While a new movie and a spin-off series of the Bungo Stray Dogs franchise have been confirmed, unfortunatley, the fans will have to wait for Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4. It looks like the highly-anticipated new season of Bungo Stray Dogs seems to be delayed. As per speculations, the latest episodes may not arrive for the next few years. But why? What’s in the future of the popular anime? Here’s everything you need to know.
Bungo Stray Dogs is a famous manga series that began serialization back in 2012. Written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa, the manga was appreciated by millions of otakus from around the world. Due to its popularity, the manga was soon picked up for an anime adaptation. Studio Bones’ television anime opened up to critical acclaim and was listed in the five best anime series of 2016. The second part of the show aired soon after the first one, whereas season 3 took three years to return.
What’s In The Future Of Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4?
Renewal Updates.
Bungo Stray Dogs is considered as one of the most underrated and unheard anime of all time. Yet, it still has a loyal fanbase of its own. The supernatural action series has a brilliant story (credit to the mangaka) and an outstanding animation style. Hence, fans are consistently demanding more episodes. The first two parts released back in 2016, while the third season aired between April and June 2019. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 is currently in high demand.
However, Studio Bones and companies related to the anime’s production are yet to renew the fourth season. Well, it hasn’t been long since the third installment aired, and a new anime movie is already in the making. Hence, the studio may take a while to confirm another sequel. We have to keep in mind that Season 3 was announced two years after Season 2, whereas its first episode debuted a year later. This suggests that Bones may take a few more months to greenlight Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4. We will update this section as soon as the renewal arrives.
Why Is Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Delayed?
Is There Enough Source Material?
As per speculations, the upcoming season of the mystery anime might get delayed this time. One of the main reasons behind the same is the story of the manga. The first two parts of the show covered nine volumes of its source material, while Season 3 adapted the next four volumes. Hence, the plot of Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 is expected to begin from Volume 14. As of July 2020, mangaka Kafka Asagiri has written nineteen books of his popular manga.
While Studio Bones has more than enough source material for Season 4, its production may not begin anytime soon. The studio waited for three years so that mangaka Kafka Asagiri could complete the Cannibalism arc before renewing Season 3. As of now, the Decay of Angels arc (Fyodor’s storyline) is currently running in the manga. Therefore, the producers might wait for the arc to end before they greenlight Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4.
As of now, the mangaka might take a while to complete the current arc. From where the story currently is, Fyodor’s storyline will wrap up within the next two manga volumes. This suggests that after the release of Volume 21, Studio Bones might have enough (and satisfactory) content for the fourth season. Until then, the studio will compensate its fans with a new anime movie and a spin-off series.
New BEAST Movie Confirmed!!
Earlier this year, Studio Bones confirmed another movie adaptation of the franchise. In a March 2020 tweet, the creators announced that the second movie would be called Bungo Stray Dogs BEAST. The official movie twitter account also added a link to the teaser site of the upcoming BEAST film. Bones is yet to announce an official date of release, as of today. The first anime film, Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple, premiered in theatres in March 2018.
Studio Bones Announces A Spin-off Anime Series!
On June 16, 2020, the anime’s official Twitter account said that they’d be making an important announcement related to “Bungo Stray Dogs.” The next day, the creators announced the renewal of a spin-off anime series. The new series will be an adaptation of Kafka Asagiri’s 2016 spin-off manga series Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! Studio Bones is yet to announce an official release date of the upcoming anime.
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4: Release Date
As mentioned above, Bones may not begin the production of Season 4 till they have enough source material. At the earliest, a renewal might come out by early 2021. Accordingly, the release date of the upcoming season might fall sometime around mid to late 2022. Keep an eye on this section for respective air dates of Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4, BEAST movie, and Wan! Spin-off series.
Are you excited for the new installment? What are your expectations from Season 4? Tell us in the comments below.