Anime has been a beloved form of entertainment for decades, captivating audiences with its stunning animation, unique storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Many of these iconic anime series have transcended the screen, finding new life in books. Whether through light novels, manga adaptations, or original novels, these literary versions of classic anime offer fans a deeper dive into their favorite stories. In this post, we explore some of the most popular anime books based on classic anime series that continue to captivate readers around the world.
1. Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star (Manga)
The iconic space western Cowboy Bebop is known for its rich, melancholic storytelling and unforgettable soundtrack. The Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star manga, released in the early 2000s, expands on the story and characters from the anime series. This adaptation explores new adventures of Spike Spiegel and the rest of the Bebop crew, providing additional context to their personalities and relationships.
Why it’s popular:
The Cowboy Bebop anime is a cult classic, and its manga adaptation retains the series’ signature blend of action, humor, and deep philosophical undertones. Fans of the anime will find it easy to reconnect with the beloved characters while discovering new content.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project (Manga)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most influential and beloved anime series of all time, known for its psychological depth and exploration of human emotion and trauma. The Shinji Ikari Raising Project manga presents a lighter, alternate universe version of the original anime. In this story, Shinji and the other characters navigate a more lighthearted scenario where they participate in various daily activities, offering fans a chance to see their favorite characters in a more relaxed environment.
Why it’s popular:
This manga presents an interesting “what if” scenario that contrasts with the intense, apocalyptic themes of the original anime. It’s perfect for fans who want to explore a different side of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
3. Dragon Ball (Manga)
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is one of the most iconic in anime history. The original Dragon Ball manga, which later inspired the hugely popular Dragon Ball Z anime series, continues to be a staple in the world of anime literature. The story follows the adventures of Goku, a martial artist with a mysterious past, as he embarks on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls.
Why it’s popular:
Dragon Ball revolutionized the shonen genre, and its influence continues to be felt in anime and manga today. The Dragon Ball manga provides an in-depth look at the evolution of Goku and his friends, offering fans a deeper understanding of the iconic series’ world and its characters.
4. Sailor Moon (Manga)
Sailor Moon, created by Naoko Takeuchi, is one of the most beloved magical girl anime series of all time. The Sailor Moon manga delves into the world of Usagi Tsukino, a young girl who transforms into the powerful Sailor Moon to fight evil and protect the Earth. The manga series was the foundation of the anime and has since been adapted into multiple formats, including a remastered version.
Why it’s popular:
The Sailor Moon manga provides a deeper exploration of Usagi’s emotional journey, relationships with the other Sailor Scouts, and the lore of the Silver Millennium. For fans of the anime, the manga presents an essential, more detailed version of the story.
5. Akira (Manga)
Akira is a groundbreaking cyberpunk anime that has left a lasting mark on pop culture. Based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, the Akira story is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and follows Kaneda and Tetsuo as they get caught up in a government experiment that unlocks dangerous psychic powers. The Akira manga dives much deeper into the complex world and characters, offering a more expansive narrative than the anime adaptation.
Why it’s popular:
The Akira manga is a monumental work in the world of anime and manga, influencing not only anime but also Western science fiction and graphic novels. Its intricate storytelling and breathtaking artwork have made it a must-read for any anime fan.
6. Yu Yu Hakusho (Manga)
Yu Yu Hakusho follows the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who is given a second chance at life after sacrificing himself to save a child. The anime series, based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, is beloved for its engaging characters, epic battles, and supernatural themes. The Yu Yu Hakusho manga provides the complete, uncut story, offering fans a more detailed experience of the series.
Why it’s popular:
The Yu Yu Hakusho manga delves into character development, backstories, and the supernatural world more thoroughly than the anime adaptation. It’s a great way for fans to experience the series in its entirety.
7. Trigun (Manga)
Trigun, a sci-fi western anime, centers on Vash the Stampede, a gunman with a mysterious past who is pursued by bounty hunters. The Trigun manga expands on the anime, offering a deeper dive into Vash’s backstory and the moral dilemmas he faces.
Why it’s popular:
The Trigun anime is a cult classic known for its action and philosophical themes. The manga explores these elements further, offering a more nuanced look at the world and characters.
8. Fruits Basket (Manga)
Fruits Basket is a beloved shojo series that tells the story of Tohru Honda, a high school girl who becomes entangled with the mysterious Soma family, whose members are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. The manga, written by Natsuki Takaya, goes into much more detail than the anime, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the characters’ emotional journeys and the story’s heartwarming themes.
Why it’s popular:
Fruits Basket has a massive fanbase, and the manga is often seen as the definitive version of the story. It delves into the complex relationships between the characters, offering a more emotionally fulfilling experience than the anime adaptation.
9. One Piece (Manga)
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is one of the longest-running and most successful anime and manga franchises of all time. The manga follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. While the anime has become a global phenomenon, the manga continues to provide the most up-to-date version of the story, with deeper lore and more character development.
Why it’s popular:
The One Piece manga is a must-read for any fan of the anime. It offers a more detailed look at the grand adventures of Luffy and his crew, with intricate world-building and ongoing plotlines that keep readers engaged.
10. Ghost in the Shell (Manga)
Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk masterpiece that has influenced countless works in both anime and Western sci-fi. The original manga, created by Masamune Shirow, explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and cybernetics in a futuristic society. The manga provides a more complex and philosophical narrative compared to the anime adaptation, delving deeper into the intricacies of its world.
Why it’s popular:
The Ghost in the Shell manga is an intellectual and thought-provoking work that has captivated fans for decades. Its themes of technology and humanity continue to resonate in today’s world, making it a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction and anime.
Conclusion
Anime books based on classic series offer fans a deeper look into the worlds of their favorite anime. From Cowboy Bebop to One Piece, these literary adaptations expand on the stories and characters we love, providing a richer experience for readers. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or new to the genre, these popular anime books are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the worlds of classic anime. So, grab a copy of your favorite series’ manga or light novel, and enjoy the next chapter in your anime adventure!
