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Is it okay to read the manga first for new series?

Manga vs. Anime | The Clash Over Reading Order

By

Alice Tanaka

Jul 27, 2025, 06:39 AM

Edited By

Lana Ivanova

Updated

Jul 28, 2025, 05:39 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

A person sitting in a cozy nook reading a manga book, surrounded by manga illustrations and series posters on the wall.

The ongoing debate about whether to start with manga or anime continues to gain momentum in 2025. A notable number of people are voicing their beliefs that reading the manga first enhances the overall experience in terms of storyline and character depth.

Escalating Opinions Favoring Manga

Recent comments from various forums show a growing consensus among fans. Several argued that anime adaptations often fall short. One comment emphasizes, "Anime is bad, especially the pacing and animation, but manga is peak." This reflects a common view that the manga provides a more comprehensive narrative.

Key Perspectives Emerging

As discussions heat up, three key themes have emerged:

  1. Incomplete Adaptations: Many commenters stress that "the anime only covers so far into the manga anyway," suggesting that the manga should be prioritized for the full narrative experience.

  2. Pacing and Quality: Several fans criticize anime pacing and filler content, asserting that their "best experience" comes from starting with the manga.

  3. Enjoying Adaptations: Despite critiques, some fans appreciate the anime's presentation, with one noting "I really liked the opening of the anime," highlighting that some elements can still be redeeming.

Why Manga Holds the Upper Hand

The preference for manga among fans can be attributed to several factors:

  • ๐Ÿ“– Narrative Completeness: Many assert that manga tells a fuller story, leaving no gaps.

  • ๐ŸŽจ Visual Quality: There's a consistent appreciation for the artistry in manga, often deemed superior in conveying emotion compared to animation.

  • โœ… Fewer Distractions: Many believe that manga provides a more focused storytelling experience, free from anime's filler episodes.

Sentiment Analysis from the Community

  • ๐ŸŒŸ "Read the manga first to enjoy it more than the anime."

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ "The anime lacks so much of what made the story great in the manga."

With manga sales rising, it's clear that this trend of prioritizing manga for storytelling is likely to grow stronger.

What Lies Ahead for Fans

As 2025 progresses, the debate continuesโ€”will more fans embrace manga first for that deeper connection? The rapidly expanding adaptations coming down the pipeline suggest that mangaโ€™s popularity will remain robust, further enticing fans into the pages of original stories. As the discussion evolves, we can anticipate greater collaboration among creators focused on delivering well-rounded narratives in both formats.

Important Takeaways

  • โ–ณ A rising number of comments clash against anime, elevating manga as the primary choice.

  • โ–ฝ Many fans report feeling frustrated with anime pacing and incomplete arcs.

  • โœ“ "The anime only covers so far read the manga for the rest" is a common sentiment expressing the value of manga.