10 Anime That Ruined Their Manga (Adaptation Fails)
Hey anime fans! Let's dive into a hot topic today: anime adaptations that, well, didn't quite live up to their source material. We're talking about those series that had us hyped based on the manga or light novel, but left us scratching our heads (or even raging!) after watching the anime. Adaptations can be tricky, guys. Sometimes they nail it, but other times… oh boy. So, let's get into the 10 anime series that, in our opinion, missed the mark and kind of, you know, ruined their source material. Buckle up, because some of these might sting!
1. Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is a prime example of an anime adaptation that strayed far from its manga counterpart, leaving many fans disappointed. The initial season of Tokyo Ghoul followed the manga's storyline relatively closely, introducing viewers to Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a ghoul after a tragic encounter. However, the second season, Tokyo Ghoul √A, took a significant detour, creating an anime-original story that diverged drastically from the source material. This deviation caused confusion and frustration among manga readers, who felt that the anime failed to capture the essence and depth of Sui Ishida's original work.
The Tokyo Ghoul manga is renowned for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes such as identity, morality, and the nature of good and evil. The anime adaptation, particularly √A, sacrificed much of this depth in favor of a more action-oriented approach. The character arcs were rushed or altered, key plot points were omitted, and the overall narrative coherence suffered. Kaneki's character development, a central aspect of the manga, was particularly mishandled in the anime, leading to a less compelling and nuanced portrayal. The shift in focus also meant that many of the manga's supporting characters, who played crucial roles in the overarching story, were sidelined or given less prominence in the anime. This resulted in a less rich and engaging world, and a diminished sense of the complex relationships and dynamics that defined the manga.
Furthermore, the animation quality in later seasons of Tokyo Ghoul was inconsistent, with some scenes lacking the visual impact and emotional intensity of the manga's artwork. The fight choreography, a key element of the series, was often underwhelming, failing to convey the brutal and visceral nature of the ghoul battles depicted in the manga. The anime's soundtrack, while generally well-received, sometimes felt mismatched with the on-screen action, further detracting from the overall experience. In contrast, the manga's artwork, characterized by its detailed character designs, dynamic action panels, and evocative backgrounds, played a crucial role in creating the series' dark and atmospheric tone. The anime adaptation struggled to replicate this visual impact, resulting in a less immersive and visually stunning experience for viewers. The changes made to the storyline and character development also had a ripple effect on the anime's overall message and themes. The manga's nuanced exploration of morality and the blurred lines between good and evil were often simplified or overlooked in the anime, resulting in a less thought-provoking and impactful narrative. The anime's ending, which differed significantly from the manga's conclusion, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied and unresolved. For fans of the manga, the Tokyo Ghoul anime adaptation serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting complex and beloved source material. While the anime did introduce the series to a wider audience, it ultimately failed to capture the depth, nuance, and emotional resonance of the original manga.
2. The Promised Neverland (Season 2)
Oh man, The Promised Neverland Season 2... where do we even begin? The first season was a masterpiece, a thrilling and suspenseful adaptation of the manga's initial arc. But Season 2? It's like they took a completely different turn, and not in a good way. The pacing was rushed, crucial plot points were skipped, and entire arcs were completely omitted. Seriously, guys, what happened? The manga for The Promised Neverland is a masterclass in suspense, intrigue, and emotional storytelling. The first season of the anime captured this perfectly, drawing viewers into the terrifying world of Grace Field House and the children's desperate struggle for survival. However, the second season abandoned much of what made the manga so compelling, opting for a truncated and often nonsensical narrative. Key characters were sidelined, important relationships were glossed over, and the intricate world-building of the manga was largely ignored. The result was a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience that left many fans feeling betrayed.
