The KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! anime adaptation is by no means a failure; however, as with most cases, the creative team has taken some liberties with modifying and revising the storyline. Many of the tactful alterations are inconsequential to the narrative, like the suddenly spherical puzzle or the inexplicably monstrous tulips. However, other details affect the overall storyline significantly.
The war of manga vs anime will likely rage on for eternity, and this article doesn't intend to pick sides. Megumin's spin-off provides one of those rare instances where neither version is definitively better than the other, and both are highly enjoyable!
The following content discusses events up to episode 5 of KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! anime and Chapter 7, "Prelude Of The Explosion Maniac" of the manga.
8 Sequence of Events
Trying to connect the dots between the anime episodes and the manga chapters is like playing one of those sliding-block puzzles. All the elements are there (generally speaking); they are just muddled up. Besides a couple of inconsistencies (discussed below), the overall effect of rearranging events for the purpose of the anime is well executed.
For example, the opening scene that bombards the senses with the awesomeness of Explosion Magic arguably captivates more viewers than a classroom scene would have. Stalling the Dark Lord/Wolbach bombshell also works well for the series, as the Easter Eggs delivered by Komekko in the manga would've been too obvious for viewers, removing the vital "shock factor." Furthermore, Megumin and Yunyun's friendship progresses at a more natural pace in the anime, whereas the manga girls seem to be besties from the get-go.
7 The Significance of the Skill Up Potions
Megumin's spin-off anime doesn't have as many classroom scenes as the manga, and so the concept of Skill Up Potions is only properly showcased in episodes 4 and 5, just before the whole issue essentially becomes irrelevant. In contrast, the potions are one of the first things readers see in Chapter 1 of the manga.
While this may not seem like a big deal, the manga's constant mention of Skills Up Potions serves to fuel the competition between Megumin and Yunyun, giving them something to "fight over." In contrast, the girls' so-call rivalry in the anime seems to stem from nowhere. Yunyun certainly isn't chuunibyou enough to declare a life-long war on a stranger with a crawfish, for no apparent reason. But competing for the top spot at Red Prison makes much more sense.
6 Yunyun's Heroism
One significant scene that is cut from the anime is supposed to slot in when the class suddenly gets attacked by a monster during the Augmentation Surge ceremony. The KonoSuba anime (episode 2) depicts Bukkororii stepping in to save the day and eliminating Yunyun's heroic moment entirely. Originally, she courageously stands before her classmates and prepares to battle the beast singlehandedly (with no magic and just a flimsy dagger.)
Overall, Yunyun is essentially the butt of all jokes and shows very little potential in the anime, then suddenly swoops in to save the day in episode 5. Her manga counterpart, however, comes across as more put-together and less air-headed, elevating her to a relatively equal standing to Megumin.
5 Chomusuke's Mischievous Side
Megumin and her kitty familiar are virtually inseparable, but, unfortunately, Chomusuke's strong personality doesn't shine through in the anime. As far as viewers can tell, it's just a cute, albeit mysterious, black-winged cat. However, Chomusuke's chaotic, mischievous, trouble-making characteristics are unmistakable in the manga. This is not only entertaining but serves to drop hints regarding the soul within.
From using the classroom as a scratching post to attacking wayward monsters and more, the Chomusuke in the manga is a ball of sinister fun. And, although not much of a game-changer, this kitty's former name, Kuro, is translated to 'Inky" in the anime instead of Black(y).
4 Megumin and Yunyun's Fight
As everyone makes an effort to point out, Megumin and Yunyun are pretty friendly, considering they are apparently rivals. And although they bicker and duel on a daily basis, the pair rarely get into heated arguments or serious confrontations. Their one major confrontation, however, goes down differently when comparing the manga to the anime.
In Chapter 2, "God Bless This Lonely Girl!" the deadly duo's argument revolves around their greatest weaknesses: Yunyun's desperation for friendship and Megumin's obsession with food. In episode 4 of the anime, however, the pair bash heads about their skill points and potential powers, with Yunyun throwing shade at Explosion Magic. Both situations are quite intense and are a testament to their deep bond, although the manga panel doesn't end in a physical altercation like in the anime.
3 Underplayed Starvation
Megumin's perpetual hunger is a running gag in KonoSuba, even though her situation is no laughing matter. Neither Megumin nor Komekko appear to have a constant source of nourishment and are never quite certain where their next meal will come from (or how many bugs will be on the plate.) The anime has not ignored this aspect of Megumin's backstory, although the sisters' daily struggle for food comes across more clearly in the manga.
Megumin's food-orientated manipulation tactics are unmistakable but seem like more of an afterthought in the anime. Explosions first, food later! This distinction is not as evident in the manga. Furthermore, Komekko's whole relationship with Lord Hohst is initially fuelled by food, too, although, so far, the anime has barely touched on this matter. The great behemoth instantly takes pity on the youngster's hunger and ensures to bring her a hefty portion of munchies whenever he can.
2 Komekko and Lord Hohst
Manga fans are privy to Komekko and Lord Hohst's unorthodox yet heartwarming relationship from the beginning (well, as of Chapter 2) and get a sneak-peak into their interactions at the end of each chapter. And while including this in the anime would've dampened the plot twist, watching their relationship bloom is quite an experience!
The disorganized sequence of events could be a good sign for anime viewers, as more hilariously adorable Komekko and Hohst scenarios may still be on the horizon. If that isn't the case, fans should take a squiz at the manga, even if only just to watch these two in action!
1 Harry Potter and Pokemon Easter Eggs
Even though episode 4 didn't avoid dropping the Harry Potter and Pokemon Easter Eggs during the Potions class, the impact is debatably not as effective as the illustration in the manga. The Farfetch'd reference is far more distinctive, whereas the anime's duxions are more suggestive regarding their Pokemon roots.
Meanwhile, the relatively dead-looking roots in the anime's version of events don't give the same Mandrake vibes as the critters running around in Chapter 5. Making the references less obvious might have something to do with copyright laws; nevertheless, the manga pulls it off better!