As each anime season comes to an end, fans eagerly wonder whether their favorite series will continue with a new season or fade into oblivion.
Determining whether a sequel will be made requires careful review and analysis by the anime production committee. Let's explore some of the key factors that influence this decision-making process.
Keep up with the source material
One of the most common reasons why a sequel is delayed is when the anime adaptation catches up with the current progress of the source material, such as manga or light novels.
In this situation, the production team must wait until the original author has created enough new content to warrant another installment.
A prime example is Anime Made in Abyss which is currently on hold waiting for author Akihito Tsukushi's next chapters.
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Staff availability
To produce a high-quality anime series requires a talented team of animators, voice actors, directors, and producers.
If key employees have conflicting schedules or are unavailable, it can jeopardize the entire project. This may result in delayed release dates or episodes with sub-standard or incomplete animation.
Ensuring the availability of skilled professionals is important for approval of the sequel.
Financial capability
Unlike other entertainment industries, anime relies on a unique funding model. Various stakeholders, such as merchandise companies, publishers, and Blu-ray distributors, jointly invest in a project before production begins.
The financial success of the first installment determines whether these backers will support a sequel or not.
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Some metrics to evaluate the performance of anime. First is the Blu-ray & DVD sales, which shows how popular the film is among Japanese audiences.
The sharp increase in revenue after the season ended is a good sign for the next season. Second, a significant increase in purchases of the source material indicates continued interest in the story.
Finally, strong sales of merchandise, such as figurines, can also justify further investment, as seen with the third season of “Rent-a-Girlfriend.”
Author approval
In rare cases, an anime sequel may be hindered due to the original author's dissatisfaction with the adaptation. Despite being a well-received anime, if the creator feels it doesn't capture the essence of their work, they can decline the rights for future seasons.
A notable example is “Azumanga Daioh” by Kiyohiko Azuma.
Although the anime adaptation was decent, Azuma expressed disappointment and banned studios from adapting his later works, including the critically acclaimed “Yotsuba&!,” which has yet to receive an anime despite its lack of an anime. very famous.
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Determining whether or not an anime will receive a sequel is a complex process that goes beyond simply achieving good ratings. It involves a delicate balance between material development schedules, staff availability, financial metrics and author approval.
By understanding these factors, we can better appreciate the challenges of the anime industry and the dedicated teams that strive to deliver compelling stories and captivating visuals season after season. .
