Welcome back for another episode of My Taste is Better Than Yours! Adachi Mitsuru is a mangaka whose works I’ve discussed many times. but I wanted to use the podcast format to take on a topic which fascinates me. Touch and Cross Game are the twin masterpieces of Adachi’s career, yet far more different than they appear at first glance – the work of a young writer vs. that of a middle-aged one. The distinctions are indeed fascinating, and the question of which series you prefer is as well. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of one of manga’s most unique and accomplished legends, and the series which, more than any other, define him.
Podcast links:
Nadavu
June 3, 2025 at 8:20 amThank you Enzo, Samu.
As iconic as Touch is, and as much as I love it, it has one glaring fault that puts it below Cross Game for me: Pacing. Especially on the second half of the show, there are multiple-episode stretches that were hard to get through. Some plot elements and characters were stretched and abused: Nitta imouto, Sadistic Coach, Nishima (senior). I haven’t read the manga so I don’t know how much of it was anime-filler, if any, but for a show that ran 101 episodes, it could have done just as well with 90 and still retain those slice-of-lifey episodes Adachi is known for, but without the indulgence.
Guardian Enzo
June 3, 2025 at 9:00 amIt’e been long enough that I don’t remember how much filler the anime had either (some “after” stuff deffo was). But I do think CG is able to say just as much if not more in much less space, which speaks to its elegance as a narrative.
David
June 12, 2025 at 1:49 pmGreat episode as always! I really enjoyed the deep dive into Touch and Cross Game. Adachi Mitsuru truly is a master of subtle storytelling—his ability to blend sports, romance, and coming-of-age themes is unmatched. I agree that Touch and Cross Game reflect two very different stages of his life and career. Touch feels raw and youthful, while Cross Game has a maturity and emotional weight that hits harder as an adult.
It’s fascinating how both series use baseball not just as a sport, but as a backdrop for emotional growth and loss. Personally, I lean slightly toward Cross Game—the pacing, the quiet moments, and Koh’s character arc just felt more refined to me.
Also, if anyone here loves Adachi’s work or just anime in general, feel free to check out my site: https://procrunchyrollapk.com. I post anime recommendations, streaming tips, and APK tools that help fans enjoy series like these anytime, anywhere.
Curious—does anyone else here think H2 deserves to be in the same conversation as Touch and Cross Game?