The superiority of manga over anime is not unanimous. A few years ago, we made a list of animated adaptations that were much better than their original works. With this new selection, we want to show you that this phenomenon is more common than you might think.
#1 Dragon Ball Super
The case of Dragon Ball Super is quite unique. Until 2018, the manga and anime were published and broadcast in parallel, allowing for direct comparisons between the two mediums. It was therefore possible to see the differences between the two. Initially, it was clear that the manga was superior, with the anime being mocked for its uneven animation quality. However, everything changed after the Tournament of Power. The visual style was overhauled, thanks in part to the arrival of Naohiro Shintani as animation supervisor. His involvement completely changed the game, and the film Dragon Ball Super: Broly, for which he is the animation director, is proof of this. Today, it's almost impossible to go back to the manga to relive the Tournament of Power, as its animated adaptation is so superior. #2 Hunter X Hunter (2011)
Hunter X Hunter is an excellent manga, but its Madhouse adaptation has sublimated Togashi's work. The 2011 anime is certainly simpler and less dark, however, it has high-quality animation. One could even say that it gave Hisoka a career, as the character is so magnified. Another, more delicate point that makes us think the anime is better: Togashi's health. This began to decline during the Chimera Ant arc, and it shows in the art. It's rather sad that this is the case, but despite this, we will still recommend reading the manga, whether to support the mangaka or simply to appreciate his drawings.
#3 Haikyu!!
Aside from Slam Dunk, sports manga are almost always inferior to their animated adaptations, regardless of their quality. Why? The movement and the atmosphere. Haikyu!! is no exception. Haruichi Furudate's manga is beautiful, but the anime brings a fluidity that manga can't replicate. By having a visual style very close to the mangaka, we literally feel like we're seeing the comic book come to life. We feel more involved in the matches and, like when we watch a Rocky, we only want one thing: to play volleyball... and especially to see the next movie!
#4 Devilman Crybaby
Devilman, by Go Nagai, is a manga dating back to 1972. The style can therefore put off many readers, especially younger ones. The problem is that it's a cult manga, and you have to be very careful about that. That's what Science SARU did when it took charge of the anime adaptation for Netflix, and the studio even exceeded all expectations. The studio - also behind DanDaDan, season 2 of which will be released later this year - completely took over the manga, giving it a strong and unique visual identity, far removed from current standards. It has thus become something apart, a modern reference in the world of animation.
#5 Jujutsu Kaisen
An anime is a showcase for the manga. Jujutsu Kaisen is the perfect example of this scenario. Still little-known outside of Japan before its adaptation, it experienced a spectacular rise in popularity, to the point of becoming the most popular anime in the world in 2023, even surpassing One Piece. MAPPA has achieved a real feat, and seems determined to continue this momentum. Unfortunately, the studio did not give any news on season 3 during AnimeJapan 2025. We remain confident, however, because MAPPA has rarely disappointed us.
#6 Knights of the Zodiac
Saint Seiya has become legendary thanks to its anime. Broadcast here in our Dorothée Club, it was the first contact with Masami Kurumada's work for many people. Shingo Araki's iconic visual style is now inseparable from the series. Switching to the manga can be confusing. When you're used to such a striking, and in this case legendary, style, it's difficult to accept Kurumada's more raw style. The manga remains enjoyable to read and has its qualities, but if you had to choose, it will always be the anime that will remain in your heart.
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