Anime About Gangsters Homoerotic Themes and Complex Relationships
Gangster anime is a place where complicated relationships and strong emotional attachments flourish, not only about brutal battles and power conflicts. A few of these tales probe homoerotic overtones, therefore giving characters and their relationships layers of complexity. These stories subvert conventional wisdom by combining moments of vulnerability that enthrall viewers with unaduluated intensity.
These cartoons are so gripping because they can weave within the anarchy of the underworld themes of devotion, betrayal, and forbidden wants. They investigate not only the criminal sphere but also the delicate humanity of people negotiating it. These tales challenge conventions and reinvent what it means to have meaningful relationships in a society governed by corruption and violence by means of subdued looks or overt confessions.
The Best Gangster/Mafia anime:
Gangsta explores the violent dynamics of Ergastulum, a city under mafia clan and criminal syndicated rule. It looks at their dark pasts and interactions with power-hungry companies featuring superhuman warrior Nicolas Brown dependent on an augmenting drug and clever strategist Worick Arcangelo. It is unforgettable because of the complex world-building and mature themes—corruption and power play among other things.
Action and intrigue are expertly mixed in Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Sharp investigator Zenji Banba and cross-dressing killer Lin Xianming find themselves tearing apart the Fukuoka underworld, where almost everyone harbours a deadly secret. Its careful mix of suspense and fun produces an exciting story about survival and loyalty.
These shows feature imperfect antiheroes navigating morality, ambition, and betrayal, therefore capturing the complexity of human relationships in turbulent criminal environments. From emotional depth to strategic combat, these tales offer unmatched understanding of the mafia anime subgenre.
25. Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Gangsta explores the violent dynamics of Ergastulum, a city under mafia clan and criminal syndicated rule. It looks at their dark pasts and interactions with power-hungry companies featuring superhuman warrior Nicolas Brown dependent on an augmenting drug and clever strategist Worick Arcangelo. It is unforgettable because of the complex world-building and mature themes—corruption and power play among other things.
Action and intrigue are expertly mixed in Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Sharp investigator Zenji Banba and cross-dressing killer Lin Xianming find themselves tearing apart the Fukuoka underworld, where almost everyone harbours a deadly secret. Its careful mix of suspense and fun produces an exciting story about survival and loyalty.
These shows feature imperfect antiheroes navigating morality, ambition, and betrayal, therefore capturing the complexity of human relationships in turbulent criminal environments. From emotional depth to strategic combat, these tales offer unmatched understanding of the mafia anime subgenre.
24. Tokyo Tribe 2
“Tokyo Tribe 2” presents gang culture in a futuristic Tokyo in which competing gangs rule split areas. The anime examines highly violent confrontations between groups such Musashino Saru, Wu-Ronz, and Hands of Shinjuku, therefore generating a chaotic and power-hungry environment. Its images inspired by graffiti and hip-hop soundtrack distinguishes it by combining style with thematic depth.
Though concentrating on gang dynamics, several character interactions point to homoerotic overtones. With his bisexual, cruel attitude, Big Daddy, the colorful Buppa clan chief, epitribes this. His presence accentuates subtle character depictions over traditional tropes, therefore complicating the story.
Mature viewers will find the anime appropriate given its mix of vivid violence, robust language, and complex relationships. Appealing to viewers seeking more than action-driven narrative, it catches the raw vitality of gang life while gently exploring issues of loyalty, identity, and forbidden passions.
23. Ikebukuro West Gate Park
“Ikebukuro West Gate Park” tells a tale set in the gang-filled streets of Tokyo’s Ikebukuro neighborhood. Among groups like the G-Boys, commanded by Takashi Andou, and the Red Angels, a rival group, the protagonist, Makoto Majima, works as a mediator. Among gang tensions, the show centers on urban conflicts, young misbehavior, and the emotional nuances of community concerns.
As it investigates survival and loyalty, the anime explores social concerns without including homoerotic undertones. Makoto’s job as a troubleshooter emphasizes empathy and the need of connections in settling problems in a dynamic surroundings. The show explores modern city life and teenage culture in a gang-centric environment by means of strong narrative and aesthetically pleasing animation.
