Perfect example right there of manga based on anime sucking.
Same thing happens to basically every Gundam show that gets a manga version.
Then there's the hilarious Light Novel>Anime>Manga path that usually ends up with the worst possible manga you could ever imagine.
I want to say that this trend doesn't apply to the Big O manga, but the majority of it was cookie cutter sci-fi, and its original stories were far less interesting that the stuff it adapted from the show's plot points. Still, those interchangeable arms are kinda cool (even if they're gimmicky as all get out).
I hope they sneak those things into a Super Robot Wars game at some point, just for kicks.
Side-story spin-offs aren't quite as bad as that on average (although the only series I can prove this with would be Gundam), but even then, it's rare to see something as good as the original. I've always thought that .hack was the only series that actually pulled off the multimedia approach, and even then it wasn't all that great.
That's a nice bit of cross-promotion. It's an excellent way to introduce an irresistible, charismatic space adventurer to a wider audience, even if Dandy has to tag along for the ride.
Would definitely trade someone though If I somehow manage to win the first one.