Kenichi, The Mightiest Disciple, faced an early cancellation despite its realistic combat sequences. Late-night airing and manga catch-up contributed to its demise. Fans still hope for a revival.
Kenichi, The Mightiest Disciple, a beloved anime series, left fans wondering why it ended after only two seasons. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind its cancellation and explore the contrasting fortunes of other long-running anime like Bleach and Naruto.
The Kenichi Paradox
Kenichi stood out for its realistic portrayal of combat sequences and its stylized versions of various real-world fighting styles. Unlike its counterparts, it didn’t rely on drawn-out power-ups or sticky filler episodes. So why did it meet an untimely demise?
The Late-Night Factor
One crucial factor lies in the timing of Kenichi’s airing. It was a late-night anime, airing at 1 am on TV Tokyo. In contrast, daytime anime such as One Piece, Bleach, and Naruto aim for high ratings and continue until their audience wanes or they face cancellation. These shows often resort to fillers to keep the momentum going. Kenichi’s adult audience, tuning in late at night, couldn’t compete with the massive kid viewership of the other three giants.
Caught Up in the Manga
Another reason could be that the anime caught up to the manga. Producers might have deemed fillers a waste of time and decided to halt the series after the Ragnarok arc. Perhaps they’re waiting for a suitable manga stopping point to resume the anime, assuming a second season is in the works.
The Unpredictable World of Anime
Decisions about anime length remain shrouded in mystery. While some speculate that success depends on luck and timing, others argue that consistent viewership and quality play a pivotal role. Kenichi’s lack of a massive fan base likely contributed to its early end. Still, the manga continues, leaving room for hope that an anime revival might coincide with its conclusion.
The Legacy Lives On
Kenichi’s cancellation remains a puzzle, but its legacy endures. As fans revisit the manga and reminisce about the anime’s combat realism, they can only wonder what might have been. Perhaps someday, the mightiest disciple will rise again, proving that even in the unpredictable world of anime, hope springs eternal.
