What is Alice in Borderlands
Alice in Borderlands is based on the manga created by Haro Aso. The plot is about a NEET named Ryohei Arisu, who spends time with his two best friends Chota Segawa and Daikichi Karube. Meanwhile, the three see some fireworks and Tokyo was deserted with no citizens but themselves. Later on, Chota, Arisu and Karube meet others such as Saori Shibuki, who explains about a game which is life or death. Throughout the series, Arisu survives though games called Borderlands (which I thought) and meet characters such as Usagi Yuzuha and other allies along the way. In the series, each character partakes in series of games which difficulty such as King, Spades and other playing cards. In Alice in Borderlands, each other has their own motives for going back to the real world.
Sometimes there is betrayal, questioning morals and gaining allies along the way. Personally, I have watched both OVA and Netflix live action television show. In this piece, I will be explaining my opinion about which is better anime or live action. Towards the end of this article, I will give overall thoughts about both adaptations. Right now, I will currently still on season two of Netflix show. Personally, I never read the manga but seen the anime entirely. You guys can let me know in the comments or reach out to me for more information about the manga. Let’s talk about the anime that was aired on October 17, 2014.
Alice in Borderlands Anime
Alice in Borderlands anime or shall I say original video animation (OVA for short). This is 3 episodes and animated by Sliver Link Connect. Anime doesn’t explain much about Arisu backstory, but he is seen hanging out with his friends. Chota, Kurabe and Arisu goes to a shrine went they meet Shibuki which he explains about Borderlands. Chota, Kurabe, Arisu and Shibuki plays a game went player has to escape flaming arrows. Arisu deduces how arrows is coming and Kurabe found the way to escape. Four characters clear the game and episode 2, where Chota gets injured while in the care of Shibuki. Kurabe and Arisu partake in the next game of tag at apartment complex. Arisu and Kurabe cooperate with Yuzuha to finish the game.
They have to escape a horse mask assassin first to do so. Final episode, Shibuki, Chota, Kurabe and Arisu play wolf n sheep. Which wolf hunts down 3 sheep, Chota, Shibuki and Kurabe sacrifice themselves for Arisu to survive. Arisu felt sorrow due to his friend’s death and willing to work with Yuzuha in future games. That’s how Ova ends, I would say anime gives viewers a small taste of what happens in the manga. I am guessing manga was ongoing, that’s why there are three episodes instead of 12. There is so much material to adapt to and what will happen next. If you want to check out anime by all means. They can adapt another anime adaptation in the future.
Live Action
Netflix’s Alice in Borderlands expands from OVA, friendship of Arisu, Chota and Kurabe is still retain from anime. Flaming Arrows is not present in the live action but in a GM building which called “Life or Death”. Tag and Wolf Sheep game is still in live action but there are other games like “Checkmate”, “Light Blub” and more. Netflix version explores some backstories of major characters in the show like Yuzuha’s father passing away in the mountain. The show gives characters more development and during their final moments before death. Netflix show has 8 episodes of each season and gives producers more material to work with. We get to see Arius struggles with getting back to the original world. He believes if he finds 52 playing cards, then it’s time to go back to reality.
Yuzuha and Arisu relationship develops throughout the show. We get to see Beach which was mentioned in ova. Chisyama plays a huge role in Netflix live action and many other characters like Hikari Kunia. There are more characters like Aguni, Ann and Niragi also had a part to play in the Netflix adaptation. Aside from that, all of the actors did amazing portrayals. Beach story arc was amazing, and we get to Aguni changed after his friend Hatter’s death. Now Aguni is with Akane Heiya, who lost her leg in Stadium Escape game. If you want to check out Netflix version, go right ahead.
Closing
Drum roll please, I would say Netflix live action version of Alice in Borderlands. If you are a fan of Squid Game and The Last of Us or even The Walking Dead. I would recommend watching this one because you will feel right at home. Even characters are alluding to Alice in Wonderland characters like Arius (Alice), Yuzuha (White Rabbit), Chishiya (Cheshire Cat) and more. I remember watching Disney version back in the early 1990s but there is depiction of Alice in Wonderland out there in media. The writers did amazing job with this adaptation. I am hoping to watch the final season soon and will let you know. What are your thoughts on Alice in Borderlands anime and live action? Thank you for reading this post and tune into the next one from yours truly. Feel free to buy Alice in Wonderland manga and watch Netflix show as well.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.