10 Anime Adaptations That Made Classic Manga Even Better

The source material for most anime tends to be far superior to its adaptations. A large majority of manga that can be considered true masterpieces come straight from the minds of brilliant artists who know their worlds and characters better than anyone else. As such, it is difficult for an anime adaptation to replicate the same level of care and attention to detail.

Still, while rare, there have been occasions where a TV series has elevated the source material to a whole new level. Whether this is because the medium allowed the story to flow better, the jokes benefited from great voice acting, or because of great animation, there are a handful of examples of an anime series surpassing the source material.

10

Gintama's animation made the jokes much funnier

Gintama is considered by many fans to be one of the classics of comedy anime, with ridiculous scenes and jokes that have been known to make fans laugh uncontrollably. The series has enchanted fans with lovable characters and genuinely hilarious parodies of popular shows and manga for more than two decades. This has been largely thanks to the depth and emotion the voice actors were able to bring to the story.

While the original manga is incredibly funny, some of the jokes lack the proper punch that the anime series can so easily provide. The adaptation also greatly helps make the beloved running gags feel more natural, as they can be portrayed in different ways while retaining the essence of the source material.

9

Demon Slayer is a masterpiece of animation

Widely regarded as one of the most beautifully animated shows of all time Demon Slayer adaptation is a true work of art in motion that has rightfully captivated fans worldwide. While the original manga was also a stunning piece of work, mixing fluid movement with powerful detail as the characters go into battle, there was only so much that could be done with pen and paper.

The anime took the original concept and elevated it into a master class of set design, dynamic animation and color theory resulting in a once in a lifetime experience for the audience. Most impressive of all is the fact that the quality of this series hasn't dropped in the slightest since it began production, securing its place as one of the most industry-defining anime in history.

8

Mob Psycho 100 elevated an already fantastic story

ONE, the brilliant writer behind web series such as One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100is known for his fantastic ideas and ease of creating iconic and relatable characters. When it came time for one of his iconic series to be adapted into one of the best bingeable anime ever, it did so in an incredible way.

The Mob Psycho 100 adaptation is what the story of Shigeo always deserved, as it not only perfectly brought the events of the manga to life, but also included top-notch animation. As such, many fans consider it one of the few modern anime to have no bad seasons, a feat that deserves a significant amount of praise.

7

Saiki K's disastrous life benefited greatly from voice acting

Besides having one of the best psychic power users in anime, Saiki K's disastrous life has gained a reputation for being a lighthearted and easy-to-follow comedy. The series focuses on the daily life of the titular protagonist, who tries to live an ordinary and boring life despite having overwhelmingly powerful abilities.

The manga did an admirable job of portraying the fun in Saiki's life and the boy's resentment at the senseless events taking place around him. Still, it wasn't until the anime came out that the series could really shine, as adding voice actors made the scenes even more enjoyable. Surprisingly, the show also has one of the best English dubs for a comedy anime, making it worth watching in either form.

6

Bocchi the Rock! Brought the manga's songs to real life

Much praise among fans for its accurate portrayal of social anxiety, Bocchi the Rock! is a charming and heartwarming story that began as a four-panel manga that followed the lives of the titular protagonist and her friends. While the manga itself was beloved by many fans, it never quite captured the mood of most other music-centric stories.

It wasn't until 2022, when the anime adaptation first aired, that this series realized its full potential. Bocchi and her friends became much more than just an adorable group of friends – they became one of the best girl bands in the business. The songs written and recorded for the anime gave the characters the spotlight they had deserved for years, giving the original story the pieces it was missing to shine brightly.

5

Made In Abyss' World feels much more alive in anime

Objectively one of the most emotionally devastating stories of all time, Made in the Abyss has caused more than one fan to recoil in fear and anxiety as they flip through its pages. Considering the bizarre, cruel and sadistic world in which the series takes place, this is not at all surprising. While the manga may cause genuine horror in fans, there is comfort in knowing that the monsters cannot move.

The anime adaptation of this fantastic dark fantasy series offers the audience no such mercy, bringing their worst fears to life in a disturbing yet enchanting way. The monsters and ruthless creatures that inhabit the Abyss are no longer static and trapped in paper, making the show's impact far more lasting and terrifying for viewers.

4

The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End perfectly encapsulates what it's like to live as an eternal elf

One of the biggest surprises in recent years, The Suitor is a series that uses typical fantasy tropes to tell a story about connections, bonds, and the importance of enjoying life to the fullest. The manga quickly became popular with fans for its unique take on the existence of elves, using the main character as a vehicle to explore regret and loss, while immersing fans in a tranquil yet fantastical world.

The anime series accomplished what many believe to be impossible, as its colorful animation, slow pace, and amazing voice acting set the perfect environment for fans to understand the Frier more deeply. Each episode takes its time to develop the story, help the characters grow, and reveal new aspects of the world the heroes live in. It's a great adaptation, and fans can't wait for more of the best arcs in the source material to come to the small screen.

3

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War gave fans more of what they love

Whiten is much more than just one of the best shonen series of all time, but also a pillar of the modern anime industry, paving the way for dozens of shows to follow its example. As such, when it was revealed that the final arc of the original manga would finally be adapted, fans couldn't contain their excitement. While some were skeptical of the decision, doubting the anime could do the manga justice, the results have been spectacular.

The Millennium Blood Wars adaptation took everything that fans loved about this storyline, which is often considered one of the best among fans, and made sure to add many additional scenes that would greatly aid the story. The fight scenes were also shortened, preventing them from dragging on longer than they should. Some fans are still not too keen on this approach, but the consensus has been beyond positive regardless.

2

Usagi Drop's adaptation gave the story a much nicer ending

At first glance, Usagi Drop might seem like one of the most wholesome and delightful manga out there, and this still holds true for the most part. Sadly, what should have been a heartwarming story for the ages was tainted by the existence of its disturbing and frankly unnecessary final arc. At the end of the series, the protagonist's adopted daughter develops feelings for him, which end up with them confessing to each other and becoming a couple.

For most fans, this twist ending ruined not only the finale but the entire series, which is why the team behind the anime decided to disregard it entirely. Usagi Drops adaptation is considered far superior by most fans as it ends just before the awkward and forced romance between Daikichi and Rin takes place.

1

Jujutsu Kaisen's fights are much more manageable in the anime

Until its recently published finale, Jujutsu Kaisen dominated the market and in just a couple of years became one of Shonen Jumpbest selling manga. There are many reasons why this beloved story became so popular with fans, as it not only has some of the most complex and well-established power systems, but also a cast that readers can't help but root for.

Despite this, the original manga was not perfect, as its own power system would often make it difficult for fans to understand the progression of the fights. The anime made sure to be as concise and clear as possible when adapting the best battles of the series, helping fans enjoy their favorite moments in a simple and straightforward way.