Mitei Hattori’s chilling religious cult thriller manga “Smiley” has achieved a significant milestone, with the entire 11-volume series reaching 1.5 million copies in circulation. Adding to this success, a live-action adaptation of the popular manga has been officially announced.
About the Manga
“Smiley” follows the story of Tomoji Kamome, a freelance writer whose life takes a dark turn after losing his daughter in an accident and being abandoned by his wife. His fate changes when he encounters a mysterious religious group called the “Heart Laughing Society,” which leads him on a thrilling journey into the depths of faith and madness.
The manga, which began serialization in Weekly Manga Goraku in 2021, has captivated readers with its unsettling narrative and striking artwork. Hattori’s ability to create a creepy atmosphere through carefully crafted facial expressions and disturbing imagery has been particularly praised.
Key Features of Smiley
- Genre: Seinen, mystery, thriller, psychological
- Theme: Exploration of cults and new religious movements
- Art Style: Clean yet unsettling, with a focus on facial expressions
- Narrative: A mix of personal drama and wider societal commentary
Live-Action Adaptation
The announcement of a live-action adaptation marks another milestone for the series. While details about the adaptation are currently limited, fans are eagerly anticipating how the manga’s intense psychological elements and disturbing visuals will be translated to the screen, Smiley is bond to grow bigger in manga industry with it’s new live-action Adaptation.
Impact and Reception
The manga has resonated with readers, earning a score of 7.06 on MyAnimeList based on 230 user ratings. Its exploration of themes such as grief, manipulation, and the dark side of forced positivity has struck a chord with audiences, contributing to its commercial success.
As “Smiley” continues to gain popularity, it cements its place as a notable entry in the psychological thriller genre of manga. The upcoming live-action adaptation is poised to bring this chilling story to an even wider audience, potentially increasing the manga’s already impressive circulation numbers.
