For fans of manga, the beloved series that has been adapted into anime is like a dream come true. However, there exists a segment of the manga fan community that goes against this trend. In fact, fans of “Goodnight Punpun,” a seinen manga by Inio Asano, actively oppose the idea of adapting the manga into an anime, and they have solid reasons for their stance.
First published in 2007, “Goodnight Punpun” tells the story of the challenges faced during the process of growing up and the trials of everyday life. This manga is one of the most renowned seinen series of our time, standing alongside titles like “Berserk,” “20th Century Boys,” and “Hellsing.” Although there is a strong desire among fans for the series to be adapted into anime, there is no need to worry, as it is unlikely to happen.
Why “Goodnight Punpun” Should Not Have an Anime
“Goodnight Punpun” often ranks high on the list of “Best Manga That Should Not Be Adapted into Anime.” However, the community of fans is quite pleased that the series remains untouched. From the very first chapter, readers realize that Punpun is different, and adapting the story and its unique narrative style would not suit the anime format.
The manga follows Punpun Onodera, an 11-year-old boy, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence. What may seem like a coming-of-age story is actually one of the most melancholic manga ever written. The family life of the protagonist is tumultuous, his feelings for a girl at school are heart-wrenching, and the looming existential dread permeates the narrative, leading to Punpun’s frequent conversations with his inner self and the existential questions he grapples with from the start.
“Goodnight Punpun” does not offer a cheerful outlook on its main character’s new life or a quest for happiness. Instead, it provides a realistic and somber perspective on the complexities of growing up and the search for meaning in life.
The themes explored in “Goodnight Punpun” contrast sharply with typical anime adaptations. As previously mentioned, the manga delves deep into a number of subjects, addressing heavy themes right from the first chapter, and every subsequent arc tends to deepen the narrative as Punpun ages.
Anime adaptations often shy away from such heavy subject matter and can dilute the original message. The intense pressure and emotional weight of “Goodnight Punpun” would be challenging to convey in an anime format, and the result could be a frustrating viewing experience.
This manga’s dark and somber tone often leads fans to express their reluctance to recommend it to others who may not be prepared for such an emotional journey. No one wants to relive painful memories through an anime, especially not when it comes to the deeply affecting story of Punpun.
“Goodnight Punpun” Should Not Be Adapted into Anime
Along with the heavy themes, certain aspects of “Goodnight Punpun” only resonate because it is a manga. Firstly, the character design is quite unique. While other characters are depicted as humans, Punpun and his family are illustrated as bird-like creatures. This design creates a stark contrast that amplifies the emotional weight of the events occurring in the story. However, such a portrayal may not translate well into animation and could lessen the overall tone of the narrative.
Secondly, many elements of “Goodnight Punpun” are surreal and dreamlike. Yet, the vivid imagery in the manga helps highlight these moments without compromising the overall dark tone. However, scenes like Punpun’s dream sequences and Shimizu’s eerie landscapes may not fit well in an anime context, potentially diminishing the overall atmosphere of the story.
Finally, one of the most intelligent and engaging aspects of “Goodnight Punpun” is its nonlinear storytelling, weaving together the past, present, and future. While this may not be the primary reason for the manga’s “unsuitability” for adaptation, it does require a deft hand to effectively convey the narrative’s complexity in an anime format while maintaining the necessary subtlety and balance found in Inio Asano’s unconventional storytelling approach.
Fortunately, there is currently no news or indication that “Goodnight Punpun” is being adapted into anime. Given the extensive narrative scope of the manga, it is possible that a film adaptation could eventually be developed in the future. However, anyone who has read the manga knows that it would require a miraculous effort to achieve the same level of quality and emotional depth that the original manga possesses.
Source: Comicbook