The rushed pacing of The Promised Neverland Season 2 was perhaps its most glaring flaw. The anime attempted to condense several major arcs from the manga into a mere 11 episodes, resulting in a narrative that felt both rushed and incomplete. Important plot points were glossed over, character development was sacrificed, and the overall sense of tension and suspense was diminished. The manga's intricate and carefully constructed storyline was reduced to a series of disjointed events, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the characters and their struggles. One of the most significant omissions in The Promised Neverland Season 2 was the Goldy Pond arc, a fan-favorite storyline from the manga that introduced new characters, expanded the world-building, and explored the complex politics of the demon world. The decision to cut this arc entirely was met with widespread criticism, as it removed a crucial piece of the narrative and deprived viewers of some of the manga's most exciting and memorable moments. The anime-original ending of The Promised Neverland Season 2 was another point of contention among fans. The ending deviated significantly from the manga's conclusion, resolving the story in a rushed and unsatisfying manner. Many viewers felt that the anime's ending failed to do justice to the characters and their journey, and that it undermined the themes and messages of the original story. In addition to the narrative issues, The Promised Neverland Season 2 also suffered from inconsistent animation quality. While the first season was praised for its stunning visuals and atmospheric direction, the second season often felt rushed and visually uninspired. The character designs were less detailed, the backgrounds were less immersive, and the overall animation quality was noticeably lower. For fans of the manga, The Promised Neverland Season 2 was a major disappointment. The anime's rushed pacing, omitted plot points, and anime-original ending betrayed the spirit of the original story and left many viewers feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of adapting beloved source material and the importance of staying true to the vision of the original creator.
3. Berserk (2016-2017)
Ah, Berserk (2016-2017). This one hurts, guys. The Berserk manga is a dark fantasy masterpiece, known for its incredible art, brutal action, and complex characters. The previous anime adaptations, while not perfect, captured the spirit of the manga. But the 2016-2017 series… the CGI… oh, the CGI. The animation style was jarring and distracting, failing to capture the manga's gritty and visceral aesthetic. The Berserk manga, created by the late Kentaro Miura, is renowned for its stunning artwork, intricate character designs, and epic scope. The manga's detailed and dynamic panels bring the world of Berserk to life, immersing readers in its dark and brutal atmosphere. Previous anime adaptations of Berserk, such as the 1997 series and the Golden Age Arc film trilogy, attempted to capture the manga's visual style through traditional animation techniques. While these adaptations had their flaws, they generally succeeded in conveying the manga's gritty and visceral aesthetic. However, the 2016-2017 Berserk anime adopted a CGI animation style that was widely criticized by fans. The CGI animation was often stiff and unnatural, lacking the fluidity and expressiveness of traditional animation. The character models appeared blocky and unpolished, and the action sequences lacked the impact and dynamism of the manga's artwork. The use of CGI also clashed with the manga's dark and gritty tone, creating a visual disconnect that detracted from the overall viewing experience. In addition to the animation style, the 2016-2017 Berserk anime also suffered from poor pacing and inconsistent storytelling. The series attempted to adapt a large portion of the manga's Conviction Arc, but it did so in a rushed and disjointed manner. Key plot points were glossed over, character development was sacrificed, and the overall narrative coherence suffered. The anime also made several changes to the manga's storyline, some of which were met with criticism from fans. The changes were seen as unnecessary and detrimental to the overall narrative, and they further alienated fans of the original source material. The sound design in the 2016-2017 Berserk anime was another point of contention. The sound effects were often weak and uninspired, failing to convey the impact and brutality of the action sequences. The music, while generally well-composed, sometimes felt mismatched with the on-screen action, further detracting from the overall viewing experience. The absence of Susumu Hirasawa's iconic Berserk soundtrack, which had become synonymous with the franchise, was a particularly sore point for many fans. For fans of the Berserk manga, the 2016-2017 anime was a major disappointment. The CGI animation, poor pacing, and inconsistent storytelling failed to capture the essence of Miura's masterpiece. The anime served as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting beloved source material and the importance of respecting the vision of the original creator.
4. Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland had so much potential. The manga is a dark and twisted story with interesting characters and a unique setting. But the anime adaptation… it only covered a small portion of the manga, and the ending was completely anime-original and unsatisfying. The Deadman Wonderland manga is known for its dark and twisted storyline, compelling characters, and unique setting: a privately owned prison that doubles as a theme park. The manga's blend of action, horror, and psychological thriller elements captivated readers, and its exploration of themes such as justice, revenge, and the human cost of entertainment resonated with many. However, the anime adaptation of Deadman Wonderland failed to fully capture the essence of the manga, primarily due to its limited scope and anime-original ending. The Deadman Wonderland anime only covered the first few arcs of the manga, leaving a significant portion of the story untold. This meant that many important characters and plot points were never introduced, and the anime's overall narrative felt incomplete. The anime's abrupt ending left many viewers feeling unsatisfied, as it failed to resolve the central conflicts of the story and left several key questions unanswered. The anime-original ending also deviated significantly from the manga's conclusion, altering the fates of several characters and undermining the themes and messages of the original story. In addition to its limited scope and anime-original ending, the Deadman Wonderland anime also suffered from inconsistent pacing and character development. The anime sometimes rushed through important plot points, sacrificing depth and nuance in favor of action and spectacle. The characters were often less well-developed in the anime than they were in the manga, and their motivations and relationships were not always clearly explained. This made it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the characters and their struggles. The animation quality in Deadman Wonderland was also a point of contention among fans. While the anime's character designs were generally faithful to the manga, the animation itself was sometimes stiff and uninspired. The action sequences, a key element of the series, were often less dynamic and visually striking than they were in the manga. The dark and twisted atmosphere of the manga was not always effectively conveyed in the anime, and the overall visual impact of the series was diminished. For fans of the Deadman Wonderland manga, the anime adaptation was a disappointment. Its limited scope, anime-original ending, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped characters failed to do justice to the original story. The anime served as a reminder of the challenges of adapting ongoing manga series and the importance of staying true to the vision of the original creator.
5. Blue Exorcist (Season 1, Episodes 18-25)
Blue Exorcist started off strong, closely following the manga's storyline. But then, around episode 18 of the first season, it veered off into anime-original territory, and things just went downhill. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, and it completely changed the direction of the story. The Blue Exorcist manga is known for its engaging characters, exciting action sequences, and exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the struggle between good and evil. The first portion of the anime adaptation of Blue Exorcist closely followed the manga's storyline, faithfully adapting the Exorcist Exam arc and introducing viewers to the world of exorcists and demons. However, the anime deviated from the manga around episode 18, creating an anime-original story arc that led to a rushed and unsatisfying ending. The decision to create an anime-original arc in Blue Exorcist was largely due to the fact that the anime was catching up to the manga's publication schedule. In order to avoid creating filler episodes, the anime's creators decided to craft their own ending to the first season. However, this decision was met with criticism from fans, who felt that the anime-original arc betrayed the spirit of the original story. The anime-original arc of Blue Exorcist introduced new plot elements and characters that were not present in the manga. While some of these additions were interesting, they often felt out of place and detracted from the overall narrative. The anime-original ending also rushed through several key plot points, failing to resolve them in a satisfying manner. The characters' motivations and relationships were often less clear in the anime-original arc, and the overall emotional impact of the story was diminished. The decision to deviate from the manga in Blue Exorcist also had a significant impact on the subsequent seasons of the anime. The second season of Blue Exorcist, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, ignored the events of the anime-original arc and returned to adapting the manga's storyline. This created a discontinuity between the first and second seasons, which confused some viewers. The anime-original arc also made it difficult for the anime to adapt later portions of the manga, as it had introduced plot elements that contradicted the original story. For fans of the Blue Exorcist manga, the anime-original arc of the first season was a disappointment. The rushed pacing, unsatisfying ending, and deviation from the source material undermined the overall quality of the adaptation. The anime served as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting ongoing manga series and the importance of respecting the vision of the original creator.
