Why Do Some Anime Flourish While Others Fade Into Oblivion?

Summary

Popularity doesn’t guarantee anime adaptation.
Multiple adaptations enhance the narrative
Collaborative efforts are key to better adaptations.

It’s common knowledge that many mangas get turned into anime, playing a significant role in the manga world by transforming comic stories into animated ones. However, not every popular manga gets this opportunity. Some receive sequels, remakes, or reboots after years, while others remain unadapted despite their critical and commercial success. This raises an intriguing question: what determines whether a manga is adapted, remade, or left untouched? The answer isn’t straightforward due to various industry factors at play.

Some highly popular anime such as “Demon Slayer,” “Attack on Titan,” and “One Piece” are outstanding examples of anime series that have achieved great success due to excellent adaptations. In contrast, many critically acclaimed manga like “20th Century Boys” and “Yotsuba&!” remain unadapted, leaving fans puzzled. Series such as “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Fruits Basket” have even been adapted more than once because of factors like incomplete source material or a desire for improved adaptations. So, what determines whether an anime series can be adapted, receive a second season, or not even be considered?

Anime series that are widely known and loved, such as “Demon Slayer,” “Attack on Titan,” and “One Piece,” have gained their fame due to high-quality adaptations. On the other hand, well-regarded manga like “20th Century Boys” and “Yotsuba&!” are yet to be adapted, leaving fans wondering why. Shows like “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Fruits Basket” have been adapted multiple times for reasons such as incomplete source material or the need for better adaptations. In summary, what makes an anime series eligible for adaptation, a second season, or simply not considered?

The Role of Popularity in Anime Adaptations

Popularity as a Driving Force With Some Exceptions to the Rule

Over time, it’s generally perceived that a manga’s success is significantly influenced by the possibility of an anime adaptation. This belief stems from factors like popularity, strong sales, and a dedicated fanbase, as such series are often deemed ideal for animation. For example, popular titles like Naruto and One Piece were relatively easy to transform into anime due to their widespread recognition and the demand for an animated version to capture a wider audience. It’s worth noting that many people know about Naruto primarily because of its anime adaptation. Conversely, fans of One Piece appreciate both the manga and anime equally.

Although becoming an animated series doesn’t necessarily guarantee popularity, some highly acclaimed mangas never get animated. For instance, Naoki Urasawa’s masterpiece, “20th Century Boys,” and Kiyohiko Azuma’s beloved shojo series, “Yotsuba&!”, remain exclusively in their manga form. Studios may choose not to adapt these projects due to factors such as multiple story arcs, production difficulties or complexities, challenges in animation, or the simple fact that it might not be essential to animate the stories.

Multiple Adaptations and Remakes: A Closer Look

Some Popular Series Getting Multiple Adaptations

Fullmetal Alchemist offers a distinctive setting, as the initial 2003 anime deviated substantially from Hiromu Arakawa’s manga due to the source material being incomplete at that time. The original anime had its own captivating narrative, but it was more mature and ominous compared to its counterpart, however, it did have some plot inconsistencies. To this day, some fans still favor the original version, yet a majority of the community believe that Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood was superior. The success of both adaptations highlights the importance of staying true to the story and the right timing in production choices.

Regardless of my limited abilities, I will do everything within my power to safeguard the people I care about, and in return, they will reciprocate by protecting those dear to them. It seems like the smallest act we humans can perform for one another. – Roy Mustang, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Similar to several manga series, the story of “Fruits Basket” underwent two distinct adaptations. The initial adaptation, released in 2001 while the manga was still ongoing, took some creative liberties and ended with an original conclusion, much like “Fullmetal Alchemist,” although it had its merits, it left many wanting more. In contrast, the 2019 remake provided a brighter and clearer portrayal that closely mirrored the manga, as it was more consistent and contained additional relevant content, offering fans a more complete and satisfying experience overall.

Factors Influencing Adaptation Decisions

Market Trends, Audience Demand, Production Costs and Technical Challenges

Production companies often prioritize market trends and viewer preferences when deciding on projects. Popular genres are more likely to be adapted. For instance, the surge in popularity of “Isekai” over the past few years has led to an increase in shows based on this theme, at the expense of others. Cost and funding are significant factors to take into account. Animation can be quite costly, making some studios hesitant to produce a show that might not guarantee a profit.

