Many anime adaptations strive to stay true to their manga sources, but producers often face challenges when the manga is ongoing. To avoid running out of content, anime studios may start production before the manga is finished. This can lead to issues such as adding filler episodes, ending the series abruptly, or changing the story.
Although newer anime often follow the Western “season” model to manage these challenges better, the issue still occurs. Here are some examples of anime that struggled with this problem and how they handled it, leading to various reactions from fans.
1. Dragon Ball
Manga Release Date | November 20, 1984 |
Anime Release Date | February 26, 1986 |
Studio | Toei Animation |
The Dragon Ball series is famous for its filler arcs and long fight scenes, which have become popular meme topics. However, this isn’t Akira Toriyama’s fault. Like Naruto, these fillers were added to keep the anime airing while the manga was still written.
In Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, fight scenes were often stretched out to fill time, making the anime seem much longer than the manga. For a more streamlined experience without the extra filler, new fans are encouraged to start with the manga instead.
2. Naruto
Manga Release Date | September 21, 1999 |
Anime Release Date | October 3, 2002 |
Studio | Pierrot |
Long-running shonen anime often includes a lot of filler arcs, and Naruto is a prime example. These filler episodes were added to keep the anime running smoothly while waiting for more manga material. Fans have mixed feelings about these fillers—some enjoyed seeing more of their favorite background characters, while others chose to skip them.
At one point, Naruto had almost 79 consecutive episodes of filler, which frustrated many viewers. Although the sequel series, Naruto Shippuden, tried to reduce the amount of filler, some remained.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
Manga Release Date | July 12, 2001 |
Anime Release Date | October 4, 2003 |
Studio | Bones |
The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, which aired in 2003, quickly caught up with the manga and started to diverge from the storyline about halfway through. As a result, it ended with its unique conclusion, making it quite different from the manga.
Some characters were changed in this version. For instance, villains like Lust appeared much more sympathetic in the 2003 anime than in the manga or the later, more faithful adaptation, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
4. Soul Eater
Manga Release Date | June 24, 2003 |
Anime Release Date | April 7, 2008 |
Studio | Bones |
Fans of Soul Eater might be surprised to learn that the anime’s ending differs from the manga. The final battle against Kishin Asura wasn’t in the manga and continued until 2013.
Starting with the anime is a good choice for those interested in the Soul Eater universe since it’s mostly faithful to the source material and has minimal filler. If you enjoy the anime and want more details, new characters, and a more complete ending, checking out the manga is worth it.
5. Fruits Basket (2001)
Manga Release Date | July 18, 1998 |
Anime Release Date | July 5, 2001 |
Studio | DEEN |
The first Fruits Basket anime by Studio DEEN was popular and had a strong fan following, but creator Natsuki Takaya was not entirely happy with it. The anime wrapped up around volume 6 of the manga, even though it continued for 23 volumes.
Since the anime was made while the manga was ongoing, it presented a different take on some characters, especially the main villain, Akito. Thankfully, fans got a more faithful adaptation in 2019 when TMS Entertainment produced a new version that covers the entire manga story.
6. Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
Manga Release Date | May 21, 2003 |
Anime Release Date | April 9, 2005 |
Studio | Bee Train |
Creators CLAMP and many fans were disappointed with Bee Train’s anime adaptation of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle. The studio added many filler arcs that broke key rules of the CLAMP universe, such as bringing characters back to life, and the final arc was entirely original. The anime also toned down darker themes and missed several important story arcs.
Due to these issues, CLAMP ended its partnership with Bee Train and transferred the rights to Production I.G for a more faithful OVA adaptation. Many fans recommend skipping the anime and sticking with the manga for a complete and accurate story.
7. Chrono Crusade
Manga Release Date | December 9, 1998 |
Anime Release Date | November 25, 2003 |
Studio | Gonzo |
Chrono Crusade by Daisuke Moriyama had its anime and manga end around the same time, but since Moriyama wasn’t involved in the anime’s production, it took a different path in its final arc. This difference affected the characters’ personalities, religious themes, and the climax.
As a result, anime and manga are seen as separate works that explore similar themes in very different ways. Fans are divided on which version is better, with strong opinions on both sides.
8. Trigun
Manga Release Date | April 22, 1995 |
Anime Release Date | April 1, 1998 |
Studio | Madhouse |
The Trigun anime mostly follows the manga, but it had to take a different direction because the magazine publishing the original manga shut down unexpectedly. Creator Yasuhiro Nightow continued the story in a new magazine named Trigun Maximum.
