Why Are Iconic Anime Franchises on the Brink of Extinction?

Why Are So Many Anime Franchises on the Edge of Collapse?

Anime is long beloved for its creativity and distinctive storytelling, but some of its most cherished franchises are teetering on the brink of irrelevance. A combination of poor narrative choices, excessive prolongation, and heightened expectations is threatening even the most iconic names in the industry. Understanding why these franchises are nearing their end can provide insight into what fans can expect as their favorite stories continue to unfold—or fade away.

The Risks Behind 'Boruto'

‘Boruto: Naruto Next Generations’ faced monumental expectations by following a legendary shōnen series: Naruto. Initially bolstered by nostalgia, the series has struggled to carve out its own identity, often meandering through excessive filler episodes and reluctant to evolve its characters beyond their legacy. Without a clear direction, ‘Boruto’ risks becoming obsolete as audiences eventually tire of its lackluster attempts to pay homage while asserting its uniqueness.

The Decline of 'Rent-A-Girlfriend'

In the modern rom-com landscape, ‘Rent-A-Girlfriend’ stands out for testing its viewers' patience. The series began with a promising premise but devolved into unnecessary misunderstandings and stalled romantic developments, transforming the initially quirky setup into an exasperating loop. As the franchise persistently stretches its narrative thin, the appeal wears off, making it feel less like an evolving story and more like a brand scraping by.

'Tokyo Revengers': A Narrative on Repeat

Once praised for its emotional narrative and innovative time-travel plot, ‘Tokyo Revengers’ has lost its way after an initial surge of popularity. The convoluted plot twists and repetitive story arcs have diluted the emotional stakes, causing diminishing viewer investment in its characters. As the manga approached its controversial ending, many loyal fans found the journey disappointing, with the once-bright spark dimming into a flickering flame.

Hopes Riding on 'Dandadan'

Unlike its counterparts, ‘Dandadan’ teeters not due to quality fatigue, but rather overwhelming expectations stemming from its innovative manga roots. As hype surrounding its anime adaptation builds, fans worry that the execution may not do justice to the creative brilliance of its source material. In a highly competitive market, one misstep in adapting this widely-praised story could lead to its rapid decline.

'Fire Force': Striking Visuals With Missing Substance

‘Fire Force’ initially captivated viewers with its dazzling animation and action-packed visuals but stumbled in narrative coherence. While visually compelling, the inconsistencies in storytelling have prevented it from achieving the same level of acclaim as its peers. Despite the manga wrapping up, the future of its anime adaptation is uncertain, raising concerns that its initial appeal could be overshadowed by the lack of a strong narrative finale.

Current and Future Trends in Anime

As beloved franchises face their end, the larger anime industry is also grappling with significant challenges. While the global popularity of anime is skyrocketing—with sales soaring to roughly $21 billion—workers in the industry face grueling hours and underwhelming compensation. As seen in recent discussions around labor conditions for animators and voice actors, the artists face a daunting financial hurdle, potentially impeding the industry's creative flow and stifling fresh talent.
Recent changes in Japan regarding labor rights, particularly concerning freelance workers, hint at a pivotal shift. Enhanced protections might lead to better working conditions, and over time, a healthier industry can emerge. However, until foundational concerns are adequately addressed, the overall creative output might remain compromised, influencing the next wave of anime series.

Conclusion: The Future of Your Favorite Franchises

Recognizing which anime franchises are on the brink of collapse fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form. As fans, it’s essential to engage with these series critically and advocate for influential storytelling that captures the essence of what made them beloved in the first place. By taking brands to task and supporting quality narratives, audiences can help ensure that their favorite franchises still have the chance to thrive, rather than fade quietly into the annals of lost potential.