It’s worth noting that deciding on mangas for adaptation can be challenging due to factors like intricate storylines, artwork, and scriptwriting. Some mangas with complex elements might even be too difficult to adapt, leading studios to steer clear of them. This is why it’s essential to evaluate the complexity of different mangas.

Content that is provocative or mature can create censorship issues, making studio adaptations more problematic. For example, the popular manga “Goodnight Punpun” tackles deep and disturbing themes, which could prove challenging to accurately portray in an anime adaptation.

The Dilemma of Best-Sellers Still Not Having An Adaptation

Some Series Are Just Not Easy To Adapt

20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa is an engaging tale filled with numerous subplots and diverse characters. Given the intricacy of the storyline and the profound themes within this series, it has yet to be adapted into an anime. On the other hand, Yotsuba&! offers a straightforward account of a little girl’s life and everyday experiences. While widely appreciated, some viewers might find it challenging for adaptation due to its loosely structured narrative lacking a cohesive overarching storyline.

The manga series “Goodnight Punpun,” crafted by Inio Asano, delves into the complex and somber realms of psychological trauma and depression during adolescence. The narrative and artistic style are distinctively surrealistic, as the protagonist, Punpun, is depicted as a bird-like character. If animated, this work might prove challenging due to its vividly grotesque imagery and profound philosophical contemplations, which may not resonate universally with audiences.

Takehiko Inoue’s “Vagabond” has gained widespread acclaim, often ranked among the best samurai manga ever made, featuring the true tale of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. While “Vagabond” boasts striking artwork, deep philosophy, and thrilling fight sequences, it remains unadapted into an anime. This could be because it’s not a monthly publication, making the animation process lengthy due to the intricate details in the manga’s art style, and requiring substantial financial resources to accurately portray its storyline and epic battles. Its mature content and slower narrative pace might not resonate with many casual anime fans, as the current anime industry tends to favor extremely fast-paced stories and high action.

When Adaptations Miss The Mark

Despite Having A Perfect Setting With Amazing Source Material

Sometimes, a manga receives high praise due to its engaging storyline and talented studio, yet fails to meet expectations when adapted into an anime. The first season of “The Promised Neverland” was welcomed with acclaim for its gripping plot and faithful adaptation of the manga. However, the second season deviated significantly from the original, offering simplified arcs, overlooked events, and underdeveloped characters. This departure from the source material led to widespread disappointment among fans, underscoring the importance of staying true to the main storyline in a show.

As a dedicated fan of Tokyo Ghoul, I can’t help but notice some parallels. Initially, the show adhered closely to Sui Ishida’s original manga in its early episodes, but as it progressed, things took a turn. The subsequent series deviated from the manga, resulting in a significantly altered storyline. Many viewers and critics concur that this departure came at a cost, stripping away elements such as the rich visual detail and depth found in the graphic novel. To this day, most fans, including myself, find themselves drawn more to the manga than the anime.

Sometimes, you may need to let go of one thing in order to keep another. – Rize Kamishiro, Tokyo Ghoul

I’ve recently dived into the vibrant world of “Sakamoto Days”, a fresh addition to the anime scene, and I must admit that it’s sparked some debate among fans like me. While I find it engaging and captivating, there are those who argue that it doesn’t quite match up to Yuto Suzuki’s manga in terms of visual appeal and speed. Some have voiced concerns about the animation quality and certain adaptations made for the anime version, suggesting a more faithful replication of the manga could enhance the experience. When you compare the two, it’s evident that the original manga truly shines brighter.

Addressing the Challenges: A Path Forward

Collaborative Efforts Between Creators and Studios

While it’s a dream for fans to see their favorite series transformed into anime, reality often doesn’t allow for this. However, if more studios dare to take on these adaptations, fans should strive to be more supportive and appreciative of such bold moves, which could inspire others to do the same with promising results. For improved adaptations, a potential strategy is to foster closer collaboration between manga and animation production houses. Notably, including the original authors in the process can help ensure the animated version closely resembles the source material, thereby attracting both long-time fans and new ones alike.

To ensure a successful adaptation, it’s crucial for studios to maintain an ongoing dialogue with fans throughout the production phase. Sharing sneak peeks or early episodes for feedback could be beneficial, as creators can then refine their work to better match audience expectations. By focusing on creating high-quality series that truly embody the essence of their original counterparts, studios may find it more effective to produce fewer adaptations but ones that captivate and retain viewer interest over time.

2025-02-17 01:25