Movies

10 Fantasy Manga SO GOOD, They’re Begging for an Anime Adaptation

BBG News

Many excellent animated series, particularly those in the fantasy genre, are based on manga or light novels, which means they already have a dedicated fanbase who adore the original printed versions. This is often true for numerous fantasy anime like “Berserk,” which has more than one adaptation. Regrettably, some other well-liked fantasy manga haven’t received this kind of treatment despite their popularity.

Some exceptional fantasy manga series might still be waiting for their anime adaptations, even if they’re fairly new. This includes the isekai genre as well, despite its increasing popularity for anime adaptations. These captivating stories, with their innovative world-building or intriguing characters, would undoubtedly shine even brighter in animated form and could gain an unprecedented level of popularity.

Volumes: 8

The Manga “Magus of the Library” is exceptional as it delves into both the realm of fantasy and the enchantment of literature. It bears resemblance to other works due to this unique blend. For instance, its narrative structure shares similarities with the popular isekai series, “Ascendance of a Bookworm.” This manga revolves around an elfin boy named Theo who encounters prejudice in his fantastical world. Books and the power of reading serve as his sanctuary. Fortunately, a librarian enters his life, transforming it entirely.

The “Magus of the Library” has been around for almost a decade now, but it hasn’t been turned into an anime yet. One reason could be the intricate artwork, which is a major appeal of the manga and might not be straightforward to recreate in animation. Moreover, studios might be holding off on adaptation until there are at least 10 volumes of the manga, as this would increase its popularity and potential success.

Volumes: 11

In the Frontier Bard Loen, I stumbled upon a manga title that’s quite unusual yet not as perplexing as some isekai genre titles. It blends aspects of healing genres and fantasy, but transforms swiftly into an epic journey brimming with unexpected twists and turns. The protagonist, an elderly knight, sets out on a journey he believes will be his peaceful finale, but the intrigue and conspiracies that ensue soon render it anything but tranquil.

The recently localized series, Frontier Bard Loen, is rapidly amassing a dedicated fanbase. The world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, and the characters feel genuinely human rather than being mere stereotypes or exaggerations typical in fantasy genres. Regrettably, as of now, there’s no anime adaptation, despite it being an ideal alternative (though not as grim) to the disappointing 2016 Berserk anime or other mature fantasy anime series.

Volumes: 14 (Light Novel); 9 (Manga)

More and more isekai anime are being created these days, often based on manga or light novels. Each one tries to appear unique by using various tricks, yet surprisingly, one title has managed to buck this trend: “I Got Caught Up in a Hero Summons, but the Other World Was at Peace!” This series actually subverts genre expectations by presenting a peaceful world where the characters are reincarnated into, contrary to the usual danger-filled setting.

It appears that “Ensnared in a Heroic Recruitment” would make a particularly fitting fantasy novel for adaptation into an anime, given its current popularity trend. Its unique blend of a calming atmosphere and deeply empathetic main character sets it apart from the more stereotypical isekai genre. However, though the light novels remain untranslated, the manga has been, which makes the absence of an anime even more intriguing considering its success in other formats.

Volumes: 4

MÄR, or Märchen Awakens Romance, spans over three years and 15 volumes in its storyline. An anime version was developed but concluded a year ahead, deviating from the original manga, resulting in an alternate ending compared to the source content. Interestingly, no anime adaptation for the sequel was ever produced.

Six years after the initial manga, the Omega series occurred, but its narrative was largely disconnected from the original. It abandoned the isekai elements and instead focused on a straightforward fantasy tale. Such a plot would have been ideal for a mini-series adaptation in anime. Since the original has become quite irrelevant, it might be beneficial to create an anime remake or adaptation of the entire franchise to provide a faithful and complete portrayal of the story.

Volumes: 1

Kentaro Miura, who passed away, is most famously recognized for his ongoing work that continues through his team posthumously. Beyond this iconic series, it’s worth mentioning that he also created other manga. A lesser-known title, Duranki, is set to be released in English soon. Unlike Berserk, Duranki leans more towards an adventure-filled fantasy rather than the grim and brutal tone that characterizes it.

