These past few years, Anime has slowly, but ever so surely crept into the mainstream pop culture of the west. It’s not uncommon nowadays for even the most unlikely person to have heard of, if not watched and enjoyed, an Anime series at some point. On the industry side of things, more Anime is being produced per season than ever before. While there has no doubt been a healthy assortment of Anime original stories, it’s far more common for these series to draw from some sort of source material.
Anime’s slightly less fluid, but equally as illustrious older brother- Manga, has quite a few gems that have yet to see the silver screen treatment. Today, my Manga-junkie self is here to introduce (and hopefully make a case for) some series that I feel absolutely deserve an Anime adaptation.
Machida-kun no Sekai (Machida-kun’s World)
Tags: Heartwarming, Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy
Chapters: 27 (Completed)
Machida-kun’s World is something of a religious movement amongst its fans, and it’s pretty evident early on why this is. This Manga is genuinely life-changing, a kind of series that helps you remember that there is still good left in this world, and in the people that exist on this fragile blue marble.
Centered around the life of Machida, a high school boy who is probably in line for a Nobel Peace Prize based purely on his personality and the goodness he brings to people’s lives. Machida is perfect, but not in the pretentious sort of way that sees him undertaking grand feats for admiration. He isn’t without his flaws as a human being, but the way he moves through the world is filled with such love for others, that he is effortlessly loved by those around him. This makes his stumbling into his first proper romance quite a clumsy, endearing affair as he tries to rejig his understanding of ‘loving people’ to loving one person in a special way.
This series is fairly short for Manga standards, but would fit perfectly into a 12 episode season. Despite its length, the impact these characters and their story leaves (and I don’t say this lightly) is genuinely life changing. By the end of its 27 chapters, you’ll feel like you’re bidding farewell to some irreplaceable friends - but the parting is less one of sadness, but rather a tenderness of being gently pushed forwards, into the sunshine.
Machida-kun’s World is something really special, the pacing, humor and message is an undiluted sweetness I think we all sorely need right now.
Hima-Ten!
Tags: Romance, Comedy, School-life, Harem
Chapters: 77(Ongoing)
If you were ever trapped in the clutches of Nisekoi, this one will be right up your alley! Hima-ten is undoubtedly a no-holds barred junk-food Harem manga, but it's truly masterful at hitting all the right beats. With a charming artstyle characters that are actually likeable (even the male MC!) and a superb artstyle, I am of the humble opinion that this series is set to hit a homerun on the silver screen.
Speaking of the supposedly likeable male lead, Tenichi is the creme de la creme of the male house husband, working part time as a house cleaner/caretaker/personal chef. One day, Himari- owner/model of a popular cosmetics brand transfers into his Highschool class…. and later that day, he’s transferred into her penthouse apartment (as a cleaner). Though wary of him at first, Tenichi’s skill and dedication to his work convinces Himari that he ain’t in it for no funny business, and she decides to hire him going forwards. In classic harem style though, the romantic side of this relationship is slow developing, throw some classic love rivals into the mix and you’ve got yourself one hell of a heartchurner. Of course, the Harem genre has been done to bits at this point, it’s almost formulaic at this point, but that doesn’t stop this series from being enjoyable. The cast really shines here as the backbone of this series- I cannot stress enough how much I adore them. Even when squashed into character archetypes, no one comes close to being boring or unlikeable.
I’d honestly be surprised if there aren’t already talks or plans for this series to get its own adaptation, it’s really just that good. Until then though, I will be here hitting my fists at the table in every new chapter’s discussion, pining for this charmer to have its time in the spotlight.
Kagurabachi
Tags: Shonen, Action, Dark Fantasy
Chapters: 111 (Ongoing)
Alright, alright. If you’ve heard of this series already, you’re either sighing or cheering. It’s actually a meme at this point, just how passionate the fanbase is for Kagurabachi to get the widespread recognition it deserves. This series has all the makings for another name written into Anime History, and it’ll show you why in just the first chapter.
Set in a Japan, modern in landscape but dominated still by swords, magic and (apparently) gangsters, the story revolves around Chihiro Rokuhira. Chihiro’s late father, Kunishige Rokuhira, was a revered blacksmith, creator of 6 exceptionally powerful Enchanted-Blades of which allowed Japan to secure victory in the last great sorcerer war. Fearing their power, Kunishige sealed the blades and went into hiding after the war, opting to live a peaceful life with Chihiro as unkind fate would have it, when he was still but a child, Chihiro bore witness to his father’s murder at the hands of a criminal syndicate who coveted the Enchanted-Blades. Wielding a secret 7th blade, Chihiro’s long journey is one of revenge on those responsible and reclamation of the blades to honor his father’s memory.
A solid Shonen setup for sure, but what makes Kagurabachi inspire fervency in its devout believers it’s the undeniable style and the attentiveness to how the action unfolds. Admittedly, I haven’t caught up with the series in a decent amount of time, but even now, the delectable visual class sticks out vividly in this necrotised brain of mine. I shan't divulge more than I must for an art-piece of a Shonen wonderchild, it’s truly something you must experience for yourself- which is why I feel like an Anime adaptation is non-negotiable. It would seem like there is a fairly sizable number of constituents that feel the same way, as we haven’t stopped clambering for a studio to pick this up and spread far the name of Kagurabachi.
That’s all we have time for this time, but fret not my dear reader, as my Manga library has more than…500 items at this point. If any of these series piqued your interest, I do humbly implore you to check them out for yourself (this way I’ll have more comrades to march with me). If you’re able, do consider supporting the artists by purchasing physical copies, otherwise- finding these series to read online is just one Google search away!
Written by Luka
