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Parasyte

Parasyte is a Japanese science fiction horror manga series written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Parasyte is a Japanese science fiction horror manga series written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki. It follows Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes partially infected by a parasite named Migi and is forced into a struggle for survival against other parasitic organisms. The manga inspired an anime adaptation, two Japanese live-action films, and a 2024 South Korean live-action spin-off series.

Premise

Parasyte follows a teenager whose body is partly taken over by an alien parasite that fails to seize his brain and instead inhabits his right arm. The resulting partnership forces the two to confront other parasites that prey on humans.

Publication

The manga was written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki and serialized in Kodansha publications between 1989 and 1994. It is commonly identified as a science fiction horror series.

Anime adaptation

Parasyte -the maxim- is the anime adaptation of the manga, produced by Madhouse and broadcast in Japan from October 2014 to March 2015. It later received an English dub on Adult Swim's Toonami.

Other adaptations

The franchise expanded into live-action with two Japanese films released in 2014 and 2015. In 2024, a South Korean live-action spin-off, Parasyte: The Grey, premiered on Netflix.

Key facts

  • The manga was serialized in Kodansha's seinen magazines from 1989 to 1994.
  • The story centres on Shinichi Izumi and the parasite Migi, which takes over his right arm.
  • The series blends science fiction, horror, and body horror elements.
  • The anime adaptation, Parasyte -the maxim-, aired from October 2014 to March 2015.
  • The franchise includes live-action films and a South Korean spin-off titled Parasyte: The Grey.
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Canadian context

Parasyte has been available to Canadian audiences through international anime distribution and streaming platforms, and it is part of the broader Japanese anime and manga canon followed by Canadian readers and viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Parasyte?
Parasyte is a Japanese science fiction horror manga series by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
What is the story about?
It follows Shinichi Izumi, whose failed parasite takeover leaves the creature living in his right arm, leading to conflict with other parasites.
Who created Parasyte?
Parasyte was written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
When was the manga published?
It was serialized from 1989 to 1994.
Was Parasyte adapted into an anime?
Yes. The anime adaptation, Parasyte -the maxim-, aired in Japan from October 2014 to March 2015.
Are there live-action adaptations?
Yes. There are two Japanese live-action films, and a South Korean spin-off series titled Parasyte: The Grey.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasyte
    Supports: Creator, premise, serialization dates, anime adaptation, live-action films, and Parasyte: The Grey.
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=15855
    Supports: Anime title, genres, premise, and broadcast period.
  3. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=1570
    Supports: Manga premise and source material details.