The Sakamoto Days Anime Is Fine, But The Manga Is Much Better

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Summary

  • Suzuki’s art in the manga sets it apart with beautiful detail and intensity.
  • The manga skillfully balances tones, switching from comedy to action seamlessly.
  • The anime struggles to capture the depth and character development seen in the manga.

Initially, when Sakamoto Days was chosen for animation, fans of this outstanding action manga struggled to conceal their eagerness to witness their beloved tale brought to life. Yet, when the series debuted in 2025, there was some discontent among viewers.

It’s important to acknowledge that the Sakamoto Days anime is an enjoyable series, boasting excellent action sequences, a charming protagonist and supporting cast, and plenty of humor. However, Yuto Suzuki’s manga is widely regarded as the top action manga from Shonen Jump at present, which has led to high expectations for the show. But why is the manga so highly esteemed? And in what ways does it surpass its animated counterpart?

Art

Suzuki’s Art Is Some Of The Best Around

Sakamoto Days is a series that follows the life of a former assassin who decided to settle down with his charming spouse and focus on family life. However, his tranquil existence is disrupted as remnants of his past resurface, which is a theme not unfamiliar in other media, including anime like Rurouni Kenshin.

Instead, it was the outstanding artwork that truly distinguished the manga from others, contributing significantly to its popularity. Compared to the manga, the anime’s art is commendable but lacks the breathtaking quality that sets the manga apart. The anime’s artistic style leans towards softer lines and a more subdued approach, which doesn’t detract from it, but conversations often point out its inferiority in this aspect compared to the manga.

Tonal Consistency

The Manga Tastefully Switches Between Tones Seamlessly

Sakamoto Days” is a humorous tale with some remarkably outlandish characters. Yet, once the action kicks in, it becomes challenging to recall a joke that was just read a few pages back. A character like Boiled, who exhibits quirks but can switch into action mode when necessary, showcases the story’s skillful tone-shifting ability.

In response to different scenarios, Suzuki’s artwork adapts, growing rougher and edgier for action sequences but softening and becoming more inviting during comedic or everyday life scenes. However, unlike this, the anime maintains a consistent art style that doesn’t change based on the story’s content.

Comedy And Slice-Of-Life Moments

The Manga Lingered A Little Longer

Back when I first dived into the world of Sakamoto Days, it had a touch of whimsy reminiscent of Katekyo Hitman Reborn!. Initially, it was a comedic manga that gradually took on a more serious tone as the story progressed. The early chapters were brimming with humor and playful characterizations, laying the foundation for the iconic ‘Sakamoto Family Rules’ which became a hit among readers. These quirky rules added an endearing charm to the narrative, keeping me hooked from the start!

In simpler terms, the anime successfully blends action and humor, but due to its fast pace, it often rushes through the tender scenes that make “Sakamoto Days” unique and endearing. Instead of savoring these moments, the anime tends to race towards action sequences in order to captivate viewers, resulting in a feeling of monotony as many everyday life episodes seem like mere filler rather than enjoyable vignettes.

Character Depth

The Manga Could Spend More Time Fleshing Out Characters

In this captivating manga, Taro Sakamoto is introduced at 27, a man with an extraordinary past. Characters like Shin and Lu also have compelling backstories that bring depth to their personalities. The intricate way these plot details were presented made readers feel more connected to them, almost as if they know these characters personally.

As a viewer, I find that the anime occasionally delves into character backstories through flashbacks. While these moments offer insight into why the characters have become who they are, they sometimes feel like obligatory pauses in the narrative, as if the creators had to include them so they could return to the thrilling action sequences.

Intensity

When Sakamoto Days Wanted To Get Serious, It Went Hard

In the anime adaptation of “Sakamoto Days,” many iconic scenes from the manga lost some of their impact. This is because these intense moments were crucial in immersing readers into the conflict and reminding them that despite its humor, the story takes place in a dangerous world filled with unsavory characters. This relationship between the art forms is quite close.

Remarkable scenes, such as the image of Boiled and Taro perched on a Ferris wheel, with Boiled battered and bleeding, were powerfully portrayed in the anime. However, there was a sense that something was lost in the transition, making it seem less impactful than originally intended. This can also be applied to the scene where Heisuke points a sniper rifle towards Taro and Shin.

Fight Choreography

Some Of The Direction Left Something To Be Desired

Sakamoto Days” may not be a groundbreaking story, but it excels remarkably in its fight scenes and narrative style, which stand out among contemporary manga. The smooth transitions between combat sequences and Suzuki’s unique, intriguing camera angles transform Sakamoto fights into cinematic experiences on the page.

The anime followed a common approach in its style, resulting in many exciting fights, yet lacking uniqueness. Unfortunately, the smoothness of the manga wasn’t maintained during adaptation, which is a bit disappointing. Many viewers have been less than satisfied with the anime’s trajectory, but there’s optimism since another season is coming up, promising improvements.

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2025-07-25 14:04