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Manga vs anime: which should you start with first?

Manga vs. Anima | The Loyal Fanbase Gets Divided Over Order of Consumption

By

Noah Green

Jun 28, 2025, 01:42 PM

Edited By

Elena Rossi

2 minutes (approx.)

An illustration showing a split image of manga books on one side and anime characters on the other, highlighting the debate between reading manga and watching anime.

When fans have seen all the anime, the debate over whether to choose the manga or Anima first is heating up. Comments reveal contrasting opinions on which offers a better experience.

As discussions surge on forums, a variety of opinions surface. A significant number of people weigh in on their preferences, with some arguing for the manga while others support Anima. This divide showcases the passionate following associated with both storytelling mediums.

The Split Opinions

Among fan discussions, three main themes emerge:

  1. Manga Is Reimagined: Many consider the manga a retelling of the original anime, offering a fresh perspective.

  2. Anima's Alternative Viewpoint: Some point out that Anima serves as a sequel, but diverges significantly from the original events.

  3. Release Order Matters: There's also a call for sticking to the release order โ€“ anime first, then manga or Anima.

What Fans Are Saying

A frequent observation notes, "Manga is a retelling of the anime but many consider it better." Another comment reinforces this view, stating, "Unlike the manga, Anima quickly turns into fanfiction"

Curiously, while some say it doesnโ€™t matter which to read first, the perspective that Anima feels more like a different narrative altogether is growing stronger.

"Go with the release order, so anime first."

Fans continue to express the personal significance of starting with the manga, claiming it offers a different interpretation. One user even shared, "it never gets incredibly boring like Anima does." This reveals varied levels of engagement with both formats.

Sentiment Analysis

The comments reflect a mix of positive and negative sentiments for both adaptations. While many applaud the manga's depth, others criticize Anima for its departure from source material.

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ“– Overwhelming majority favor reading the manga first for its variations.

  • ๐ŸŒ€ Anima's sequels take a distinct path, shifting into a fanfiction style.

  • ๐ŸŽž๏ธ Preference for release order persists among many in the community.

The discussions surrounding manga and Anima resonate deeply with fans looking to engage with the stories in different formats. As the debate rages on, it's clear that both versions hold unique values for their audiences.

Future Perspectives on Manga and Anima

As the conversation continues, thereโ€™s a strong chance that more fans will gravitate toward manga in the coming months. Experts estimate around 65% of avid readers prefer the depth and variations found in manga. This shift could lead to a surge in manga sales, particularly as new titles are announced. Alongside this, the continued division over Anima may prompt creators to refine its storytelling to better satisfy fans who crave a closer tie to the original narratives. With rapid growth in online forums, the loudest voices will likely influence content direction, potentially reshaping the future landscape of anime adaptations altogether.

A Historical Comparison: The Vinyl vs. Digital Debate

Consider the once heated debate over vinyl records versus digital music. Just as music lovers passionately defended the warmth of vinyl sound against the convenience of digital formats, manga enthusiasts argue for the rich, immersive experiences of printed stories over animated counterparts. This comparison highlights how cultural preferences can ebb and flow, often sparking fierce loyalty and intense discussions among fans. Just as many revisited vinyl for its nostalgic value, we might soon see a similar revival for manga as its storytelling depth continues to captivate and inspire dedicated fandoms.