Exclusive First Look: Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 - What's in Store for Summer 2023!

When an anime airs two cours in a single year, they are usually considered as two halves of the same season. However, Bungo Stray Dogs is taking a different approach with its upcoming 11 episodes, boldly labeling them as "Season 5." This choice not only showcases their confidence but also holds symbolic significance, as there are five warring factions, including a villainous group with five members. The recurring use of the Roman numeral "V" indicates that this season intends to make a significant impact.

At the conclusion of Season 4, the Armed Detective Agency found themselves at a standstill after their attempt to stop the Decay of Angels backfired. Despite being perceived as terrorists by the world, their rivals in the Port Mafia trust in their innocence and may hold the key to helping them prove it and ultimately save Japan.

"As Friends We Hurt. As Friends We Kill"

Season 4 spanned a record-breaking 13 episodes, leading some to speculate that it was initially intended to be 24 episodes. Nonetheless, in today's industry, any additional time for perfecting the animation is welcomed and holds promise for great things to come. There is much to look forward to.

As previously discussed following the release of the second trailer, the highly anticipated showdown between Atsushi, Akutagawa, and Fukuchi is finally set to take place, after being hinted at in the previous opening. Meanwhile, the Hunting Dogs continue their relentless pursuit of the Agency, who face a tight deadline to prevent the leader of the Decay of Angels, Kamui, from bringing about the downfall of the state.

This season appears to have even more to manage than the previous one, which is both exciting and slightly concerning. Not only is this the shortest season, with just one episode less, but the reaction to the previous season also adds to the concern. Bungo has a strong track record when it comes to pacing, effectively covering a lot of ground in each episode. However, the current arc being adapted is particularly intricate, making it challenging to find suitable pausing points.

To illustrate this, certain plotlines were condensed, and scenes were cut in Season 4, resulting in the omission of both minor and valuable content. Fans are now more eager than ever to witness the story unfold at a more leisurely pace, hoping that there won't be a rushed adaptation of the novel at the beginning of the season, as it has typically been. Although these adaptations are entertaining, there is little time to be wasted.

The Production Staff

The Bungo Stray Dogs series has maintained its high quality over time, thanks in large part to the consistent presence of the core creative team since Season 1. Director Takuya Igarashi has truly excelled in his role, and Bungo Stray Dogs showcases the culmination of his greatest talents. It is difficult to envision the show without his leadership, and the same can be said for screenwriter Youji Enokido (known for FLCL and Ouran High School Host Club).

Yukari Gotou has consistently delivered exceptional color designs for the show. Whether depicting the dazzling beauty of Yokohama or capturing the atmospheric noir essence of the flashback arcs, Bungo Stray Dogs is visually stunning thanks to Gotou's incredible work. Notably collaborating mostly with Bones studio, her portfolio predominantly consists of Bungo Stray Dogs, as well as the praised shows Kekkai Sensen Season 1 and Sk8 the Infinity, both acclaimed for their vibrant artwork. Together with art director Yumiko Kondo, Gotou is truly a boon to this series.

The lead character designer also serving as the animation director, Nobuhiro Arai, excels in the double role. This results in sakuga that is visually stunning and emotionally expressive, while also staying consistently on-model with the characters. This level of consistency can be a challenge for other shows that are praised for their animation.

Although Bungo may not be widely recognized for its animation, the artwork should not be underestimated. The fight scenes in this show are underrated, and the animation has progressively improved over time. It could be considered one of the most visually appealing shows produced by Studio Bones, with Arai flawlessly translating Sango Harukawa's original character designs into stunning visuals, both when static and in motion.

Pay close attention to Yuu Yoshiyama's remarkable work. We have previously discussed their contributions to Bungo, and their animation greatly enhances the series. Most of their focus has been on Season 4, with some involvement in the concluding episodes of Season 3. Their animation style is reminiscent of the classic Kaneda-style, featuring bold and expressive key poses. At times, the animation evokes nostalgia for old GAINAX series.

Although there was action in the previous season, it did not culminate in a boss fight like in Seasons 2 or 3. Considering what the team was capable of earlier this year, fans should be eagerly anticipating the epic showdown against Fukuchi. This summer offers a plethora of action-packed series such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Mushoku Tensei, and Bleach, but it would be unwise to underestimate Bones.

The new season of Bungo Stray Dogs is highly anticipated due to the enticing nature of the previous season. With its captivating narratives and well-developed characters over the span of seven years, it finally feels like the series has reached its pinnacle conflict, and it shows no signs of resolution anytime soon. As a fan, I can confidently say that we are eagerly bracing ourselves for this thrilling journey.