Highlights
- Anime versions of American shows blend Western storytelling with Japanese animation, offering a fresh perspective for fans of both genres.
- These adaptations often delve into deeper character development while maintaining the core elements of the original shows.
- Anime versions like Marvel Disk Wars and Supernatural: The Animation bring a unique visual flair and storytelling style that adds depth to well-known American franchises.
Anime versions of American shows are unique adaptations that blend Western storytelling with the artistry and conventions of Japanese animation. These cross-cultural collaborations result in a fascinating mix of familiar stories reimagined through the distinct visual and thematic lens of anime.
From classic superheroes to popular animated characters, American franchises such as Marvel's Wolverine and CW Television Network's hit show Supernatural have undergone an anime transformation. These adaptations often delve into deeper character development while maintaining the show's core elements. Anime versions offer a fresh perspective and appeal to both anime fans and followers of the original American shows.
10 Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers
Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers (2014) is an anime series produced by Toei Animation and Walt Disney Japan, based on Marvel's The Avengers franchise. The story revolves around a new technology developed by Tony Stark that can capture villains inside disks.
However, when Loki tricks him, the technology traps the Avengers instead. Five young teenagers inadvertently gain access to these disks and now have the power to release the superheroes for short periods to battle various villains. This group includes iconic Avengers like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and others.
9 Highlander: The Search For Vengeance
Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007) is an animated movie that is a spin-off of the popular Highlander franchise. The story follows Colin MacLeod, an immortal warrior seeking revenge for centuries against his rival, Marcus Octavius, who killed his wife, Moya.
This pursuit takes him through different eras in history, finally leading to a post-apocalyptic future. The movie is noted for its dark tone, intense action sequences, and unique anime-stylistic approach. Highlander: The Search for Vengeance offers an exciting story driven by distinctive Japanese animation aesthetics.
8 Powerpuff Girls Z
Powerpuff Girls Z (2006) is a Japanese anime reimagining of the American cartoon series The Powerpuff Girls. The series, produced by Toei Animation, maintains the basic premise of three girls with superpowers but incorporates typical anime elements.
Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are regular schoolgirls who transform into the Powerpuff Girls Z using a mysterious chemical substance created by Professor Utonium. While fighting against various monsters and villains, the girls also deal with everyday life situations. The show brings a distinct magical girl transformation element reminiscent of Sailor Moon.
7 Iron Man
The Iron Man (2010) anime has 12 entertaining episodes. The story follows Tony Stark, known as Iron Man, as he travels to Japan to unveil his new Arc Reactor energy source. He plans to retire as Iron Man and build a station to provide free, renewable energy.
However, his project is jeopardized by the secretive Zodiac organization, forcing Tony to don his suit again. The anime showcases various Iron Man armors, intense action sequences, and a deep dive into Tony's character, punctuated with the anime's unique visual flair.
6 Witchblade
Witchblade (2006) is an anime series based on the American comic book of the same name by Top Cow Productions. The series provides a new narrative twist distinct from the source material. The story centers on Masane Amaha, a single mother who, after a catastrophic earthquake, discovers she possesses the Witchblade, a mysterious weapon that grants her extraordinary powers.
This draws Masane into a clandestine world of danger and intrigue. With its strong focus on motherhood and the cost of power, Witchblade offers a poignant and action-packed exploration of its central character.
5 Supernatural: The Animation
Supernatural: The Animation (2011) is a Japanese anime adaptation of the popular American TV series Supernatural. The series features 22 episodes that reimagine the narrative of the original show's first two seasons and a few original stories.
The anime explores the early years of the Winchester brothers' life, their family tragedy, and their ensuing path as hunters. The story provides an insight into their childhood, training, and family dynamics. The unique combination of Western narrative with Eastern animation style offers a fresh perspective on the beloved Supernatural series.
4 Wolverine
The Wolverine (2011) anime is produced by Madhouse, in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. The storyline revolves around Logan, also known as Wolverine, as he travels to Japan to find his lost love, Mariko Yashida, who is forced into an arranged marriage by her father, a leader in the Japanese criminal underworld.
The series dives deep into Logan's relentless, gritty nature, showcasing his ferocity and healing powers. The Wolverine anime presents a fresh exploration of Logan's character, marked by stylized anime visuals, action, romance, and intense storytelling.
3 Batman: Gotham Knight
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) is a collection of six interrelated animated shorts based on the superhero comic books published by DC Comics. A different renowned Japanese anime studio has created each short set between the events of Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
This anthology explores Batman's character and Gotham City's unique universe. The stories feature a distinctive blend of East and West, each studio offering its unique stylistic interpretation of Batman. Themes range from crime-solving and action to deeper explorations of Bruce Wayne's psyche.
2 Blade
Blade (2011) is a vampire anime consisting of 12 action-packed episodes. The storyline follows Eric Brooks, known as Blade, a Daywalker who possesses all the strengths of a vampire but none of their weaknesses. He travels to Japan on a mission to eradicate vampire activity.
His journey is motivated by personal revenge against Deacon Frost, the vampire who killed his mother. The anime showcases Blade's sword-fighting prowess and other vampire abilities. The series offers a fresh perspective and demonstrates Blade's relentless fight against evil and unwavering quest for justice.
1 X-Men
The X-Men (2011) anime is a 12-episode series. The story begins when the X-Men characters reunite following the apparent death of their teammate, Jean Grey, to face the U-Men, a cult that steals and transplants mutant organs to augment their power. The X-Men are called to Japan after the abduction of Hisako Ichiki (Armor).
The series showcases a distinct anime style, featuring character designs and action sequences typical of the genre. The X-Men anime offers a unique, culturally distinct perspective on these beloved characters and highlights teamwork.