Despite being difficult for many fans to identify, the anime industry is filled with numerous adaptations of non-Japanese source material. Furthermore, the animation quality of these series is consistently high. Although the majority of these adaptations are based on Korean (manhwa) or Chinese (manhua) works, there has also been a rise in popularity of American comic adaptations in recent years.
It is a challenging task to distinguish between a high-quality and average anime adaptation of foreign material, as appearances can be deceiving. To alleviate this issue, we have taken on the difficult task of curating a list of the top 10 anime that are based on non-Japanese source material, including foreign manga series, American comics, and popular game series.
The author is solely responsible for any opinions expressed in this article.
Anime Adaptations of Non-Japanese Source Material
Arcane International Game
Arcane, an anime based on non-Japanese source material, is an adaptation of the popular video game League of Legends, developed by an American company called Riot Games. The anime follows the game’s lore and occasionally makes changes to improve the adaptation. A sequel for the anime has been confirmed.
The central focus of this steampunk adventure anime series revolves around the bond between siblings Vi and Jinx. As they navigate through a dangerous world, they also discover and come to terms with the unique technologies of the modern age and the growing class disparity.
Solo Leveling: A Popular Korean Manhwa Series
Solo Leveling, a Korean manhwa of the same name, is among the anime adaptations not originally from Japan that has gained immense popularity. Its success has led to the renewal of a sequel and the creation of a documentary, further solidifying its worldwide recognition.
The anime depicts Sung Jinwoo’s journey as a low-ranking player, known for his lack of skill and inexperience in dungeon exploration. When he is offered the chance to explore a dungeon, most of his fellow players perish, but Jinwoo sacrifices himself to save some of his friends. Against all odds, he survives and gains the ability to level up every day, gradually growing stronger than ever before.
The God of High School: A Korean Manhwa
Despite being based on non-Japanese source material, God of High School has gained immense popularity as an anime. The series, which is adapted from the Korean Manhwa series of the same name, concluded in 2022. However, it was not renewed for a sequel.
As a highly acclaimed anime adapted from non-Japanese source material, the plot revolves around Jin Mori, Han Daewi, and Yu Mira, three high school students who enter a competition to determine the strongest fighter among high school students.
The King’s Avatar
The King’s Avatar, a highly acclaimed donghua (Chinese anime series), is adapted from a popular novel series from China. It gained recognition for its innovative storyline, blending elements of an isekai anime with a game-centric plot.
The anime, which is adapted from a non-Japanese source, follows the story of Ye Xiu, a skilled professional gamer who chooses to leave his gaming career behind and embark on a new journey. While wandering one day, he comes across a gaming café where his beloved game, Glory, is being played with new updates. Faced with a tempting challenge, Ye Xiu decides to start from scratch once again.
5) Viral Hit
In 2024, one of the most captivating anime series to air was Viral Hit, which tells the story of Yoo Hobin. Hobin created his own Newtube channel and gained fame and fortune by exposing his bullies.
Additionally, the anime is adapted from a Korean Manhwa of the same name, making it one of the rare manhwa series to be published in volumes. The first volume is scheduled to be released on April 1, 2025.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners: An International Game
Cyberpunk Edgerunners, an anime created by animation studio TRIGGER, is based on the highly acclaimed video game Cyberpunk 2077 by Polish developer CD Projekt Red. The script for this adaptation was written by Masahiko Ootsuka, one of the founders of Studio TRIGGER.
The plot of this anime centers around David, who turns to using the Sandevistan cyberware implant after being unable to save his mother. This implant gives him incredible speed and he uses it to join a criminal organization, leading a comfortable life. However, this comes with its own set of risks that David may struggle to overcome.
Lookism: Exploring Appearance-Based Discrimination in Korean Manhwa
Lookism is a supernatural drama series that tells the story of Park Hyung Suk and his ability to switch between his real, chubby body and a handsome body, bringing his tale to life.
This anime, titled after a Korean manhwa, is unique in that it is adapted from non-Japanese source material. The character designs were crucial to the series, as they were modeled after real Korean individuals, making them an integral part of the main cast.
8) Suicide Squad Isekai (American Comic Series)
Suicide Squad ISEKAI is an anime adaptation of the popular American DC Comics series, which was also made into a Hollywood film. This animated series, produced by one of Japan’s largest animation studios, is based on a non-Japanese source material. The script was written by Nagatsuki Tappei, who is known for his work on Re: Zero and also wrote this spinoff of the DC comic.
The plot revolves around renowned DC antagonists such as Harley Quinn, Clayface, and three other individuals who are unexpectedly transported to a mystical realm through a portal and must find a way back before it seals shut.
9) Batman Ninja
Batman Ninja is an anime film that depicts the Dark Knight in a different location from Gotham City. It is adapted from the Batman DC comic series, which is not of Japanese origin. Kazuki Nakashima, the creator of Kill la Kill, was one of the writers involved in this DC comic spinoff.
During a battle with a villain at Arkham Asylum, the superhero is suddenly caught in an explosion and finds himself transported back in time to Japan. Without access to modern weapons, he must adapt and learn traditional Japanese fighting techniques in order to survive and eventually return to Gotham City.
10) Halo Legends: An International Game
Halo Legends is an 8-episode ONA series that features animation from various Japanese studios. The inspiration for this series is the popular video game Halo, but the scriptwriters for the anime spinoff were Megumi Shimizu, known for their work on Soul Eater, and Naruki Nagakawa.
The ownership of the game series currently belongs to a game developer studio called 343 Industries, which also served as the supervisor for Halo Legends. Each episode of the series focuses on a unique story featuring characters from the game’s lore.
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