When Comics Meet Anime – Entering A New Fandom

Comics and anime have so much in common that it isn’t surprising to see these two fandoms mixing and thriving together. Today we want to help comic fans jump into the anime world, and show just how detailed our lore and fan theories can be!

Before we get started, we want to welcome readers from ComicsDungeon. We have recently acquired the website and are excited to see our community grow.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the wide world of comics and anime.

The Wide World Of Comics And Anime

Lots of anime adaptations are created or inspired by comic book originals. If you are a fan of one, you will be a fan of the other too.

There are some obvious crossovers like the DC or Marvel comics, which also have movies and animated series now. But did you know that Pokemon also has a comic book story! Anime and comic books are two sides of the same coin. But the biggest connection these two media forms have is their fans.

We love to create theories about the world our beloved characters walk through, and we can do so with such precision that it can easily fit in the lore created by the writers. Our superhero knowledge is so vast and detailed that if memory could solve the world, we would be a member of the Avengers.

Understanding Lore

Lore is factual information about a fictional world. For example in Marvel, Thor is the God of Thunder. He is a proud individual with great charisma but not too smart. His adopted brother Loki is a Frost Giant but grew up thinking he was an Asgardian. 

Thor was inspired by the Greek God of the same name. This original story would have a completely different backstory, personality, and history to Marvel’s Thor, but that doesn’t stop our description above from being an accurate depiction of the fictional character in Marvel. The Thor we described is part of the Marvel lore and not any other.

Common Lore Conversations:

Every anime or comic you pick up will have a whole host of lore for you to enjoy.

Tokyo Ghoul

In Tokyo Ghoul some of the most discussed lore surrounds Ken Kaneki’s age, the transition from Ken Kaneki had to go through to become Haise Saski, the whole journey of Rize Kamishiro, and the complex nature of Kishou Arima’s aim. Our links dive into these complex situations to help you understand the show on a deeper level. 

There are specific terms in the show that you need to learn, like 1000-7 but just like any other anime, you will pick it up in no time. Fall in love with Hide as you watch this horror-based show.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Understanding the age of characters is always something on a lot of fans’ minds. In Jujutsu Kaisen, many fans like to track Satoru Gojo’s age but understanding the mechanics of the show is where the heart of the plot lies! Our favorite lore in Jujutsu Kaisen surrounds the Bamboo Mucher’s powers and abilities. 

The Promised Neverland

Whenever you pick up The Promised Neverland stories, whether they are manga, anime, or novels, conversations always turn to Norman, Ray, and Emma. Of course, they are the main protagonists, but their characters are so detailed that we can discuss them for days!

And now that the final manga chapter has been released, and we cannot see these beloved characters develop more, we have to cling on to our knowledge to keep them alive. 

Demon Slayer

Although lore contains the official facts of the story, that doesn’t stop people from having to re-read the details to understand how a character functions. Nezuko Kamado is the perfect example of that. There are so many questions about her powers, which makes her a perfect conversation starter. For one, can we talk about her bamboo?!

Spoiler alert, a lot of characters die in this story, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be invested. Following Tanjiro’s story is worth too much to avoid!

But if you want to know the character most Demon Slayer fans enjoy? The answer is Kanao Tsuyuri.

Naruto

Naruto is one of the biggest anime and manga franchises in the world. The Naruto universe is so detailed that even super fans can forget important details. Although Naruto fans like to figure out ages (specifically Kakashi’s) just like any other, there is a lot more detail in this series to unpick.

A lot of characters have different eye powers. Some of our favorites are the Jogan, the Copy Wheel, the Jougan, the Sharingan, and the Rinnegan.  

With and without these eye-specific powers, there are tons of powerful characters to watch out for. Momoshiki Otsutsuki should be at the top of that list, but don’t forget about Might Guy, Sakura Uchiha, Hanzo, Gaara, Kurama, Hinata, or Naruto himself. Arguably, the clans are more powerful than a single person, but hero or villain the story’s show of power is immense. Each fighting scene is mesmerizing, and knowing what each character or clan can do can help you learn more about the world.

If strength is what you’re after, we recommend watching any episode with The Ten Tailed Beast. It is an interesting character, to say the least. 

When it comes to the party, Shisui Uchiha is debated to be the strongest character, but we like to compare techniques like Rasengan and Chidori over one forceful person.