22. Noir
While the show centers on intense action and the skills of its heroes, it does not specifically include homoerotic themes. “Noir” centers on two assassins, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura, setting out a journey to uncover Kirika’s mysterious past and the source of the term “Noir.” Shared hardships, survival, and deciphering a dark conspiracy define Mireille and Kirika’s relationship.
Rather than romantic or sensual overtones, the story centers on their complex missions and psychological development. Together with a tense soundtrack, the evocative storytelling of the anime highlights ideas of identity and treachery. “Noir” presents a compelling picture of relationships molded by trust and necessity in a high-stakes environment even without homoerotic undercurrent.
21. Akudama Drive
“Akudama Drive” takes place in a dystopian future whereby Kansai works under Kantō’s hegemony. The main story centers on a group of elite criminals called the Akudama as they are constantly pursued by militaristic police sometimes referred to as Executioners. Using visually appealing retro-futuristic imagery and high-octane action sequences, the anime combines cyberpunk sensibilitiesitives with chaos and organization.
The show doesn’t highlight homoerotic undertones even though it looks at issues such social inequity, survival, and the results of unbridled power. Character interactions mostly focus on their duties and goals; they feature complicated individuals including Swindler, Courier, and Doctor. Though relational interactions stress camaraderie and differences rather than love undertones, the adrenaline-packed story and surprising turns help to sustain the pleasure. “Akudama Drive” stands out in anime narrative for viewers of fast, apocalyptic environments with provocative society criticism.
20. Jormungand
Through the exploits of Koko Hekmatyar and her team, “Jormungand” examines the morally difficult realm of arms sales. Focused on worldwide armaments trade, the anime combines philosophical implications about war and morality with high-stakes action with strategic planning. Characters face prior decisions to show personal development among turmoil.
Though the show doesn’t highlight love narratives, subdued dynamics point to homoerotic overtones. One of the main characters, Valmet, shows Koko great romantic affections. Their sometimes close but humorous encounters give their connection complexity. Though not overt, these events motivate ideas of unwritten love.
The story revolves mostly on action scenes, which provide peeks into several foreign environments and cultural problems. The way the anime shows camaraderie and commitment inside a morally dubious business deepens its complexity. Though “Jormungand” stresses ethics and action above romance, its rich narrative invites several points of view on character relationships.
19. Tokyo Revengers
“Tokyo Revengers” explores worlds of gangs, time travel, and atonement. Written by Ken Wakui, it tracks Hanagaki Takemichi’s trip back to his middle school years. To save his ex-girlfriend, Tachibana Hinata, from being killed, he sneeps into the Tokyo Manji Gang. The story combines personal challenges for change with fierce gang fights.
Relationships start with loyalty and nuanced bonds. The show avoids explicit amorous or homoerotic themes among male characters even in its shonen genre. Rather, it draws attention to relationships created under risk. Important aspects, including Takemichi’s changing relationships with vice-captain Draken and gang boss Mikey, probe ideas of trust and sacrifice.
Against a brutal gang background, “Tokyo Revengers” shows brotherhood and personal development using character-driven narrative. Even without considering homoerotic connotations, its strong narrative and emotional depth make it a popular pick on the gang anime roster.
18. My Home Hero
Adapting Naoki Yamakawa and Masashi Asaki’s manga, “My Home Hero” emphasizes crime and suspense above homoerotic themes. It centers 47-year-old office worker Tetsuo Tosu, who murders yakuza affiliate Nobuto Matori’s violent lover. As Tetsuo protects his family while traversing the perilous yakuza underground, the story emphasizes his ethically difficult path.
Instead of romantic subtexts, the anime investigates family dynamics, moral conundrums, and the social effects of organized crime. Themes run on survival, allegiance, and the terrible results of violence. With its strong narrative and character-driven screenplay, “My Home Hero” offers a riveting insight into the hardships of common people caught in criminal networks.
17. Michiko to Hatchin
Set in a hypothetical South American universe, “Michiko to Hatchin” weaves a narrative firmly anchored in crime and personal development. The narrative centers on Michiko Malandro, a high-security prison escapee, and Hana “Hatchin” Morenos, a youngster running away mistreatment at her foster home. The trip of the pair crosses the criminal underground and includes syndicates like Fantasma and Monstro Preto. These interactions highlight within a gangster-centric perspective survival and self-discovery.
