Elfen Lied Inspired a Massive Netflix Series is Coming to Prime Video

It's been on Crunchyroll, coming to Netflix UK (though not US for some weird reason), and now the entire first season of Elfen Lied will be on Prime Video.

This is a big deal for Anime fans because this is the central source of inspiration for Netflix's smash hit Stranger Things. You may not have known that up to now, so trust that you want to invest some time on heartwarming--and heart-ripping--Japanese comics here.

Although the Duffer Brothers fill episodes of Stranger Things with oodles of 1980s flashback knock-offs and advertising product placement, they're also influenced by Stephen King (see: The Upside Down) and Steven Spielberg (see: Everything else).

Yet, it was a 2016 interview in Esquire that helps us know why a certain anime series of gruesome violence and salty adult art is the reason we should be thankful for the dynamic streaming addiction.

Elfen Lied, The Source of Stranger Things

Credits: Lynn Okamoto (writer/illustrator) via Shueisha's Seinen Manga Weekly, 2002-2005

WARNING: If you're under age, or even if you have a sensitive discernment for acquired anime, do not watch this three season smorgasboard of sex, drugs, and K-Pop. The nudity and style of deaths alone created so much angst in Russia and China that the series is banned in those countries.

However, its 107 chapters across 12 tankōbon volumes make Elfen Lied a considerable get among Meebs. Directed by Mamoru Kanbe, it was a Japanese sensation in 2004. There's no apparent reason or motive for this Manga to be as episodic and grotesque as it is, even the first episode is shockingly graphic. There's no warm-up. Turn it on and BOOM!

So, how did that inspired Stranger Things?

Initially, look at the title. No, not "Stranger Things." Look at "Elfen Lied." Say it fast and watch what happens. Was that "Eleven" you said?

She is actually a stem from the Manga's lead character, Lucy. The comparisons are uncanny:

• Both were in government facilities, unknown to anyone outside

• Lucy and Eleven have issues becoming "normal" in regular life

• Both were given a number, although Lucy gets a name

• Each has telekinesis, used for defense and domination

• Both call the boss of the government agency, "Papa"

• El and Lucy were builled, and each bully immediately regretted the moment they messed with the girls like that

• And finally, they both die fighting a terrible monster. (Sorry: SPOILER.)

And now, everyone gets to see either how the series are similar or what all the ruckus is about. Remember, you've been warned. That said, enjoy, if that's your thing.