Enthusiasts of anime frequently express preference for the original Japanese versions over English dubbed ones, valuing authenticity. However, it’s important to note that creating an English dub is a labor-intensive process. Producers and writers work closely with their Japanese counterparts to ensure the translation remains faithful to the source material. Writers meticulously select words to preserve the original language’s essence in dialogue. Voice actors then synchronize their performances with the animation, aiming for both accuracy and a compelling performance. Additionally, English dubs are often released soon after the Japanese broadcast, requiring everyone involved – producers, writers, actors, and directors – to work efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
From my perspective as a keen observer, it’s fascinating to note that while some dedicated anime enthusiasts swear by the original Japanese subtitles, there exist numerous top-notch English dubs that merit equal praise. A stellar performance is universally appreciated, regardless of linguistic boundaries, and countless talented English voice actors have brought iconic anime characters to life. Occasionally, an English dub can even eclipse the original Japanese dialogue, showcasing some of the most outstanding vocal performances within this medium. To honor the artistry behind these exceptional English dubs, I’ve compiled a list of ten instances where an English version surpassed the original Japanese anime adaptation.
Cowboy Bebop
For many fans, Cowboy Bebop stands out as a case where the English dub surpassed the original Japanese version. Unlike other shows from the late 90s, which often featured voice actors using goofy lines and unnatural performances, Cowboy Bebop treated its source material with respect and delivered strong vocal performances. Steve Blum’s portrayal of Spike Spiegel is considered one of the greatest dub performances in the medium, taking an already cool character to even greater heights.
The dialogues and audio quality of certain elements in the Cowboy Bebop dub have become noticeably outdated, particularly with the use of background voices and sound effects. However, the English dub version of Cowboy Bebop demonstrated the value and skill in using native English voice-acting within anime to captivate audiences worldwide.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Mobile Fighter G Gundam often encounters issues common to ’90s dubs, such as stiff dialogue delivery, unusual voice direction, and questionable translation decisions. However, the performance of lead actor Mark Gatha as Domon Kasshu adds depth to the dub. Domon is recognized for his boisterous demeanor and penchant for shouting at full volume during fights; a character type that usually resonates more effectively in its original Japanese portrayal.
Despite this, Gatha delivers his lines with intense emotion, giving the performance a depth and energy that surpasses the original Japanese version. In the dubbed version, Gatha managed to make a seemingly exaggerated line like “This hand of mine shines with incredible power! Its thunderous voice commands me to defeat you! Here it is! My love, my rage, and all my sorrow!” truly impactful, making the dialogue feel deeply meaningful.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Among the dubbed versions listed, the one for “Yu Yu Hakusho” appears to show its vintage nature more than others. It’s not without its flaws, as it grapples with issues that were common in early English dubs, such as odd voice delivery, humorous characterizations, and alterations in translation that seemed unnecessary. However, the dub manages to improve thanks to the exceptional performances of the main cast, particularly Justin Cook who lends his voice to the protagonist, Yusuke.
Cook lends Yusuke a unique voice that sets him apart and highlights his rebellious demeanor. The English cast, led by Cook, surpasses the original Japanese performances, creating an unusual camaraderie among the characters. The dubbed version of Yu Yu Hakusho is one of those rare instances where a ’90s dub made alterations to the original content that actually improved the overall viewing experience instead of detracting from it.
Ghost Stories
Typically, a quality dubbing attempts to closely follow the original content. But in the case of “Ghost Stories”, it’s quite different. What sets the “Ghost Stories” dub apart is its hilarious nature. Instead of being a faithful representation of the original children’s horror series, the “Ghost Stories” dub transformed the anime into an adult-oriented comedy with dialogue that is intentionally offensive and pokes fun at the show itself.
In today’s world, the language and specialized terms used in the “Ghost Stories” dub may seem outdated, but it beautifully encapsulates American culture of the mid-2000s. The series is purposely over-the-top, making its offensive dialogue seem more outrageous than intentionally mean. What makes it amusing is hearing professional voice actors improvising such rudeness while maintaining the show’s horror essence.
Dragon Ball Z Kai
The original dubbed version of “Dragon Ball Z” in English is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential dubs ever made in popular culture. Countless fans around the world have grown up watching this classic shonen anime, appreciating the vocal talents of a generation, from Sean Schemmel’s iconic portrayal of Goku to Chris Sabat’s memorable interpretation of Vegeta. It is hard to envision “Dragon Ball Z” with any other English voice actors.
