Anime adaptations of manga and light novels are often highly anticipated, but not all adaptations live up to their source material. While some series capture the essence of the original perfectly, others fall short due to various factors like budget constraints, pacing issues, or creative divergences. Here are ten anime adaptations that didn’t do justice to their manga or source material and are in dire need of a reboot.
1. "Tokyo Ghoul"
Summary:
"Tokyo Ghoul" follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after surviving a deadly encounter with one. He navigates the dangerous world of ghouls while trying to maintain his human ties, caught in a constant struggle with his dual nature.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
While the first season stayed true to the manga, the second season, "Tokyo Ghoul √A," diverged drastically from the original plot. Key arcs and character developments were omitted, which left fans dissatisfied with the anime's direction.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot could focus on accurately adapting the manga's intricate plotlines and character arcs, providing more depth and psychological insight into Kaneki's transformation and struggles.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio Madhouse, known for its work on "Parasyte," could deliver the dark and intense atmosphere required for "Tokyo Ghoul" while maintaining a strong narrative focus.
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2. "Berserk"
Summary:
"Berserk" is set in a medieval-inspired dark fantasy world, following the story of Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past. His journey explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the fight against an inexorable fate.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
Multiple adaptations have failed to do justice to the manga's art and narrative complexity. The 2016-2017 version, in particular, suffered from poor CGI, which marred the storytelling and aesthetic experience.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should combine traditional animation with carefully integrated CGI to capture the manga's epic scale and visual detail. It should also delve deeper into Guts' character development and the philosophical themes of fate and struggle.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Ufotable, with its expertise in dynamic action sequences and blending 2D and 3D animation, could provide a visually stunning adaptation that captures the raw intensity of "Berserk."
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3. "The Promised Neverland"
Summary:
"The Promised Neverland" centers on Emma, Norman, and Ray, orphans living in an idyllic orphanage, who discover the grim secret behind their existence and plan a daring escape to save themselves and their fellow children.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime's second season skipped crucial arcs from the manga, rushing the narrative and leaving out significant character development and plot twists, which diluted the impact of the story.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should faithfully adapt the entire manga, allowing the story's tension and mystery to unfold naturally. It should focus on the intricate planning and psychological elements that make the series compelling.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
MAPPA, renowned for its storytelling and animation in "Attack on Titan: The Final Season," could capture the series' suspense and emotional depth.
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4. "Soul Eater"
Summary:
"Soul Eater" follows Maka Albarn and her weapon partner, Soul Eater, as they attend the Death Weapon Meister Academy, hunting evil souls and witches to turn Soul into a Death Scythe.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime diverted from the manga in its latter half, creating an original ending that left out major character and plot developments critical to the series' overarching narrative.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should faithfully follow the manga, emphasizing the character relationships and unique art style while exploring the darker themes and world-building aspects that were missed in the original anime.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio Bones, which originally worked on "Soul Eater," could use their experience to create a more faithful and comprehensive adaptation, focusing on both narrative and visual fidelity.
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5. "Akame ga Kill!"
Summary:
"Akame ga Kill!" follows Tatsumi, a young fighter who joins the revolutionary group Night Raid to combat the corrupt empire. The series explores themes of power, justice, and the personal cost of rebellion.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime veered away from the manga and concluded with an original ending, missing key plot developments and character arcs that were integral to the story.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should stay true to the manga, exploring its complex characters and moral ambiguities. A more detailed adaptation could better balance action with emotional depth and narrative complexity.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio White Fox, with its expertise in adapting complex stories like "Re:Zero," could deliver a faithful and engaging adaptation that does justice to the source material.
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6. "Claymore"
Summary:
In a world plagued by shape-shifting demons called Yoma, "Claymore" follows Clare, a warrior of the Organization, as she battles these creatures and seeks vengeance for her mentor's death.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime ended with an original conclusion, leaving many plotlines unresolved and failing to capture the manga's complete story and character depth.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should fully adapt the manga, allowing for the development of its rich world and complex character dynamics. Improved animation could also enhance the series' dark, gothic aesthetic.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Wit Studio, known for their work on "Attack on Titan," could capture "Claymore's" epic battles and deep narrative with their signature animation style.
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7. "Pandora Hearts"
Summary:
"Pandora Hearts" follows Oz Vessalius, a young nobleman who is cast into the Abyss and teams up with a chain named Alice to unravel the mysteries surrounding his fate and the shadowy organization known as Pandora.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime concluded before the manga's storyline developed fully, leaving fans with an unresolved and incomplete adaptation that omitted crucial plot details and character growth.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should faithfully adapt the entire manga, focusing on its intricate plot and character development. Maintaining the series' unique art style while enhancing the animation quality would also be essential.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio Shaft, with their unique visual style and experience handling complex narratives like "Monogatari Series," could create a captivating and faithful adaptation of "Pandora Hearts."
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8. "Deadman Wonderland"
Summary:
After a devastating earthquake destroys Tokyo, "Deadman Wonderland" follows Ganta Igarashi, a falsely accused middle school student sent to a bizarre prison/amusement park where inmates are forced to perform deadly games for the public.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime only adapted part of the manga, leading to an incomplete story that left out essential plot twists and character developments, disappointing fans who wanted more depth and resolution.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot could explore the darker themes of the manga more thoroughly, focusing on character backstories and the psychological aspects of survival in a corrupt system. A full adaptation would provide a more satisfying narrative experience.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio MAPPA, with their ability to handle dark and gritty narratives, would be well-suited to adapt "Deadman Wonderland" with the intensity and visual style it deserves.
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9. "Gantz"
Summary:
"Gantz" follows Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, who find themselves involved in a series of deadly games after being resurrected by a mysterious black sphere. The series explores the brutal and often surreal challenges they face in this alternate reality.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime deviated from the manga and concluded without addressing key story arcs, leaving viewers with an unsatisfying and incomplete adaptation that failed to capture the manga's philosophical and existential themes.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should stay true to the manga's narrative, exploring its complex characters and themes more deeply. Improved animation could enhance the series' intense and surreal action sequences.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio Madhouse, known for their work on "Parasyte," could deliver the dark and psychological atmosphere required for "Gantz," providing a more faithful adaptation.
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10. "Beelzebub"
Summary:
"Beelzebub" follows Oga Tatsumi, a delinquent high school student who becomes the reluctant guardian of Baby Beel, the future Demon King. The series blends action, comedy, and supernatural elements as Oga navigates his bizarre new life.
Where Did They Go Wrong/Why It Needed Reboot:
The anime concluded with an original ending, deviating from the manga's story and leaving out important plot developments and character arcs, resulting in an unsatisfying adaptation for fans.
What Could They Improve:
A reboot should adapt the entire manga, capturing its blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements more faithfully. Improved animation quality and pacing could also enhance the series' comedic and dramatic moments.
Which Studio Will Be Best for Reanimation:
Studio Bones, known for their work on "Mob Psycho 100," could deliver a dynamic and visually engaging adaptation of "Beelzebub," staying true to the manga's spirit and style.
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Conclusion: Why These Reboots Are Essential
Reboots for these anime could
provide the opportunity to faithfully adapt the source material, allowing for more complete and satisfying narratives. With the right studio, these stories could finally reach their full potential, offering fans a chance to experience them as they were meant to be told.