For years and years, fans of the popular anime have been waiting for Tokyo Ravens Season 2. Well, followers have tried hard to convince the studio with several online petitions and social media posts. Yet, despite heavy demands, Studio Eight Bit has not waved the green flag. Are there any hopes for the sequel’s return? What’s in the future of the anime? Hence, here are all the details we know about the much-awaited second installment.
Tokyo Ravens originated as a light novel series written by Kōhei Azano and illustrated by Sumihei. It began serialization back in 2010 and ran for a total of sixteen volumes, as of October 2018. Well, the LN series technically is still running, however, the author has not been writing any content since Volume 16. Given that the novels weren’t selling well towards the end and after such a long hiatus, Kōhei Azano might not continue the story any further. Despite its falling fame, a large following of Tokyo Ravens readers are still hopeful for the author’s return.
In 2013, the LN became popular enough to be picked up for an anime adaptation. Studio Eight Bit announced the television show, which later aired in Japan between October 2013 and March 2014. Whereas, Funimation distributed the English version of the series around the globe. Within no time of its release, the first season of Tokyo Ravens became a hit as audiences started to like its storyline. The critical response was equally good, while the viewership only increased after its international release. As of today, fans are still waiting for a sequel.
Will Eight Bit Ever Renew Tokyo Ravens Season 2?
For the last six to seven years, fans are trying to convince Eight Bit to renew Tokyo Ravens Season 2. As of today, several petitions in support of the sequel have been signed alongside plenty of social media requests. However, the studio has resisted talking about the anime’s future so far. Well, viewers suspect that this could be because of the light novel’s poor performance.
Unlike US television shows, anime adaptations are highly dependent on their source material. Their renewal mainly depends upon the amount of content available to adapt. In fact, some of them never get to see the face of the second season. Well, this is because these adaptations are used solely to promote their source material. Moreover, their primary source of revenue comes from the sales of their respective mangas, light novel series, or video games. Hence, given that the Tokyo Ravens LN series’s sales decreased towards the end, Eight Bit might not be able to earn off a profit from a sequel.
Thus, in that perspective, the studio might not pick up Tokyo Ravens Season 2 anytime soon. However, as per the current trend, several such anime series have been picked up by Netflix. The streaming giant helps shows reach more people, and it does not depend upon its source material as much as before. Hence, Eight Bit might only renew the sequel if the streamer shows interest in its productions. Until then, we can only wait for the official renewal.
Can Fans Save The Anime?
As compared to before, fans today hold quite a lot of power over a show’s future. Online petitions and social media posts now make a difference, and studios and production companies have begun to acknowledge their demands. Hence, if enough people demand the renewal of a series, there is a chance that a producer might notice. The same goes with Tokyo Ravens Season 2. Thus, even though it may take time, but fans can save the popular anime from cancelation.
Is There Enough Source Material For Tokyo Ravens Season 2?
Anime adaptations depend upon their source material for content. Hence, they only survive if there’s enough content for adaptation. Many such anime have been canceled due to the lack of LN or manga volumes. Besides, only rare anime get a new original story for their sequel. Given that condition, it will be hard for Tokyo Ravens Season 2 to get the green flag.
Author Kōhei Azano’s light novel series began serialization back in 2010. After a dozen volumes, the popularity of the light novel decreased. In fact, Azano did not release any new volumes of his work after Volume 16 back in October 2018. The first season of Studio Eight Bit’s famous anime covered the plot of the first nine LN volumes out of the total sixteen. Hence, Tokyo Ravens Season 2 only has seven volumes for adaptation. Well, seven volumes for anime adaptations is not a bad deal. Besides, if the studio produces a 12-episode second season instead of 24 episodes (as in Season 1), there will be enough source material for the sequel.
What Will Be The Plot Of The New Season?
The story of Tokyo Ravens centers around Tsuchimikado Harutora, a member of the prestigious Onmyoji family. However, he couldn’t be born with any spiritual power that the family inherits. Hence, his life becomes meaningless, and spends his time with his friends at the Onmyo branch school. Yet, one day, as his childhood friend and heir to the Tsuchimikado family, Natsume suddenly appears, Harutora’s destiny changes forever.
The last episode of Tokyo Ravens’ was a roller-coaster ride for many viewers. The installment did not complete the story of the show either. Hence, the upcoming sequel will likely begin from where its predecessor left. It will probably start from Volume 10 of the light novel series and adapt the remaining seven volumes. Since the LN series does not have an end yet, Eight Bit or any other studio that produces the sequel will have to give it a proper finale. However, this also means that Tokyo Ravens Season 2 will be the anime’s last season ever.
Tokyo Ravens Season 2: Release Date
As of now, Studio Eight Bit or any other studio related to the production of the anime has not renewed it for a second run. However, there is still hope for its return. If the green light comes sooner, the production process might only take as long as a year to finish. Hence, as of the current circumstances, the new episodes might not premiere anytime sooner than mid to late 2022. We will update this article with the official release date once the studio announces it.
Did you like the first season of Tokyo Ravens? What are your expectations from Tokyo Ravens Season 2? Tell us in the comments below.