Manga vs. Anime Review

An Otaku's Guide to Anime & Manga

Manga vs. Anime Review:
FAKE

Number of Manga Volumes

Number of Anime Episodes

1 OAV

Number of Volumes Read

1-7

Number of Episodes Seen

1 OAV

Plot

The plot for the OAV is taken from a short story arc in the early part of the manga. There were several changes, as is to be expected.

First, there was the addition of a couple of characters (Arisa, and someone else) who weren't in the manga version. Given that one scene in particular that I remember deals with Arisa and Ryo talking about his feelings for Dee, I imagine that they were added for the purpose of filling us in on the state of things, which we would already know in the manga version.

Also, they changed a few details, such as how Ryo's Japanese heritage was revealed, and how Dee found out, and subsequently went running off to find him. Similarly, they altered the hotel owner's story a bit.

Flow of Events

Events progressed in much the same order.

Characterization

They did a good job portraying the characters. Dee was brash, Ryo was shy, and JJ was hyper. ^^

Character Design

I didn't much care for the character designs in the OAV. I think it was largely the coloring; the art style mimicked the mangaka's fairly well. Ryo, JJ, and Carol in particular bugged me...Bikky turned out fairly well, as did Dee. I think the thing that bothered me was that they seemed so drab and flat looking...not enough shading/lighting, or color...it's a little difficult to explain. =P

Censorship

Violence - This is an odd one...they added some violence that wasn't in the manga, but they also removed some that was...so it somewhat balances out. ^^;;
Nudity - None that I remember.
Sexual Situations - Like in the manga, Dee jumps Ryo a time or two, but he doesn't get all that far.
Profanity - I'm not certain, but I believe there was some.
Mature Ideas/Issues - Both anime and manga are yaoi/shounen ai in nature (male/male romance), also there is the issue of revenge, and what is justified.

Kat's Opinion

I liked the manga version better. The designs of a few of the characters in the OAV bugged me, but also I didn't like some of the things that they changed, plot-wise. Also, they left out one of my favorite scenes toward the end, where Dee and Ryo have a moment together. ^_^