On September 26, 2026, a post titled "Japanese manga and American comics differ in how they feel when values are shattered" on the Chinese SNS platform Xiaohongshu (RED) garnered resonance among Chinese netizens.

The poster stated, "While depictions that shatter values in American comics are acceptable, seeing such depictions in Japanese manga makes me feel very distressed."

In response, comments from Chinese netizens included: "Japan turns morally problematic things into merits or moe attributes." "In my impression, Japanese manga glorifies wrong actions as if they were right." "It becomes instantly sickening when it's conveyed that the author themselves is defending twisted values and justifying evil." "American comics, even when depicting heinous acts, are generally indifferent or negative, but Japanese manga often consumes such traumatic events as spectacle or entertainment, which I truly cannot understand."

Also, voices were raised such as: "I think Japanese values are quite unique even from a global perspective." "Japanese people truly have a grotesque sensibility... In a way, perhaps that's a talent." "Japanese culture is grotesque, isn't it?... Its values are unique and sometimes very twisted. While there are American comics that shatter values, they don't feel hypocritical to that extent."

Furthermore, views were seen such as: "American comics are drawn with the premise of shattering values. But Japanese manga lacks awareness that they are shattering values. Japanese values are truly different from ours." "American comics openly shatter values as black humor. But Japanese manga seriously discusses mysterious ideologies that are difficult to explain, and presents them as if they were truth."

There was also a point made: "I feel that Japanese manga has too strong a fan culture. If you voice discomfort or questions about values, people immediately appear to defend it. Especially for popular works, critical voices never get loud, and yet the works become huge hits."

In addition, comments included: "The outrageous developments in American comics make one think, 'Well, perhaps this is how white and black societies are,' but Japanese manga is too close to one's own living environment, which makes it more jarring." "American comics feel like a distant world because they are about American society. But Japanese manga, because its society and culture are relatively closer, makes it easier to empathize, and precisely for that reason, there are parts that cannot be accepted." (Translation/Editing by Iwata)