Eagerly anticipated by devoted followers, the fifth season of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” anime brought forth a torrent of emotions due to its unanticipated trajectory. Bones Studio’s audacious decision to drift away from Kafka Asagiri’s manga storyline has thrust the adaptation into uncharted waters.
The Controversial Detour: Unpacking the Anime’s Direction
As the series’ return sent waves of excitement across its fandom, it soon became clear that “Bungo Stray Dogs” was set on a course few had foreseen. The anime, once closely tied to Asagiri’s work, ventured into creating its own unique storyline upon reaching the manga’s narrative. This marked deviation is noteworthy, especially given the industry’s trend of moving away from significant alterations or filler episodes.
Rodeado de los literarios de Burgo Stray Dogs, me hice poeta. pic.twitter.com/85yuuLPtTb
— Crunchyroll.es ✨ (@crunchyroll_es) June 20, 2016
To put this into perspective, the revamped “Bleach” anime’s Thousand-Year Blood War arc underwent changes from its original manga version. However, these modifications had the blessing and guidance of the manga’s creator, Tite Kubo, who sought to enhance the arc due to challenges he faced during its original creation.
Comparatively, the decision with “Bungo Stray Dogs” seems puzzling, potentially causing waves of discontent among ardent manga enthusiasts who longed to see their cherished arcs translated into animated form. Now, there’s growing speculation that the adaptation might persist in charting its own course, albeit influenced by the manga.
Revisiting the Anime Adaptation Strategy
Diverging from source material, a more prevalent strategy in yesteryears, sparks an engaging debate about its contemporary relevance and acceptance. Importantly, deviating from canon content doesn’t inherently compromise a series’ quality.
A case in point is Bones Studio’s approach to the fifth season of “My Hero Academia”, where they subtly tweaked the adaptation of Kohei Horikoshi’s manga. While such strategies are typically met with skepticism, the feedback for “Bungo Stray Dogs” remains largely affirmative.
The Road Ahead for Bungo Stray Dogs
Given the current trajectory, it’s plausible that the “Bungo Stray Dogs” anime might weave in elements from the original manga while continuing on its distinctive path. This strategy presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. Only time will determine whether this bold approach pays off or if it diverges too far from the roots that made the series beloved to its fans.
