Will U-20 Arc Adaptation Rescue Blue Lock Season 2?

On November 3, 2024, the highly anticipated teaser trailer for Blue Lock Season 2 premiered, focusing on the upcoming U-20 arc which will unfold throughout the remainder of the sequel series. Following a lackluster reception of the initial arc, fans had hoped for an improvement in animation and storytelling. Unfortunately, the trailer hinted that viewers may face similar shortcomings as seen previously.

Teaser Trailer Breakdown: The U-20 Arc

The trailer showcased prominent players from the U-20 Japan team, yet many fans noted that the animation appeared to be presented in static images reminiscent of a PowerPoint presentation. This visual style closely mirrors the first part’s issues, which disappointed the audience.

In the fifth episode of Season 2, viewers witnessed the selection of Blue Lock players who are set to challenge Japan’s U-20 football team. The recent teaser highlighted key U-20 roster members, including:

Sendou Shuto – Center-Forward
Oliver Aiku – Center-Back
Neru Teppeu – Right-Back
Darai Miroku – Left-Back
Nirou Kazuma – Center-Back
Itoshi Sae – Center-Attacking Midfielder

While the introduction of these characters excited fans, the subpar animation cast doubts on the production quality for the rest of the series. Many speculate that the challenges experienced during the initial arc could persist, potentially affecting the final outcome of this beloved franchise.

Fan Reactions: The Discontent Widens

A still panel as seen in the teaser trailer (Image via 8bit) — A still panel showcased in the recent teaser trailer (Image via 8bit)

Reactions from the Blue Lock fandom have been overwhelmingly negative, as many fans labeled the teaser a ‘PowerPoint presentation,’ drawing direct parallels to the earlier episodes. Some expressed deep concern, suggesting that if the animation quality did not improve, the series could face grim prospects moving forward.

Even those unfamiliar with the series voiced their opinions about the trailer, with one user commenting on its dual nature of being both “hilarious and sad.”Others humorously suggested that the animation seemed to have been created using Microsoft Paint, highlighting the sharp contrast between expectations and reality.

“Can’t wait for the next PowerPoint presentation,”a fan commented.

“If the animation is like the first five episodes, it’s over,”another user lamented.

“I don’t know anything about Blue Lock but this is hilarious and sad at the same time,”a recent viewer stated.

“This show was definitely animated with Microsoft Paint,”yet another fan chimed in.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Blue Lock?

The U-20 arc of Blue Lock is set for its debut on November 9, 2024. With the teaser trailer leaving much to be desired, the question arises about the series’ ability to recapture the magic of its predecessor, which had a more polished animation style.

As animator Martin Reyes shared in a TikTok video, pinpointing exact causes for the production woes remains a challenge. However, this situation has highlighted a broader concern: whether anime exists primarily to cater to fan desires or to maximize profit for production companies. The dedication to quality and storytelling is at stake, and only time will reveal what the future holds for Blue Lock.

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