Examining the True Fate of the Gantz Anime: Why Was it Cancelled?

The Gantz anime is intriguing as it depicts a time period familiar to younger generations of fans. During its production, Studio Gonzo made creative choices in the mid-2000s that resulted in the series being canceled, or at least that's how it is perceived. However, the anime did conclude, diverging from the expectations of many, particularly manga readers following Hiroya Oku's acclaimed work.

Explaining why the Gantz anime ended

Throughout its run, the Gantz anime faced several obstacles that led to its discontinuation: being caught up with the manga, receiving a mixed reaction from fans, and deviating too much from the original source material. These factors all played a role in contributing to its halt.

As the anime progressed, it began to face the challenge of keeping up with the manga, which posed a problem. During that time, seasonal anime series were not as common, so catching up often resulted in the addition of filler arcs. This is why popular series like Naruto or Bleach have a significant amount of filler content. However, Gantz took a slightly different approach.

When the anime caught up with the manga, the team at Studio Gonzo decided to introduce new storylines and characters to the plot. This decision, however, caused confusion among manga readers. While viewers who only watched the anime were unaware of these changes and deviations, the quality of the new direction noticeably declined compared to the earlier episodes, resulting in a negative reception.

The appeal and premise of Gantz

The Gantz anime came to a close, but the manga continued, leading some to believe that the anime had abruptly ended. However, this was not the case. The reason for the lack of a recent faithful adaptation of the manga is due to its exclusive contract with Hollywood for further live action adaptations, following those previously produced by Netflix a few years ago.

In this simulation, Kei Kurono is tasked with eliminating aliens using a variety of tools and weapons. But as Kei delves deeper into the narrative, he becomes increasingly aware of strange occurrences and begins to question his own existence. The fact that the deceased characters are promptly replaced by others adds another layer of mystery.

The Gantz anime deviates significantly from the source material, but it effectively captures the manga's eccentricity and cynical tone in its early episodes. Although the source material is undoubtedly superior, the anime possesses a certain charm and execution that serves as a strong introduction for many viewers.

Final thoughts

Hiroya Oku's manga, Gantz, certainly deserves a new anime adaptation in the near future. This gripping seinen story is considered one of the finest in its category, and it deserves an anime series that truly does justice to its source material.

Editor's P/S

1. The Gantz anime was an intriguing series that captivated younger fans with its unique storyline and exploration of a familiar time period. However, the series faced several obstacles during its run, including being caught up with the manga, receiving a mixed reaction from fans, and deviating too much from the original source material. These factors all played a role in contributing to its discontinuation.

2. Despite its cancellation, the Gantz anime still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. The series' early episodes effectively captured the eccentricity and cynical tone of the manga, and it served as a strong introduction to the story for many viewers. While the anime ultimately failed to live up to the high standards set by the manga, it remains a memorable and enjoyable series that is still worth watching today.