaWolf Goku]], [[GreenEyedMonster Vegeta]], [[EvilOverlord Frieza]] and [[AbusiveParents Broly]], and how their behavior influenced the actions of their offspring in present.
* ''Manga/DropkickOnMyDevil'': What do you do when people are forced into your life as people you dislike, but are those you are still forced to deal with? Are you able to see the good within them, if it even exists?

* ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'': Love as something that motivates everyone, even if for some people it becomes rather cracked and twisted. Whether it's good or evil, selfish or selfless, sane or insane, one-sided or mutual, everybody's in love with someone or something, and even if you're a freak or an outcast there's probably someone out there capable of loving you.

* ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'': When one rises above their intended station, it may inspire others to change their narrow-minded worldview in a world ruled by nobility who hold a low opinion of, and often oppress those born in peasantry.

* ''Manga/MobPsycho100'': Whatever it is that makes you unique doesn't make you above others. People that lack the same outstanding skill as you might have another skill, however mundane, that you lack, so ultimately, nobody is above anyone else. Understanding that you are ultimately ordinary can help one to grow into a responsible and good person without delusions of grandeur or guilt over not having control over your whole life.

* ''Webcomic/OnePunchMan'':
** How to grow in a world that no longer has much conflict, as it's now easier to live in than it has ever been. Has life become boring due to all the advancements?
** Dealing with boredom, depression, loneliness, and finding one's purpose in life.
** Dealing with people who look down on you for your (real or perceived) inferiority.
** Real heroism is more important than the glory or fame that might come with it.
** The struggle to become stronger and more powerful -- and how that's not always a good thing.
** Don't let your personal insecurities or obsessions consume you, or else you may lose some of your humanity in the process.

* ''Anime/{{Shiki}}'':

* ''LightNovel/BanishedFromTheHerosParty'': Should the circumstances of your birth, such as the family and talents you were born with, decide who you are and what you become? Ruti's blessing of the Hero makes her both destined to and compels her to save the world, even as she grows to hate doing so and the Blessing suppresses those negative feelings. On the smaller scale, Ademi's Bar Brawler Blessing makes him quick to anger and prone to violence, neither of which are good qualities to be a guard like he actually ''wants'' to be.

* ''Manga/KindaichiCaseFiles'': The central theme varies between volumes but the main one that stretches around the entire series is, is murder ever a wise solution when someone has wronged you?

** How a simple act of kindness no matter how small can leave a huge impact in someone's lives.

** From the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime version]] especially, the value of life and one's soul.