By the time the anime was in production, the manga was only up to its third volume. This meant the anime quickly caught up with the source material and had to create its ending. Trigun Maximum continued for nine more years after the anime finished, so if you enjoyed the show, the manga is a great way to explore more detailed lore and character development.
9. Black Butler
Manga Release Date | September 16, 2006 |
Anime Release Date | October 2, 2008 |
Studio | A1 Pictures |
In the original Black Butler anime, the first nine episodes closely follow the manga, but the rest of the first and second seasons are entirely original. The first season covers only the first two arcs: the Red Butler arc and the Indian Butler arc.
Although some characters like Elizabeth Midford, Undertaker, and Grelle Sutcliffe were portrayed differently, season 1 was generally well-received and built a loyal fanbase. Season 2, however, did not fare as well. Fortunately for fans, the later adaptations—Black Butler: Book of Circus, Black Butler: Book of Murder, and Black Butler: Book of Atlantic—are much more faithful to the manga.
10. Elfen Lied
Manga Release Date | June 6, 2002 |
Anime Release Date | July 25, 2004 |
Studio | ARMS |
The anime adaptation of Lynn Okamoto’s dark and edgy manga series ended before the manga was completed. Due to budget constraints, studio ARMS had to compress the 113-chapter series into 13 episodes. As a result, the anime has a different ending, leaving the fates of Lucy and the Research Institute’s General Director Kurama unresolved.
Dark Horse released an official English translation of the manga in 2019, fifteen years after the anime aired. This meant international fans had to wait long to get the complete story about Lucy and the Diclonii.
Conclusion
Anime adaptations often face the challenge of catching up to ongoing manga series, leading to various creative solutions to address the lack of source material. Whether through adding filler episodes, diverging from the original storyline, or crafting unique conclusions, these adaptations can create distinct experiences from their manga counterparts.
While some fans appreciate these unique takes and enjoy the expanded content, others prefer the original manga’s pacing and storyline. Despite the differences, each adaptation offers its flavor and perspective on the source material. For those curious about the full story, exploring anime and manga can provide a richer understanding and appreciation of the series.
FAQs
Q1: What does it mean for an anime to overtake its manga?
Ans: When an anime overtakes its manga, it means the anime catches up to the manga’s storyline before the manga is finished. As a result, the anime may include original content, filler episodes, or diverge from the manga’s plot to continue airing.
Q2: Why do anime adaptations often catch up to their manga?
Ans: Anime adaptations can catch up to their manga due to the time needed for production. Since manga chapters are released weekly or monthly, an anime that airs weekly might run out of source material, prompting producers to add filler or create original storylines.
Q3: How do fans typically react to anime that diverges from the manga?
Ans: Fan reactions vary. Some appreciate the new content and enjoy seeing different aspects of the story. In contrast, others prefer the original manga and may be disappointed by changes or deviations from the source material.
Q4: Is it worth watching the anime if it diverges from the manga?
Ans: It can be worth watching how the story is adapted or expanded. However, if you prefer the original storyline, you might choose to read the manga for the most accurate representation.
Q5: Do later adaptations sometimes follow the manga more closely?
Ans: Some later adaptations or reboot series may follow the manga more closely. For instance, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood closely follows the manga compared to the original 2003 anime adaptation.
Q6: How can I enjoy the anime and manga if they differ?
Ans: To enjoy both, consider watching the anime for its unique content and pacing, then read the manga for the original storyline and details not covered in the anime. This way, you can appreciate both versions for their different approaches.
Q7: Are there benefits to watching the anime first before reading the manga?
Ans: Watching the anime first can provide a visual and dramatic experience of the story, which might enhance your enjoyment of the manga. It can also offer a different perspective before diving into the more detailed and potentially different manga storyline.
Q8: Where can I find more information about the differences between anime and manga?
Ans: For detailed comparisons, fan forums, official manga and anime websites, and dedicated review sites often discuss differences between anime and manga. These resources can help you understand how each version handles the story.
Q9: Are there any anime that followed their manga’s plot perfectly?
Ans: Some anime adaptations follow their manga’s plot closely without running out of content. Examples include Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia, where the anime has stayed true to the manga’s storyline for extended periods.
Q10: How do anime creators handle the transition between manga and anime when the manga is still ongoing?
Ans: Anime creators often work closely with manga authors to ensure a smoother transition. They might plan out story arcs that fit within the manga’s broader narrative or coordinate with its release schedule to avoid major deviations.