Best Manga Spin-Offs That Outshine The Original Series

Summary

Some spin-offs manage to overshadow their parent series.
Ghost In The Shell emerged as a standout, distinguishing itself from its parent series Appleseed.
Great Teacher Onizuka transitioned from a fun biker strip into a beloved series spawning a popular anime and live-action drama.

Spin-offs are frequently perceived as secondary stories compared to the original series due to the way they’re often developed. Even when they turn out well, it’s uncommon for them to surpass their source material. However, there are exceptions that have established themselves as strong independent entities and, in some cases, even eclipse what they were spun off from.

Modern audiences might recognize Frasier Crane more from the show “Frasier” rather than “Cheers”. Similarly, while the “Shin Megami Tensei” franchise has been around for a long time, it’s often its spin-off series “Persona” that fans are more drawn to. This is also true for manga, where spin-offs occasionally surpass their original series in popularity due to various factors.

7. Outlaw Star

Underrated Space Western Is a Distant Sequel to a Lesser-Known Space Manga

Parent Story: Future-Retro Hero Story.
Creator: Takehiko Itou.
MyAnimeList Score: 7.14.
3 Volumes, 17 Chapters.
Fan Translations only.

Outlaw Star is somewhat unusual because many people might have initially assumed it started as an anime series similar to its long-time rival, Cowboy Bebop. However, it actually originated from a manga and has a sequel-like connection. The manga Future-Retro Hero Story presents its own narrative, following Juji Thomas Godoh as he upholds the legacy of his renowned grandfather by thwarting the malevolent Star King Brass.

In essence, “Outlaw Star” is often considered an unforeseen precursor due to not being adapted into an anime, and it takes place during the “Towards Stars” era in the OS universe, before humanity discovered faster-than-light travel. Characters like Gene Starwind bear resemblance to later characters, such as Juji, with shared traits like red hair and use of a caster gun. However, one need not be familiar with the original source material to enjoy OS independently.

6. Brutal: Criminals The Law Can’t Judge Deserve The Finest Death

Sadistic Homicide Investigator Offered Bloodier Stories Than Forensic Specialist

Parent Story: Trace: The Man from Forensics Solves the Truth!
Creators: Kei Koga (story), Ryo Izawa (art).
MyAnimeList Score: 7.75.
5 Volumes, 19 Chapters.
Available in English via Coamix and Comikey.

Have you ever pondered what it would be like if Dexter’s storyline merged with that of CSI or Quincy? If so, that’s quite a unique idea! However, that’s essentially the route Kei Koga chose when he continued the narrative from Trace: The Man from Forensics Solves the Truth with Brutal: Criminals Beyond Reach Deserve a Fitting End.

The titles effectively capture their narratives, and it might be why “Brutal” outshone “Trace.” While there are numerous series featuring protagonists using forensics and science to solve crimes, “Brutal” offers a unique psychological depth. Its main character is clearly troubled, but he directs his worst instincts solely towards the most deplorable criminals. Compared to the more straightforward “Trace,” “Brutal” adds an extra layer of complexity.

5. Ghost In The Shell

Prequel to Cult Classic Mech Series Becomes Iconic Cyberpunk Manga

Parent Story: Appleseed.
Creator: Masamune Shirow.
MyAnimeList Score: 7.96.
1 Volume, 11 Chapters.
Available in English via Dark Horse Comics and Kodansha Comics USA.

The Appleseed series isn’t particularly unknown or obscure; it achieved its own level of fame. Its mech designs, especially those for the lead cyborg Briareos, have become iconic and are even referenced in movies like Chappie. In fact, the creator Masamune Shirow linked his later work, Ghost in the Shell, as a sort of distant prequel to this series.

In the 2020s, the world of GITS predates that of Appleseed by more than a century. However, despite this, it was GITS that was transformed into a groundbreaking animated film, sparking the imagination of countless cyberpunk enthusiasts in later years. This includes its successful spin-offs like Stand Alone Complex. Although Appleseed is admirable, it’s fair to say its fanbase is comparatively smaller.

