After watching the first episode of NHK ni Youkoso, then realizing I had checked out the manga before, I decided to read a few volumes. I’ve taken note of animes which use a sort of Zen reflection of the “oktaku scene” to the characters (ie. characters are otaku, Comic Party, Genshiken, etc), but I’ve never paid much attention (didn’t finish reading Comic Party). The presentation in NHK is bizarre and perhaps the reason I’ll venture down the manga road [and its a conspiracy^^]. The zaniness comes in intervals, which is a plus; I’d have trouble following the material otherwise.
They aren’t exactly alike (manga & anime), but that’s no problem. The differences come mostly in timing and slightly extra scenes in the anime to space-out events. Both have put a good display of comedy and interaction. I’ll have to watch a few episodes to really see the differences. The high comedy point in the first volume was definitely when Satou goes hikikomori+lolicon. I nearly fell on the floor laughing, and it makes me wonder how that scene will be included in the anime. It’s very naughty, but so halarious as Satou is hiding in the bushes and peeping on the school girls (awful habit); his entire persona at that moment was outrageous. The first 3 chapters of volume 1 are a strong, funny opening to NHK, the last two chapters were good development, but I didn’t find them as funny (could just be me getting tired, literally, not of NHK, no no no). Comedy isn’t something I necessarily look for, but with the first few chapters so riddled with fantastic nonsense, I was expecting more laughs. Its possible that this story will become sentimental-style, simply because of the hints of salvation, romance, worry, and heartbreak in the first volume. Super!
Ryan A
You know, I did the manga thing for Naruto, Nana, Ouran, and a few other small animes and I just don’t find it as enjoyable to watch the anime afterwards(I still enjoyed Ouran so teensy lie). Although, I have heard that NHK’s manga is far superior to the anime version, so I say go for it.
I grew up with a decent musical background, so maybe that’s why I like anime more than manga. Hearing touching or perfectly chosen songs to place behind a sad or intense moment gets me every time. I can’t say I’ve ever gotten tears in my eyes reading a manga, but I sure as hell can say I have watching anime. It’s for those moments that I always choose the anime over the manga.
I can totally agree there. The music and sounds greatly increases the perceptability and enjoyment, when done correctly. I have to say that the soundtrack on NHK is fantastic; the scenes and music match up so well (that retro psychadelic rock).
I haven’t read Nana, but I have experienced Ouran and Naruto mangas. I’ll say that I enjoyed the Naruto manga more (even though the soundtrack was great for the setting). Ouran its nearly a draw because of the artwork, but the anime was fantastic!
Thanks for commenting! ^_^