The manga versions of popular anime series are the inspiration for the anime adaptations, yet many of these adaptations fail to live up to the manga's quality, frustrating fans. This is compounded when the anime ends unexpectedly or does not adapt the best arc from the manga, which many viewers were anticipating.
Disappointed and frustrated, fans often abandon the anime adaptation in favor of the manga source material because of these squandered possibilities. These plot points, which range from fierce battles to major character developments, are often left out of anime adaptations, leaving gaping plot holes that fans can't ignore.
7 Rosario + Vampire
The supernatural romantic comedy anime that aired in 2008 was a popular adaptation of its manga counterpart, written by Akihisa Ikeda. Despite its success, fans of the manga often argue that the anime failed to adapt one of the manga's most iconic arcs.
A dark and mature theme in the manga sees the protagonist, Tsukune Aono, and his friends facing off against an organization consisting of powerful and dangerous monsters that threaten the safety of the Yokai Academy. This arc is notable for its dark and mature tone, intense action scenes, and character development, making it a standout moment in the manga's story.
6 High School Of The Dead
Since its 2010 debut, the anime series High School of the Dead garnered a massive fanbase because of its unique blend of drama, action, and horror. In the anime series High School of the Dead, a group of high school students deals with a world overrun by zombies. The high school students do their best to hold out against the onslaught of zombies and other survivors.
Some of the strongest arcs from the manga were left out of the anime, despite its widespread acclaim. Several viewers were dissatisfied that the anime only covered half of the tale presented in the manga, especially since the remaining arcs were vital to the story's development.
5 Deadman Wonderland
Many viewers of the anime based on the Deadman Wonderland manga wanted more after the exciting experience it provided. However, despite its captivating storyline and heart-pumping action scenes, there was one major issue that left fans disappointed: the manga’s best arc was not adapted into anime.
The "Crow's Claw" arc was the manga's pinnacle, bringing together all the series' themes and plot threads. The arc was full of surprises, culminating in a clash between the Deadmen and the prison administration. Nevertheless, those twists and turns were only available to manga readers, leaving anime viewers hanging.
4 Promised Neverland
The first season of the Promised Neverland anime series gained widespread recognition due to its masterful combination of thriller, sci-fi, and mystery themes. Nevertheless, the second season of the anime strayed significantly from the manga, which caused many gaps in the story and frustrated viewers.
Due to the rush and compression of the anime adaptation, many characters and major plot points were removed from the series, ultimately altering the path of the much-anticipated "Golden Arc." This is especially disappointing given the emotional weight of the "Golden Arc" in the manga series, where fans get to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
3 Soul Eater
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Although the anime version of Soul Eater has become a cult favorite, some viewers feel that the show bungled the chance to adapt to the manga's strongest plot point. The arc of the manga titled "Black Star & Tsubaki" centered on the character's growth and the emotional trip they experienced. The anime series, on the other hand, shifted its emphasis to action sequences, changing the tone and dynamic of the manga and giving the impression that it was a completely different work from the anime.
The original manga was written by Atsushi Kubo, and BONES Animation Studio animated it. Although the classic anime adaptation was adored by many anime fans, manga readers felt cheated because the anime failed to accurately portray the manga's best arc.
2 Seraph Of The End
The anime version of the Seraph of the End manga removed many crucial plot points. The Post-Nagoya Arc, the Osaka Arc, and the Shibuya Arc have not been adapted into the anime series, and there has been no news that they will be. These plot threads are crucial to the story and were unfortunately cut from the anime version.
Disregarding the arc that occurs after the events of Nagoya is particularly heartbreaking since it involves significant changes to the characters and unexpected twists to the plot. Despite the Seraph of the End's widespread recognition for its moving and magnificent plots and battles, many manga readers' hearts remain heavy because the anime did not adapt key elements of the story.
1 Ao No Exorcist
The anime series Ao no Exorcist follows the story of adolescent Rin Okamura, who learns that he is the devil's son, born to a human mother. Inheriting his father’s powers in a world where exorcists are everywhere, Rin must prove himself to be cut from a different cloth than his father, or else he will lose his life. Despite the series' widely acclaimed popularity, Ao no Exorcist neglected several major arcs in the story, which saw a lot of character development.
Both the "Academy Seven Wonders" arc and the "Shimane Illuminati" arc are highlights of the series since they introduce new, crucial characters. In addition, the arcs deal with family and acceptance issues, which is why fans were so dismayed when they weren't adapted into an anime.