In anime, fights that seem short can actually feel prolonged in the manga, creating a unique dynamic in the animation. While anime fights are typically action-packed and exhilarating, the same fights may be depicted differently in the manga. In manga series, fights often feel more drawn out and deliberate, with extensive inner thoughts, intricate illustrations, strategic analyses, and flashbacks that enhance the story.
There are various categories of anime, such as Shojo, Seinen, Josei, and Slice of Life, but Shonen tends to receive more attention than the rest. This is primarily due to the widespread success of popular series like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z, as Shonen anime is known for its thrilling battles.
Despite their short length, anime fights can still feel like intense and drawn-out battles in the manga. To showcase this, here is a list of the thirteen shortest anime fights that give off the impression of being longer in the manga.
Please note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may contain spoilers from the manga.
The Battle of Ichigo vs. Ginjo, Gon vs. Neferpitou, Levi vs. Kenny, and 10 Other Short but Lengthy Anime Fights in the Manga
13) Battle Between Eren and Reiner in Attack on Titan
In the 31st episode of Attack on Titan’s second season, Reiner and Bertolt are taken aback by Eren’s sudden transformation into a titan. They immediately identify him as the same Titan who destroyed Wall Maria several years ago, the one they have been searching for all this time. The ensuing battle between Reiner in his Armored Titan form and Eren in his Attack Titan form sets the stage for the story’s pivotal moment, uncovering hidden truths and setting the foundation for the intricate tale of survival and treachery.
Despite initially dominating the fight against Eren, Reiner was caught off guard when Eren used a surprise tactic that involved a Guillotine choke. This move caused Reiner’s armor near his back muscles to crack, putting him at a disadvantage. Eren was on the verge of defeating Reiner, but Bertolt intervened just in time to save him.
In the anime, Eren’s battle against Reiner is condensed into a single episode. On the other hand, the manga dedicated over two chapters to this fight, making it one of the briefest confrontations in the anime.
12) Battle between Yusuke and Toguro (Yu Yu Hakusho)
The Dark Tournament, one of the most beloved arcs in Yu Yu Hakusho, culminates in the epic battle between Yusuke and Toguro. Throughout this arc, a deadly tournament took place, pitting fighters against each other for their own personal reasons. As the leader of Team Toguro, Toguro was determined to push Yusuke to his limits and force him to reveal his true fighting abilities.
In the anime, Yusuke’s determination to protect the Human World and his close friends is depicted as a heart-pounding clash, showcasing his growth as a fighter. While the battle is condensed into four episodes, the manga delves deeper into the characters’ motivations through extended dialogue and inner monologues, spanning over seven chapters.
The Yu Yu Hakusho manga delves into the psychological elements of the battle, revealing layers of character growth and symbolic meaning. As a result, it distinguishes itself as one of the briefest anime fights that still give the impression of being lengthy.
Guts vs. Griffith (Berserk)
The confrontation between Guts and Griffith in Berserk is a pivotal and influential battle that greatly impacts the storyline of the series and is considered one of the briefest anime fights. The pinnacle of Guts vs. Griffith occurs during the Golden Age arc, a time when the bonds between the members of the Band of the Hawk were strengthened and solidified.
The anime battle between Guts and Griffith was a highly charged encounter that emphasized the depth of their rivalry and the significance of their shared past. The anime effectively captures the unbridled emotions and inner turmoil of both characters, as they clash with their conflicting beliefs, although the entire scene lasts only three minutes.
The original manga depicts the battle with a heightened level of depth and complexity, dedicating an entire chapter to it. This allows for a deeper exploration of the inner thoughts and regrets of both Guts and Griffith, and the lasting effects of their decisions on each other and those around them. As a result, the Guts vs. Griffith fight is rightfully recognized as one of the shortest but most impactful fights in the anime.
Levi vs. Kenny: A Battle in Attack on Titan
In Attack on Titan, the showdown between Levi and Kenny occurs during the Uprising arc, making it one of the briefest anime battles. This phase of the story delves into political intrigue and exposes the true identity of the titan. As a seasoned soldier and former mentor to Captain Levi, Kenny’s desire for the power of the Titans sparks a deadly game of cat and mouse between the two.
The anime adaptation effectively showcases the kinetic spectacle of the fight, emphasizing Levi’s lightning-fast combat skills and Kenny’s ruthless tactics. It effectively captures the tense atmosphere of their battle throughout the city, but ultimately concludes in under eight minutes.
The manga’s battle delves into emotional complexity and character history, delving into the intricate dynamic between Levi and Kenny. Throughout the course of three chapters, the manga unveils layers of familial ties and deep-seated resentments. With its meticulous dialogue and artwork, the manga is known for having one of the briefest yet most impactful anime fights.
Natsu Dragneel vs. Jackal – Battle in Fairy Tail
The confrontation between Natsu and Jackal occurred within the Tartaros arc of the Fairy Tail series, which follows the Fairy Tail guild as they battle against the Tartaros guild. This arc focuses on the guild’s efforts to protect their loved ones, their fellow guilds, and the world from the looming threat.
The anime adaptation effectively portrays the fight as incredibly fast-paced and full of energy, showcasing Natsu’s powerful Dragon Slayer magic, and is spread across two episodes. While the anime captures the intense nature of their showdown, the manga delves deeper into the battle with extra panels. Additionally, it explores the strategic aspects of their clash, spanning almost seven chapters, making Natsu vs. Jackal one of the shortest anime fights that feels much longer in the manga.
Edward and His Father in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The showdown between Father and Edward occurs in the concluding arc of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Father has devised a scheme to create a transmutation circle that will give him god-like abilities by sacrificing countless souls.
