When it comes to anime, it’s no secret that many of them began as manga before being turned into a TV series. However, there are a few notable exceptions where the opposite is true. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at five popular anime series that actually started out as anime and were later adapted into manga series.
1. Code Geass
Code Geass is a beloved anime series that was directed by Goro Taniguchi. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, a prince who becomes the unlikely protagonist of the show. Set in an alternate universe, the series revolves around Lelouch’s attempts to overthrow his father’s rule after being exiled to Japan which was conquered by the Holy Britannian Empire. With the help of his newfound supernatural powers, he fights for Japanese independence. Although there are manga adaptations of the show, it was originally an original anime series and can be watched on channel Ani-One Asia on YouTube.
2. Dragon Ball GT
Although it is a continuation of the hugely popular Dragon Ball Z series, Dragon Ball GT is actually an original anime series that was created as a follow-up to its predecessor. The plot kicks off when Emperor Pilaf transforms Goku into a child, and the series is notable for its focus on original storytelling rather than adapting the manga directly. Although it’s not as well regarded as Dragon Ball Z by fans, it has its own set of positives. Fans can watch this series on WeTV.
3. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a heartwarming story about love, war, and the importance of letters. After struggling to recover from the horrors of war, Violet finds hope and light in the most unexpected of places – by writing out the emotions and words of others. As she helps others express themselves and their feelings on paper, she also begins to discover herself and her own emotions, along with her feelings for her boss, Gilbert, who went missing during the war. Although the series is based on a light novel, it was originally an anime series and its 14 episodes can be watched on Netflix.
4. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo was directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, who also made Cowboy Bebop. The two shows share many similarities, but Samurai Champloo is set in an alternate reality feudal Japan. The story revolves around Fuu, a waitress who hires Mugen and Jin to help her find a samurai with the aroma of sunflowers. Although the manga series is actually two volumes long, it was published after the anime series had already finished production. As such, the anime is technically the original work and is available to watch on YouTube.
5. Angel Beats!
The final anime on our list is Angel Beats!, a supernatural anime that is set in a high school in the afterlife. The show centers around a group of teenagers who are trying to overcome their past traumas before they reincarnate. With 13 episodes, the series explores how past traumas can impact an individual later on in life. The anime was an original work by director Seiji Kishi, and the manga adaptation was published years after the show first aired. Fans can stream this series on Bstation.
In conclusion, not all anime series are adaptations of manga. Some anime can stand on their own with their original storytelling and become iconic in their own right. These five anime are great examples of this phenomenon and are worth watching.
