The Rise and Stumble of Noblesse: Anime vs Manhwa Breakdown

In 2020, fans of the popular Korean manhwa Noblesse finally got what they had long waited for — an official anime adaptation. But while expectations were sky-high, the anime’s reception fell short, leaving many disappointed and wondering: what exactly went wrong?
Noblesse, the Korean manhwa written by Son Jeho and illustrated by Lee Kwangsu, quickly rose to fame for its stylish art, compelling characters, and unique blend of supernatural action with school life. It follows Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, a powerful noble who awakens from an 820-year slumber to protect modern humanity from secret organizations and other threats.
The manhwa captivated readers with its deep lore and gradual character development, offering thrilling arcs and emotional moments. It ran for over a decade and built a dedicated global fanbase, setting the stage for what many believed would be a legendary anime adaptation.

When the Noblesse anime finally premiered in 2020, expectations were sky-high. Produced by Production I.G., the anime looked visually polished, but it skipped key story arcs—most notably, the crucial beginning told in the prequel OVA, Noblesse: Awakening. As a result, new viewers were confused, and long-time fans felt that vital character introductions and world-building were rushed or ignored entirely.
Pacing issues, underdeveloped relationships, and the absence of iconic arcs from the manhwa made the adaptation feel shallow. Despite beautiful animation and strong voice acting, the anime struggled to deliver the emotional and narrative depth that defined the original story.
This disconnect led to lukewarm reviews and a lack of buzz, eventually pushing the series into silence. As of now, there’s been no official word about a second season, leaving fans in limbo.
With no announcement from the studio or creators, the future of Noblesse in anime remains uncertain. Many fans still hope for a reboot or a proper continuation that respects the full scope of the manhwa’s story. As the popularity of Korean webtoons continues to grow, especially with successful adaptations like Tower of God and Solo Leveling, there may still be hope for Noblesse to return—done right this time.
Until then, the manhwa stands as the best way to experience Raizel’s full journey, and a reminder that even great source material can stumble in adaptation without the right care and attention.