After a decade long wait, fans of the anime are now demanding a solid answer. Will Highschool Of The Dead Season 2 ever release? Sadly, the chances for its return are pretty unlike. One of the main reasons behind the same lies in the abrupt ending of its source material. Yet, viewers are eager to know if there is still any hope for their favorite show. Hence, here are all the answers to your burning questions.
Highschool Of The Dead was initially a manga series written by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō. It debuted back in September 2006 and serialized until May 2013 in Fujimi Shobo’s Monthly Dragon Age. Due to its popularity, the series was picked up for an anime adaptation that aired in Japan between July and September 2010. Since then, fans of the franchise have been demanding to watch more of the story.
Highschool Of The Dead Season 2: Renewed Or Canceled?
As of 2020, Studio Madhouse or any other producer of the anime have not announced a sequel. In fact, they’ve already washed their hands off its production. Speculations say that the creators have asserted that they won’t be continuing the show anymore. Well, one of the main reasons behind the same could be the end of its source material.
Apparently, anime adaptations act as an advertisement to their source material and are highly dependent upon them. As a result, they only survive until they have content to promote. Since they help in increasing the sales of their source material, the main source of revenue for these adaptations comes from it. Now that the Highschool Of The Dead manga has ended, Studio Madhouse might not want to pick up the anime’s second season.
Is There Any Hope For Its Return?
Recently, it was rumored that a US-based Anime Network will now air Highschool Of The Dead Season 2. It appears that the original creators have refused to continue the anime after a tragic tsunami and earthquake hit Japan, back in the day. Due to not having enough resources and appropriate time, Studio Madhouse had decided to drop the sequel.
Well, both manga and anime series of HOTD have heavy international fan following. Moreover, the first season was aired by a bunch of foreign networks as well. Hence, the renewal of Highschool Of The Dead is now solely dependant on international streaming platforms and anime networks. Also, that remains to be the only hope for the series’ future. Yet, even if the show gets renewed, the creators will find it hard to get content for the adaptation.
Is There Enough Source Material For Season 2?
The HOTD manga serialized in Fujimi Shobo’s manga magazine since September 2006. However, it went on a long hiatus from 2008 to 2010. Besides, only one chapter released after 2011 (in April 2013), which was also the last chapter. On the other hand, the manga was released as seven tankōbon volumes between March 2007 and April 2011. Yet, the story of the manga was never completed.
Sadly, after the death of mangaka Daisuke Satō, Highschool Of The Dead manga will always remain incomplete. Fujimi Shobo and Kadokawa can potentially hire another author to wrap up the story, yet, it’s very unlikely to happen.
HOTD’s anime adaptation adapted the first four volumes of its source material. Hence, the potential producer of the anime now has only three volumes for Highschool Of The Dead Season 2. Having said that, the three volumes will neither complete the story nor be enough for a full season. As a result, the creators will have to look for a writer that can wrap up the original plot. Until then, fans will have to keep some patience. This article will be updated with latest and relevant information.
Highschool Of The Dead Season 2: Release Date
As of now, the chances for the anime’s return do not look much suitable. However, if the show gets a new producer (and writer), we will update this section with the official announcement. In that case, even if the renewal comes by the next year, Highschool Of The Dead Season 2 might not premiere anytime sooner than mid to late 2022.
Did you like the first season of HOTD? What are your expectations from Highschool Of The Dead Season 2? Please share with us in the comments below.