Ryan Jonathan

Anime has been one of the many reasons people love animated movies or short videos. With the constant growth rate of new anime released each year, there must be a growing interest that enjoys watching anime after all these years. Most anime we know of and enjoy typically comes from its manga predecessors due to its existing fanbase having an interest in the corresponding story. But because of its deep connection between manga and anime, many people tend to have comparisons when talking about one or the other. Readers of the manga usually have their own expectations when their favorite manga turns into anime. However, there will also be a group of people that might enjoy the anime more than its manga counterpart. Here are the top 3 reasons why people might feel anime is better than manga.

• Action

When mentioning anime, the animated action scene has got to be one of its strengths when comparing it with manga. Even though most manga have its action scenes drawn in detail, when compared with anime and its fully animated sequence, it just feels different. The movements in anime are more seamless – especially when coupled with special effects. The whole action scene becomes more alive and enjoyable. Usually, anime provides its viewers with exaggerated action scenes that makes the scene to be more thrilling. However, high action-packed scenes are not the only highlight of an anime, small gestures like nodding or just interacting with their surroundings makes anime feel more alive too.

A good example of anime that is filled with action has to be Attack on Titan. Attack on Titan tells a story about a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by enormous walls that protect them from the gigantic man-eating humanoids referred to as Titan. The anime successfully conveyed the horror of the titans by showing how intense the action scenes were when the humans try to defend themselves. The manga version itself was a big success, but the anime provided what the manga could not. With its powerful action scenes, menacing titans, and intense shots, many can see why most prefer watching the anime compared to reading the manga.

• Beautiful Visual

Not only are its action scenes enjoyable, anime usually provides its viewer with more aesthetically pleasing visuals compared to its manga because of the array of colors. Some examples can be the colorful character design, background, and even climates. In terms of character design, it is common to share the same design between manga and its anime because originally that is how the character was first introduced. The typical difference would be that anime it colored and detailed with expressions. Furthermore, backgrounds in anime tend to focus on its beautiful overall ambience of the current situation. Which brings in the next comparison and that is climates. Climates such as rain or even the scorching heat of summer in anime are clearly shown and felt by the characters which then led the viewers to empathize with the situation. Additionally, anime does not have texts that are limited to panels when delivering the story. All texts are vocalized by talented Voice Actors which conveys their emotions.

A famous example of visually top-level anime would be Kimi no Nawa. Kimi no Nawa tells a story about two teenagers who share a profound, magical connection upon discovering they are swapping bodies. The level of animation in this anime is top notch with all scenes perfectly executed and shown. The scenes really captured the beautiful scenery of Japan. Not only the sceneries, the emotional changes between characters are also shown through the dilemma and expression of their faces. In addition to that, the anime really represents the shift between day and night and even change in weather. These levels of detail are difficult to achieve in manga with its black and white and static panels.

• Vocals

Looking into the next reason why anime is better for some people is the vocals. Vocals main use in anime is to share the viewers the conversations and emotions of the characters. The conversations can be then improved by the emotions they expressed while talking. Sound effects also play a big part in making anime unique compared to manga.

An example of why people might think that anime is better than manga is shown in this anime called K-On. K-On tells a story about high school girls that became friends through Light Music Club. The anime shares the journey of different background high school girls that unite because of their interest in music. The manga itself shows their relationship and how the music club changes it for the better. However in the anime, it is only natural that it provides what the manga could not, which is the music itself. Most of the music performed in the anime was part of the story where the characters invent the music for their school events and such. The music really symbolizes their relationship and it was shown clearly throughout the anime. The anime helps the viewers immerse themselves in the story by the help of the music.

Of course, these aspects are all my personal opinion and not speaking for anyone who enjoys either anime or manga. It is because of the natural differences between manga and anime which makes them complement each other. In this list, there are a lot of aspects that shows anime is superior compared to manga. However, the process of making an anime is longer and involves a lot more people. Taking this into consideration, creating an anime typically starts from an existing manga. A manga with a large fan base would most likely have its anime adaptation. In spite of all the strong points stated, a large number of people still preferred to enjoy manga more rather than its anime adaptation. What people find entertaining are different, and that’s okay. The comparison between anime and manga will always continue, but there can be no real winner because there will always be some people that enjoy one more than the other. It is because anime or manga is for someone’s entertainment and not for other people’s approval.

Anime and manga have their own uniqueness and interesting points for every person. Some people might love manga rather an anime. Otherwise, some of people also might love anime rather than manga due to its vocality, animation, and the visual. But, related to that, if you like both anime & manga, you can try to play interesting game called Memories to experience both manga and anime at the same time through story-based game. You can play and download Memories for free here for android and here for iPhone.