6. Soul Eater Not!
Okay, Soul Eater is a beloved series with a unique art style and a fun story. Soul Eater Not!, a spin-off, had the potential to expand on the world and characters. But it completely missed the mark. The tone was drastically different, the characters were bland, and the story was… well, not very good. Soul Eater Not! is a spin-off manga and anime series set in the same world as Soul Eater, but with a different cast of characters and a lighter, more slice-of-life tone. While the Soul Eater manga and anime are known for their dark and action-packed storylines, Soul Eater Not! focuses on the everyday lives of a group of students at DWMA (Death Weapon Meister Academy) who are not as skilled or ambitious as the main characters from Soul Eater. While the concept of exploring the Soul Eater universe from a different perspective had potential, the execution of Soul Eater Not! was widely criticized by fans. The tone of Soul Eater Not! was significantly different from that of Soul Eater. The series lacked the dark humor, intense action, and complex themes that made Soul Eater so popular. Instead, Soul Eater Not! focused on lighthearted comedy and slice-of-life elements, which many fans found to be a disappointing departure from the original series. The characters in Soul Eater Not! were also criticized for being bland and underdeveloped. The main characters lacked the charisma and depth of the characters from Soul Eater, and their interactions were often uninteresting. The villains in Soul Eater Not! were also less compelling than those in Soul Eater, and their motivations were not always clear. The storyline of Soul Eater Not! was also weaker than that of Soul Eater. The series lacked a clear overarching plot, and the individual episodes often felt aimless and inconsequential. The action sequences in Soul Eater Not! were also less exciting than those in Soul Eater, and the overall pacing of the series was slow. The animation style in Soul Eater Not! was also a point of contention among fans. While the series retained the distinctive character designs of Soul Eater, the animation quality was noticeably lower. The action sequences were less fluid and dynamic, and the overall visual impact of the series was diminished. For fans of the Soul Eater manga and anime, Soul Eater Not! was a major disappointment. The series' lighter tone, bland characters, weak storyline, and lower animation quality failed to capture the essence of the original series. Soul Eater Not! served as a reminder of the challenges of creating successful spin-offs and the importance of staying true to the core elements that made the original series so popular.
7. Erased (Ending)
Erased is a time-travel mystery that had us hooked. The anime adaptation was excellent… until the ending. The anime's ending deviated significantly from the manga's conclusion, and many fans felt that it undermined the emotional impact of the story. Erased is a suspenseful and emotionally resonant manga and anime series that tells the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a young man with the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. The series follows Satoru as he travels back to his childhood to solve a series of kidnappings and murders that claimed the lives of his classmates. The Erased manga is known for its intricate plot, compelling characters, and emotional depth. The anime adaptation of Erased was initially praised for its faithful adaptation of the manga's storyline and its high-quality animation and direction. However, the anime's ending deviated significantly from the manga's conclusion, and this deviation was met with criticism from many fans. The anime's ending resolved the central mystery of the series, but it did so in a way that felt rushed and unsatisfying. The anime's ending also changed the fates of several key characters, and these changes were not always well-received by fans. The manga's ending was more complex and nuanced than the anime's ending. The manga's ending explored the emotional consequences of Satoru's actions and the challenges of building a new life after experiencing trauma. The manga's ending also provided a more satisfying resolution to the characters' relationships. The decision to deviate from the manga's ending in Erased was likely due to the fact that the anime was produced while the manga was still ongoing. The anime's creators may have felt pressure to create a definitive ending for the series, even though the manga's ending had not yet been revealed. However, this decision ultimately backfired, as many fans felt that the anime's ending undermined the emotional impact of the story. The anime's ending also made it difficult for the series to have a second season, as the anime had already resolved the central conflicts of the story. For fans of the Erased manga, the anime's ending was a disappointment. The rushed pacing, unsatisfying resolution, and deviation from the source material undermined the overall quality of the adaptation. The anime served as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting ongoing manga series and the importance of staying true to the vision of the original creator.
