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Manga vs. Anime
  When a manga series becomes an anime series, it is not uncommon to see differences between the two. After all, the process involves a transition from a medium that is completely different to the other. While the manga series of Cardcaptor Sakura differs slightly from the anime series in terms of content and characters, the two remain as similar as possible with CLAMP having been involved in the production of the anime series: Nanase Okawa composed and wrote the series' screen play while Mokona Apapa oversaw the costume and card design. Perhaps the most notable difference between the versions of the series is the increase in the amount of Clow Cards. In the manga series, Sakura had to recapture a total of 19 Clow Cards while in the anime series, Sakura (and Syaoran for that matter) had to capture a total of 53 Clow Cards. Along with the increase in cards, details of some of the cards captures were altered. For instance, the Watery's capture in the manga differs to it's capture in the anime. In the manga, the Watery was wreaking havoc at the Tomoeda Elementary School pool, causing students to nearly drown while in the anime, the Watery was wreaking havoc at the Tomoeda Aquarium, where Sakura's class were on a field trip. In order to capture the card, Sakura needed to lure the Watery to a freezer and turn it to ice, something she was able to achieve in both versions, albeit in different ways. In addition to the altered card captures, some elements of the plot of Cardcaptor Sakura have been altered as well. For instance, in the manga, we are introduced to Sakura after she has already become a Cardcaptor and captured her first three cards, and are gradually informed of how she was 'tricked' into becoming a Cardcaptor as she recounts it. In the anime, we are introduced to Sakura on that fateful day when she discovers 'The Clow' and follow her as she captures her first card, the Fly. Another element of the plot which was altered was the Final Judgement. In the manga, Sakura is able to create her new staff through the use of the Clow Bell, while in the anime, Sakura is able to create the new staff with just her magical ability. The Clow Bell was instead used in the anime by Ms. Mizuki to give Sakura a second chance, should she fail the first time during the Final Judgement with Yue. Another notable difference between the versions of the series is the role of characters and the addition of some characters. For instance, in the manga series, Syaoran does not in fact capture the Clow Cards as he does in the anime series, he just 'assists' (although you could not call it that during the beginning of the series ;D) Sakura in capturing the cards. In addition, the characters of Meiling Li and Wei do not exist in the manga; they are exclusive to the anime series. Syaoran also lives by himself in an apartment in the manga. Yet another notable difference between the versions is the undertone of love in all its forms in the series. In the manga, the theme of love in all its forms is much more prominent than in the anime. For instance, in the anime, a teacher-student relationship between Rika and Mr. Terada is only hinted at through prolonged glances and blushes on Rika's part as well as the occasional baked treat and gift, while in the manga, the relationship goes so far as Mr. Terada giving Rika an engagement ring. The biggest difference between the versions of the series however, is the ending. While the manga and anime both end similarly with Sakura and Syaoran realising their true feelings for one another, the occurrence of this event takes place differently in the two versions. For instance, in the manga, the series ends when Syaoran, who left Japan to return to Hong Kong, comes back as he promised to Sakura, now in junior high, who also promised to wait for him. In the anime, the series ends with Sakura jumping into mid-air declaring her love for Syaoran. |