Through Michiko’s relationship with her childhood friend turned police officer Atsuko Jackson, homoerotic overtones show up. Their relationship reflects LGBTQ+ issues in Afro-Latinx settings, combined with romantic coding and emotional conflict. This dynamic questions accepted representations of relationships within crime-driven stories when combined with the wild gangster backdrop. Combining action, emotional depth, and social critique, “Michiko to Hatchin” presents viewers with a potent investigation of relationship among violence and oppression.
16. Kaiji
Designed by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, “Kaiji” is a psychological thriller delving into the sinister realm of high-stakes betting. It follows debt-ridden unemployed man Kaiji Itō investigating the hard reality of Japan’s recession in 1990s. The story stresses great strategic warfare, manipulation, and the results of desperation and avarice.
With Kaiji’s inner development guiding the narrative, the series defines themes including exploitation, betrayal, and survival. “Kaiji” lacks homoerotic undertones even if it is full of suspense and moral conundrums. Its emphasis still is on financial hardships and social inequalities, not on same-sex couples. Unlike other gangster-themed anime with interpersonal subtexts, Kaiji’s struggles rely on personal atonement and overthrowing repressive systems.
The distinctive art technique accentuates the somber tone by reflecting the emotions of the characters with too strong expressions. More in line with themes of exploitation than emotional ties or homoerotic undertones, “Kaiji” attracts to viewers interested in psychological depth and the consequences of human sorrow.
15. Darker Than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha
This anime blends criminal syndicated dynamics with otherworldly aspects. “Darker Than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha” investigates the presence of the enigmatic Hell’s Gate in Tokyo from an other Earth. The narrative revolves on contractors—people with superhuman abilities tied under contracts. Working for the Syndicate, the protagonist—Hei, sometimes known as the Black Reaper—performs espionage and assassinations.
Though not a classic mafia anime, underworld activities and crime groups are rather important. Through Hei’s missions and quest of truth concerning Contractors, Hell’s Gate, and Dolls, themes of loyalty and moral uncertainty are investigated. Homoerotic themes are not clearly expressed unlike other gangster anime. Rather, the emphasis is on complicated character arcs and supernatural research.
By means of its complex story and original world-building, the anime presents a crime-centric storyline stressing complex power dynamics without straying from love subtexts.
14. Gangsta
“Gangsta” takes place in Ergastulum, a crime-torn city run under mafia families and criminal groups. From assassination to mediation, the story centers Worick Arcangelo and Nicolas Brown, partners exploring this brutal world by accepting challenging tasks. Trust and survival bind Nicolas, a Twilight with increased physical ability brought on by a medication, and Worick, a strategist with a terrible background.
Although homoerotic themes are not specifically present in the anime, it explores the close emotional relationships among the characters. Between Worick, Nicolas, and Alex Benedetto—a former prostitute they guard—the intricacies of their relationship show sensitivity and mutual reliance. “Gangsta” invites several readings of its character interactions since it portrays themes of loyalty and humanism against the anarchy of organized crime.
13. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens revolves on Fukuoka’s criminal underworld, where hired killers, investigators, and seekers of retribution negotiate difficult life. The vivid portrayal of the Hakata ward emphasizes its perilous backdrop of underground anarchy.
One particularly interesting link is between contract murderer Lin Xianming, who cross-dresses, and virtually perfect assassin Banba Zenji. Their exchanges expose a strong connection with hints of romance. This combination gives the brutal story emotional complexity along with the great action and mystery-driven plot.
Offering a different perspective on gangster stories, the anime strikes a mix between serious themes and lighter, character-centric events. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens caters to readers looking for nuanced storytelling with subdued homoerotic aspects buried in the backdrop of violent intrigue by examining themes of loyalty, identity, and connection inside a crime-filled environment.
12. Rainbow
“Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin” explores the terrible life six young offenders in 1950s Japan lead. Taken to the Shōnan Special Reformatory, their trip exposes the institution’s corruption and cruelty. As they negotiate physical violence and systematic injustices, themes of survival, resiliency, and brotherhood highlight their ties.
