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Anime vs Manga
I finally have all five volumes of the Utena manga/comic books (the ones used to create the TV series, not the 1999 Movie). The anime follows the basic storyline of the manga but it is definitely a lot bolder than the manga (it has some subjects and themes that the manga only alludes to or don't even mention).
The anime and manga both have their highs and lows. The manga lacks key elements and characters that make the anime much more fun and exciting. Believe it or not Nanami (Touga's baby sister) doesn't appear in the manga. In fact, the only glance we get of Nanami is through a brief shot of a family picture in Touga's bedroom. Now, Nanami is one of my favorite characters (yes, even despite the fact she's a complete fruitcake and the biggest snob on the show) and without her the manga lost quite a bit of spice and humor. No Nanami also means no Tsuwabuki (another character, though minor). I have to admit that the manga does have a few funny scenes, though no "fillers" as the anime includes. The manga is also rather tamed compared to the twisted and sometimes over-the-top plots of the anime, especially the final eight episodes.
Another difference about the manga is the absence of the Juri-Shiori-Ruka love triangle with a twist. To my great disappointment Juri's character is portrayed in a rather shallow manner. The manga does a poor job at conveying the depth of Juri's character and the magnitude to which her secrets torment her beautiful yet desolate soul. The Anime gets an A+ for inventing the love triangle that makes Juri an interesting and moving character. Her unrequited love for her bestfriend and her secret(s) makes her endearing to fans.
Juri has bad luck with love in both the manga and anime. In case you don't know,in the manga she's infatuated with Touga and perhaps in love with Ruka. Of the two she would probably have a better chance with Ruka, who loves her, but atlast fate would not have it so...
Another difference worth noting is the object of Miki's affection. In the anime his "shining something" was Anthy. However, in the manga he is infatuated with Utena and even gets to kiss Utena. Speaking of kissing, Utena sure gets a lot of that in the manga. Way more so than in the anime.
Another major difference between the manga and anime involves the "Black Rose Saga." This part of the anime concerning Mikage's plot to kill the Rose Bride and attain eternity for Mamiya, was quite prominent in the anime. However, in the manga it appears briefly as a side story after the manga's ending. I absolutely loved Mikage in the anime, so you can imagine how sad I was about the minuscule coverage he got. However, unlike the anime which simply beats around the bush, the manga makes it clear that Mikage is in love with Mamiya. Mamiya's sister, Tokiko (from the anime), is never mensioned so it's safe to assume she's not the object of Mikage's affection.
So what's so great about the manga?
The art and character designs are excellent! Of course I intend on sharing my favorites you all. You can view many manga pictures in the Multimedia section, under Gallery. ^_^
I can't say it enough but I absolutely adore Chuchu; he serve as a huge comic relief in the manga and his fights with Saionji are so adorable.
The manga also gives a kinder perspective on Touga's character. Unlike the anime, he is not as involved in Akio's sinister schemes to obtain the power of Dios. Also he goes out of his way on quite a few occasions to warn Utena about Akio's true intentions. Therefore, this makes him only half the scum Akio is. Honestly compare to Akio's extensive womanizing and manipulation, (not to mension the physical and emotional abuse he inflicks on his sister) Manga!Touga is actually a much more pleasant person.
Now, last but certainly not least, are Utena and Anthy. As I read through the manga I realized how deeply Utena cares for Anthy and would do anything to protect her. In her own words: "I don't care if I get hurt...the most important things are defending my pride and Anthy." Then again she also cares deeply for Wakaba, her best friend and the reason she became involved in the duels. Utena's affections for Wakaba and Anthy are based on friendship and a desire for a family (this is understandable since she's an orphan and an only child). Wakaba is her friend and Anthy has become an important part of her life.
Also in the manga, Anthy is definitely much less sinister and a lot more "innocent." Therefore it was easier for me to sympathize with her and believe that she genuinely cared for Utena. Anime!Anthy makes it hard to understand her motives or even to pity her; she comes across as cold, calculating, and scary **especially towards the end of the series**.
I wouldn't exactly say that that Utena and Anthy are "in love" but they certainly love and care about each other. ...The movie on the other hand is a whole new story, a retelling, and all of this could be taken to a new level. However, I will not discuss the Movie here as it deserves it's own section.
Overall, you have two stories following the same basic idea, with the same characters, who's motives drift slightly. If you enjoyed the anime, you'll love the manga, and if you liked the manga, you'll definitely adore the animated version!