As someone who grew up in the ’90s and was captivated by the enchanting world of Sailor Moon, I must say that the long-awaited adaptation of Sailor Moon Cosmos has been nothing short of magical! The breathtaking animation, the faithful adherence to the original manga, and the nostalgic nods to the franchise’s history make this film a dream come true for fans like me. And let’s not forget the delightful surprise of seeing Keiko Kitagawa, my beloved Sailor Mars from the live-action adaptation, grace our screens once again!
Many beloved anime and manga narratives have undergone multiple transformations throughout the years due to their timeless appeal. Occasionally, these later adaptations surpass the initial ones, thanks in part to technological advancements in animation, technology, and music that breathe fresh life into the story. Additionally, as anime’s influence expands globally over time, it is often the more recent versions that captivate international audiences first.
Absolutely, a great remake not only respects its origins but often enhances them as well. Popularity frequently stems from the fact that it stays truer to the original source, which is usually a manga, compared to earlier adaptations. It also tends to correct some contentious alterations. Moreover, these remakes can subtly acknowledge their predecessors by incorporating cherished elements such as iconic tunes or story arcs. Ultimately, remakes are often crafted with the aim of expressing gratitude to long-term fans.
10 Dororo (2019)
Original: Dororo (1969)
As a gamer immersed in the world of anime, I’ve been hooked by “Dororo” – a 2019 adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s manga, which originally graced our screens back in 1969 as an anime series. In this captivating tale, I embody Hyakkimaru, a young ronin on a relentless quest to vanquish demons that have cruelly robbed me of my physical faculties. Accompanying me on this journey is a spirited child named Dororo. This fresh interpretation of the narrative follows the themes of a “buddy film,” where my character’s quest to reclaim his lost humanity intertwines with the search for the body parts stolen from him by those malevolent spirits.
A Gentler Dororo For a Darker Series
In contrast to the 1969 version, the modern reboot of “Dororo” has reduced censorship and gained acclaim for its intense battle sequences. Much like the 2019 adaptation, it was also praised for its lifelike animation. A notable alteration that appealed to fans was Dororo’s portrayal as a more compassionate and devoted character towards Hyakkimaru. Intriguingly, this reboot is less cryptic about Dororo’s true gender, which serves as a twist in the original storyline.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
9 GeGeGe no Kitaro (2018)
Original: GeGeGe no Kitarò (1968)
The animated series titled either GeGeGe no Kitarō or Hakaba Kitarō primarily focuses on a young yokai character named Kitarō. Originating from a kamishibai (Japanese picture-story play), the narrative has been reimagined into numerous anime productions since the 1960s.
Granted, There Have Been Quite a Few Series
Although each version of the series has its dedicated followers, the 2018 adaptation particularly boosted the character’s popularity in the Western world. This modern take on the series is recognized for its grim undertones, where characters often meet untimely ends, giving it a horror feel similar to conventional horror series. Interestingly, Kitarō, the main character, was portrayed as more of an anti-hero, doling out punishment not just to evil yokai but also to humans who transgressed.
In the 2018 version of the game I was playing, they went for a more realistic approach with Kitarō and Neko Musume’s designs, moving away from the overtly cartoonish look. However, they didn’t forget to pay homage to the original series. The legendary voice actress Masako Nozawa, who you might recognize as Son Goku from Dragon Ball, lent her voice to Kitarō’s father, Medama-oyaji, in this new version.
Stream on Crunchyroll
8 DEVILMAN crybaby (2018)
Original: Devilman (1972)
Over time, Go Nagai’s Devilman narrative has seen numerous animated adaptations. However, it was the series titled DEVILMAN crybaby, noteworthy for its global reach, that particularly propelled the series into prominence. The plot centers on a young man named Akira, who merges with the demon, Amon, transforming into the powerful protagonist, Devilman. Simultaneously, Akira’s friend Ryo, instrumental in the transformation, harbors a disturbing past and conceals his true identity.
The Seventies Series Wasn’t Too Kind To Akira…
Originally, the story was transformed into an anime back in the 1970s, but it underwent several disputable alterations. Among these changes, one of the most significant was that Akira, the initial lead character, was essentially written out early on, as “Devilman” took control over his body. The Netflix series Devilman Crybaby, however, set in a more contemporary era, generally sticks closer to the original narrative.
Since the series was only produced as OVAs from the 1970s until Crybaby, fans of the original were thrilled to find it returning for another season. However, this new series also acknowledges its roots by incorporating elements from previous versions, such as a revamped version of the original theme song, “Devilman No Uta,” which turned out to be a hit among fans.
Stream on Netflix
7 Hunter × Hunter (2011)
Original: Hunter × Hunter (1999)
Hunter x Hunter, initially penned by Yoshihiro Togashi as a manga, centers around Gon Freecss, a young lad who discovers his dad is a renowned “Hunter,” known for tracking down exotic creatures, hidden treasures, and even criminals. This revelation sets him on a path to become a Hunter himself and reunite with his missing father. The series was transformed into an anime in 1999, spanning 62 episodes. However, it concluded prematurely, before the Chimera Ant Arc could be incorporated.
Originally a Seasonal Series, the Remake Outlasted the Original
Back in 2011, when this anime was brought to life, it had a rich pool of content to draw from, which was a significant advantage for its adaptation. As a fresh take on the series, it was initially planned as a seasonal show, running roughly 26 episodes. But things took an unexpected turn – the show extended far beyond that, spanning over 140 episodes! That’s more than double the length of the first anime. Looking back, this extra time allowed us to adapt arcs without having to grapple with the pauses that the original manga was subjected to.
