As anime and manga become more popular than ever, hard pressures can be on writers and animators to deliver juicy story arcs to the masses. As manga does precede anime, animation studios may have to invent substitutes that can come in the form of filler episodes whilst waiting for manga authors to crank out more material. Sometimes the studios may reinvent completely different storylines and differ from the manga entirely.
The comedy genre is no different. Due to all sorts of behind-the-scenes issues, animation studios may be unable to do a manga series justice. The bad news is that viewers get a dissatisfied adaptation but at least they can take solace in the original material always being there.
4 Great Teacher Onizuka Didn't Get A Second Season And Ended Abruptly
Great Teacher Onizuka originally came out in the late 90s and had its adaptation around the same time as well. The story follows the exploits of Eikichi Onizuka, an ex-biker gang member turned homeroom tutor at a private school who has to deal with trouble-making students who get up to some twisted stuff. Of course, Onizuka’s methods are unconventional and are filled with ‘tough love.’
Though the anime adaptation was decent, the series was never renewed and ended abruptly, leaving out many future important arcs that developed the characters and the relationships between them. Though some critics of the series say that GTO gets quite repetitive in how new problems are introduced and how they’re resolved, the manga did flesh out and deepen many of the characters and their growth. A pity that GTO never got to see its full glory shown in anime as its comedy, feel-good slice-of-life vibe, and important life lessons have garnered a cult following and is still an enjoyable show to watch to this day.
3 Domestic Girlfriend Omitted Several Arcs And Left Viewers In A Lurch
A series that saw the light of day in the mid-2010s, Domestic Girlfriend is a popular romance comedy-drama that combines several story tropes and taboos, namely Teacher/Student relationships and sibling relationships. The story follows Natsuo Fujii, a high school boy who is in love with one of his teachers. Knowing that nothing could ever happen, he goes out on a mixer date and meets with an odd girl.
One thing leads to another and Natsuo ends up losing his virginity to the girl as he is frustrated with his feelings. In a strange twist of events, Natsuo’s dad soon proclaims that he is remarrying (single dad) and it turns out that the prospective partner is the mother of not only the girl he lost his virginity to but also his teacher!
Though a perfect breeding ground for melodrama, Domestic Girlfriend attempts to showcase the reality of the situation and relies less on tropes thanks to the protagonist showing some semblance of sensitivity and groundedness. The series explores a ‘mature’ approach to the delicate situation and love triangle that ensues (of course it went that way).
Though the manga is decent and entertaining to read, the anime, unfortunately, rushed through and cut out several arcs which included notable funny and lighthearted scenes. This not only made the anime convey a more serious tone but sadly made the series blander, according to fans of the manga. The anime has not been renewed and sort of leaves the story hanging as well.
2 Nisekoi's Second Season Took A Nosedive
A popular romantic comedy series from the early 2010s, Nisekoi tells the story of Raku, a high school boy as well as the son of a Yakuza boss, and the many female ladies in his life, most notably Chitoge who happens to be the daughter of a rival gang boss.
To cement peace amongst the gangs, the leaders of the 2 organizations decide to pair up their children which means that Raku and Chitoge must pretend to be together so that peace can ensue. What further complicates things is that Raku has been in love with another schoolmate, Onodera and that there are these multiple lockets and keys that relate to something about love and a childhood promise. There’s quite a bit to unpack there.
Whilst most fans have praised the anime’s first season, many have expressed disappointment in the second season with its use of filler episodes and lack of a coherent narrative. However, in the anime's defense, some fans have explained that the chapters featured in season 2 aren’t very coherent, to begin with and that the studio did what they could. Fans suggest watching the first season and continuing with the manga after for the true Nisekoi experience.
1 ReLIFE As An Anime Didn't Have The Same Impact As The Manga
Technically a webtoon that ran from the early to late 2010s, the story revolves around Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old NEET (not in education, employment, or training) who works part-time at a grocery store. However, one day he is approached by a strange man who says he has been selected to be part of a science experiment called ReLife, a process that will transform him to appear 10 years younger and allow him to re-attend high school. The man explains that the experiment is for individuals to relive their youth and to have a second chance at life, and therefore have another chance to have a prospective career.
Though the anime is quite decent and fans have no real qualms with it, many still recommend reading the manga as it they cite better pacing and the characters seemingly more ‘alive’ and relevant in each scene. Regardless, it falls to the preference of the consumer in how they would like to approach this award-winning and popular comedy romantic drama.