4 Manga to Anime Adaptations That Need to Happen

After diving headfirst into a new book, it's usual for dedicated readers to say, "Wow, I hope this novel gets a cinematic adaptation someday." However, based on books, movies and TV shows can be risky, as the adaptation medium is shaky at best (see at you, Netflix). If you're a manga reader on the other side of the pond, there's a far better track record.

When you fall in love with a new manga series, it's easy to become enthralled by the prospect of an anime adaptation. This is especially true right now, as there are numerous comics that have readers drooling at the prospect of seeing them animated.

The ten manga listed here are the best examples, with exciting rookies and seasoned classics aplenty. Regardless of context, they all have one thing in common: the potentially huge influence of their modifications. You may get your hands on plenty of new manga to read by reading this list, or you can wow your friends by predicting the most successful anime of the future. What a win-win situation.

1. Takopi’s Original Sin (Taizan 5)

Some folks love a strong amount of masochism in their tale, relishing a terrible strike to the heart. If that describes you, you should keep an eye out for this virtually certain anime, because Takopi's Original Sin is one of the bleakest comics of the last decade.

It follows a silly little extraterrestrial (the titular Tapoki) from Planet Happy on a journey to deliver happiness to the galaxy. However, upon his arrival on Earth, he encounters Shizuka, a despondent girl who is harassed by her peers and ignored by her family. The alien quickly realises that making her smile will be difficult.

This comic has a roughness about it that makes it difficult to read, yet it's also impossible to put down. Given that the story is recounted in a few volumes, it would be ideal for a one-season anime drama that would have fans cringing in misery and reaching for Kleenex.

2. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (Hajime Komoto)

According to box office results, everyone likes Harry Potter. But imagine if you were watching that show and the famous forehead scarred boy didn't have any magic about him. Instead, he just utilised brutish power to finish spells, shattering things and dealing a lot of damage along the way. That's basically what you get here.

Mash is a strong young guy who wishes to become a Divine Visionary in order to assist his adoptive father. Unfortunately for him, that requires being a top-ranking student at the famous Easton Magic Academy, and he lacks any magical ability. Nonetheless, he signs up and attempts to demonstrate that muscle can outweigh magic.

This series is a lot of fun because of the lead character's sense of humour and the inventive methods he executes his spells (?)—let's call them assignments instead. The comic has a charming irreverence, which an anime adaptation would undoubtedly portray.

It also has a lot of mass appeal, thanks to the HP meets One Punch Man similarities, and it has to happen soon.

3. Sakamoto Days (Yuto Suzuki)

You've probably seen dozens of movies or TV series about a former hitman who has abandoned his old ways in order to live the calm life of a family men. Yes, films such as John Wick and Nobody have made the premise into a tired stereotype (pun intended). But set such sentiments aside because Sakamoto Days is a manga that makes it feel like the most innovative concept on the block.

After a hard life as the best hitman of all time, Sakamoto falls in love and decides to put his firearms away, instead working as a convenience store clerk. However, his past life comes back to haunt him as former peers attempt to eliminate him, and he must protect himself without breaching his no-killing vow.

The two faces of Sakamoto are part of what makes this manga so enjoyable. His character design is nice and inviting, yet seeing him perform killing manoeuvres at fast speeds is horrifying.

The plot alternates between uplifting comedy and adrenaline-pumping action like a sock in a washing machine, and witnessing that blend of genres in animated form would be delightfully enjoyable.

4. Dandadan (Yukinobu Tatsu)

A girl believes in ghosts but not aliens, whereas a male believes in both spirits and aliens. However, when they learn that both are true, things get a little out of hand. If you aren't already sold, you must have a steel heart.

Dandadan is one of those mangas that immediately grabs your attention, with a riveting plot and an interesting interplay between the main. Ken and Momo are diametrically opposite, but their chemistry jumps off the page, and if it were animated, it would set the illustrator's hand on fire.

With battles against ghosts, aliens, and even kitchen sinks, this series is as ridiculous as it sounds. It's the X-Files on acid, yet at its foundation, it always tells a gripping story centred in a straightforward coming-of-age story. It's difficult to imagine an anime adaptation not causing a sensation.