10 Anime That Bombed as Manga Gold

Adapting manga into anime is intended to breathe life into our beloved, eagerly awaited comics, allowing characters to speak and fight in ways we previously could only envision. However, it can sometimes fall short of our expectations. You know that sensation when you’re thrilled for a scene to be animated, but it ends up being drawn out, censored, or even ruined? Yes, we’ve all experienced that. Issues with pacing, poor animation quality, or excessive filler content can make some adaptations feel like a step down instead of an improvement.

In contrast, Manga possesses a unique allure that Anime sometimes fails to capture – the narrative unfolds at an optimal speed, the art remains faithful to the creator’s concept, and there are no unnecessary or extra stories added. For example, the Boruto manga is crisp and sophisticated, whereas the anime can seem somewhat juvenile at times, as shown in recent instances. Consequently, let’s explore 10 Anime adaptations that left us yearning for the original Manga instead.

Blue Lock

It’s surprising that the animated adaptation of the popular manga Blue Lock, which was Japan’s best-seller in 2023, doesn’t live up to expectations. The initial season began strongly with thrilling action and high-quality animation. However, when Season 2 was released, things took a disappointing turn, and viewers quickly criticized its lackluster “slideshow” animation style.

Instead, the manga surpasses where Season 2 lacked. Illustrator Yusuke Nomura’s talent for depicting dynamic energy is unparalleled in his drawings, making the manga seem even more lively than the animation. The artistry is also far more intricate, with each line skillfully crafted, leading to a depth and intensity that the anime hasn’t been able to achieve. If you’re seeking the optimal Blue Lock experience, I’d recommend reading the manga.

Berserk

Without a doubt, one of the best mangas ever made is “Berserk,” but its anime adaptations have had their challenges. The 1997 anime version does justice to the dark themes, but it only scratches the surface of the Golden Age Arc, leaving out crucial scenes. On the other hand, the 2012 movie trilogy also tackles the Golden Age Arc, yet it uses some questionable CGI that, while not the poorest, certainly isn’t top-notch either.

Among all adaptations, the 2016 version of the anime stands out as the most disappointing. It hastily moves through the narrative, omits certain arcs, and uses subpar CGI that falls short of Kentaro Miura’s intricate and captivating art style. For those considering diving into the world of Berserk, it’s strongly suggested to bypass the anime and jump right into the manga, especially since it’s currently free. However, if you’re still keen on watching the anime, the 1997 adaptation offers a reasonable introduction to the plot.

Tokyo Ghoul

The anime adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul, boasting a gripping narrative, intricate characters, and a chilling atmosphere, started off promisingly with an entertaining first season. However, despite some alterations and omissions of crucial aspects, it was still enjoyable. Unfortunately, the sequel, Root A, introduced problems such as hasty storytelling, character modifications that seemed out of place, and deviations from the original manga plot, which diminished the unique appeal of Tokyo Ghoul.

I’ve always been a fan of Tokyo Ghoul:re, but even it fell short in terms of animation quality and pacing. However, the manga stands head and shoulders above the anime due to its rich exploration of Kaneki’s tribulations, his connection with Rize, and the grim depiction of the ghoul society post-Kaneki’s escape from Aogiri Tree. Despite a somewhat hurried conclusion, it’s the Tokyo Ghoul manga that truly resonates with the story’s essence. But who knows, a potential reboot could breathe new life into this captivating tale!

Gantz

The Gantz anime boasted an intriguing premise, but it fell short of the mark. A significant letdown was the alteration of protagonist Kei Kurono’s character. While creator Hiroya Oku designed Kei to be a complex character that manga fans could connect with, the anime portrayed him as more perverted than he appeared in the comics. Furthermore, the anime depicted his one-sided affection for Kei Kishimoto in a less mature manner.

A significant distinction between the anime and manga of Gantz lies in their art style. The manga is created using 3D models, providing it with greater detail and graphic violence compared to its animated counterpart, which features flatter animation. Despite both having the criticism of objectifying female characters that seem to serve as mere plot devices for the protagonist, reading the Gantz manga offers a far superior experience.

Darling in the Franxx

Experiencing the series “Darling in the Franxx” was like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, initially promising as a mecha romance but eventually turning into a puzzling jumble towards its end. The anime seemed to hasten through significant scenes, which resulted in superficial-feeling character relationships. For instance, the story arc concerning Mitsuru and Kokoro’s amnesia never reached resolution, or the appearance of the Nines, who came and went without proper clarification. However, the most disappointing aspect was arguably the anime’s final episodes that took an abrupt sci-fi turn, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from the narrative continuity established earlier in the series.

