MAPPA is one of the top-tier animation giants in the anime industry that gave us iconic series. From Chainsaw Man to Kids on the Slope, they worked on a diverse range of anime. It was only after Jujutsu Kaisen that their finesse was spotlighted, but the anime might have to wait for its third season.
Mainly because the studio is all set to release Shinichiro Watanabe’s upcoming series. The Cowboy Bebop animator is back with yet another banger and it looks surprising in most senses. As for third season’s prolonged release, I see no issues with the delay and here’s why.
MAPPA’s delay of Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season is valid
Looking back, MAPPA produced some of my favorite anime including Kids on the Slope, Terror in Resonance as well as Chainsaw Man. Their portfolio is pretty versatile considering the projects they partake in, especially with their rendition of The Rose of Versailles.
Every animation studio has that one signature anime with which it is associated. For this studio, most fans consider Jujutsu Kaisen to be its greatest work. The fights and visuals are stunning and the animators most certainly did a splendid job, but the third season would take it to another level altogether.
Interestingly, the third season is set to focus on The Culling Games Arc. Manga fans know exactly what is in store for them with the upcoming season. This also ties in well with speculations of the Zenin Clan Massacre being adapted in the season. This would have fans stoked up, but there’s a problem.
Now, we all know how the series takes a two-year gap between each season. There is most certainly a delay in Season 3 as well as it is slated for release in late 2025 and early 2026. So far, the dates haven’t been confirmed but we do know that it is for the best and here’s why.
More time means better quality and well animated scenes. The delay might be tied to Lazarus’ release as well. Recently, Anime News Network shared the streaming details for the upcoming project. To say the least, it heralds the kickback of Cowboy Bebop animator through its promising trailer.
Lazarus heralds Shinichiro Watanabe’s kickback
Almost four months ago I came across the first teaser of Lazarus and was hooked onto it immediately. For 90s kids it is almost equivalent to reliving Cowboy Bebop in a dystopian flair. Axel Gilberto is reminding most fans of Spike Spiegel in his movements and mannerisms.
Why you ask? Well, the trailer gives it away through its character segues. Set in 2052, the anime follows a group of characters who set out to find Doctor Skinner to find out the antidote before humanity is wiped out. The scientist is a harbinger of doom, which makes it all the more interesting.
It’s dystopian, it is dark and it is packed with action. In other words, it is wholesome in every way possible, especially since it is Shinichiro Watanabe’s production. His collaboration with Dai Sato, Bonobo and MAPPA makes the series iconic in every way possible and here’s how.
The music and the visuals, coupled with animation and writing, is what makes an anime noteworthy. It is a revival, yes, but it is far-fetched from the rehashing of old concepts and the trailer pretty much proves it. On top of that, it is a treat for cyberpunk and dystopian series enthusiasts like me.
Lazarus is slated for release on 5th April 2025. Jujutsu Kaisen is available for streaming on Netflix. The manga is available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
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