Anime Canon Vs Manga Canon: The Ultimate Comparison
Anime and manga are two popular mediums of storytelling that originated in Japan. Both these mediums have a massive following worldwide and have given birth to many popular franchises, including Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Dragon Ball. However, when it comes to their storylines, the difference between anime canon and manga canon can sometimes create confusion among fans. So, what are the differences between anime canon and manga canon, and which one should you consider more reliable? Let’s find out in this article.
What is Anime Canon?
Anime canon refers to the events or storylines that are exclusively part of an anime adaptation. In other words, anything that happens in an anime episode but not in the manga is considered anime canon. For example, the filler episodes in Naruto, which are not part of the original manga, are considered anime canon. Anime producers often add these filler episodes to the anime to prolong the series or to add a story arc that wasn’t covered in the manga. However, the downside to anime canon is that it is not always consistent with the manga’s storyline, which can cause discrepancies and confusion among fans.
What is Manga Canon?
Manga canon, on the other hand, refers to the events or storylines that are exclusively part of the manga. In other words, anything that happens in the manga but not in the anime is considered manga canon. For example, the final arc of Bleach, which was not animated due to the anime’s cancellation, is considered manga canon. The benefit of manga canon is that it is often more detailed and consistent with the author’s original vision of the story. The downside, however, is that the manga may not always be as accessible, especially for those who are more inclined to watch anime.
Differences between Anime Canon and Manga Canon
The most significant difference between anime canon and manga canon is the source material. While anime is an adaptation of manga, the anime producers have to create additional content, known as filler episodes, to prolong the story or to cover up any holes in the story that may arise due to time constraints. Filler episodes are not always consistent with the manga’s storyline, and can sometimes create discrepancies or confusion among fans. However, they can also create iconic scenes or story arcs that are unique to the anime and are not found in the manga.
Manga, on the other hand, is the original source material and contains the author’s original vision of the story. The manga is often more detailed and consistent with the story’s timeline and character development. Additionally, manga canon has a better sense of closure since the story is not cut short due to time constraints or budget limitations. The downside to manga canon is that it is not always as accessible as anime, especially for those who are not interested in reading manga.
Which Canon Should You Consider More Reliable?
When it comes to reliability, manga canon is generally considered more reliable than anime canon due to its consistency with the author’s original vision of the story. However, this does not mean that anime canon should be disregarded entirely. Filler episodes can add value to the story or create unique story arcs that are not found in the manga. Additionally, the anime’s production value can also enhance the overall experience of the story, such as the animation, music, and voice acting.
Furthermore, the question of which canon should be considered more reliable ultimately depends on the individual’s personal preference. Some fans prefer anime over manga, while others prefer manga over anime. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an open mind and appreciate both the anime and manga for what they are.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anime canon and manga canon are two different mediums of storytelling that come with their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Anime canon may not always be consistent with the manga’s storyline, but it can add value to the story or create unique story arcs that are not found in the manga. Manga canon, on the other hand, is often more detailed and consistent with the author’s original vision of the story. Ultimately, the choice between anime canon and manga canon depends on the individual’s personal preference, and it is essential to appreciate both for what they are.