**Takopi’s Original Sin** has emerged as one of the most unsettling yet captivating anime of the year, intriguing audiences for various reasons. This unique series not only boasts IMDb ratings that surpass those of fan-favorites like **One Piece** and **Solo Leveling**, but it has also surged to the top of viewership charts in Japan, leaving many astonished considering its dark themes surrounding aliens and suicide.

Whether you’re familiar with the manga or are new to the story, the impact of this anime is undeniable, making it a lingering topic of conversation well after each episode concludes. Despite only having a few episodes released so far, it has already established itself as a highly controversial series of the season. Let’s delve into the elements that contribute to its appeal.

What Makes Takopi’s Original Sin So Intriguing?

**Takopi’s Original Sin** skillfully juxtaposes adorable visuals with profoundly disturbing themes such as depression and suicide. In its opening episode, we witness the alien character Takopi forming a bond with Shizuka, a girl grappling with bullying at school.

Shizuka in Takopi's Original Sin
Shizuka and Takopi | Source: ENISHIYA

Many viewers anticipated that Shizuka’s interaction with Takopi would bring her happiness, but the narrative takes a dark turn, leading to Shizuka’s tragic demise—a moment that starkly contrasts the series’ initial cuteness. This poignant yet unsettling premise ensures that viewers remain captivated, eager to see if Shizuka’s circumstances improve.

Takopi's Original Sin kids
Marina, Shizuka, and Azuma | Source: ENISHIYA

Beneath the playful exterior, the anime portrays the harsh realities many children face. Characters like Marina suffer from familial discord due to infidelity, while Azuma grapples with overwhelming expectations from his parents. Shizuka finds herself in an environment where her mother is emotionally absent. The personalities of these children reflect their tumultuous backgrounds, deepening the narrative’s emotional weight.

Should You Choose the Manga or the Anime of Takopi’s Original Sin?

Produced by the studio **ENISHIYA**, **Takopi’s Original Sin** is a noteworthy entry in anime, despite the studio’s limited prior notoriety. Their adaptation brilliantly captures the essence of the manga while enhancing its thematic contrasts between whimsy and darkness, making the anime a standout.

Takopi's Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Without sleeve | Source: MangaPlus

While the manga is a compelling read, offering depth and nuance, the anime also provides a visually stunning experience. If you are a manga lover, you might lean towards the manga, but given the short length of both works—with the anime comprising just six episodes and the manga totaling sixteen chapters—exploring both could be rewarding. Additionally, don’t miss the captivating ending theme, *Glass Lines*, by the artist Tele.

Is Takopi’s Original Sin Superior to One Piece and Solo Leveling?

Though **Takopi’s Original Sin** has quickly garnered higher IMDb ratings than both **One Piece** and **Solo Leveling**, it is essential to recognize that these titles inhabit distinctly different genres.**Takopi** stands out within the horror genre, comparable to **The Summer Hikaru Died**, but One Piece and Solo Leveling hold their own as beloved classics in the action and adventure realms.

Attempting to rank these series is subjective, as each offers unique storytelling that evokes diverse emotional responses. Fans connect with these titles for different reasons, and ultimately, each series stands strong in its respective category without necessarily diminishing the others.

Overview of Takopi’s Original Sin

**Takopi’s Original Sin** is a Japanese web manga penned and illustrated by Taizan 5, originally serialized in **Shonen Jump+** from December 2021 to March 2022.

The storyline begins in 2016 when Nnu-Anu-Kf, an alien from the Happy Planet, crash-lands on Earth with the mission of spreading happiness. After evading government agents, he encounters Shizuka, a 9-year-old girl facing relentless bullying from her classmate Marina. Shizuka finds comfort only in her dog, Chappy. Noticing Takopi’s octopus-like appearance, she affectionately names him.

Takopi intends to utilize his planet’s Happy Gadgets to enhance Shizuka’s life, but an unfortunate incident involving Chappy leads to a devastating outcome. In response to her trauma, Shizuka employs one of Takopi’s gadgets to end her own life. Understanding the consequences of these events, Takopi utilizes another device to travel back in time, determined to improve her circumstances.

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