The anime depicts the fight as a dramatic and visually impressive confrontation, showcasing alchemical techniques and high emotional stakes that span episode 62’s final moments. In the manga, the battle is depicted with added refinements and strategic elements, emphasizing Edward’s tactical prowess. While it only spans two chapters, it is considered one of the shortest anime fights.
7) Gon vs. Neferpitou: A Battle in Hunter x Hunter
In the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter x Hunter, Gon and Neferpitou engage in a fierce confrontation. The arc follows the complex narrative of humanity’s struggle against the invading Chimera Ants, whose mission is to protect their King and eliminate any foes in their path.
The anime adaptation captures the unwavering determination and intense anger that fuels Gon’s battle against Neferpitou, who was responsible for harming Gon’s close friend and mentor, Kite. While the anime depicts the fight in a brief and fast-paced manner, spanning only one episode, the manga delves deeper into the inner thoughts and drives of both characters over the course of three chapters. As a result, this fight is considered one of the shortest in anime history.
Midoriya’s Epic Battle Against Muscular in My Hero Academia
The encounter between Midoriya and Muscular, also known as Goto Imasuji, in My Hero Academia, is a gripping and intense battle that showcases the growth and unwavering determination of the protagonist. This epic showdown takes place during the Forest Training arc, while the students of U.A. High School are honing their skills in a forest training camp.
Midoriya is assigned the responsibility of safeguarding Kota, a young boy who holds a strong disdain towards Heros, from a dangerous villain. The anime condenses Midoriya’s arduous endeavor to conquer the immense abilities of Muscular by utilizing his Quirk, One For All, into a single episode. Despite this, the fight is depicted with intricate illustrations and a pace that heightens the intensity and drama of the encounter, spanning over three chapters and solidifying Midoriya vs. Muscular as one of the briefest anime battles.
Saitama vs. Boros: The Epic Showdown in One Punch Man
The final battle between Saitama and Boros occurs during the Alien Conqueror arc in One Punch Man. After traveling throughout the universe in search of a worthy adversary, Boros is convinced that Saitama is the opponent he has been seeking.
The anime versions of the battle are depicted as a grand and spectacular spectacle. Through animation, viewers can witness the incredible speed, strength, and devastation wielded by both combatants, spanning over two episodes. In the manga, the strategic aspects and emotional undertones of Saitama’s nonchalant attitude and Boros’s desperation are emphasized in three chapters. This solidifies its status as one of the briefest yet most impactful anime fights.
Ichigo vs. Ginjo in Bleach
Upon reaching the conclusion of the Lost Agent arc in Bleach, Ichigo comes face to face with Ginjo. Upon learning the true motives of Ginjo, Ichigo, who has regained his Soul Reaper abilities, engages in an epic confrontation with him.
The anime adaptation highlights the fast-paced battles and impressive abilities of the battlers, demonstrating their unique techniques and intense power shifts within a single episode. However, the manga delves into the psychological elements of their clash. Through seven chapters, the panels effectively convey the emotional depth of the battle, making it one of the shortest fight scenes in the anime.
Luffy vs. Bellamy: A Battle in One Piece
Despite being short, the initial confrontation between Luffy and Bellamy leaves a lasting impact. Fuelled by his deep-seated animosity towards dreamers, Bellamy directs his aggression towards Zoro and Luffy. Despite Bellamy’s attempts to instigate a fight, Luffy initially chooses to avoid conflict. However, when Bellamy crosses the line and harms innocent bystanders, Luffy is forced to take decisive action.
The One Piece anime effectively portrays the intense emotions Luffy experiences as he prepares to defeat Bellamy with one powerful punch in episode 146. In contrast, the manga emphasizes the difference between Luffy’s determined silence and Bellamy’s arrogance over the course of three chapters, making it one of the shortest fight scenes in the anime.
Goku battles Nappa in Dragon Ball Z
As the Saiyan Saga reaches its climactic showdown, Goku finds himself locked in a fierce battle with Nappa. Having already defeated Tien, Krillin, Gohan, and Piccolo, Nappa stands as the final opponent for Goku to face.
The anime version of Dragon Ball Z depicts a thrilling fight filled with high intensity action and powerful energy blasts. The characters engage in fierce battles, demonstrating their strength and combat abilities, all within a single episode. In contrast, the manga highlights Goku’s strategic tactics and unwavering determination to defend his loved ones. The manga’s pacing adds depth to the storytelling, spanning four chapters, while the anime adaptation stands out as one of the shortest fight scenes in anime.
Naruto Shippuden: The Epic Battle of Naruto vs. Pain
During the Pain’s Assault arc in Naruto Shippuden, Naruto faces off against Pain. Upon learning of Pain’s destructive assault on the Leaf Village and the tragic death of his mentor, Jiraya, Naruto engages in a fierce battle with Pain to safeguard his village and its inhabitants.
The anime skillfully captures the intense battle with intricate choreography and dynamic animation. Naruto faces off against several versions of Pain, each possessing unique abilities from his Rinnegan, spanning seven episodes. In the manga, Naruto’s inner thoughts delve into his development as a shinobi and his quest for a peaceful resolution. Moreover, the manga delves deeper into Pain’s tragic backstory, spanning fourteen chapters and making the Naruto vs. Pain fight one of the briefest in the anime.
In conclusion
In the manga, the shortest anime fights are presented in a way that makes them feel longer and more complex. While anime typically focuses on fast-paced action, the manga delves into internal monologues, strategic elements, intricate artwork, and background information during these fights.
The ranking of the shortest anime fights highlights the impact of the manga’s storytelling on brief battles, turning them into deep and drawn-out conflicts that engage readers with intricate character development and thematic analysis.
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