Each character has their own storyline, to an extent, which means following the threads of the Mangekyou Sharingan can be confusing. The one constant in the story is pain. Nagato Rinnegan, Itachi, Naruto, Gaara, Kakashi, Choji, Anko Mitarashi, Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke, Jiraiya, and Tsunade all go through a mind-melting story. As with pain comes death, and in the Naruto stories, you can also expect heartbreak.

Of course, sometimes just knowing where the filler episodes are is enough to get straight into the action. Don’t miss out on too much though as filler episodes can help you learn important background information like who marries who, parentage, Kyuubi Chakra Modes, foreshadowing, and catchphrases.

My Hero Academia 

My Hero Academia is a relatively new franchise in the world of anime and manga, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most successful. 

The story often revolves around Deuko and friendships or lack thereof. But there are lots of quirky characters which in this context means “magical”. Todoroki is a fan favorite due to the dynamics he produces, but that doesn’t mean he is without a scar-filled history.

Just as eyes are a big statement in Naruto, scars are the physical displacement in My Hero Academia. Although they don’t come with powers, they do come with an important history.

Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan is another booming anime series. All the characters are young like you would expect, but they go through dramatic stories to save the world.

In the series, some characters have a titan form, but without spoiling the show or manga we cannot explain how they work. If you are truly desperate to learn the ins and outs, just pay attention to Eren. His story is one of detail and twists, so don’t trust anything you see.

Just like the other popular series we want to share with you, you can expect death and destruction. 

One of the most beloved characters in the series is Annie Leonhart, she is fierce yet quiet, creating a character of depth and home. And the most intriguing titan that you have to pay attention to is The Beast.

One Piece

One Piece is another manga that likes to show its brutal history through scars and tattoos. Their “magic” in this story comes from Haki or the character’s spiritual energy.

DC

Despite being one of the biggest fandoms around, the DC fan club still needs help sorting lore from movies and comics. Batman has a slightly different story in each of them, so even if you think you know him like the back of your hand, you’ve probably missed out on a couple of details.

Marvel

Marvel is another massive comic collection, where heroes get mysterious powers. Wanda and Carol Danvers are undoubtedly the most powerful in this universe, and just like most other characters, they get their powers through biological or chemical changes.

Hunter X Hunter

Hunter X Hunter is a critically acclaimed anime and manga series. The show is lengthy, and there are some filler episodes that follow the show structure of its time, but each episode has amazing lore to dig your teeth into. 

Pokemon

You may think that most of Pokemon’s lore comes down to levels, but it is so much richer than that. Seeing how hard it is for Charmander to survive a wet landscape is enough to show its depth and detail.

Underrated Stories

There are a ton of manga and anime shows which have a small and intense following, but haven’t managed to create a frenzie yet. This means they have creative content, amazing fans and enough space for you to join in and feel like part of the community. Here are just a few:

Despite its 20-year running time, Bleach is a manga most people still aren’t aware of yet. If you want to learn about what most people have looked over, pick up this manga next.

The Blood Series has had a lot of re-creations but each story is based around a girl’s ability to save the world from ravenous monsters.

The Black Butler is set in Victorian England and follows a demon butler protecting a young child.

The Fullmetal Alchemist is a humorous show as well as a serious one. Which is a great change from some of these constant dark thoughts.

One Punch Man is a comedy-based manga with action and heartfelt storylines but you will laugh through every tear!

Re: Zero is a bleak anime that hits on depressing ideas and psychological traumas. A story lingering in melancholy, this is the perfect show for sad souls. If you pick up this manga, keep an eye on The Witch Of Vainglory.

Although Dragon Ball was much loved in its time, it has quickly been forgotten by the youth of today. An epic story of fighting, death, and resurrection even the main character laughs in the face of the final breath.

The Black Clover is extremely new and with each passing week, more people join its fan club. There should be a movie coming out in 2022. It is a story about the devil, possession, and darkness.

Violet Evergarden is a story surrounding robots designed to help a scientist’s blind wife. The dolls start to take on jobs around the country and soon begin to question their own human nature.

Hyouka is a story about school kids who get mysterious elemental-based powers. The protagonists have to figure out how to maintain their abilities while also dealing with school drama.

“K” is a beautifully crafted show with a fantastic soundtrack.

