source: Takehiko Inoue
There are manga series out there that every fan thinks should get an Anime adaptation.
A lot of your favourite anime are based on amazing manga created by talented and dedicated artists, painstakingly drawn by hand and published into print for readers to enjoy. But sometimes, there are incredibly masterful and compelling stories out there that just don’t get the chance to be animated into a series, and it’s because a lot of the time, there are just so many titles to pick from, and so few studios that can keep up!
Here are some manga titles we think deserve to get an anime adaptation. Here’s to hoping they get a show in the future!
I Want to Hold Aono-Kun so Badly I Could Die
Written and illustrated by Umi Shiina
If you’re a sucker for a great “they came back wrong” story, then this manga is utterly perfect for you. “I Want to Hold Aono-Kun so Badly I Could Die” masterfully explores the existence of ghosts, folk rituals, and a very chilling, gripping horror with a dash of all-consuming romance. The manga also boasts a gorgeous art style that will make you question if you’re even reading a scary story to begin with!
The manga did get a live-action adaptation back in 2022, but an anime adaptation will definitely do its gripping visuals and story more justice.
Vagabond
Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
Based on a fictionalised account of the life of Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, Vagabond is an epic martial arts manga that immerses you in the intricacies of Shogunate Japan. The manga is well-regarded, and is one of the best-selling manga series of all time with over 82 million copies being in circulation.
Although the series has been on indefinite hiatus since May 2015, Vagabond’s beautiful art style and gripping storytelling still captures the hearts of many fans, leaving them wondering when an anime adaptation of this masterpiece will ever see the light of day.
Goodnight Punpun
Written and illustrated by Asano Inio
Goodnight Punpun has earned a cult following since it began serialisation in 2007. The manga is a coming-of-age drama that follows the life of Onodera Punpun, illustrated as an anthropomorphic cartoon bird, from his elementary years to his early 20s.
The manga revolves around heavy topics, like dysfunctional families, depression, social isolation, and trauma, but it does have its funny, endearing moments as well. Although Goodnight Punpun features a realistic story, many of its fans believe that the manga is very difficult to translate into an anime. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a studio try!
20th Century Boys
Written and illustrated by Naoki Kurosawa
20th Century Boys is a mystery drama series that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, and is another compelling story written by Naoki Kurosawa, the creator of the cult classic series Monster and Pluto.
In the manga, a group of childhood friends are faced with bizarre situations that they had written years ago becoming real-world occurrences that hold dire consequences for those around them and the world at large. The mystery and thrills of this story are palpable; if the manga can keep you on your toes, imagine if there was an anime adaptation that could accurately deliver its dark and thrilling atmosphere.
Fire Punch
Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Before Chainsaw Man, there was Fire Punch! Tatsuki Fujimoto’s first major work is an evocative and philosophical tale of revenge, and how far one can go to exact it.
Set in an alternate reality world where people are blessed with powers, main character Agni is thrust into an excruciating journey of rage, guilt, forgiveness, and acceptance while literally burning from the inside out.
The manga is chock-full of Fujimoto’s signature plot twists, unique and lovable characters, and a brutal, unforgiving world that would have easily and rightfully joined the ranks of modern shounen anime classics.
