Is There Any Anime That Continues After the Manga Is Finished?
Yes, there are several anime series that continue their storylines even after the manga has concluded. Often, these anime diverge into original storylines that may not be as closely tied to the manga as one might expect. This article explores notable examples and discusses various reasons behind these decisions.
Notable Examples of Anime Continuation After Manga
Let's take a look at a few anime series that have expanded beyond the conclusion of their manga:
Naruto / Naruto: Shippuden
While the original manga of Naruto concluded, the anime series Naruto: Shippuden continued with a series of original story arcs that explore the lives of characters like Naruto and Sasuke outside their established journeys. These arcs often serve to ground the characters in new and diverse settings, providing a sense of realism and expansion that goes beyond the confines of the manga's strict narrative.
Bleach
The anime of Bleach similarly diverges from the manga, expanding on characters and storylines that the manga doesn't cover in as much depth. Many of these story arcs are original and may not align perfectly with the manga's timeline or conclusions. This divergence allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the characters and their worlds.
Fairy Tail
In the case of Fairy Tail, the anime series has continued following a different storyline than the manga. Some story arcs in the manga may not get the same level of development in the anime, leading to a richer and more diverse narrative that offers new experiences for fans who enjoy both mediums.
Sword Art Online
The anime adaptation of Sword Art Online also takes a different approach in its storytelling, sometimes delving into original storylines rather than directly adapting the manga. This allows the show to explore new directions and sear the imagination of its audience.
Attack on Titan
The anime adaptation of Attack on Titan has diverged from the manga, offering viewers a unique and expansive story that sometimes deviates from the source material. While the core elements of the story remain, the anime has introduced new characters, plot twists, and original storylines that enhance the experience for fans who are invested in both the manga and the show.
Understanding Why Manga Can Stop While Anime Continues
Some anime series, like Boruto, diverge from the manga not because the manga has concluded, but because the manga and anime have planned different story arcs. The Boruto anime, while having a few manga-canon episodes, often follows a different storyline. This decision is usually made to provide fans with a fresh experience that offers new and exciting storylines.
Crayon Shin-chan is another example where the manga ended a decade ago, but the anime continues to be broadcasted. Despite the manga's conclusion, the anime adapts and continues the storylines in a way that maintains the charm and humor that fans appreciate. This shows that sometimes, the anime can create a life of its own, providing a new and evolving narrative that doesn't depend on the finished manga.
Furthermore, Doraemon is a prime example of how a series can continue even after the original author's death. While the original manga ended, the anime has continued to produce new movies and stories that either use parts of the original manga or explore entirely new plots. For instance, the 2020 movie Doraemon: Nobita's New Dinosaur adapts parts of the original manga while introducing new twists and storylines.
Conclusion
The choice to continue with an anime series after the manga ends can be driven by various factors, including the unique creative vision of the anime production team, the desire to provide fans with fresh and exciting storylines, and the need to adapt to changing audiences. Regardless of the reasons, these continuations offer a rich and diverse experience for fans who enjoy both the original manga and the additional content that the anime provides.