Isekai Manga You Should Read After Watching The Anime

Isekai anime and its manga versions do not always align perfectly, or there are cases where the animated series leaves some information gaps that leave fans grinding their gears. But the good thing is that fans of this fantasy genre can jump from one version to the other of the same series and discover the differences by themselves.

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So, for those who enjoy this practice, this topic spotlights several series that are worthy of a read after watching the anime first. Be it that the series has covered only a small part of the manga and they want to know what happens after it, or series that are quite different from the source material, and offer a different point of view.

1

The Faraway Paladin

Lots Of Information Gaps That Need To Be Filled

• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Isekai, Sword & Sorcery, Drama, Action, Shounen
• Author: Kanata Yanagino
• Artist: Mutsumi Okuhashi
• First Publication: September 25, 2017

The Faraway Paladin is one of those isekai anime that does not look like the typical “reincarnation in another world” trope. The story is dark, filled with bittersweet moments, and tragic departures of loved ones. It is one of those series that can kill the mood as fast as it sets it, and where the cost of adventuring is quite high.

In this high-stakes series, the information gap between the anime and the manga series can confuse the fans. So if they started by watching the anime and then picked up the illustrated version, there’s bound to be some differences. One of them is the time William spends training, which is consistently more extensive in the manga than in the anime, and better explained in the illustrated version. So, if fans enjoyed the anime, it is highly recommended that they pick the manga as well.

2

The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic

The Anime Doesn’t Do Any Justice To Usato’s Journey

• Genres: Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure
• Author: Kurokata
• Artist: Reki Kugayama
• First Publication: April 26, 2017

Besides the huge information gaps between the anime and the manga, the other reason to pick The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic in its source version is that Usato’s struggle to become a valuable member of this fantasy world and lend a helping hand to his friends is explained in full detail. The political intrigue and power struggles between members of the Royal Family and the nobility (which play a fundamental role in the story) are cut out of the anime.

The anime also omits certain critical information as to why the “extra hero summoned by mistake” is such an important (and character-defining) trope in the series. This leads to some critical differences between the Usato of the anime, and the one from the manga series. In the anime, he is seen as more carefree, when in reality, he is way more serious and level-headed, though prone to be dense sometimes. It is worth comparing both versions to see which one works best for fans.

3

Tsukimichi: Moonlith Fantasy

Other Characters Get Their Due

• Genres: Isekai, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
• Author: Kei Azumi
• Artist: Kotora Kino
• First Publication: June 10, 2015

This fantasy anime is about a rejected hero who became the protector of those seen as “ugly” in a world ruled by the premise that everything different is “less than human.” But in Tsukimichi’s manga version, the figures of Tomoe and Mio play a fundamental role, while in the anime series, these are sidelined and their actions are outshined by the main storyline.

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This has been pointed out as a little contradictory by fans who see this as a mistake since Tomoe and Mio have some of the best character development in the series, and though Makoto remains the main protagonist, they work in the shadows to help him achieve his goal all the time. In the manga, their actions are profoundly explained, showcasing the love they both feel for their beloved master. So, it might be worth it for fans who have seen the anime to pick up the manga series as well. There are lots of information gaps that need to be filled.

4

KonoSuba

The Manga Portrays A Hidden Side Of Kazuma We Don’t See In The Anime

• Genres: Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy, Satire, Shounen, Absurd
• Author: Natsume Akatsuki
• Artist: Masahito Watari
• First Publication: October 9, 2014

One of the main differences between the Konosuba anime and manga is that the animated version of Kazuma looks way more selfish and less manly than he truly is. In the manga (and novels) fans can see certain details, little selfless actions here and there, that prove that below all that lazy NEET (and sometimes perverted) cover, there lies a selfless and valiant hero.

Much to the dislike of Kazuma himself, he is often entangled in side adventures unrelated to the main storyline, like rescuing missing pets and helping other inhabitants of this wonderful fantasy world. He has a soft side that is often omitted in the anime version, and that is a pity. So, if fans are interested in seeing Kazuma’s raw version, as well as filling in some information gaps, they should pick the manga version of Natsume Akatsuki’s isekai. But this is important to mention: don’t expect to see the cool Mohawk guy, since he doesn’t exist in the manga.

5

Failure Frame

Besides The Hideous Monster Designs, The Anime Doesn’t Explain Too Much

• Genres: Isekai, Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Action, Romance, Mystery
• Author: Kaoru Shinozaki
• Artist: Sho Uyoshi
• First Publication: June 25, 2019

One of the worst parts of watching an isekai anime is not knowing what’s going on, or why things happen the way they happen. Failure Frame‘s anime is one of the prime examples of how information gaps can ruin a good plot. The manga version is way more explanatory as to how the powers of the main protagonist work, or the reason why he acts as an anonymous anti-hero.

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Another great disservice done to this series is the fact that the time Touka spends in the “Discard Ruins” made by Goddess Vysis has been greatly cut. This also leaves some important pieces of information that will be critical to the development of the plot in the following arcs. Another important difference is that the relationship between Touka and Seras is much more mature and sentimental than what is shown in the anime. So, if fans are disappointed by this anime and want to read a more curated version, they should pick the manga.

6

Wise Man’s Grandchild

The Manga Is Way More Obscure And Mature

• Genres: Isekai, Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Action, Shounen
• Author: Tsuyoshi Yoshioka
• Artist: Shunsuke Ogata
• First Publication: March 26, 2016

This series has two primary features that could regenerate the stagnated air around the isekai genre. It doesn’t follow the typical harem developments and has a strong villain with a powerful motivator to be evil. In that sense, the anime has done a disservice to its main antagonist, Oliver Schtrom, by showcasing an abridged and toned-down version of his origin story.

If fans are looking for a reason to enjoy this anime’s source version, then pick it up due to the great and obscure subplot that lies hidden below the apparently idyllic surface of its main storyline. The main character’s encounters with the villains have higher stakes in the manga series, that is for certain.

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