People are wondering how parasites work in Parasyte: The Grey. Are they creatures from outer space? Or are they weapons of genocide created by Mother Nature to take control of the population problem? Here's what we know.
What is the Parasite in Parasyte Called?
There is no name for the parasite species invading the planet in the Japanese manga, entitled Parasyte, or any of its adaptations. They are simply referred to as parasites.
In the anime and manga versions, the humans who spot these beings call them "Mouth-heads" since that is where they show their true form.
The origin of these creatures is unknown and has not been revealed in the source material.
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How Parasites Work in Parasyte: They Grey?
So how do the parasites work in Parasyte: The Grey? What do they do once they have taken control of their host?
According to the creator of the manga, the "eggs" carrying these parasites were carried by the wind and had come from somewhere on the planet. Once these eggs land on the ground, a small worm escapes and makes its way to a nearby host.
They enter through some orifice, which can be via the ear, nose, or mouth; and make their way towards the brain. Aside from occupying a human's brain, the manga and anime versions have shown a parasite occupying a dog.
Just like the source material, there are some instances when the parasite accidentally takes over a different body part. In cases like these, the parasite forms a symbiotic relationship with its host to stay alive.
This is why both Shinichi (played by Suda Masaki) and Su-In (played by Jeon So-Nee) are referred to as dangerous threats. Other parasites that have formed this relationship with their hosts have been also called pathetic failures.
Meanwhile, if a parasite is able to take over its host successfully, the process can no longer be reversed. The consciousness of the host is destroyed permanently.
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What Can the Parasites Do?
While the body of the host remains unchanged, its head is a different story.
The human host looks the same as before it was infested by a parasite. But the parasite can change its shape to resemble another person's appearance.
It can also shape the head into bladed tentacles to attack its enemy, just as we've seen in the anime and K-Drama series.
Do you have a theory on where these parasites came from? What would be a fitting name for them? Let us know in a comment below.
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