10 Great Manga Unlikely to Receive Anime Adaptations
Explore a list of exceptional manga that may never get an anime adaptation due to various factors such as financial failure, sensitive subject matter, and the difficulty of translating the story into animation.
Yotsuba&!: A Challenging Translation to Animation
Yotsuba&! is a beloved slice-of-life manga by Kiyohiko Azuma. However, the unique writing style of Yotsuba&! presents challenges when it comes to translating it into animation. In an interview, Azuma himself mentioned the difficulty of capturing the essence of the series in animated form. Despite the popularity of slice-of-life anime, the chances of Yotsuba&! receiving an anime adaptation remain uncertain.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Psyren: Struggles in Japan
Toshiaki Iwashiro’s Psyren gained popularity among Western readers but faced difficulties in maintaining its success in Japan. Ultimately, due to poor sales, the manga was canceled. This financial setback makes the chances of an anime adaptation for Psyren slim, as studios may view it as a risky investment.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
All You Need Is Kill: Hindered by Live-Action Adaptation
Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s All You Need Is Kill had a live-action adaptation titled ‘Edge of Tomorrow.’ Unfortunately, the mixed critical reception and underwhelming box office performance of the film hindered the possibility of a sequel and subsequently an anime adaptation for the manga.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Boy’s Abyss: Sensitive Topics and Dark Nature
Ryo Minenami’s Boy’s Abyss delves into sensitive topics such as depression, suicide, and explicit sexual content. While these elements may be suitable for a manga, they pose challenges for an anime adaptation due to potential censorship and the dark nature of the story.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Animal Land: Financial Struggles Despite Critical Acclaim
Makoto Raiku’s Animal Land, despite critical acclaim, struggled to find financial success. This dark and thematically heavy manga, which won the 37th Kodansha Manga Award for Best Children’s Manga, has yet to receive an anime adaptation.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Pokémon Adventures: Inconsistencies with the Franchise
Pokémon Adventures, known for its serious and mature take on the Pokémon franchise, faces obstacles when it comes to an anime adaptation. The manga’s arcs are based on the most recent Pokémon games, resulting in inconsistencies with the overall lore and mechanics of the franchise. Consequently, major rewrites would be necessary, making an anime adaptation unlikely.
Rosen Garten Saga: Rich History and Mythical Interpretations
Rosen Garten Saga, a relatively new manga, presents a story with rich historical and mythical interpretations. However, its excessive nudity, perversions, and dark comedy make it unsuitable for an anime adaptation due to censorship challenges.
Real: Living with Disabilities in the World of Sports
Takehiko Inoue’s Real, a basketball manga, offers a unique perspective by exploring the physical and mental toll of sports, particularly focusing on living with disabilities. Despite its greatness, the success of Inoue’s previous work, Slam Dunk, makes an anime adaptation for Real unnecessary.
Vagabond: Artistic Challenges and Irregular Release Schedule
Vagabond, another manga by Takehiko Inoue, tells the fictionalized story of Musashi Miyamoto. The manga’s incredible art and storytelling make it challenging to replicate in an anime adaptation. Furthermore, the irregular release schedule and the series’ hiatus make it impossible to tell a complete story through anime.
Goodnight Punpun: Challenging Visuals and Heavy Themes
Inio Asano’s Goodnight Punpun is a critically acclaimed seinen manga that tackles explicit themes and features unique visual aesthetics. The contrasting art styles and heavy subject matter make it challenging to translate into animation, making an anime adaptation unlikely.