Anime has taken over the world of entertainment with its stunning visuals and captivating storylines. It has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of fans around the world. However, most anime fans don't realise that the majority of anime series are based on manga, a form of Japanese comics.
Most of the Indian Anime fans are more interested in anime than manga of any series, a lot of them are only anime watchers who are in constant danger of getting spoilers by manga readers. But, reading manga is actually very important for anime readers also. In this article, we'll explore why reading manga is important for anime fans and how it can enhance your experience as an anime fan.
Firstly, reading the manga can provide you with a deeper understanding of the story and its characters. Manga often includes more details, character development, and backstory than the anime adaptation. For example, the anime adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul leaves out significant character development and storyline, whereas the manga has a more well-rounded and detailed story. By reading the manga, you can get a comprehensive understanding of the story and characters, making it a more fulfilling experience.
Manga is an excellent medium for character development, and it often provides more detailed and nuanced depictions of characters than their anime adaptations. This is because manga allows for more space and time to explore the characters' personalities, motivations, and backgrounds, which can make them more relatable and compelling to the reader.
Naruto is a prime example of a series where the manga provides a deeper insight into the characters' development. The manga covers more details about the character's backstory, relationships, and personal struggles than the anime adaptation. For example, in the manga, Naruto's journey to become Hokage is portrayed as a challenging and emotional process, where he faces a lot of obstacles and has to confront his inner demons. On the other hand, the anime adaptation tends to focus more on the action and fighting scenes.
Moreover, reading the manga also allows fans to get a better understanding of the characters' thoughts and emotions. Manga panels often provide insight into a character's internal monologue and reveal their innermost desires and fears. This level of introspection is usually lost in anime adaptations, where there is limited time to explore each character's psyche.
Another example of manga offering more detailed character development than anime is Attack on Titan. The manga explores the inner workings of each character's mind and provides a nuanced view of their motivations and beliefs. The anime, while still a great adaptation, cannot convey the same level of depth and complexity that the manga does.
Overall, manga is a medium that provides the opportunity for deep character development that is often missed in anime adaptations. By reading manga, fans can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the characters they love, making their stories even more engaging and emotionally satisfying.
Reading manga allows you to experience the story without waiting for the next episode of the anime to be released. Manga often releases new chapters weekly or monthly, meaning that you can enjoy the story at your own pace. You can also stay ahead of the anime adaptation, knowing what to expect and experiencing the story in its entirety. This way, you won't have to endure the disappointment of an anime adaptation leaving out crucial details or ending without closure.
In addition to experiencing the story in full, reading manga can also expose you to a different art style. Manga has a unique art style that is often different from anime, and reading manga can provide a refreshing and exciting experience. For instance, the manga Berserk has a dark and gritty art style that sets it apart from other anime and manga series.
Furthermore, reading manga supports the creators and helps popularise the series, increasing the chances of it being adapted into an anime. Manga artists work hard to create these incredible stories and characters, and by reading their work, you can support them and contribute to the industry. For example, the manga Attack on Titan was relatively unknown before the anime adaptation, but its popularity soared after the anime was released.
When anime studios adapt manga into anime, they often have to make changes or omit certain details to fit the story into a limited number of episodes or to adjust to production constraints. As a result, anime adaptations may leave out important details or entire story arcs, leading to a different interpretation of the original source material. However, by reading the manga, anime fans can experience the story in its entirety and gain a more complete understanding of the characters and their motivations.
One of the most famous examples of an anime adaptation leaving out important details from the manga is the series Tokyo Ghoul. The anime adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul has been widely criticised for omitting important details and for altering the story to the point where it no longer resembles the original manga. Fans who read the manga have a more comprehensive understanding of the story and its characters, and therefore have a more complete appreciation of the world that Sui Ishida created.
Another example is the popular anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. The original anime adaptation of the series deviated significantly from the manga, leading to a completely different ending. The manga version of the story is more comprehensive, with additional characters and story arcs that were not included in the anime adaptation. Reading the manga allows fans to experience the story in its entirety and to gain a deeper understanding of the world and characters created by Hiromu Arakawa.
Moreover, reading the manga can provide a different perspective on the story, leading to new interpretations and insights. For example, the manga version of the series Attack on Titan provides more detailed explanations of the world and the events that led up to the current state of affairs. This additional information can lead to new insights and interpretations of the story and its characters, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the series.
Reading manga also provides a glimpse into Japanese culture and influences that inspire these stories. Manga is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and reading manga can broaden your understanding and appreciation of the art form. You can also expand your horizons by discovering new genres and styles of storytelling that you may not have experienced before. For instance, the manga One Piece combines action, adventure, and humour in a unique and captivating way.
Moreover, reading manga can improve your Japanese language skills in a fun and engaging way. Manga often includes informal and conversational language, making it an excellent tool for learning colloquial Japanese. You can also connect with other fans who share your passion for anime and manga, discussing the story, characters, and art with others who share your interests.
One of the essential reasons why anime fans should read manga is to contribute to the industry. The manga industry in Japan is a crucial part of the entertainment industry and supports the production of anime, movies, and TV shows. By purchasing manga and supporting the creators and publishers, you can help sustain the industry and ensure the continuation of these fantastic stories. Your contribution can also help promote lesser-known manga and bring them to the attention of publishers and anime studios, leading to more excellent anime adaptations. Therefore, reading manga is not only a source of entertainment but also a way to support the creators and the industry that brings us these incredible stories.
In conclusion, reading manga is a crucial aspect of being an anime fan. It provides a deeper understanding of the story and characters, a unique art style, exposure to Japanese culture, and supports the creators and publishers who work hard to create these amazing stories. By reading manga, you can enhance your experience as an anime fan, expand your horizons, and contribute to the industry that has given us so much joy and entertainment. So, the next time you're watching your favourite anime, don't forget to pick up the manga too!
By Manshi Singh
(The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just to help the readers)