Although the anime tackles lower class Japanese hardships, it does not include homoerotic themes into its story. Rather, it emphasizes the close friendship and common sufferings of the protagonists. Through its strong narrative and genuine topics, the show captures viewers’ visceral, emotional portrayal of tenacity among hardship.
11. Phantom: Requiem For the Phantom
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom investigates the operations of Inferno, a company handling murders for criminal customers and gangs in a bleak, crime-torn universe. Two assassins—Reiji, a young Japanese man with erased memories, and Ein, the mysterious killer known as Phantom—form the main narrative.
Driven by their mutual solitude and horrific events, Reiji and Ein have a very deep emotional attachment. Although their relationship is not clearly homoerotic, the psychological intimacy and mutual dependence shown throughout the series invites different meanings. Emphasizing the frailty of their link within Inferno’s hostile environment, the story revolves on themes of control, survival, and identity.
Attracting viewers seeking rich storytelling over traditional action, this anime explores extensively the human psychology inside a gangster-centric backdrop by blending complex character relationships with dramatic action and ethically dubious decisions.
10. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure : Golden Wind (Part 5)
Filmed in Italy in 2001, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind” centers Giorno Giovanna, Dio Brando’s son with Joestar blood. Giorno’s plot centers on him breaking into the Passione mafia clan to reform it from inside. Naples serves as the setting for a mix of criminality, loyalty, and power fights as Mafia members fight fiercely through Stands, supernatural abilities triggered by an item called “The Arrow.”
In the intricate interactions among Passione members, including inferred love ties, homoerotic overtones show. But the story juxtaposes these events with tragedy, usually presenting queer-coded individuals as malevolent or hopeless. This has drawn criticism for supporting harmful LGBTQ+ stereotypes in the framework of crime. Still, the show deftly combines ideas of ambition in the mafia underworld with friendship. Especially Giorno’s theme “Il Vento D’oro,” “Golden Wind” shows a strange yet intriguing gangster anime with its dynamic images and legendary music.
9. Switch
“Switch” revolves on Haru and Kai, two operatives in Japan’s Narcotics Control Department investigating covert operations to destroy a narcotics supply. The show centers on their working relationship and psychological difficulties—especially Kai’s abrupt changes in conduct. Although not clearly homoerotic, their strong interactions and mutual reliance let for interpretation complexities. The story gives character development and the nuances of law enforcement first priority over romantic overtones.
8. Durarara
Filmed in Ikebukuro, “Durarara!! shows a city full of gang activity, underground groups, and odd events.” It centers a varied group investigating gang conflicts, complex relationships, and unexplained events. The turbulent energy of the metropolis provides a setting for interwoven narratives including supernatural events, renegade gang bosses, and high school students.
Instead of clearly homoerotic themes, the anime investigates relationships based in loyalty and intricacy. Though their relationship lacks obvious romantic connotations, former Yellow Scarves gang leader Masaomi Kida has a close relationship with Mikado Ryūgamine. Plotlines center on Masaomi’s turbulent history and relationships to Saki Mikajima, therefore giving his character complexity.
“Durarara!! shines in stressing the complex lives of its cast instead of straight depictions of homoeroticism.” For viewers of crime-driven anime, Ikebukuro’s gang-infused streets’ continuous interaction of tension, alliance, and betrayal makes a gripping story.
7. Gungrave
“Gungrave” tracks Brandon Heat and Harry McDowell as they ascend the hierarchy of Millennion, a potent mafia gang. Their narrative emphasizes inside the criminal underworld friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Although their relationship is quite intimate, it is presented as a platonic link instead of a love one.
Emphasizing their development from street thugs to syndicate bosses, the anime falls between the action, crime drama, and science fiction genres. As Harry’s desire runs against to Brandon’s allegiance to Millennion’s leader, betrayal takes front stage in the battle. Emotional intensity nevertheless, homoerotic motifs are lacking; so, stressing loyalty and revenge over love subtexts is not easy.
Particularly as Brandon’s quiet approach contrasted with Harry’s unscrupulous ambition, character dynamics drive the story. The show offers viewers a mafia story that investigates moral ambiguity and loyalty by combining complex relationships with explosive action. Without exploring LGBTQ+ issues, “Gungrave” presents a gripping mafia story with its original mix of genres.
