The anime landscape is constantly evolving, with new series emerging each season. However, many older anime series, despite their initial popularity, suffer from outdated animation, incomplete storylines, or adaptations that strayed too far from their source material. Just as Sailor Moon Crystal revitalized a beloved classic, several other anime series are ripe for a modern reboot. This article explores ten such series that could benefit immensely from a Sailor Moon Crystal-style remake, focusing on faithfulness to the source material, updated animation, and a chance to introduce these stories to a new generation.
Why Reboots Matter
Reboots aren’t simply about nostalgia; they offer a chance to correct past mistakes, enhance storytelling, and introduce beloved classics to a new audience. For anime series, this can mean:
- Faithful Adaptations: Many older anime series diverged from their manga counterparts due to production constraints or the manga still being in progress. A reboot allows for a more accurate adaptation, finally presenting the story as the creator intended.
- Improved Animation: Animation technology has advanced significantly. Reboots can provide a modern visual experience, making the series more appealing to contemporary viewers, without sacrificing the charm of the original work.
- Complete Storylines: Many anime adaptations ended prematurely or with anime-original conclusions. Reboots can provide the opportunity to complete the story arcs and give fans the satisfying endings they deserve.
10 Anime Primed for a Sailor Moon Crystal-Style Reboot
Here are 10 anime series that, like Sailor Moon, could greatly benefit from a reboot.
1. D.Gray-man
This gothic shonen series, set in a 19th-century world battling demons, is a prime candidate for a reboot. The original anime, while popular, didn’t cover the entirety of the manga, and a brief sequel series in 2016 received mixed reviews. A reboot could provide updated animation and adapt the rest of the manga’s compelling storylines, which are still being released, and fix pacing issues. The dark tone and intricate plot would be well-served by a modern animation style.
2. Ouran High School Host Club
This beloved reverse-harem comedy is ripe for a reboot. The original anime adaptation only covered a portion of the manga, leaving many character development arcs and the manga’s ending unadapted. A reboot could present the full story, with updated animation, and give fans the satisfying conclusion they deserve. This would introduce a new audience to the series’ unique charm and humor.
3. Berserk
Berserk, a dark fantasy epic, is frequently cited as needing a reboot. While the 1997 series and the Golden Age Arc film trilogy are highly regarded, they didn’t complete the story. The 2016 adaptation was widely criticized for its poor animation. A reboot with modern animation could do justice to the manga’s grim and violent nature, as well as its complex characters, and finally deliver the full story that fans have been yearning for.
4. Soul Eater
Soul Eater is another series that deviated from its manga source material. The original anime was produced while the manga was still ongoing, leading to an anime-original ending that disappointed many fans. A reboot could explore the full manga’s potential, with updated animation, and allow the series to reach its complete potential. The unique art style of Soul Eater would particularly benefit from modern animation techniques.
5. Tokyo Ghoul
The Tokyo Ghoul anime started strong, but quickly strayed from the manga, leading to significant plot changes and disappointing filler. A Sailor Moon Crystal-style reboot could correct these errors, providing a more faithful adaptation and bringing the complex narrative to life with contemporary animation. This would allow the series to recapture its initial popularity and satisfy manga fans.
6. The Vision of Escaflowne
This isekai anime from the mid-90s blended romance, fantasy, and mecha elements. While it was popular worldwide, it could benefit from updated animation. A reboot could expand on the supporting characters and their relationships, and go beyond the original’s 26-episode run. A modern take could revitalize this classic anime for a new generation. The show’s unique blend of genres makes it an appealing choice for a reboot.
7. Eyeshield 21
This sports anime, based on a popular manga, suffered from filler episodes and poor pacing in its original adaptation. The anime concluded without finishing the manga’s story. A reboot would address these issues, presenting a more faithful and complete adaptation of the series, as well as showcasing the unique world of American football in anime form. The character writing and art style could also shine with modern animation.
8. Record of Lodoss War
A classic fantasy anime, Record of Lodoss War, could also benefit from a reboot. The original series, while influential, could be updated to meet modern animation standards. The high-fantasy setting and character designs could shine with contemporary animation techniques and a more faithful adaptation of the source material would please fans of the franchise.
9. Tsubasa Chronicle
This series tried to connect two different series and didn’t fully capture the manga’s darker tone. A reboot could be a fantastic chance to present the story with a greater focus on its themes and narrative. It also has the potential for an expanded multiverse, similar to the MCU, with parallel stories like xxxHolic, which could open up a range of storytelling opportunities.
10. Saint Seiya
This classic anime, known for its compelling story and fantastic soundtrack, suffers from inconsistent animation and filler. A reboot could give this series a new life, with updated visuals and a more streamlined narrative. A reboot would bring the story of the Saints and their battles to a modern audience, and allow for a new generation of fans to enjoy the series.
The Potential of Anime Reboots
Anime reboots, when done right, can breathe new life into older series, correcting past missteps and introducing them to a new audience. Sailor Moon Crystal serves as a great example of how a faithful adaptation with updated animation can revitalize a beloved classic. With the right approach, these ten series could achieve similar success, reminding us of the power and enduring appeal of these stories. The key lies in honoring the source material, embracing modern animation techniques, and ensuring that the core essence of each series remains intact.