Although the initial performances in DBZ are highly recognizable, they seem less polished compared to contemporary dubs. However, the redubbed version in Dragon Ball Z Kai showcases a significantly improved quality. Every actor delivers outstanding performances, often considered their best work. Regardless of the language you choose to watch DBZ in, be prepared for a lot of shouting.
Death Note
As a die-hard fan of Death Note, I can’t help but appreciate the show’s unique blend of gravity and absurdity. One scene that never fails to crack me up is when Light Yagami, in the midst of jotting down names on his Death Note, pauses to casually munch on a potato chip – a moment that has lived on as an internet joke for years!
However, it’s Brad Swaile, the voice behind Light, who takes this scene to another level. His delivery imbues Light with a sense of self-importance that borders on the ridiculous, highlighting both his character’s intelligence and arrogance. It’s these moments that have turned Death Note into a goldmine for memes!
Similarly, Alessandro Juliani’s portrayal as L has deservedly gained praise from both fans and critics. Juliani skillfully adapted many of L’s quirks to appear more realistic and less exaggerated in English. Yet, the exceptional camaraderie between Swaile and Juliani surpassed the popularity of the dub.
Code Geass
By the mid-2000s, the quality of anime dubs significantly improved. The scripts closely followed the original Japanese content, and actors were better equipped to deliver performances tailored for Japanese-inspired media. However, it’s a widespread belief among anime enthusiasts that the original Japanese subtitles are superior to dubbed versions. Regardless, there is an authentic essence in the Japanese versions that can’t be mirrored in English adaptations.
Code Geass left many viewers spellbound with a vocal performance so exceptional that it deserved recognition. Johnny Yong Bosch’s portrayal of Lelouch is frequently cited as one of the greatest dub performances ever, surpassing the original Japanese version in terms of depth and nuance. Despite maintaining Lelouch’s flamboyant style and dramatic line delivery, Bosch made the character, who was somewhat complex yet a bit comical in the Japanese version, more relatable amidst his extravagant antics. Although the Code Geass dub may not be as groundbreaking as it once was, with not all English actors maintaining their initial charm, it remains a cherished classic among dub enthusiasts.
Space Dandy
In the modern anime scene, Space Dandy served as a blueprint for how dubbed translations would be approached. This groundbreaking anime was among the first to offer both simultaneous dub and subtitles, meaning viewers could enjoy an English dub almost immediately after the original Japanese release with subtitles. The exceptional quality of the Space Dandy dub demonstrated the significant progress made in English dubbing, allowing fans to watch their beloved anime without a delay as it aired in Japan.
The dubbed version effectively translated the wit and humor from the original Japanese script, ensuring viewers appreciate the subtle nuances and tone of the comedy regardless of their language preference. Remarkably, jokes that might not seem amusing in English become side-splittingly funny due to the dedication and skillful acting of the English voice actors.
Kill la Kill
Translating “Kill la Kill” into English can be challenging for some fans due to its unique style and tone. The series is exceptionally flamboyant, featuring dynamic animation and extravagant fan service elements. It seems as though every aspect of the show has been tailored to fit the Japanese language. One might wonder if an English dub could truly capture the original’s quality given its deeply rooted Japanese origins.
Nevertheless, the dubbed version of “Kill la Kill” surpassed all expectations, boasting a sharp script that skillfully adapted adjustments for better English comprehension and one of the most impressive English voice casts in anime history. Every actor in the dubbing team understood their role, delivering top-notch performances and mirroring the original Japanese version’s high energy. Erica Mendez’s stunning breakout performance as Ryuko has left anime fans amazed, offering one of the standout anime dubs from recent years.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist stands out with a blend of profound, intricate storylines and thrilling fight sequences that have left an impression. The series was sophisticated and multifaceted during a period when anime wasn’t commonly regarded as fine art, yet it managed to present some of the most exciting action in any program. Additionally, Fullmetal Alchemist includes just the right dose of humorous moments, which helps maintain a sense of humor and ensures that the series doesn’t come off as too serious.
The voice actors in “Fullmetal Alchemist” gave heartfelt performances, ensuring the story’s essence was conveyed effectively. As the anime adaptation of the manga, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” became more precise, so did the dubbed acting. This series is renowned for its top-notch dubbing, a fact that has earned it enduring praise from fans. If you’ve only ever opted for subtitles, we strongly suggest giving the dubbed version of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” a try.
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2025-02-19 16:11