6. Bungou Stray Dogs
“Bungou Stray Dogs” chronicles the fight of the Armed Detective Agency against the Yokohama Port Mafia underground. Supernatural skills connected to well-known literary icons, such Atsushi Nakajima’s ability to change into a tiger, abound among characters. After being rescued by former Mafia member Dazai Osamu, orphan Atsushi joins the agency; their relationship drives the story.
The show combined supernatural, mystery, and action components. Though romance isn’t overt, character interactions like Atsushi and Dazai’s relationship imply homoerotic undertext. Their subtle connections, seen by some as strong emotional bonds, fit the way the show examines difficult relationships.
Enhanced by factional strife between systematic crime syndicates like the Port Mafia and the moral uncertainty portrayed by the Armed Detective Agency, the themes are allegiance, survival, and identity difficulties. “Bungou Stray Dogs” appeals to readers of action-packed but character-driven stories because of its multifaceted narrative structure.
5. 91 Days
Set in the fictional city of Lawless during the Prohibition era, 91 Days centers Angelo Lagusa, who breaks into the Vanetti mafia family in pursuit of retribution over the murder of his family. With an eye toward revenge, morality, and the psychological effects of violence, the anime depicts the terrible realm of organized crime.
The foundation of the story is the friendship between Angelo and Nero Vanetti, a prominent member of the Vanatta family. Though shown as a complicated friendship rather than with romantic or homoerotic undercurrents, their interactions show a layered and strong dynamic.
91 Days chooses an emotionally intense portrayal of loyalty and betrayal using its harsh reality and attention on the terrible results of retribution. Although the show avoids homoerotic themes, its examination of human relationships inside the mafia environment offers a striking opening for fans of crime dramas. Those drawn to morally difficult stories will find resonance in the subtle storytelling, which emphasizes the frailty of trust among chaos.
4. Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!
With humorous features, “Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!” centers on high school misbehavior while highlighting the life of Mitsuhashi Takashi and Ito Shinji as they aim to rule Japan’s yankī culture. Under the humor comedy and yankī genres, Hiroyuki Nishimori’s written and illustrated work is
Targeting a shōnen demographic, the anime mostly appeals to a male viewers. Its themes stress comic mischief, school challenges, and rebellious behavior. Emphasizing misfortunes and the friendship between the heroes, it differs from other gangster-themed shows in not include homoerotic subtext or romantic undertones.
Reaching audiences with humor, competitiveness, and friendship, character development and inventive narrative stand out. Although the show avoids romantic interpretations, its emphasis on delinquent activities and situational humor qualifies it as a major arrival in the delinquent anime scene.
3. Black Lagoon
Emphasizing the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries, “Black Lagoon” investigates the crime-torn metropolis of Roanapur. Its story shows moral uncertainty and corruption by involving relationships with gangsters and criminals. Two central characters are dangerous gunwoman Revy and erstwhile businessman Rock.
The changing relationship between Rock and Revy adds complexity highlighted by conflict and mutual dependence. Though not homoerotic, their friendship emphasizes different points of view—Rock’s logical approach against Revy’s wild character—offering a deeper dynamic inside their criminal environment.
Emphasizing survival and adaptation among violence, the series catches the worst sides of humanity. As Rock negotiates the terrible underbelly, themes of loyalty, identity, and change surface. Though action-driven, “Black Lagoon” appeals to those drawn in complex stories within gangster anime by offering a psychological investigation of its characters.
2. Banana Fish
Banana Fish presents a strong portrayal of gang dynamics connected with very strong emotional relationships. Filmed in New York City in the 1980s and 1990s, it centers on 17-year-old gang leader Ash Lynx as he investigates the meaning of the cryptic phrase “banana fish,” which relates to his brother Griffin, an Iraq War veteran left in a vegetative condition following trauma.
Banana Fish uses homoerotic aspects, especially in Ash’s close friendship with Japanese photographer’s helper Eiji Okumura, albeit not formally termed Boys Love (BL). Their relationship challenges conventional masculinity in harsh crime stories by involving emotional closeness and sensitive times. Combining action, drama, and psychological depth, the series is a classic bridging shonen, shojo, and cross-genre influence work. Its art style, which features slim, expressive male characters against a backdrop of suspense and gang warfare, so strengthening its appeal and so establishing its reputation in animation history.