4. Akagi

Prequel to Mahjong Manga Outlasts its Parent Story

Parent Story: Ten: The Blessed Way of the Nice Guy.
Creator: Nobuyuki Fukumoto.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17.
36 Volumes, 306 Chapters.
Fan Translations only.

Akagi, in terms of timeline, is actually a precursor to its main storyline, Ten: The Blessed Way of the Nice Guy. However, it was Ten that was published first, detailing the tale of Ten Takashi’s rise as a mahjong player who matches wits with the legendary Shigeru Akagi. His abilities are tested to their limits when he engages in games against the yakuza, culminating in them revealing Akagi, an old legend, as their ultimate weapon.

From 1989 to 2002, the story of Ten unfolded, with Akagi making its entrance in 1991. This series depicted the rise to fame of a mahjong master. Interestingly, the prequel turned out to be extremely successful and continued long after Ten, finally concluding its remarkable run in 2018. Nowadays, it seems that Akagi’s storyline is more of a sequel to Ten’s, rather than the other way around.

3. Sailor Moon

Sailor Venus’ Backstory Predates Sailor Moon’s Debut

Parent Story: Codename: Sailor V.
Creator: Naoko Takeuchi.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.20
18 Volumes, 61 Chapters.
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.

As a die-hard fan, I’d like to clarify that this rundown excludes standalone series such as “Dragon Boy” and “The Taro Kagami Story.” These aren’t typically associated with the versions of “Dragon Ball” and “Death Note” that fans recognize today. Instead, they can be seen as early prototypes, laying the groundwork for the main events we all love. Similarly, “Romance Dawn” serves as a precursor to “One Piece,” featuring elements similar to the storyline, but without the other Straw Hat crew members.

However, unlike Codename: Sailor V, which spanned numerous episodes and is recognized as part of its successor, Sailor Moon, the storyline focused on Makoto Aino’s transformation into Sailor Venus and her quest to discover the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess. Given that the sequel delved into the life of the Moon Princess and brought together all the Sailor Guardians, including Venus, it’s not surprising that it left a larger impact on audiences.

2. Paradise Kiss

Fashion Manga Spin-Off Reaches International Audiences Before Its Parent Story

Parent Story: Neighborhood Story.
Creator: Ai Yazawa.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.29.
5 Volumes, 48 Chapters.
Available in English via Vertical Inc.

Many people might recognize Ai Yazawa’s renowned work, Nana, more than they know about Paradise Kiss. However, for those who love fashion, the story of a high school girl transforming into an unconventional model for her school’s fashion club in PK could be more appealing. The budding romance between the lead and the allure of the fashion world might not capture everyone’s attention, but Yazawa’s stunning artwork is sure to win over even the most discerning eyes.

Worldwide, it soared as the leading fashion manga. However, in Japan, it’s equally renowned alongside its precursor, “Neighborhood Story“, where an aspiring fashion designer navigates her intricate emotions towards her childhood friend while juggling work. Both narratives are self-contained and offer captivating romance experiences. “PK” simply managed to capture the hearts of international readers first.

1. Great Teacher Onizuka

Onizuka’s Biker Days Become a Side Story to His Teaching Career

Parent Story: Shonan Jun’ai Gumi.
Creator: Toru Fujisawa.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.87.
25 Volumes, 208 Chapters.
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.

Shonan Jun’ai Gumi is a lighthearted comic series revolving around two motorcycle enthusiasts on a mission to tone down their wild lifestyle to become more appealing to women, initially with the goal of losing their virginity. However, as the story progresses, this quest transforms into an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth, especially for one member of the pair – Eikichi Onizuka.

If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because he later became renowned as Japan’s top tutor from the series “Great Teacher Onizuka.” The spin-off comic strip gained such popularity that it was turned into both a highly successful anime series and a live-action drama. Over time, its legendary status resulted in SJG being reissued as “GTO: The Early Years,” making it seem more like a prequel than the original story of “GTO.

2025-01-08 20:40