8. Rosario + Vampire (Season 2)
Rosario + Vampire is a harem anime with a supernatural twist. The manga is a fun and ecchi series with a decent story. But the anime's second season completely butchered the plot, focusing more on fan service and less on the actual story. The Rosario + Vampire manga is a harem series with a supernatural twist, created by Akihisa Ikeda. The manga follows Tsukune Aono, a human student who accidentally enrolls in a boarding school for monsters. At the school, Tsukune befriends a beautiful vampire named Moka Akashiya, and he soon finds himself surrounded by a group of other attractive monster girls who are vying for his attention. The Rosario + Vampire manga is known for its blend of action, comedy, and ecchi elements. The first season of the anime adaptation of Rosario + Vampire generally followed the manga's storyline, although it did make some changes and omissions. However, the second season of the anime, Rosario + Vampire Capu2, deviated significantly from the manga's plot, and this deviation was met with criticism from many fans. The second season of the anime focused more on fan service and less on the actual story. The plot became more convoluted and less engaging, and the characters' motivations were often unclear. The action sequences were also less exciting than those in the manga, and the overall pacing of the series was slow. The second season of the anime also made several changes to the characters' personalities and relationships. Some characters were portrayed as being more aggressive or jealous than they were in the manga, and the romantic relationships between the characters were often underdeveloped. These changes alienated some fans, who felt that the anime had betrayed the spirit of the original story. The decision to deviate from the manga's plot in Rosario + Vampire Capu2 was likely due to a number of factors. The anime's creators may have felt that the manga's plot was too complex or difficult to adapt, or they may have simply wanted to create a more fan service-oriented series. However, this decision ultimately backfired, as the second season of the anime was widely considered to be inferior to the first season. For fans of the Rosario + Vampire manga, the second season of the anime was a disappointment. The butchered plot, excessive fan service, and underdeveloped characters undermined the overall quality of the adaptation. The anime served as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting manga series and the importance of staying true to the vision of the original creator.
9. Tokyo Ghoul: Re
We already talked about Tokyo Ghoul, but Tokyo Ghoul: Re, the sequel series, deserves its own spot on this list. It continued the trend of deviating from the manga, rushing through important plot points, and changing character arcs. It felt like a disservice to the source material. As we discussed earlier, the original Tokyo Ghoul anime series already strayed from its manga source, but the sequel series, Tokyo Ghoul: Re, amplified these issues, much to the dismay of fans. The Tokyo Ghoul: Re manga delves deeper into the complex world of ghouls and humans, expanding on the original story with new characters, intricate plotlines, and mature themes. It is highly regarded for its character development, especially the transformation of Kaneki Ken, and its exploration of morality, identity, and societal prejudice. However, the anime adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul: Re faced significant criticism for its rushed pacing and alterations to the original story, which ultimately diminished the impact of the narrative.
One of the primary issues with Tokyo Ghoul: Re was its incredibly fast pacing. The anime attempted to condense a large amount of manga content into a limited number of episodes, resulting in the omission of key plot points and character interactions. This rushed approach made it difficult for viewers to fully grasp the intricacies of the story and the motivations of the characters. The complex political landscape and the internal conflicts within the ghoul and human societies were often glossed over, leaving viewers feeling lost and disconnected from the narrative. Character development, a cornerstone of the Tokyo Ghoul series, also suffered significantly in Tokyo Ghoul: Re. The anime failed to adequately portray the emotional journeys of many characters, particularly Kaneki's struggles with his identity and his relationships with others. Important moments of character growth were either skipped or condensed, leaving viewers with a superficial understanding of the characters' inner turmoil. The relationships between characters, which were crucial to the manga's emotional core, were also not given the attention they deserved in the anime. The complex dynamics between members of the Quinx Squad, for instance, were often simplified or overlooked, reducing the emotional impact of their interactions. The deviations from the manga's storyline in Tokyo Ghoul: Re further contributed to its downfall. The anime made several changes to the plot, some of which were minor while others were quite significant. These alterations not only confused manga readers but also undermined the overall coherence of the story. Certain character arcs were altered or truncated, and important plot points were either omitted or changed, leading to a less satisfying and impactful narrative. The animation quality in Tokyo Ghoul: Re was also inconsistent, with some scenes lacking the visual detail and dynamism of the manga. The fight choreography, a key element of the series, was often underwhelming, failing to capture the brutal and visceral nature of the ghoul battles depicted in the manga. The overall visual presentation of the anime did not live up to the high standards set by the manga, further detracting from the viewing experience. For fans of the Tokyo Ghoul manga, Tokyo Ghoul: Re was a major disappointment. The rushed pacing, altered storyline, and inconsistent animation quality failed to do justice to the original source material. The anime served as a reminder of the challenges of adapting complex manga series and the importance of preserving the integrity of the original story.