Future Diary, aka Mirai Nikki, is a fantasy horror anime, where a lonely boy makes an “imaginary friend” or so he thinks.

Hajime No Ippo is a boxing-themed manga that follows a teenager as he progresses through the competitions. 

Food Wars, aka Shokugeki No Soma, is a manga based on cooking. It has drama, competition, and culinary delights!

The Chain Chronicles is a story about kingdoms trying to find peace but failing. The kings of the land all have their own agendas but the dark army is coming.

Baki is a manga and anime about finding the world’s strongest fighter. After getting bored of always winning, their goal is to be defeated.

Code Geass is a hard show to stream, but if you manage to find it, put it on! It’s a story about a vigilante trying to protect his family.

Assassination Classroom is a story about children being taught how to assassinate. Their first target is their own teacher – an alien with powers beyond their comprehension.

The Magi Series is an anime about adventures with sisters. It brings up feelings of nostalgia. 

Steins Gate is a sci-fi anime with a twisting plot and a lot of easter eggs.

Haikyuu is an anime about a high school volleyball team. Watch them try to reach glory while battling school dramas.

Digimon is another old classic which has lost a lot of fans through time. Re- live the memory and bring the virtual pets back to life!

Get Hooked On Theories

Fan theories are the bread and butter of any good fandom. Anime and comic fans often have the best lore to work with, so their ideas can be wacky and accurate at the same time!

Here are just a few realistic fan theories of your favorite franchises. 

Jujutsu Kaisen

One of the biggest worries for Kaisen is the state of Nobara Kugiaski and her mortality. Will she die by the end of the show or can she pull through?

My Hero Academia

The biggest questions fans try to answer in My Hero Academia is around family. Are Shoto and Dabi related? And why did Shigaraki call Deku “little brother”? We have found the answers to these questions so you can share them with your friends.

Another question on everyone’s lips, however, surrounds Deku’s dad. Is he actually the villain?

Lastly, we explain why Bakugou hates Deku.

Click on our links to find the answers to these burning questions.

Demon Slayer

In Demon Slayer there is a lot of flower symbolism. If you take a close look, you can tell how the episode will go just by understanding the pattern and meaning behind the design choices.

DC Comic 

DC is filled with familiar but out-of-reach places and characters. The Flash has had many different faces, but the most loved were Wally West and Barry Allen. The question is, which of the two ran the fastest? 

There are tons of Supermen too, but which would be the strongest? We have figured it out! Click the link to learn more.

In fact, there are a lot of “who would win” questions around the DC universe; Dark Knight vs Deathstroke, Darkseid vs anyone, and Superman vs The Martian Manhunter are just a few!

But it gets really fun when we compare DC to Marvel comics, like Superman vs Captain Marvel.

Marvel Comic

Lots of people get confused about the DC and Marvel comics, characters like Spawn often have their histories messed up.

But if you focus on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you’ll be having the same questions as us – If Captain Marvel was in the first fight with Thanos… would she win?

Naruto

Just like with the Marvel and DC rivalry, many Naruto fans wonder what would happen if a certain character fought. Sakura Vs Hinata is one of the biggest polarizing debates.

But we wonder who would win against Naruto and Guko. Naruto and Dragon’s rivalry isn’t as strong as it once was, but we think it’s time to bring it back!

Still, there are other questions that many fans want answered. Like why does Kakashi wear a mask, why did Sasuke get cursed, did Itachi have a disease, and why can Rock Lee only use Taijutsu.

The biggest questions for some fans are about the character’s relationships. We all wonder if Sasuke actually loved Sakura.

But some of us would simply be happy to understand Itachi Uchiha’s classic quotes.

Getting Into Conventions – Where To Start

So now you’ve watched some top-class anime and read through heart-wrenching mangas; it’s time to join the conventions.

Ideally, you should start at a local convention. There is no point traveling far for you to realize this isn’t your cup of tea.

Comic Con travels to almost every state, but here are some of our favorites: 

Comic conventions allow you to mix with people who care about your fandom as much as you do! Join in with the community and have fun!

Summary

Getting into comics and anime might seem like an impossible task, but in reality, we all started with one page or one episode. Once you start, your streaming service will keep suggesting more amazing shows, and your book retailers can point you to more amazing mangas. 

Get involved with the popular and underrated stories, and join in with the magic of manga.