Blog Archive

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Good Manga:

Most good manga is pretty obvious.  Whatever good anime adaptions of manga we have, those are about as good as the manga are as well.  However, there are a few exceptions in how good manga is compared to their anime adaptions -- that's when a manga isn't adapted right by the anime.  In that case, the manga can actually be much better than the anime adaption rankings would have you believe.  In that case, it might be useful to draw up a list of top ranking manga from a value added perspective compared to their anime adaptions.  In other words, the worth of manga above and beyond what the anime has already adapted, what additional good content you could get from reading the manga after watching the anime, which of course requires that the content be translated, or it's no use to us at all.

From that perspective, series like Cross Game and Inuyasha, whose manga has already been fully and perfectly adapted into anime, have zero manga worth at all.  So what manga do have worth from this revolutionary viewpoint?  Translated manga that hasn't been properly adapted by any anime.  Or in other words, what should people be reading after they finish watching the top 200 anime, in what order of priority?

How to read these rankings:  rank -- franchise name -- author's name -- release timeline -- + indicates it is still in production, no + means there are no announced sequels to the franchise -- unique standout feature -- * means the manga reached a satisfactory conclusion, no * means the manga has no satisfactory conclusion.  $ means fully translated into English, no $ means not fully translated into English.

1.  Negima/UQ Holder (Ken Akamatsu) (2003-2022) (Classroom Harem/Immortals) * $
2.  Akame ga Kill!/Hinowa ga Yuku! (Takahiro) (2010-2022) (Assassins) $
3.  Saki (Ritz Kobayashi) (2006-2024+) (Yuri plus Mahjong) $
4.  Fairy Tail (Hiro Mashima) (2006-2024+) (Mages) $
5.  Edens Zero (Hiro Mashima) (2018-2024+) (Have Friends Will Travel) $
6.  Akatsuki no Yona (Mizuho Kusanagi) (2009-2024+) (Oriental Historical Fantasy) $
7.  I"s (Masakazu Katsura) (1997-1999) (Girls whose names start with 'I') * $
8.  The 100 Girlfriends who dai-dai-dai-dai-daisuki (Rikito Nakamura) (2020-2024+) (Harem Comedy) $
9.  Sousou no Frieren (Kanehito) (2020-2024+) (Healing Adventure) $
10.  Claymore (Norihiro Yagi) (2001-2014) (Teamwork) * $
11.  Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha (Masaki Tsuzuki) (2005-2019) (Magical Girls plus Battle) $
12.  Hayate no Gotoku (Kenjiro Hata) (2004-2017) (Butler Comedy) * $
13.  Ranma 1/2 (Rumiko Takahashi) (1987-1996) (Martial Arts Mayhem) * $
14.  The World God Only Knows (Tamiki Wakaki) (2008-2014) (Gaming girls via Knowledge of Girl Games) * $
15.  Berserk (Miura Kentarou) (1989-2024+) (Medieval Historical Fantasy) $
16.  Btooom! (Junya Inoue) (2009-2018) (Survival Game/Battle Royale) * $
17.  H2 (Mitsuru Adachi) (1992-1999) (Unexpected Good Fortune awaits those who Keep Plugging) * $
18.  Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (Izumi Tsubaki) (2011-2024+) (Funny Matchmaking) 
19.  To Love-ru (Saki Hasemi) (2006-2019) (Ecchi Perfected) $
20.  Freezing (Im Dal Young) (2007-2019) (Pandoras) $
21.  Shadows House (So-ma-to) (2018-2024+) (Shadows) $
22.  Zettai Karen Children (Takashi Shiina) (2005-2021) (Psychics) *
23.  History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi (Syun Matsuena) (2002-2014) (Martial Arts) $
