Pandemic made it into the headlines three years ago for the first time, and it wreaked havoc worldwide, affecting every department very severely. But after its first wave, things seemed to improve slightly, right? Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and to this day, many day by day activities are still being affected by this pandemic, especially the anime industry.
A few months ago, a freelance animator in China described the situation of Corona Virus there and how it is affecting the anime industry. The same started happening this season as many anime series have been postponed. So, let’s see what damage this virus has done so far.
It all started when the anime “Isekai Ojisan” got suspended for a few weeks after its fourth episode. The pandemic was severely affecting South Korea and China at that time. As most anime series are outsourced to China and South Korea, many anime schedules have been disturbed. After the delay of Isekai Ojisan, there was a cycle of anime series suspension and here is a list of the series which got suspended due to pandemic.
Isekai Ojisan
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 4, After Episode 12.
- Expected Return: On March 4, 2023.
UniteUp!
UniteUp! has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 3.
- Return of Series: On February 11, 2023
NieR: Automata Ver.1.1a
NieR: Automata Ver.1.1a has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 3.
- Return of Series: In February 2023 (Along with re-airing the first three episodes).
Ayakashi Triangle
Ayakashi Triangle has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 4.
- Return of Series: TBA (To Be Announced).
Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 6.
- Return of Series: In April 2023 (Re-airing from Episode 1)
The Misfit of Demon King Academy 2nd Season
The Misfit of Demon King Academy 2nd Season has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 6.
- Return of Anime: TBA (To Be Announced).
BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense 2nd Season
Bofuri (2nd Season) anime has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 6.
- Return of Series: On March 8, 2023 (Later episode might also face suspension as production is not complete yet).
Spy Classroom
Spy Classroom anime has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: After Episode 7.
- Return of Series: On March 2, 2023.
Masamune’s Revenge R (2nd Season)
Masamune’s Revenge R (2nd Season) anime has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: Before Airing (Airing in April 2023)
- New Airing Date: In June 2023.
Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence
Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence anime has been delayed.
- Start of Suspension: Before Airing (Airing in April 2023).
- New Airing Date: In July 2023.
Is Pandemic the only factor behind all this?
When we deep dive into the cause of all these delays, pandemic is the only factor, as it severely affects the anime industry. With respect to anime, other entertainment industries are not as much affected. So, what might be the case? The only thing common in all the anime series suspended was the anime production company Aniplex.
Aniplex is a diverse production company that manages anime distribution outside Japan. This production company is famous for forcing its studios to speedrun anime series production and air them as early as possible. The most prominent example of this is the anime series “Eighty Six”, as its second part went on a hiatus after the production meltdown.
So, Corona Virus might be a facade for this production company’s hectic schedule, affecting the animation team.
What the future holds!
Now that we know Aniplex is a potential criminal, let’s look at what popular future projects this production company offers. Here is a list of all of the series:
- Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation (Part 2)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc (Season 3)
- Mashle: Magic and Muscles
- Ousama Ranking: Yuuki no Takarabako (Season 2)
- Solo Leveling
The biggest name in all these series is Solo Leveling, and if this gets delayed, then this might cause fans to uproot as it is a highly anticipated anime.
What are your thoughts on this news? Do you think these series might also go to suspension jail due to pandemic? Let us know in the comment section below. We here at Anime Senpai would love to hear from you.
Sources: AnimeNewsNetwork | YouTube
