The anime adaptation of Heavenly Delusion was well-received by fans, capturing the essence of the original manga by Masakazu Ishiguro. Despite the praise for its quality, there hasn't been any confirmation of a second season. It's important to note that good reviews alone don't guarantee a series renewal in the anime industry, as other factors play a significant role in this decision. This is evident in the cases of popular franchises like MAPPA's Chainsaw Man and David Production's Fire Force.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Heavenly Delusion anime.
The future of the Heavenly Delusion anime after the first season ended
The anime Maru and Kiruko, created by Production I.G., received positive reception online. The dynamic duo of Maru and Kiruko, along with the well-developed world-building, provided viewers with plenty to explore throughout the series. Many fans felt that the 13 episodes were not enough for a full season. Unfortunately, the first season concluded on June 24 this year, and there has been no confirmation of a second season.
While many popular anime series receive confirmation of a second season immediately following the conclusion of the first, this has not been the case for Heavenly Delusion. One argument for this is the low number of Blu-ray sales, which totaled only 645 copies back in September, a significant factor in Japan. Even Chainsaw Man, produced by MAPPA Studio, was only considered a "moderate success" due to a similar fate on the sales front.
As of now, there is no confirmation of a second season for the Heavenly Delusion anime, but it is important to note that the project has not been canceled. There is a possibility that a new season could be confirmed in the future. However, there are instances such as Fire Force, produced by David Production, where a third season was confirmed long ago, yet there has been no progress on that front.
The future of the franchise
While fans may find the lack of confirmation for a second season of the Heavenly Delusion anime frustrating, it's important to consider that the situation isn't necessarily a binary one. The absence of an announcement doesn't necessarily mean that the series has been canceled or that an announcement won't be made, but rather that the project's future is uncertain.
It's also possible that Production I.G., if they continue to be the studio for a potential second season, may be waiting for author Masakazu Ishiguro to further develop the story in the manga. Given that a significant portion of the manga was already adapted in the first season, those in charge may anticipate the series to continue in the manga, providing more material to adapt.
Final thoughts
The future of the Heavenly Delusion anime is currently uncertain, and fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether there will be a second season. It would be disappointing if such a popular series does not continue.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of the Heavenly Delusion anime, I'm thrilled with the positive reception it has received from viewers. The anime's faithful adaptation of Masakazu Ishiguro's manga has captivated audiences, immersing them in the chaotic adventures of Maru and Kiruko. The well-developed world-building and dynamic duo at the series' core have left fans wanting more.
However, the lack of confirmation regarding a second season is disheartening. While critical acclaim is essential, the anime industry considers various factors when deciding on series renewals. The low Blu-ray sales of Heavenly Delusion, totaling only 645 copies, may have negatively impacted its chances of renewal. It's important to note that even popular franchises like Chainsaw Man and Fire Force faced similar challenges in terms of sales.