24.  Flame of Recca (Nobuyuki Anzai) (1995-2002) (Magic items plus Battle) * $
25.  Futari Ecchi (Aki Katsu) (1997-2024+) (Sex)
26.  Rurouni Kenshin (Nobuhiro Watsuki) (1994-2024+) (1800's Japan) $
27.  Sora no Otoshimono (Suu Minazuki) (2007-2014) (Girls who fall from the Sky) * $
28.  Broken Blade (Yunosuke Yoshinaga) (2007-2022) (Quartz Mecha Combat) *
29.  New Game (Shoutarou Tokunou) (2014-2021) (Making Games) * $
30.  To Aru Kagaku no Railgun (Kazuma Kamachi) (2007-2024+) (Sci-fi setting) $
31.  Mao (Rumiko Takahashi) (2019-2024+) (Onmyoji) $
32.  Kyoukai no Rinne (Rumiko Takahashi) (2009-2017) (Shinigami Poverty Comedy) * $
33.  Dimension W (Yuji Iwahara) (2011-2019) (Odd Couple) * $
34.  Kiniro Mosaic (Yui Hara) (2010-2021) (Cute Girls) * $
35.  Junai Sensation (Miyuki Obayashi) (2008-2009) (Possession) * $
36.  Miyuki (Mitsuru Adachi) (1980-1984) (Idyllic '80's) * $
37.  Kimi ni Todoke (Karuho Shiina) (2005-2022) (Classical Romance) *
38.  Sakura, Saku (Io Sakisaka) (2021-2023) (Helpful People) *
39.  Bastard! (Kazushi Hagiwara) (1988-2011) (Sardonic Fantasy) $
40.  Mikakunin de Shinkoukei (Cherry Arai) (2009-2024+) (Arranged Marriage) $
41.  Vinland Saga (Makoto Yukimura) (2005-2024+) (Vikings) $
42.  Soul Eater (Atsushi Ookubo) (2004-2014) (Madness) * $
43.  Rosario Vampire (Akihisa Ikeda) (2004-2014) (Monsters) * $
44.  Ao Haru Ride (Io Sakisaka) (2011-2015) (Exes Who Get Back Together) * $
45.  Kiwaguro no Brynhildr (Lynn Okamoto) (2012-2016) (Miracle of Everyday Living) * $
46.  Guyver (Yoshiki Takaya) (1985-2016) (Genetic Engineering)
47.  Touch/MIX (Mitsuru Adachi) (1981-2024+) (Effort Leads to Success) $
48.  Hikaru no Go (Yumi Hotta) (1998-2003) (Go) * $ 
49.  K-On! (Kakifly) (2007-2024+) (Friendship) $
50.  High School of the Dead (Satou Daisuke) (2006-2013) (Zombie Apocalypse) $
51.  Chihayafuru (Yuki Suetsugu) (2007-2024+) (Karuta) $
52.  Major (Takuya Mitsuda) (1994-2024+) (Baseball)
53.  Joukamachi no Dandelion (Ayumu Kasuga) (2012-2018) (Big families) * $
54.  Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare (Io Sakisaka) (2015-2019) (Love Square) * $
55.  Niji-iro Tohgarashi (Mitsuru Adachi) (1990-1992) (Ninjas) * $
56.  Rave (Hiro Mashima) (1999-2005) (Friends and Foes) * $
57.  Kanojo mo Kanojo (Hiroyuki) (2020-2023) (Polygamy) * $
58.  Yuru Yuri (Namori) (2008-2024+) (Ultimate Yuri) $
59.  Kodomo no Jikan (Kaworu Watashiya) (2005-2013) (Pedophilia) * $
60.  Dead Rock (Hiro Mashima) (2023-2024+) (Demons) $
61.  Strobe Edge (Io Sakisaka) (2007-2015) (Duty versus Passion) * $
62.  Full Moon O Sagashite (Arina Tanemura) (2002-2004) (Widowhood) * $
63.  Hunter x Hunter (Yoshihiro Togashi) (1998-2024+) (Hunters) $
64.  Sakura Trick (Tachi) (2011-2017) (Lesbianism) * $
65.  Binbou Shimai Monogatari (Izumi Kazuto) (2004-2006) (Two is All You Need) * $
66.  Aishteruze Baby (Youko Maki) (2002-2005) (Child Abuse) * $
67.  RG Veda (Clamp) (1989-1996) (Gods doing Battle) * $
68.  Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa (Hayao Miyazaki) (1982-1994) (Pollution) * $
69.  Alien Nine (Hitoshi Tomizawa) (1998-2016) (Crybabies) $
70.  Release that Witch (Er Mu) (2016-2024+) (Nation Building) 
71.  Shikkakumon no Saikyou Kenja (Shinkoshoto) (2017-2024+) (Excellence)
72.  Isekai Kenkokuki (Sakura Sakuragi) (2017-2024+) (Fantasy Rome)
73.  Dragon Ball (Akira Toriyama) (1984-2024+) (Power Perfected) $
74.  Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku (Kuroha) (2011-2014) (Sweet Humor) * $
75.  Hanayamata (Sou Hamayumiba) (2011-2018) (Yosakoi) * $

