>>2364For the manga, I think it takes a bit for Rumiko to hit her groove for storytelling and art. The addition of Mendo (chapter 30), Lum joining the school, and Sakura becoming the school nurse are essential as it creates the school dynamic that is the focus of the rest of the series. A good chunk of the stories is just the main four going somewhere with Sakura tagging along sometimes. Her art becomes quite refined.
The manga is thus easier to digest, faster to read, and more consistent.