10 Shonen Anime That Are Actually
Better Than Their Manga
The old saying is "the book was better," but when it
comes to manga being adapted to anime, sometimes the move to the screen is an
improvement.
There's always a debate when it comes to manga and if it's
better than the anime or
not. The only more hotly contested battle is if subs are better than dubs. As
with books to their live-action
counterparts, the answer is somewhere in the middle, with both sides
excelling at one thing and struggling at another. Sometimes there isn't a clear
cut winner.
In the realm of adaptations, anime has a remarkable ability to surpass its source material. From vibrant colors that breathe life into the pages to mesmerizing animation that takes fight scenes to new heights, anime captures the essence of the original works in ways that manga cannot always achieve. Let's explore some notable examples where anime reigns supreme.
In terms of the
shonen genre in particular, things tend to point more to anime due to how
action heavy it is. Even with fantastic art, it's always going to be an uphill
battle for a manga to contend with an anime that respects the story and doesn't
butcher it. The fluidity of the fight scenes (among other things) puts these
ten anime above their manga counterparts.
10 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
In the realm of Jojo, where the weird and bizarre reign supreme, the manga deserves utmost praise for its exceptional ability to capture this essence. However, it is the anime adaptation that manages to elevate the Jojo experience even further. With its vibrant and captivating visuals, the anime possesses a certain brilliance that the manga cannot always replicate. The animation quality itself is unparalleled, showcasing a stunning and fluid spectacle that raises the source material to new heights. David Productions, the mastermind behind this remarkable adaptation, truly deserves all the accolades one can bestow upon them.
9 Attack On Titan
In the realm of titan battles, the anime adaptation of Attack on Titan leaves viewers in awe with its jaw-dropping animation. It accomplishes what every anime adaptation should aspire to do—bringing the pages of the manga to life in a way that surpasses its original form. The anime pays great homage to the source material, never succumbing to the temptation of filling in gaps unnecessarily like so many others have done. This adherence to the manga's integrity allows the anime to maintain the same tone and essence that captivated fans from the beginning. Despite the occasionally lengthy delays between seasons, the wait becomes insignificant when confronted with the sheer brilliance of the story that Attack on Titan presents.
8 MyHeroAcademia
It's remarkable how My Hero Academia, a series that has gained immense popularity and a devoted fanbase, has managed to avoid the pitfall of filler arcs that plagued other beloved anime like Naruto and Bleach. The creators have demonstrated a commendable commitment to staying focused on the main narrative, ensuring that every episode contributes meaningfully to the overarching story. Studio Bones, the animation studio behind the series, deserves high praise for going above and beyond in their work. They bring a level of crispness and detail to the fight scenes that elevate them to new heights. Furthermore, the carefully chosen musical scores that serve as the backdrop for these battles add an extra layer of intensity and emotion. Another noteworthy aspect is the exceptional voice acting, which breathes new life into the characters, making them even more vibrant and relatable. My Hero Academia stands as a shining example of how a popular anime can maintain its quality and integrity while captivating its audience with each new episode.
Gintama serves as a prime example of how exceptional voice acting can take the source material to new heights. This shonen series boasts one of the most outstanding voice casts, comprised of individuals who skillfully bring out the humor embedded within the story. Their timing is impeccable, turning even the most ordinary jokes into uproarious laughter. Comedy, by its nature, thrives on a combination of verbal and visual cues, and this is where the anime adaptation truly shines. Unlike the manga, which has its limitations in terms of visual expression, the animated format allows for a broader range of comedic delivery. The synergy between the voice actors' performances and the visual cues elevates the humor, resulting in a comedic experience that surpasses what the manga can achieve alone. Gintama stands as a testament to the power of voice acting in enhancing the comedic essence of an anime series.
6 Mob
Psycho 100
Similar to JoJo, the anime adaptation of Mob Psycho 100 surpasses its manga counterpart by employing vibrant and striking colors. These vivid hues take the scenes to another level, infusing them with a renewed sense of meaning and capturing the trippy essence of the source material. The anime medium allows for a level of visual expression that the manga simply cannot replicate, enhancing the surreal experience that Mob Psycho 100 offers. It's worth noting that the animation quality is anything but subpar, despite the simplicity of some character designs. The skillful animation work brings the series to life, complementing the intense imagery and contributing to the mind-bending journey that defines Mob Psycho 100.
5 Neon
Genesis Evangelion
When an anime series becomes more widely recognized and renowned than its manga counterpart, it's a strong indication that it has surpassed its source material. This is certainly the case with Evangelion, a series that rightfully earns accolades for its captivating storytelling and complex characters. It has the remarkable ability to captivate and enthrall viewers, leaving a lasting impact.
