How does the Borderland in Alice in Borderland differ from Haro Aso’s original manga? 

Alice in Borderland is a story that has fascinated people all over the world. But the way the Borderland is shown in the original manga by Haro Aso is a bit different from the Netflix show. Both tell the story of characters stuck in a dangerous version of Tokyo, where they have to play life-or-death games.

However, the characters’ experiences, how intense the games feel, and the deeper messages of the story are not exactly the same in the manga and the Netflix version. In the manga, the story goes deeper into the characters’ minds. It shows how they face their fears, regrets, and personal struggles in a strange, almost dreamlike world.

The Netflix show, however, focuses more on fast action, clever strategies, and the relationships between characters, making it exciting and thrilling to watch. Knowing these differences helps fans see how Alice in Borderland was changed for the streaming show, while still keeping the main idea of the dangerous Borderland alive.

How Alice in Borderland features the Borderland and the games

In Haro Aso's Alice in Borderland manga, we find the Borderland to be a silent, empty Tokyo that feels like it exists between life and death. However, the players in the Borderland typically wake in this world after a meteor strike and experience it at a subconscious or dreamlike level.

Every player is not only challenged on their physical abilities, but their brains are also evaluated on their mental prowess, as well as how they can handle their own stress. Each of the four suits of cards also represents a different type of challenge.

Clubs are teamwork challenges, Spades are physical challenges, Diamonds are Mental challenges, and Hearts are emotional or understanding others. The rules are locked in, and every game is representative of the characters' own personal struggles and fears.

In the Netflix adaptation of Alice in Borderland, the general premise of life-threatening games still exists but is executed differently. Some of the games are briefer or placed in a different sequence to move the story faster, with the addition of brand-new challenges like the Queen of Spades game to heighten some excitement.

The series also renders the Borderland a haunting, desolate metropolis, with dark, moody lighting and intense action sequences to create a sense of urgency. In this format, survival is challenged not just psychologically, but also by racing against time and each other to stay alive.

Also Read: Squid Game vs. Alice in Borderland: Differences and similarities, explored

How Alice in Borderland handles the character arcs and story

The way characters are shown is also different between the manga and Netflix's Alice in Borderland version. In the manga, Arisu’s journey is very personal, focusing on how he grows and deals with moral and mental challenges while facing deadly games.

Other characters, like Chota or even villains like the Jack of Hearts, have detailed backstories that make them feel more real and complex. The Borderland in the manga reflects the characters’ minds, so their fears, desires, and emotions influence how the story unfolds.

Whereas in Netflix's version of Alice in Borderland, the way characters grow is made simpler. The focus is more on teamwork, relationships, and the challenges they face from outside forces. Arisu and his friends are shown as young adults in the first and second seasons.

The show takes a closer look at Arisu and Usagi's relationship. Even the way they enter the Borderland is different. Instead of a meteor hitting the train station, it’s shown as a car crash at Shibuya Station, with fireworks making the scene even more dramatic.

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