Since its debut, the animation “Devouring the Starry Sky” has been highly anticipated, but the reviews have been polarized. Recently, after the release of episode 141, it has sparked a lot of ridicule, with the controversy mainly focusing on the changes in the plot and setting. For a work with a huge fan base of the original work, how should the adaptation scale be grasped? This issue deserves in-depth discussion.
The adaptation does not mean a complete rejection; some adjustments have been recognized
It is undeniable that some changes to the animation have indeed brought about positive effects. For instance, the adjustment of the “Immortal Powerhouse” level system makes the comparison of character strengths more intuitive and enriches the world view setting. This innovation has, to a certain extent, lowered the entry threshold for new audiences and also made the plot presentation more smooth. The production team clearly gave the adaptation a lot of thought, attempting to enhance the appeal of the film and television expression through concrete processing. If such adjustments can enhance the viewing experience, it may not be a bad attempt.
Excessive “modifications” have drawn complaints from fans of the original work, who find it hard to accept
However, some of the changes have enraged the loyal fans. For instance, the hierarchical system described in detail in the original work has been significantly reduced, resulting in a rather thin construction of the world view. What is even more controversial is the change in key plots, such as Hong’s refusal to be recruited by the Time World Master Luo – a setting that could have contributed to the resolution of the subsequent Earth crisis in the original work, but the modification of the animation has led to a logical gap. In addition, the farewell scene between Hong and Thor in episode 141 was also criticized as “redundant”, as the two quickly reunited, making the plot seem drawn out. These changes have led many viewers to question whether the production team truly understands the essence of the original work.
Seeking common ground while reserving differences is the key. The production team needs to listen to the voices of the fans
After all, animation and novels are two different media. Moderate adaptation is understandable, but it should be carried out on the basis of respecting the core of the original work. If the production team could enhance communication with fans before making adjustments, perhaps the controversy could be reduced. For instance, retaining key Settings and optimizing the narrative pace rather than subverting the plot might be a more reliable choice. In the future, how to balance innovation and the restoration of the original work will be the key to whether the animation “Devouring the Starry Sky” can continue to win the support of the audience. For adapted works, only by taking into account the demands of both new and old audiences can a win-win situation of reputation and popularity be achieved.