While the ending of Evangelion may have left some with mixed feelings, it does not diminish the electrifying experience it provides or the profound influence it has had on the anime industry, particularly beyond the borders of Japan. The manga adaptation of Evangelion is undoubtedly commendable in its own right, but to truly immerse oneself in the full Evangelion experience, watching the anime is essential. It is through the animated format that the true essence of Evangelion is fully realized, offering a journey that transcends mere reading and engages the senses on a much deeper level.
When it comes to translating settings into the anime medium, few settings fare as well as sports. The dynamic nature of animation adds an extra layer of grandeur to the action, transforming a last shot in a basketball game into a moment that feels like the end of the world or the final point in a volleyball match into a matter of life and death. This is precisely the case with Haikyu!!, a sports-centered anime that boasts some of the smoothest and most visually impressive animations among current series. Through its exceptional animation, Haikyu!! turns the game itself into a metaphorical war, where only one side can hope to emerge victorious. This heightened sense of intensity and epic scale is not easily replicated in manga form. The limitations of single panels often hinder the flow of action, whereas an anime adaptation allows for a seamless and immersive experience. The animated format breathes life into the sports action, enabling it to unfold dynamically and fluidly, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the game. Haikyu!! exemplifies the power of animation in conveying the intensity and stakes of a sports battle, creating an experience that goes beyond what a manga can achieve.
3Hunter
X Hunter
In a society that tends to gravitate towards extremes, the value of consistency is often underestimated. Hunter x Hunter's anime stands out as one of the most consistent shonen series, maintaining a high level of animation throughout its run. Unlike other series like Seven Deadly Sins or even Naruto, which experienced dips in animation quality, Hunter x Hunter remained rock-solid. This consistency played a crucial role in bringing some of the series' best fight scenes to life.The combination of stellar animation and outstanding music sets Hunter x Hunter apart. Fight scenes are elevated by the synergy between the precise and well-executed animation and the exceptional musical scores. In many shonen series, the significance of music in fight scenes tends to be undervalued, but this is never the case in Hunter x Hunter. The carefully crafted and perfectly timed musical accompaniment enhances the impact and intensity of the battles, adding an extra layer of immersion and excitement.Hunter x Hunter's commitment to maintaining consistent animation quality and the understanding of the importance of music in fight scenes has contributed to its standing as one of the standout shonen series. It serves as a reminder of the significance of consistent excellence and the often overlooked role that music plays in enhancing the overall experience of an anime.
2One-Punch
Man
Blast vs Saitama
The advantage of animation over its drawn counterparts, such as manga or webcomics, lies in its visual appeal. While the ideas and characters created by the original source material should not be diminished, it's difficult to overlook the occasional simplicity or even subpar quality of the artwork, particularly in the webcomic format. Although the anime adaptation may have its flaws in terms of handling tone and satire, it excels in its depiction of fight scenes.The animated format allows for a more dynamic and visually engaging portrayal of the action sequences. The movement, choreography, and special effects brought to life through animation enhance the impact and intensity of the fights. This visual enhancement plays a significant role in capturing the audience's attention and creating a more immersive experience. While the anime may face challenges in faithfully representing certain elements like tone and satire, its strengths in showcasing fight scenes make it a preferable medium for many viewers.
1Dragon
Ball Z
It's true that Dragon Ball Z, with its heavy emphasis on fighting, particularly benefits from the anime format. Any manga that relies heavily on action sequences is likely to be more captivating and impactful when brought to life through animation. Dragon Ball Z, however, holds a special place in the history of anime as a trailblazer that not only influenced the shonen genre but also contributed to the overall success and popularity of anime as a whole.The series played a crucial role in elevating the anime industry to its current heights. Dragon Ball Z served as a trendsetter and a catalyst for the industry's growth, capturing the imagination of viewers worldwide. It became a cultural phenomenon, introducing countless fans to the world of anime and paving the way for subsequent series to flourish.Despise occasional fillers, the overall superiority of Dragon Ball Z is undeniable. The anime adaptation, with its vibrant visuals, powerful soundtracks, and dynamic fight scenes, amplifies the intensity and excitement of the series. While the manga may still hold its own merits, the anime format enhances the impact of the action and provides an immersive experience that has resonated with fans for decades. Dragon Ball Z's influence and its ability to excel in various aspects make it a truly exceptional series in the anime landscape.
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