why compare the anime to the manga? doing so is just stupid. the anime only had 6 or so volumes to adapt. they even made the fact they ran out of material to go on as a joke! as an anime it was epic, which didnt worry about koshi rikudos version too much. nabeshins input and story was probably the best idea at the time to make rid of any serious plot and just concentrate on the silly slapstick, which still hails as the craziest anime of all time!
the anime is epic win. BUT, if the anime never had existed, and they decided to do one now, i would only want to see a faithful manga adaptation from scratch, with no nabeshin, or no direct sequel to the 1st series. like i said, the anime we got only had 6 volumes to go on, so it shouldnt and didn't rely on it.
How can anyone not like "that man". Lol what a hilarious name. "...but you will always only be 'That Man!'" roflol