Swapping mediums has been a breath of fresh air for me! Unlike the anime, the manga delves deeper into the characters’ lives, providing a more nuanced perspective. For instance, Kokoro and Mitsuru’s bond feels organic, devoid of the peculiar pregnancy plotline that sometimes felt out of place. Characters like Futoshi, who were previously used mostly for comic relief, now have their own character arcs to explore. Even the Nines, who initially seemed one-dimensional antagonists, are given personalities and relationships that make them feel more human. If you found yourself disappointed with the anime adaptation of Darling in the Franxx, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the manga a read!

Slam Dunk

I’ve always been a massive fan of “Slam Dunk,” and while both the anime and manga versions have their charm, the manga version truly shines for me. The soundtrack and voice acting in the anime are undeniably iconic, but its pacing can be sluggish at times, even making the most straightforward plays feel drawn-out. What’s more, the anime doesn’t wrap up the entire story, instead opting for an ending unique to the anime that just doesn’t pack the same punch as the original manga’s conclusion – the final games of Shohoku High School are left incomplete.

Speaking of the manga, it’s absolutely exceptional. The way Takehiko Inoue breathes life into basketball is remarkable. To be honest, the art in the anime seems somewhat dated. However, the manga’s artistic style, layout, and narrative make each play feel thrilling. If you want to fully immerse yourself in all that Slam Dunk has to offer, I strongly recommend reading the manga instead.

The Flowers of Evil 

The Flowers of Evil” is an unnerving manga that beautifully captures the tumultuous phase of adolescence – encompassing the turmoil, self-discovery, and the peculiar blend of intrigue and remorse. The narrative centers around Takao Kasuga, a young boy who impulsively steals a classmate’s gym clothes, leading him into a harmful connection with Nakamura, a girl who appears to crave nothing but disorder.

Regrettably for lovers of “The Flowers of Evil” manga, the anime version opted for an unconventional animation technique called rotoscoping that didn’t sit well with many viewers. Additionally, you’ll notice significant variations in artistic styles between the two. Since the anime doesn’t span the entirety of the manga, to truly immerse yourself in its dark, intense narrative, reading the manga is highly recommended.

One-Punch Man

The initial season of One-Punch Man was incredibly enjoyable, as Studio Madhouse skillfully translated Yusuke Murata’s artwork into a captivating visual experience, particularly during fight scenes. However, season two fell short of expectations. The fights lacked the appeal, the rhythm felt disrupted, and it failed to meet the exceptional standards established by the first season, leaving many viewers unsatisfied. Conversely, the One-Punch Man manga continues to excel, with Murata’s artwork being exceptionally detailed and each fight appearing as if plucked from a high-budget film production. While the anime does an excellent job adapting the narrative and even adding superior filler content, the manga offers more: additional bonus chapters, improved pacing, and of course, its distinctive art style.

Bleach

The anime and comic series titled “Bleach” share an impressive narrative, yet they offer distinct experiences. Notably, the anime struggles with excess filler episodes that account for approximately half of the series, significantly slowing down the flow and distracting from the primary storylines. Additionally, there’s a notable difference in content due to heavy censorship. This results in toned-down depictions of injuries, as well as removal of much of the gore and violence seen in the manga. For instance, moments like Uryu losing his hand during combat with Ulquiorra are less impactful because they lack the original’s intensity.

Contrastingly, the manga version of Bleach accurately reflects Tite Kubo’s original vision. His artwork emphasizes characters over backgrounds, often omitting them entirely to intensify the emotions and actions within a scene – an aspect that doesn’t translate as effectively in anime. Certain chapters gain additional impact due to their black-and-white presentation. However, it should be noted that Studio Pierrot has done an outstanding job with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, a adaptation that many consider superior to the manga’s hurried conclusion.

Vinland Saga

The narrative of Vinland Saga unfolds as a gripping tale of vengeance, endurance, and self-realization. However, the storyline is presented distinctly in both the manga and anime versions. A significant alteration lies in the sequence of events – the anime commences with Thorfinn’s youth, lending the initial stages a more leisurely pace. On the other hand, the manga plunges you directly into the action, offering a much more intense introduction. It takes approximately seven to eight episodes for the anime to catch up with the manga’s first two chapters, resulting in a noticeable difference in tempo. Although the anime gains strength as it progresses and remains generally engaging, it does make certain concessions relative to the manga.

One key distinction lies in the artistic approach and portrayal of violence. The manga unapologetically showcases brutal Viking battles, leaving no room for subtlety, whereas the anime subtly handles intense scenes by emphasizing voice acting and background music to create emotional depth. Though both adaptations have their merits, the anime often fails to replicate Makoto Yukimura’s distinctive art style and can sometimes feel awkward during lighter moments from the Farm Arc’s conclusion. The computer-generated animation doesn’t always mesh well. Regardless of the version you choose, they both narrate the same story; however, if you prefer a more raw or unadulterated take on Vinland Saga, the manga might be your best bet.

Read More

2025-02-25 22:10