What, specifically, are the value added portions of these manga?  What should I do after watching the anime of these series? (if they even have one):

1.  Negima:  Read the whole thing from the beginning to the end, the same with UQ Holder, the anime is spotty and best ignored.

2.  Akame ga Kill!:  Start reading the mainline manga at chapter 39.  But also read the prequel manga: Akame ga Kill! Zero.  Then read the sequel manga: Hinowa ga Yuku.

3.  Saki:  Start reading from chapter 102.  But also read the spinoff manga:  Toki, Shinohayu, MakoMeshi, chapters 21+ of Side-A, Biyori and Otona no Maki.

4.  Fairy Tail:  Read Blue Mistral, Ice Trail, Hero's, Gaiden, Happy no Daiboken, 100 Years Quest, City Hero and Fairy Girls in full.  100 Years Quest has an anime coming, but who knows when or how much it will cover.

5.  Edens Zero: Start reading from chapter 141.

6.  Akatsuki no Yona:  Start reading from chapter 48.

7.  I"s: Read the whole thing from the beginning to the end.  The anime is worthless and best ignored.

8.  The 100 Girlfriends who really, really, really love you:  Let's wait and see how much the anime covers.

9.  Sousou no Frieren:  Let's wait and see how much the anime covers.

10.  Claymore:  Start reading from chapter 57.

11.  Nanoha:  Read A's, StrikerS, Reflection and Force in full.  Start reading Vivid from chapter 32.

12.  Hayate no Gotoku:  http://diamed-the-road-less-traveled.blogspot.com/2017/10/hayate-fillercontinuity-guide.html

13.  Ranma 1/2:  http://diamed-the-road-less-traveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/why-ranma-12-never-got-remake.html

14.  The World God Only Knows:  Start reading from chapter 42.

15.  Berserk:  Read volumes 1-3.  Then volume 11.  Then chapters 89-117. Then chapters 230-235.  Then chapters 250+.

16.  Btooom!:  Start reading from chapter 51.

17.  H2:  Start reading from chapter 70.

18.  Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun:  Start reading from chapter 29.

19.  To Love-ru:  Read the whole thing from the beginning to the end.  Not only is the anime full of filler, but more importantly the art of the manga is in a different dimension from the Xebec animators.  This isn't something you can miss out on.

20.  Freezing: Read the whole thing from beginning to end, the anime is worthless and best ignored.  Also read the manga spinoffs: Freezing Zero/Pair Love Stories/First Chronicle/Freezing Omake.

21.  Shadows House:  Start reading from chapter 83.

22.  Zettai Karen Children:  Read the whole thing from the beginning.  The anime is good but it distorts things too much, you just have to start over.

23.  History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi:  Start reading from chapter 198.

24.  Flame of Recca:  Start reading from chapter 142.

25.  Futari Ecchi:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  And the spinoff manga For Ladies.  The anime is meaninglessly short.

