UlasanAnime.com – The concept of sequels is often met with mixed reactions, but for many, the idea of revisiting beloved anime series from the past holds a special appeal. This sentiment is particularly strong for shows that defined the “golden age” of anime in the late 1990s and early 2000s, an era when anime was gaining significant traction in Western markets. While acknowledging that not all shows from this period may hold up to modern scrutiny, the author expresses a desire to see sequels for several series that left a lasting impression.
The author’s inspiration stems from playing GameDevStory, a game that highlights the importance of sequels in creative industries. This led to reflections on Gonzo’s announcement of plans for more “Last Exile,” prompting a deeper dive into which other classic anime could benefit from a continuation.
One of the most prominent desires is for more “Vampire Hunter D.” The original novels are described as pulp hack-and-slash stories with a distinct visual kei aesthetic. While the existing anime adaptations captured some of the grit, the author feels they could have done more to emphasize the “glam and glitz” and, crucially, the action. The action sequences in the anime, while present, were not always the core focus, serving more as genre identifiers. The ideal scenario would be a “D” anime that heavily features exciting, hack-and-slash combat, making it a central part of the viewing experience.
Another series that the author wishes to see a sequel for is “Witch Hunter Robin.” The author contrasts it with Shoukou Murase’s “Ergo Proxy,” suggesting that “Robin” possessed a certain charm that “Ergo Proxy” lacked, even though “Ergo Proxy” wasn’t entirely a failure. “Robin” remains a captivating character years after her last appearance. The series is seen as ripe for a spinoff due to its flexible setting and strong art direction and aesthetics, which a sequel would do well to maintain. While the story might have been a weaker point, it followed a predictable template. A second attempt, even with a similar narrative, could be well-received if executed better. The author clarifies that the return of Robin or the original cast isn’t essential, but cameos would be a welcome addition.
The author briefly mentions “Trigun,” but notes that the release of “Badland Rumble” has somewhat quelled the desire for a new installment in that franchise.
Similar to “Vampire Hunter D,” the author believes there is room for more “Full Metal Panic.” However, a key question is how much more can be extracted from the franchise without feeling repetitive. The author expresses openness to new installments, whether they be in the style of “The Second Raid” (TSR) or “Fumoffu.” While acknowledging that “Fumoffu” is significantly better than other parts of the series, the author admits to struggling with the rest of the franchise. The hope is that another anime spinoff could potentially salvage the series for them.
While no sequel can quite match the impact of the original “Boogiepop Phantom,” the author finds it a more preferable candidate for a continuation than, for instance, “Serial Experiments Lain.” “Boogiepop” benefits from its extensive light novel series, which has been extensively adapted. Although some parts of the light novels might be considered filler or less compelling compared to the high standard set by the first book, there are still elements that would be worthwhile to animate.
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These suggestions represent just a fraction of the anime the author would like to see revisited. The list could easily expand by venturing into shows from the mid-2000s. The author concludes by inviting readers to share their own desired anime sequels.
