A girls’ love manga series, Love Bullet, which was nearly canceled due to poor sales, has been nominated in a major poll that could see it become an anime. The series experienced a remarkable turnaround in 2024, thanks to an outpouring of support from international fans, who propelled it to sell-out status across both physical and online retailers. This nomination in AnimeJapan’s “Manga We Want To See Animated” poll marks a significant victory for the series and its creator.
The Road to Nomination
The journey of Love Bullet to this point has been far from smooth. In September of 2024, the manga’s author and illustrator, inee, announced a month-long hiatus to focus on promoting the struggling book. Inee expressed her determination to “tell Koharu’s entire story,” stating her intention to do everything possible to achieve that goal. The series’ future appeared uncertain at the time, but the unwavering dedication of its global fanbase changed everything.
Fan Power Rescues Series
The surge in sales that followed this announcement was a testament to the series’ popularity among international audiences. This unexpected success not only saved the series from cancellation but also paved the way for its nomination in the prestigious anime adaptation poll. Love Bullet’s nomination is a compelling example of how fan support can directly impact the fate of a manga series.
AnimeJapan’s “Manga We Want To See Animated” Poll
AnimeJapan’s annual poll is a highly influential event in the anime and manga industry. It allows fans from around the world to vote for their favorite manga series that they wish to see adapted into an anime TV series. This year’s poll includes 47 manga titles that premiered in 2024 and before, with Love Bullet being a notable contender.
How the Poll Works
The poll went live on January 15, 2025, and will remain open until February 12, 2025. The results will then be announced in mid-March. The poll’s influence is undeniable, as past winners have frequently seen successful anime adaptations. For Love Bullet, a win in this poll could be transformative.
Previous Success Stories
Several past winners of the “Manga We Want To See Animated” poll have gone on to become popular anime series. These include:
- Komi Can’t Communicate (2020 winner)
- The Dangers in My Heart (2021 winner)
- Blue Orchestra (2022 winner)
Other series that performed well in past polls, like Solo Leveling (2nd in 2021) and Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (2nd in 2022) have also been adapted into anime. These examples demonstrate the poll’s capacity to identify series with significant fan bases that are likely to perform well as anime adaptations. Even titles that didn’t win, such as Kaiju No. 8 (#24) and Sakamoto Days (#38) in 2022, eventually received anime adaptations, showing the long-term influence of the poll.
The Significance of ‘Love Bullet’s’ Nomination
For Love Bullet, being nominated in this poll represents a remarkable comeback. The series, published by Kadokawa, faced near-cancellation before its international fanbase rallied behind it. The nomination is not just a win for the series, but also for the global community of manga and anime fans who have shown the power of collective support.
What Sets ‘Love Bullet’ Apart
Love Bullet stands out in the girls’ love genre, also known as yuri, with its blend of action and romance. This combination resonated deeply with fans, which made it a series that was not easily forgotten despite its initial struggles. The series’ unique charm and compelling narrative contributed to its viral popularity and subsequent resurgence.
The Yuri Genre in 2024
The year 2024 saw several notable entries in the yuri genre, also known as girls’ love, with some even achieving mainstream recognition. These series explored different facets of love, from high school romances to magical girl narratives.
Notable Yuri Anime in 2024
Some of the yuri anime that made waves in 2024 include:
- The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Arch Enemies: A unique enemies-to-lovers story set in a magical girl universe. This series was praised for its adorable romance and heartwarming story.
- Whisper Me a Love Song: A high school romance that returned to the basics, focusing on the emotional connection between the main characters.
- Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night: A series with an intriguing premise that drew fans in with its trailers and animation style, making it a promising show of the year.
Fan Favorites
In addition to the new releases, some established yuri anime series continued to be popular with fans. These include series such as Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, Bloom Into You, Lycoris Recoil, and Adachi and Shimamura that appeared in fan surveys for favorite yuri anime in 2024. Other notable entries in the yuri category include The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Lady and My Favorite is the Villainess, demonstrating the growing diversity and popularity of the genre.
What’s Next for ‘Love Bullet’?
The nomination of Love Bullet for an anime adaptation has sparked significant excitement within the anime community. With the poll still open for voting, the series has a real chance to achieve its dream of becoming an animated series. The outcome of the poll will not only determine the future of Love Bullet, but also set an important precedent for other manga series that rely on fan support.
A Victory for Fans
Whether it wins or not, the series’ nomination is already a victory for fans who rallied behind it, demonstrating their power to influence the anime industry. The story of Love Bullet serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication of the international manga and anime fanbase. As the poll continues, the world will be watching to see if this fan-driven success story will culminate in an anime adaptation.
