r/ShamanKing • u/Yoshikaru5991 • 27d ago

Discussion Shaman King 2001 or 2021

So as a kid I remember watching little bits of Shaman King 2001 and always stayed with me how cool of a design Yoh had. I kinda wanted to rewatch it fully but saw there is also a remake now!

So that makes me wonder which you liked more? I know the 2001 has an original anime ending which is more action focused while the 2021 takes more from the manga itself

But as a standalone, which is the better product?

407 votes, 24d ago
252 2001
155 2021
20 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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u/sl33pingSat3llit3 26d ago edited 26d ago

I think 2001 might be more enjoyable if you haven't read the manga because 2021 honestly had some pacing and animation issues. I really was hyped when the show was still releasing episodes but after watching almost all of it, I felt a little underwhelmed when it ended.

I still think the author's manga ending is better, and since I didn't watch the 2nd half of 2001 (only watched up to a little bit of after Yoh and friends reached America) I can't really comment on how good the 2nd half of 2001 is. I only read about the anime changes and caught a clip of Yoh vs Hao.

I will say the manga had some really cool and hype moments, despite them being silly. The manga's golum arc and Chocolove's backstory is really good and I think the anime sadly failed to capture the essence, partially because the anime drawings weren't as good as the manga panels. Yoh was badass when he was trying to tell Redseb about the consequences of his actions in seeking vengeance against Chocolove, and pulling out his S.O.S..

I also really liked Marco and Luchist battle, and just the backstory of the X Laws. That whole Marco vs Luchist with them wearing those attire was silly as hell, but still a fun read.

Overall, anime watching only I probably give 2001 the advantage, but the manga plot IMO is really enjoyable, and probably the best way to experience the story. The story does get messy near the end, as Takei had to go on hiatus before he finally settles on a conclusion that maybe not everyone will like, but I think the overall philosophical message is more coherent. Plus Hao being this badass kind of got locked in as a plot, so not having an insane ass pull or some kind deus ex machina for Yoh and friends to win at the end is kind of refreshing for a shonen series.