The first chapter of the manga covers episodes 1-3 of the original web series, and is 49 pages long (47 minus the double cover spread). The first chapters of most manga series are longer than what they’ll normally be to help introduce the series, so I doubt this’ll be the norm.

The first main difference is that Cinder doesn’t help Torchwick make his getaway. He tosses a dust grenade at Ruby, Glynda shields her with her semblance, then Torchwick uses the opportunity to escape. So Cinder’s a complete no-show.

Ozpin doesn’t comment on her silver eyes at all. I guess since the manga is only planned to cover up to Volume 2, they felt it wasn’t necessary. Also, no cookies for Ruby. Sad day.

The third difference would be I guess how Ruby fires off against Weiss’s complaints even more than in the original. She doesn’t explode this time though, so no crater face.





Ruby’s interactions with Jaune were cut very short. He helps her up, she comments seeing him barfing, and that’s that. I was really hoping to see “it’s also a gun” in manga form. Maybe later.









Ozpin’s opening speech is a lot less ominous in my opinion.





The night scene is a bit different. Everyone still spends the first night in that one room, but this time there are actual beds rather than everyone having a sleeping bag. They seem to be assigned as well, since RWBY all ended up next to each other. This allowed Weiss to be more part of the shenanigans, and to hear Ruby declare that she wants to be a huntress so that she can become a hero like in the story books.

That’s about the more important stuff. One thing is obvious is that this won’t exactly be a 1:1 adaptation. I don’t mind this as it’ll keep the reading experience fresh.

Bunta Kinami (the manga writer and artist) likely wanted to make sure to fit the general setting and introduction of the four main girls in the first chapter. This involved trimming some of the scenes (namely Jaune’s screentime).