10 Comics and Manga That Inspired Netflix’s Squid Game

Explore the comics and manga that served as inspiration for Netflix’s hit series Squid Game, including Alice In Borderland, Battle Royale, and more.

Squid Game: Exploring the Comics and Manga That Inspired the Hit Series

Netflix’s Squid Game has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense storyline and thought-provoking themes. But did you know that the show draws inspiration from various comics and manga? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of graphic novels that influenced the creation of Squid Game.

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From Alice In Borderland to Battle Royale, these comics and manga explore similar concepts of deadly games and the struggles faced by their characters. They tackle social issues, incorporate plot twists, and feature graphic violence, just like Squid Game. Let’s dive into the details and discover the intriguing connections between these works and the hit Netflix series.

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Alice In Borderland: Survival Games in a Post-Apocalyptic Parallel Dimension

Alice In Borderland follows the journey of three high-school students who find themselves transported to a post-apocalyptic parallel dimension known as Borderland. In order to survive, they must navigate dangerous games that push them to their limits. While Squid Game shares the concept of survival games, the key difference is that the characters in the Korean series intentionally choose to participate, adding an extra layer of complexity to their decisions.

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Despite this difference, the themes of desperation, unexpected challenges, and the quest for survival resonate strongly in both Alice In Borderland and Squid Game, making them gripping and intense experiences for the audience.

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Battle Royale: Deadly School Survival and Unforeseen Challenges

Battle Royale, a notable manga, centers around a violent deathmatch where school students are forced to kill each other for survival. Similarly, Squid Game presents its characters with unexpected challenges and desperation as they navigate the deadly game. The high-stress environment and the moral dilemmas faced by the participants create a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere in both Battle Royale and Squid Game.

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While the specific circumstances may differ, the underlying themes of survival, desperation, and the human will to overcome extraordinary challenges connect these two gripping narratives.

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Doubt: Trust, Deception, and Strategic Gameplay

Doubt, a horror manga, incorporates elements of the popular party game Mafia (also known as Werewolf). In Doubt, a group of rabbits must identify a wolf among them, leading to rising stakes and strategic gameplay. Similarly, Squid Game’s ensemble of players must navigate a lack of trust and devise tactics to survive the game.

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While the overall tone and context may differ, both Doubt and Squid Game explore the themes of trust, deception, and the strategic thinking required to outsmart opponents. These elements add layers of complexity and intrigue to the narratives, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

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Old Boy: Unveiling the Truth and Seeking Revenge

The Japanese manga Old Boy, which inspired Park Chan-Wook’s acclaimed film, tells the story of a man imprisoned without reason. After his release, he seeks revenge and uncovers the truth behind his confinement. While the premise differs from Squid Game, the transformation of the protagonist and their journey of vengeance resonate with the lead character in the Korean series.

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Both Old Boy and Squid Game explore the darker aspects of human nature, the pursuit of justice, and the lengths individuals are willing to go to uncover the truth. These shared themes create a sense of catharsis and emotional depth in both narratives.

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Morning Glories: Survival and Hidden Agendas in an Exclusive Boarding School

Morning Glories, an Image Comics series, takes place in an exclusive boarding school where students endure torture and encounter supernatural phenomena. Six students rebel against the school’s power while balancing their academic lives. While Squid Game does not feature a game show, the quest for survival and the presence of hidden agendas parallel the thrilling and mysterious elements of the Netflix series.

The characters in Morning Glories and Squid Game face dire circumstances and must navigate a world where trust is scarce. The suspense and intrigue surrounding their survival keep readers and viewers hooked, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the story.

Gantz: Desperation and the Fight for Survival

Gantz, a manga, revolves around a group of people who must kill alien invaders to regain their lives after dying in a train accident. The players in Gantz, like those in Squid Game, are desperate to escape their circumstances, whether it be debt or the threat of death. Both stories raise the stakes for their characters, creating a sense of urgency and tension that captivates the audience.

While the specific challenges and settings differ, the underlying themes of desperation, survival, and the human will to overcome adversity connect Gantz and Squid Game, making them compelling and thrilling narratives.

Suicide Island: Life and Death on a Harsh Island

Suicide Island is set in a future where the Japanese government sends suicidal patients to an island with harsh living conditions. The selection process in Suicide Island resembles the second level in Squid Game, where characters must consent to continue. Once the game begins, the players face a dangerous and deadly situation, similar to the life-or-death challenges in Squid Game.

Both Suicide Island and Squid Game explore themes of life and death, the fragility of human existence, and the lengths individuals will go to survive. These thought-provoking themes add depth and emotional resonance to the narratives, leaving a lasting impact on readers and viewers.

Liar Game: Mental Tactics and the Limits of Human Greed

Liar Game, instead of relying on violence, focuses on mental tactics as players attempt to outsmart each other and secure financial gains. The game involves emptying each other’s bank accounts to emerge as winners. This manga offers a less graphic alternative to Squid Game, as it tests the limits of human greed and deception.

While the intensity and violence may differ, both Liar Game and Squid Game explore the darker aspects of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The strategic gameplay and psychological battles keep readers and viewers engaged, wondering who will come out on top.

Blue Heaven: Betrayal and Survival in a Chaotic Sea Journey

Blue Heaven, a sea-survival manga, starts with a cruise trip that turns into chaos when the crew discovers two survivors from a wrecked boat. As the passengers try to uncover the connection between the deaths and the survivors, trust is betrayed, and a race against time ensues. Similar to Squid Game, the characters in Blue Heaven face a dog-eat-dog world and must do whatever it takes to survive.

The themes of betrayal, survival, and the fragility of trust resonate in both Blue Heaven and Squid Game. These narratives keep readers and viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly following the characters’ journeys and hoping for their ultimate survival.

Conclusion: The Resonance of Squid Game and its Inspirations

Squid Game’s success lies not only in its unique concept but also in its ability to draw inspiration from these compelling comics and manga. The show captures the tension, desperation, and moral dilemmas that have made these stories resonate with audiences worldwide.

From the survival games of Alice In Borderland to the violent challenges of Battle Royale, each of these comics and manga brings its own unique elements to the table. Squid Game takes inspiration from these works and weaves a gripping narrative that stands on its own, captivating viewers with its intensity and thought-provoking themes.

Whether you’re a fan of the original comics and manga or discovered Squid Game first, exploring the connections between these works adds depth and appreciation to the viewing experience. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be immersed in the thrilling world of Squid Game and its inspirations.