2023 delivered some of the best anime out there, and I loved many of them. But, there are some that were adapted from mangas and they represented their source materials very truthfully.
Another great aspect of anime taken from manga is that you can always go to manga after watching the anime if you do not want to wait for another season. Hence, if you want some recommendations like that, here are some of my picks for the best manga adaptations in anime 2023. Also, please note I am not including popular series that already have more than one season under their name.
8 Best Manga Adaptations in Anime 2023
Oshi No Ko
The manga of Oshi No Ko became an instant hit for many reasons, which you can also find in the anime. The story is unusual, mixing the world of showbiz with themes of family, identity, and destiny. Here, we see two siblings, Aqua and Ruby, born to a famous Japanese pop idol, Ai Hoshino. Now, how they manage to navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry as they grow up is the main plotline.
It also has some other interesting and unique characters whose stories will keep you hooked. The manga art is also amazing, and thankfully, the animation studio was able to do justice to the source material.
Hell’s Paradise
Hell’s Paradise is just perfect, with horror, action, and mystery all served in one series. The art looks really cool, with detailed drawings and a unique style that matches the eerie vibe of the story.
The basic plot of Hell’s Paradise is a wild ride! It all starts when a group of prisoners and their guards are sent to a mysterious island to investigate its secrets, and all hell breaks loose. I loved how it explores deep philosophical and moral themes, such as the nature of good and evil, the consequences of ambition, the impact of trauma, etc. The anime version really does justice to the manga as well.
My Happy Marriage
This one became one of the most celebrated romance series of 2023 for very good reasons. It’s a beautiful and heartwarming story that explores the meaning of love and marriage deeply and expressively. The story follows Miyo, who is without any supernatural powers in a world where these powers are the deciding factor. Her marriage gets fixed with a seemingly cold man, guaranteed to treat her badly, but things turn out quite differently.
It’s a refreshingly mature and realistic take on romance, with a slow-burn relationship that develops naturally over time. If romance is your thing, then give this one a try.
Helck
The story is great if you want a combo of comedy, action, and drama, with unexpected plot twists and revelations. It also has one of the better portrayals of friendship in any manga, where two very unlikely characters come together.
Helck, the titular character, is a mysterious and powerful human warrior who joins a tournament to become the next demon lord. As the story goes on, we find out more about Helck’s past and why he’s doing all this against his own kin and siding with demons. The animation is also certainly unique as it captured the essence of the manga pretty well.
Undead Unluck
This story is full of high-stakes action scenes with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing. But worry not, Undead Unluck is anything but a serious anime, as it is filled with random and entertaining bits.
Fuuko Izumo, marked by a tragic incident, has lived in seclusion for ten years, grappling with her unlucky ability that brings misfortune to those she touches. Following a profound connection to her favourite manga, Fuuko contemplates a drastic decision. However, her path takes an unexpected turn when she encounters an intriguing undead man.
The Apothecary Diaries
This became a sudden hit with its uncommon premise and very intriguing characters. The Apothecary Diaries started off as a light novel series and then got adapted into 2 separate mangas by different creators, both having great art styles.
The anime version is equally mesmerizing when it comes to animation, keeping the essence of the manga alive. Here, the story talks about Maomao, an apothecary specialist who gets kidnapped and sold to the royal palace as a maid. But when she crosses paths with Jinshi, the mysterious but exceptionally beautiful eunuch, Maomao’s life changes for the better.
Heavenly Delusion
Heavenly Delusion stands out as an outstanding manga thanks to its unique post-apocalyptic setting that merges fantasy with mystery. The narrative goes beyond typical storytelling, exploring philosophical themes like the nature of humanity and their survival instincts.
Here, we see the journey of Maru and Kiruko in a post-apocalyptic Japan that has been overrun by monsters, forcing the remaining humans to live in protected cities. Maru’s ultimate goal is to escape the desolate cities to find a legendary utopia called Heaven.
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Pluto
Pluto is perhaps my favourite from the list for managing to create an anime adaptation that could not have captured the soul of the manga any better. At its base, the story follows Gesicht, a highly advanced robot detective investigating a string of murders committed against other robots.
Urasawa’s adaptation is brilliant, staying true to the original story while adding his own unique touch. The nature of humanity and the ethics of artificial intelligence is also masterfully explored here. You will find yourself staying with the story and the characters long after finishing the series with unanswered questions.
Here is a list of the best manga adaptations in anime 2023. So, which one is your favourite?
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