1. Baccano
One of the best gangster anime shows available on the U.S. Prohibition era, providing a convoluted, non-linear story entwined over four separate eras. Connected events involving gangs, alchemists, and immortals driven by an elusive immortality elixir center the narrative. Sharp comedy and emotional depth abound from characters like Firo Prochainezo, Isaac and Miria, and the Gandor brothers, so stressing themes of survival and power.
The dynamic interactions among characters define dark humor and mayhem. But the show emphasizes the results of deeds and conflicts between factions rather than homoerotic subjects. “Baccano!” envelops spectators in a supernatural-infused gangster universe with its deft narrative and clever dialogues. For fans of mafia-themed animation, it’s a clear option because of its deep story and interesting passages that examine the cost of ambition and greed.
Wrapping Things Up:
Combining ideas of crime, loyalty, and close character relationships, gangster anime presents a complex examination of human emotions among turmoil. When present, elements of homoeroticism challenge norms and offer levels of complexity, therefore enhancing stories.
Gangsta and other series gently show relationships like that between Nicolas Brown and Worick Arcangelo. Their close relationship based on vulnerability and trust invites homoerotic undertones. On the other hand, Banana Fish clearly incorporates these ideas since the emotional fabric of the narrative is much influenced by Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura’s connection.
Without stressing homoerotic themes, other anime like Bungo Stray Dogs and Tokyo Revengers concentrate on camaraderie and individuality among criminal settings. Gangster anime regularly tackles moral dilemmas, social forces, and relationships that appeal to viewers looking for deep, character-driven narrative regardless of thematic focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gangster anime about?
Usually examining themes of crime, loyalty, betrayal, and survival inside structured crime environments, gangster anime Often exploring difficult relationships and personal conflicts, these tales offer a gritty background full of great action, moral uncertainty, and emotional depth.
Are there any gangster anime with homoerotic undertones?
Indeed, certain gangster anime, such as Banana Fish and Gangsta, gently or blatantly examine homoerotic overtones in their character relationships. These components challenge conventional prejudices and develop character dynamics, therefore adding depth to the story.
Which gangster anime features supernatural themes?
In their crime-packed stories, Bungou Stray Dogs, Darker Than Black, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind include supernatural components. These shows provide classic gangster anime narrative unexpected twists by combining fantasy powers with structured crime.
Is there any gangster anime set in historical periods?
Indeed, 91 Days takes place in the United States during the Prohibition era. Baccano! runs over multiple decades, including the 1930s. Against historically motivated settings, both anime examine mafia society and organized crime.
Are there gangster anime without homoerotic themes?
Indeed, many gangster anime ignore homoerotic themes. Action, survival, and familial or platonic ties abound in Black Lagoon, Tokyo Revengers, and My Home Hero.
What gangster anime features strong female leads?
Strong female heroes negotiating crime-ridden environments abound in Michiko to Hatchin and Noir. While stressing the difficulties experienced by women in hostile surroundings, both shows investigate issues of survival, personal development, and strong connections.
Is there a mafia anime with psychological elements?
Requiem for the Phantom, Kaiji and Phantom, employs psychological depth. Kaiji emphasizes gambling and desperation, whereas Phantom explores ideas of identity and control inside the crime world.
What are the most action-packed gangster anime?
For action-driven stories, consider Gangsta, Akudama Drive, and Gungrave. Offering both exciting combat and riveting narratives, these anime mix high-stakes violence with complex character interactions and moral quandaries.
Can gangster anime explore family themes?
Correct. Emphasizing family and morals, My Home Hero shows a father’s sacrifices to shield his loved ones from a hazardous yakuza environment. In same vein, Katekyo Hitman Reborn! strikes comedy and family ties against mobster themes.
Which gangster anime is best for beginners?
For first-time visitors, Baccano! Tokyo Revengers are excellent picks. For readers fresh to the genre, both offer interesting, character-driven stories with action, suspense, and emotional depth.