Duranki concluded with Miura’s passing, leaving behind untold stories ripe for exploration. These tales could seamlessly transition into an anime film or original video animation (OVA). Given the breadth of the narrative, there would be no room for subpar animation quality. Consequently, a revitalized Duranki could effortlessly outshine its contemporaries, ensuring at least one of Miura’s masterpieces receives a well-deserved modern adaptation.

Volumes: 30

In my observations, I’ve come across a captivating josei manga titled “Hyakki Yakoushou,” often referred to as “Beyond Twilight.” Unlike the action-packed world of shonen mangas like “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” this narrative unfolds in a more mature, everyday setting. The protagonist possesses an otherworldly sixth sense and encounters supernatural entities, yet the storyline is not dominated by intense battles. Instead, it delves into the ordinary aspects of life, punctuated by its unique supernatural elements, making it a slice-of-life manga with episodic twists.

The striking artistry of Hyakki Yakoushou would make it ideal for an animated series, yet its elusive background material may pose a challenge. The original manga is scarcely found outside Japan since it has never been translated into English or any other language apart from Japanese. This niche-style anime is gaining popularity, making the absence of an adaptation for such a prolonged manga more and more perplexing.

Volumes: 37

Although “Vagabond” might not be conventionally considered a “fantasy” manga, its portrayal of historical Japanese figures is undeniably imaginative. Primarily revolving around Musashi Miyamoto, it explores numerous battles in Japan’s history while infusing unique perspectives. Renowned for its excellence, this manga has garnered multiple awards and is admired for its authentic, measured pace.

Although Vagabond has been around for several decades, neither an animated nor a live-action version of its story has ever been produced. However, considering the acclaim it has received from esteemed creators like Eiichiro Oda of One Piece fame, it seems overdue for such adaptations. Given the manga’s rich themes and depth, a full-length anime series would be necessary to do justice to the story. Coincidentally, as the manga is currently on hiatus, this pause could present an ideal opportunity to bring Vagabond to life on screen.

Volumes: 8

From 2016 to 2018, Fire Punch was an engaging story that combined dark supernatural fantasy and post-apocalyptic themes. The narrative takes place in a bleak, frozen landscape, with a main character who is always ablaze. This condition results from a curse placed on his village, including his sister, by a man. Agni, the protagonist, spends years searching for an opportunity to exact his revenge.

The anime Fire Punch seems strikingly relevant due to its resemblance to recent popular shows like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Unfortunately, it didn’t enjoy the same longevity, but considering the existing content, a brief revival anime could be produced. This might spark renewed interest in the series, ultimately solidifying it as one of the top shonen manga from the late 2010s.

Volumes: 7

The shonen manga Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo was known for its bizarre and over-the-top nature. Its humor often veered towards the unbelievably absurd, showcasing a satirical touch. Unfortunately, the anime adaptation concluded on a suspenseful note because it ended before the manga did, which meant that the second half of the manga was never adapted into an anime, and neither were other projects based on this work.

The sequel to Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, titled Shinsetsu Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, was just as absurd as its precursor, but it was also about one-third the length. Following this series, there were spinoffs focusing on Don Patch that did not receive anime adaptations of their own. In essence, while the original Bobobo series may require another anime to fully capture the manga’s essence, adapting Shinsetsu Bobobo (which takes place slightly later) is essential.

Volumes: 5

At first glance, “Isekai Walking” may appear to be a typical isekai series, relying on familiar tropes that fans have grown accustomed to. It introduces a hero who is initially dismissed for his seemingly ordinary but extraordinarily powerful ability, reminiscent of isekai anime like “Failure Frame” and other productions. However, what sets it apart is its predominantly positive atmosphere, as the protagonist effectively utilizes his mobility-focused powers in an optimistic manner.

In the world of Isekai Walking, the central character accrues experience points (EXP) akin to video games simply by walking. He employs this ability primarily not for battles but as a courier, transporting messages and often experiencing heartwarming interactions with people along the way. This tranquil fantasy tale, brimming with charm, would make an ideal anime adaptation. With the novels now being translated in the West, there’s a strong possibility that an anime series could soon materialize.

Read More

2025-04-27 05:07

Previous post Epstein’s Victims: A Tragic Toll
Next post Every TV Show and Movie Coming to Apple TV+ in May 2025