10. Dragon Ball GT
Okay, Dragon Ball GT is a tricky one. It's not technically an adaptation, as it's an anime-original sequel to Dragon Ball Z. But it's still considered a part of the Dragon Ball franchise, and many fans feel that it tarnished the legacy of the original series. The story felt weaker, the power scaling was inconsistent, and some of the character designs were… questionable. Dragon Ball GT is a unique entry in the Dragon Ball franchise, as it is an anime-original sequel to the widely popular Dragon Ball Z. While the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z were based on Akira Toriyama's manga, Dragon Ball GT was created by Toei Animation without Toriyama's direct involvement in the writing process, though he did provide character designs and the initial concept. Despite being marketed as a continuation of the beloved Dragon Ball saga, Dragon Ball GT was met with mixed reception from fans, many of whom felt that it failed to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. The series is often criticized for its weaker storyline, inconsistent power scaling, and questionable character designs, leading many to view it as a tarnished legacy to the original Dragon Ball series.
One of the primary criticisms of Dragon Ball GT is its weaker storyline compared to Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. The series' overarching narrative, which involves Goku being turned back into a child and embarking on a quest to collect the Black Star Dragon Balls, was seen by many as less compelling than the epic sagas of the previous series. The villains in Dragon Ball GT, while possessing unique abilities and backstories, were often considered less menacing and memorable than iconic antagonists like Frieza and Cell. The battles in Dragon Ball GT also lacked the emotional weight and strategic depth of those in Dragon Ball Z, often relying on simple power-ups and flashy attacks rather than clever tactics and character-driven conflicts. The inconsistent power scaling in Dragon Ball GT was another major point of contention among fans. The power levels of the characters fluctuated wildly throughout the series, making it difficult to gauge the true strength of the fighters. Characters who were once considered immensely powerful were sometimes easily defeated by weaker opponents, while new transformations and power-ups appeared seemingly out of nowhere, without proper explanation or buildup. This inconsistent power scaling undermined the sense of stakes and tension in the battles, as it became difficult to predict the outcome of any given fight. The character designs in Dragon Ball GT also drew criticism from some fans. While Akira Toriyama provided the initial character designs, the anime's art style and character proportions often deviated from the iconic look established in Dragon Ball Z. Some character redesigns, such as Goku's transformation into a child, were seen as unnecessary and detrimental to the character's overall appeal. Other characters, like Pan and Trunks, were given new hairstyles and outfits that were not well-received by all fans. Despite its flaws, Dragon Ball GT does have its defenders, who praise the series for its unique concepts, such as the Super Saiyan 4 transformation, and its exploration of themes such as legacy and the responsibility of power. However, for many fans, Dragon Ball GT remains a controversial entry in the Dragon Ball franchise, a sequel that failed to capture the magic and excitement of the original series. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of continuing a beloved franchise without the direct involvement of its original creator and the importance of maintaining consistency in storytelling and character development.
So, there you have it, guys! 10 anime series that, in our opinion, kind of dropped the ball when it came to adapting their source material. What do you think? Do you agree with our list? Are there any other anime that you think should be on here? Let us know in the comments below! We're always up for a good anime debate!
