Sakamoto Days’ Anime Is Already Better Than the Manga

At last, “Sakamoto Days” has arrived! After what seemed like an eternity, enthusiasts of Yuto Suzuki’s cherished manga can now dive into the initial episode of the new anime streaming on Netflix. The anime adaptation was initially unveiled in May 2024, and it wasn’t hard to see why fans were overcome with excitement, imagining how fantastic the new series might be. However, the journey from announcement to release for “Sakamoto Days” was a challenging one.

As an onlooker, I’ve noticed that promotional materials for Sakamoto Days, such as posters and trailers, have stirred up excitement among the audience. However, these materials seem to have only heightened the anticipation of fans, causing a mix of concerns over the voice cast and animation quality from TMS Entertainment. The release of Vaundy’s opening theme song, “Run, Sakamoto, Run,” even caused another wave of apprehension among already anxious fans (which was unfounded, as it turned out to be an excellent tune). All these concerns were put to rest with the premiere episode, which not only addressed their worries but exceeded expectations.

Sakamoto Days Episode 1 Is Better Than the Manga

In most fan communities, claiming that an adaptation surpasses the original material can be a controversial statement. However, when it comes to Sakamoto Days, this assertion rings true. If you’re thinking of storming the gates with pitchforks, hold on a moment and listen to our reasoning. The show’s debut not only addressed the pre-existing worries but also exceeded everyone’s expectations beyond measure.

In the first episode, the voice performances were outstanding, and each actor perfectly portrayed their character’s unique tone and atmosphere. Nobunaga Shimazaki skillfully blended Shin’s proficiency with his youthful excitement and curiosity upon reunion with Taro Sakamoto. Meanwhile, Tomokazu Sugita, as Taro, delivered a powerful performance despite having minimal dialogue.

1) In the episode, the animation was stunningly beautiful, far exceeding what the trailers suggested. TMS Entertainment skillfully translated Yuto Zuzuki’s distinctive art style from the manga onto the screen, adding captivating pastel hues to the original black-and-white illustrations. Meanwhile, Vaundy’s opening theme may initially face criticism, but as the anime continues to draw more viewers with each episode, even its detractors are likely to appreciate the track.

A key element that stands out in “Sakamoto Days” is its overall ambiance, which might seem surprising given it’s about the world’s deadliest hitman with a 1 billion yen bounty. However, this series carries an exceptionally positive and occasionally relaxed tone. The protagonist, Taro, aspires for tranquility and a peaceful life with his family, and the anime wonderfully conveys this sentiment. Despite its intense fight scenes (to be discussed shortly), the anime exudes positive energy, making viewers grasp why Taro decided to abandon his assassin lifestyle.

Sakamoto Days Fight Scenes Work Better in Anime

One major point of discussion among fans was how TMS Entertainment would translate the fight scenes from the manga. The illustrations and fight choreography by Yuto Suzuki are remarkable and inventive, with Taro employing various non-deadly techniques to subdue other hitmen. It’s in these action sequences that the anime truly surpasses the source material. This is a common observation for many anime adaptations, as printed pages can only show so much compared to an animated medium, where Yuto’s dynamic fight scenes come alive with each high-kick, palm-strike, and elbow.

Apart from the manga’s initial chapter, the anime adaptation of “Sakamoto Days” offers an enticing cold open that isn’t found in the source material. The series prologue switches to a striking 2.39:1 aspect ratio and a muted color scheme, depicting a youthful Taro Sakamoto engaged in a thrilling action sequence where he battles henchmen to capture his target. Equipped with both a pistol and katana, this scene combines elements reminiscent of films like “John Wick” and “Kill Bill,” effectively establishing the backdrop for Taro’s physical transformation into a father figure later in the episode.

Every Saturday, fresh episodes of “Sakamoto Days” will be rolled out on Netflix. The initial episode is already streaming! Will “Sakamoto Days” top the Winter 2025 anime season? After watching the first episode, have you been captivated or are you still hesitant about the series? Keep up with Team Anime at egmr.ru for further updates on “Sakamoto Days” and other anime news!

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2025-01-15 04:11