The Weight of Adapting a Beloved Manhwa
When Crunchyroll and Telecom Animation Film announced the Tower of God anime adaptation, it represented a milestone moment — one of the most beloved Korean manhwa getting full animated treatment. The 13-episode first season covered the entirety of Part 1, adapting the 2nd Floor tests and culminating in the Shinsu exam finale. For newcomers to the series, it served as an introduction; for longtime readers, it was a chance to see Bam's early journey in motion.
The result was, frankly, mixed — but more interesting than a simple pass or fail verdict.
What the Anime Got Right
Atmosphere and Visual Identity
The anime's greatest achievement is establishing the Tower as a genuinely alien place. The color palette — deep purples, blues, and sudden bursts of golden Shinsoo — communicates the Tower's otherworldly nature effectively. Director Takashi Sano and character designer Kevin Penkin (who handled music) collaborated on giving the adaptation a visual language distinct from most shonen anime, which was the right call.
The Soundtrack
Kevin Penkin's score deserves special mention. It is genuinely exceptional — atmospheric, emotionally precise, and occasionally breathtaking. Tracks that accompanied the Shinsoo tests and the climactic moments of the season are among the best anime compositions of their year. The music alone rewards watching even if you've read the source material.
Core Relationship Dynamics
The anime captures the essential triangle of Bam, Khun, and Rak reasonably well. Their early interactions — the bickering, the growing trust, the way Khun's calculative nature slowly softens — translate to the animated format. The comedic moments between Rak and Khun land consistently.
Where the Anime Falls Short
Pacing and Compression
13 episodes for all of Part 1 is not enough. The manhwa's first part, while not the longest, has significant breathing room for worldbuilding, side character development, and the slow accumulation of dread that makes the finale hit so hard. The anime's compression means several supporting characters — some of whom matter considerably in Part 2 — are barely sketched in. Endorsi, Anaak, Shibisu, and Hatz all feel thinner than they should.
Animation Consistency
This is the most common criticism, and it's fair. While certain key sequences are beautifully animated, the episode-to-episode consistency is uneven. Action scenes in mid-season episodes show obvious budget constraints, with some fights relying on limited frames and creative (if frustrating) camera cuts to mask the shortfall.
The Finale's Emotional Impact
The betrayal that ends Part 1 is one of the most affecting moments in the manhwa. In the anime, it lands — but not as hard as it should. The compressed runtime means the audience has had less time with certain characters, and the visual storytelling around the key moment is less layered than SIU's original page composition. It's effective; it's just not devastating, which it needs to be.
Manhwa vs. Anime: Key Differences
| Element | Manhwa | Anime |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Deliberate, expansive | Compressed, fast-moving |
| Supporting cast depth | Well-developed | Surface-level for most |
| Art style | SIU's evolving, distinctive style | Clean anime aesthetic, distinct identity |
| Music | N/A | Exceptional (Kevin Penkin) |
| Emotional payoff | Very high | Moderate |
| Accessibility | Requires manhwa reading habits | Lower barrier to entry |
Season 2 and Beyond
A second season of the Tower of God anime was confirmed and is anticipated to cover Part 2 material — the arc involving Jyu Viole Grace and the Workshop Battle. Given that Part 2 is generally considered the peak of the story, the potential is enormous. The hope is that with more episodes and refined production priorities, the adaptation can close the gap with its source material.
Verdict
The Tower of God anime is an imperfect but genuinely worthwhile adaptation. For new viewers, it's an excellent gateway into one of manhwa's greatest stories. For manhwa readers, it's a flawed but affectionate translation of something they love. Either way, Kevin Penkin's soundtrack alone makes it worth your time — and the story underneath it, even in compressed form, is undeniably compelling.
Recommendation: Watch the anime, then read the manhwa. The full experience rewards both.