Following manga in anime adaptation is very important. It gives a feeling of genuinity. It is also safer choice since people like anime adaptation that are very close to manga. Especially if the story isn't really bad that need to twist and necessary to follow another direction from the main storyline in manga.
There are some anime that are ruined because they rewrite the story and didn't follow the manga. The great example of that is the sequels of Tokyo Ghoul, especially the second season which is Tokyo Ghoul √A. It is not exactly canon because it didn't follow the manga. Most of them are fillers and get negative feedback from viewers. It isn't that really bad to mash up the story. But hell, the first season is on fire and it looks like you poured cold water in it because of its sequel.
And guess what, The Promised Neverland are following this path.
The first three episodes is actually good. They follow exactly what's on manga. Although there's so much cut scene but it's fine, it isn't necessary. The way they met Soju and Musica and that chasing part is amazing. And in episode 3 it ends with that creepy markings on the wall (which is good because it is what exactly in the manga). In the next episode, they should have met Yuugo (an escapee from another farm). And trust me, if they just adapt this arc it should be as good or even better than season 1.
But in the episode 4 they announced that they will follow different path from manga. I actually believe it's fine because the last arc in manga is kind of rushed. But after I watch this episode, I'm so disappointed. I don't really know what's their purpose, but for those who didn't read the manga. They skip 2 major arc and leaps to the worst arc. I don't know what are they going to do with Yuugo Arc and Goldy Pond Arc. It looks like they never met Yuugo at all and it's so disappointing. Maybe they will make this a filler part in the future but I don't like it. And the worst part is in episode 5 where they met Norman. It sounds fan servicing to me. And the way they met Norman in manga is way much better and emotional.
I can see 2 Reasons Why they Did This
They are trying to fix the rushed story in the 4th arc. The story is going slowly but smoothly until Norman returned to the main scene. And that's where the story feels more like rushed. But it's not bad though. I like Norman's personality in manga more.
Other one is to give more screen time to Norman. I really smell fanservice here. Norman disappeared in the scene from Chapter 26 and reappeared again in Chapter 118. We all know that Norman is one of the main character and disappear in the scene for almost 100 chapters. Of course the fans of Norman will never wait that long. That's why they give early screen time for Norman in anime. But seriously I don't like it.
I feel really disappointed because I like those 2 arc better. Yuugo Arc is heartbreaking and Goldy Pond Arc is action filled. And by the fact that this season is only 11 episodes, it is hard to imagine if they will add either of this arcs. But if they do, it should be filler and you won't enjoy it because it might be rushed. Now I don't really know what will be the story all about for this season.
It is just the first 2 episode of Promised Neverland √A and I really hope it will not ends up the same as Tokyo Ghoul. The first season is a masterpiece and it will be heartbreaking if this anime will be ruined. Let's wait and find out more if the next episodes will keeps getting better or drowned into the depths of 6 or 7 rating in MAL.
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