Adult Swim Exclaims FLCL Sequels a Smash Hit, Vows Surprising Surprises Await!

Highlights

The FLCL sequels, Progressive and Alternative, became a subject of divided opinions among fans primarily because of their inconsistent visuals, narrative challenges, and an inability to grasp the true essence of the original series.

Despite facing criticism, Adult Swim deems the sequels a triumph in terms of ratings and viewership, which compelled them to greenlight their production.

Among audiences, there exists a debate regarding the elements that contribute to FLCL's greatness. Some perceive it as a profoundly thought-provoking storyline, while others value its music, artistry, and overall atmosphere. Replicating the enchantment of the original series proved to be an arduous task for the sequels.

The original FLCL (Fooly Cooly) achieved remarkable success and left an enduring legacy, despite its brief six-episode run. Remarkably, in the last five years alone, it has spawned four sequels driven by the longing to recapture its magic.

On October 6, 2023, Jason DeMarco, the senior vice president of Warner Bros. Animation's anime and action series/long-form department, announced on Twitter/X that the series has reached its conclusion. While Adult Swim considers the latest seasons to be a success, they have decided not to produce any more in collaboration with Production I.G., their partners.

A Brief History of FLCL's Sequels

The announcement of FLCL's return to television at the Anime Expo in 2017 generated a great deal of excitement within the community. Despite GAINAX's current state, fans had high hopes for the sequels due to Production I.G's involvement, known for their successful projects. Additionally, the return of The Pillows to do the soundtrack played a significant role in the marketing strategy.

Both FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative aired in 2018, with Progressive premiering in June and Alternative in September. However, even before the release of Alternative, the initial excitement waned for many fans. The response to Progressive was mixed, and although all FLCL installments featured impressive vocal performances, fans were uncertain about the overall quality of the sequels.

The complaints differ, but they generally revolve around the lack of consistent visuals, a storytelling approach that failed to captivate audiences, and a feeling that the sequels simply did not live up to the essence of FLCL. Despite incorporating visual callbacks and references as well as music, it seemed as though the resemblances only scratched the surface of what made the franchise cherished by its fans.

Alternative's reception was slightly more positive and is viewed as superior to the first batch of sequels by some individuals. However, it is evident that hardcore fans were not particularly pleased. Therefore, it can be imagined that the announcement of two new sequels in 2022 came as a surprise. The new installments, FLCL: Grunge and FLCL: Shoegaze, were produced by two different studios and showcased significantly different visual styles.

In contrast to the initial three seasons, both Grunge and Shoegaze consist of only three episodes each. Grunge, a CG-animated series created by Studio MontBlanc, found itself in a delicate situation due to the apprehension that anime enthusiasts typically have towards CGI. On the other hand, Shoegaze, brought to life by Studio Nut, closely resembles the animation style of Alternative as it is under the direction of the same director.

What Even Was FLCL?

There exists a range of reviews on the original FLCL, with some asserting that the narrative lacks genuine significance, while others perceive it to possess a profound storyline. Interestingly, both of these viewpoints are generally positive in nature. The series garners immense popularity due to its endearing characters, captivating music, and unique atmosphere. However, audiences seldom arrive at a unanimous verdict as to why the series excels. A crucial element to solve this puzzle lies in the fact that each scene and frame was meticulously crafted with genuine enthusiasm.

Director Kazuya Tsurumaki and his team experimented with highly innovative, daring, and even absurd animation techniques, some of which have never been replicated. While it may seem like a group of talented artists randomly trying different approaches, that simplification is not entirely accurate.

FLCL was not simply a showcase of artistic experimentation; it also had multiple distinct stories. Some episodes contained self-contained, albeit chaotic storylines that added depth to the supporting characters. It was a project fueled by unmatched passion, resulting in an emotionally captivating narrative about youth. However, it's important to note that attributing the brilliance of this show solely to the production team and their passion is just one interpretation.

The challenge in creating another FLCL isn't just about recreating the same environment, but also about addressing the question of what FLCL really represents. Some view it as a unique phenomenon that cannot be replicated, while others appreciate its exceptional music, art, and positive energy, which is enhanced by the animators' ambitious efforts.

However, it should be noted that the complexity of the original series doesn't excuse its sequels from receiving harsh criticism. Fans were disappointed with the new writers' misunderstanding of the first season, particularly evident in FLCL: Progressive's struggle to grasp even the most straightforward messages conveyed in the original.

That being said, the criticisms carry more significance when directed towards the sequels by those who have actually watched them. It is highly likely that a considerable number of individuals expressing their dislike have not actually seen them. It is possible that in the future, viewers may view some of these sequels in a more favorable light. Currently, unraveling the reasons behind the negative reception of the FLCL sequels may prove to be just as perplexing as understanding why the original is cherished.