Stream on Crunchyroll
6 Fruits Basket (2019)
Original: Fruits Basket (2001)
As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the enchanting world of “Fruits Basket,” a renowned shojo series that follows the heartwarming journey of Tohru Honda, a young and resilient girl who finds herself under the roof of the mysterious Sohma family. This peculiar clan is cursed to transform into animals of the Eastern Zodiac upon being hugged by members of the opposite gender – yes, even the mischievous cat, Yuki, isn’t spared!
The Reboot Even Inspired a Compilation Film
In my excitement for the 2001 anime adaption, I eagerly awaited each episode. However, little did I know that some storylines were yet to unfold in the manga. One of these unresolved plots concerned a beloved character’s gender identity. Initially, Akito, the antagonistic matriarch of the Sohma family, was depicted as female in the original manga. Unfortunately, due to the anime being completed before this revelation, Akito was portrayed as male in the series.
2019’s anime version managed to produce sufficient material for three seasons, unlike its earlier counterpart which concluded after a single season. Additionally, the 2019 adaptation generated enough buzz for the franchise that it resulted in the release of the compilation film, Fruits Basket: Prelude.
5 Urusei Yatsura (2022)
Urusei Yatsura (1981)
In the 80’s, the widely acclaimed anime series known as Urusei Yatsura was reimagined in 2022, striving to align more closely with the source material, the original manga. Unlike the original show, most episodes are divided into two parts.
Some Fans Thought the Series Matched the Manga’s Pace
It’s worth noting that the recent adaptation is significantly abridged compared to the 1980s series, consisting of only 46 episodes versus its 194. However, this compact structure resonates with some viewers because it aligns more closely with the tone of the manga. Additionally, while some cherish the original’s animation style, others prefer the modernized aesthetic of the remake.
Without a doubt, one advantage of the remake lies in its dedication to the original anime fans. In fact, the voice actors chosen for Ataru’s father and Lum’s mother are the same as those who voiced Ataru and Lum in the ’80s series.
Stream on Crunchyroll
4 Hellsing Ultimate (2006)
Original: Hellsing (2001)
“Hellsing” is an anime about a team that battles vampires, with Alucard, a strong, gun-using vampire loyal to the Hellsing family, being a valuable member. The series was made into a thirteen-episode anime and a ten-episode OVA known as “Hellsing Ultimate“.
Don’t Let the Episode Count Fool You
Hellsing Ultimate was praised for closely adhering to the manga’s storyline, with its artwork resembling manga illustrations as well. Generally speaking, the latter series received acclaim for its improved animation, contributing to a more ominous and realistic aesthetic.
Interestingly, even though there were fewer episodes in this new series compared to the original, each episode ran for a longer duration, with the final one surpassing an hour. Consequently, this extended runtime enabled a richer story development and the exploration of additional plotlines.
3 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Original: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
In the initial adaptation of the popular anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist, a common challenge for many anime productions emerged: the manga was yet to conclude when the anime began, necessitating additional content known as filler to extend the storyline. Consequently, it ended in a divisive manner, with Ed and Al being split across different dimensions, leaving Al without his memories. The saga found its resolution later through the film titled Conqueror of Shamballa.
Brotherhood Helps Speed Things Up
After the manga ended, a subsequent adaptation titled “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” had the opportunity to follow the story more faithfully. Consequently, this version of the series could move along at a quicker tempo compared to the 2003 anime. Additionally, this adaptation offered a unique conclusion that addressed the characters’ destinies, such as Ed marrying and starting a family with Winry.
2 Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023)
Original: Sailor Moon (1992)
Cosmos: The Final Season of Sailor Moon is based on the fifth and concluding storyline from the original Sailor Moon manga, a sequence that was earlier depicted in the Sailor Stars anime series, which was the last season of the Sailor Moon animated show. While Sailor Stars has a dedicated fanbase, including English-speaking fans who missed its official airing during the initial run of the dubbed version, there were also enthusiasts eager to witness the space opera’s grand finale as envisioned in the manga itself.
Fans Waited Decades For the Wedding
In “Sailor Moon Cosmos,” the battles are portrayed more accurately due to its closer adherence to the original manga. Additionally, fans have long been anticipating a scene from the manga since the 1990s anime – Usagi and Mamoru’s wedding. This stunning event is beautifully animated, leaving viewers in awe.
One unique aspect of “Sailor Moon Cosmos” is that it pays tribute to fans across the entire series. Actress Keiko Kitagawa, who portrayed Sailor Mars in the live-action version, “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon,” reprises her role as Sailor Cosmos. Remarkably, the movie’s two segments employ the original anime’s theme songs for their opening tunes. Moreover, the series creator Naoko Takeuchi played a significant role in overseeing the film’s production.
Stream on Netflix
1 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012)
Original: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (1993)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure initially debuted as a manga in the late 80s, eventually evolving into a lengthy series. However, it took some time before receiving its own dedicated anime adaptation. The franchise’s initial dip into animation was through an Original Video Animation (OVA), divided into two sections. “Part 2” was broadcast from 1993 to 1994, while “Part 1” aired from 2000 to 2002.
The Wait Might’ve Worked In the Series’ Favor
In the year 2012, an animated adaptation titled “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” was launched, eventually expanding into five distinct seasons and amassing a grand total of 190 episodes. This rendition significantly boosted the visibility of the franchise, particularly resonating with Western anime enthusiasts.
For numerous fans, the prolonged anticipation for a quality anime adaptation surprisingly boosted the franchise’s popularity. Given that the source manga was an extended series, it played a significant role in shaping familiar tropes found in shonen and action genres. After several decades of witnessing their adaptations and reinterpretations, a comeback to traditional shonen narratives felt surprisingly rebellious.
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2024-08-04 17:02