26.  Rurouni Kenshin:  Start reading from chapter 152.  Also read the Hokkaido sequel manga.

27.  Sora no Otoshimono:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime has too much filler/abridgement to ever be trusted.

28.  Broken Blade:  Start reading from chapter 51.

29.  New Game:  Read volumes 5, 7+.

30.  Railgun:  Start reading from chapter 98.  Then read the Astral Body spinoff.  Also the Dark Matter spinoff.  Also the Mental Out and Item spinoff.  As for the Accelerator spinoff, start reading from chapter 38.

31.  Mao:  Read the whole thing.  There is no anime.

32.  Kyoukai no Rinne:  Some chapters are covered, some aren't, in an entirely haphazard way.  The last volume of the manga partially covered by the anime is #34.  So there's undeniable use in reading volumes 35-40.

33.  Dimension W:  Read chapters 11-15.  Then read from chapter 76 on.

34.  Kiniro Mosaic:  Start reading from volume 6.

35.  Junai Sensation:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  There is no anime.

36.  Miyuki:  Start reading from chapter 56.

37.  Kimi ni Todoke:  Start reading from chapter 44.  Then read the Soulmate spinoff.  The third season is still a long ways away.

38.  Sakura, Saku:  Read the whole thing, there is no anime.

39.  Bastard!:  Start reading from chapter 83.

40.  Mikakunin de Shinkoukei:  Start reading from volume 5 chapter 6.

41.  Vinland Saga:  Start reading from chapter 101.

42.  Soul Eater:  Start reading from chapter 40.

43.  Rosario Vampire:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime distorts things too much.

44.  Ao Haru Ride:  Start reading from chapter 16.

45.  Kiwaguro no Brynhildr:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime has too much filler/abridgement.

46.  Guyver:  Start reading from chapter 60.

47.  Touch/MIX:  Start reading Touch from chapter 243.  Start reading Mix from chapter 119.

48.  Hikaru no Go:  Start reading from chapter 167.

49.  K-On!:  Start reading from chapter 46.  Then read K-On! Shuffle.

50.  High School of the Dead:  Start reading from chapter 16.

51.  Chihayafuru:  Start at chapter 140.

52.  Major:  Start reading from chapter 185 of Major 2nd.

53.  Joukamachi no Dandelion:  Read the whole thing from the beginning.  The anime has too much filler and can't be trusted.

54.  Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The movie is great but it leaves out most of the material.

55.  Niji-iro Tohgarashi:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  There is no anime.

56.  Rave:  Start reading from chapter 96.

57.  Kanojo mo Kanojo:  Start reading from chapter 92.

58.  Yuru Yuri:  Start reading from chapter 99.  Also read the Akari slime spinoff.

59.  Kodomo no Jikan:  Start reading from chapter 28.  The anime works well enough until then.

60.  Dead Rock:  Read the whole thing from the beginning.  There is no anime.

61.  Strobe Edge:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  There is no anime.

62.  Full Moon O Sagashite:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime is almost entirely filler.

63.  Hunter x Hunter:  Start reading from chapter 340.

64.  Sakura Trick:  Start reading from volume 3 chapter 9.

65.  Bimbou Shimai Monogatari:  Start reading from chapter 27.

66.  Aisheteruze Baby:  It's a short manga so just read the whole thing, the anime distorts too much.

67.  RG Veda:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime can't be trusted.

68.  Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa:  Read the whole thing from beginning to end.  The anime can't be trusted.

69.  Alien Nine:  Start reading from chapter 15.  Then the emulators spinoff.  Then Alien 9 Next.

70.  Release that Witch:  Read it all from the beginning.  There is no anime.

71.  Shikkakumon no Saikyou Kenja:  Start reading from chapter 41.  Also the Senmetsudou spinoff.

72.  Isekai Kenkokuki:  Start reading from the beginning, there is no anime.

73.  Dragon Ball:  Start reading from Super chapter 42.

74.  Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku:  Start reading from chapter 42.

75.  Hanayamata:  Start reading from chapter 35.

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