While we take a deep dive in the ocean of anime there are certain anime known for their obscure genre which prove that anime is not what it was anymore. When you are both a foodie and an otaku, you are bound to be attracted to some Gourmet anime. Two popular choices that have garnered attention in recent years are Ben-to (or simply known as Bento) and Food Wars. Both of these series revolve around the culinary world, but they have distinct approaches to storytelling and presentation. In this article, we will explore the question: Is Bento better than Food Wars?
What is Bento anime?
Ben-to is a 2011 anime series based on the light novel series of the same name by Asaura. Ben-to anime, as the name suggests, centers around the art of creating bento boxes – the iconic Japanese lunchbox. The anime follows Yo Sato, a high school student who accidentally gets involved in the world of bento brawls. These brawls are all-out fights for half-priced bentos at the supermarket. Yo is invited to join the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club by Sen Yarizui, one of the top ben-to fighters. Yo and his friends train to compete in brawls and learn the true meaning of fighting for your food.
What is Food Wars anime?
Food Wars also known as Shokugeki no Soma is a 2015 anime series based on the manga series of the same name by Yuto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki. The anime follows Soma Yukihira, a young chef who dreams of becoming the head chef of his family’s restaurant. Soma enrolls in Totsuki Culinary Academy, a prestigious culinary school where students compete in shokugeki (cooking duels) to improve their skills and climb the ranks. Soma uses his unique cooking style and determination to overcome the challenges he faces at Totsuki and achieve his dream.
Comparing Bento and Food Wars anime
Both Ben-to and Food Wars boast excellent animation quality, but they take different artistic approaches. Bento’s animation is more stylized and over-the-top, creating a visually dynamic experience. Ben-to has some of the really good comedic fight scenes, In contrast, Food Wars’ animation is more realistic and detailed, focusing on the details of culinary presentation.
If you are looking for deliciously animated food, then both of them offer a good variety.Â
Story
Ben-to’s story is more lighthearted and comedic, focusing on high school students fighting for half-priced bentos. It thrives on humorous and over-the-top situations. In contrast, Food Wars’ story is more serious and dramatic, following the journey of a young chef striving to become the best in the world. It explores themes of competition, growth, and determination.
Ben-to is a shorter and more concise anime than Shokugeki no Soma. Ben-to has 12 episodes, while the latter has 86 episodes. Ben-to is a great anime to watch if you’re looking for a quick and easy watch.
Characters
Ben-to’s characters are often portrayed in a stereotypical and over-the-top manner, contributing to the series’ comedic elements. They are divided into two groups: Wolves (the winners) and Dogs (the losers). In contrast, Shokugeki no Soma’s characters are more well-developed and realistic, with complex motivations and goals that make them relatable and engaging.
Humor
Humor plays a significant role in both series but is expressed differently. Ben-to relies on slapstick and over-the-top humor, featuring physical comedy and ridiculous situations. In contrast, Food Wars’ humor is more subtle and intelligent, often based on wordplay and character interaction, adding depth to its comedic moments.
Which anime is better?
Though deciding which anime is better actually depends on what you are looking for in an anime, there are certain things like the way of storytelling, animation quality and characters which make an anime better.
It’s worth noting that Food Wars tends to have a higher rating on platforms like MyAnimeList (8.15 for Shokugeki no Soma vs. 7.20 for Ben-to). This suggests that more people prefer Food Wars over Ben-to. However, it’s essential to remember that Shokugeki no Soma is comparatively newer anime and has enjoyed a bigger market due to increasing popularity of anime in the late 2010’s, while Ben-to is not as popular. individual tastes play a significant role in anime preferences.Â
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison between Ben-to anime and Shokugeki no Soma is subjective. Both series offer unique experiences, catering to different tastes within the anime community. The “better” choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, ensuring that both series have left their mark in the world of anime, satisfying diverse tastes among fans.