Fans have been chomping at the bit for a Drifters Season 2 for years now. Will their wait ever end? The highly anticipated sequel has fans buzzing, especially after the critical and commercial success of the first season back in 2016. Let’s delve into the world of Drifters and explore everything we know about a potential sequel and its possible release date.
Drifters: A Legacy of Fantasy and Action
The “Drifters” anime stems from the popular fantasy seinen manga of the same name, which first premiered in 2009. Kōta Hirano, the creative mind behind the iconic Hellsing series, breathes life into the “Dorifutazu” manga as both writer and illustrator.
“Drifters” carves out a unique space in the isekai genre, captivating audiences with its fantastical narrative. The story centers around Shimazu Toyohisa, a fearless samurai warrior who finds himself inexplicably transported to a strange new world. In this realm, historical figures from various eras and nationalities clash in epic battles. Toyohisa joins forces with other “Drifters” to combat the formidable “Ends.”
A Look Back at Season One and Beyond
Ken’ichi Suzuki steered the helm for the first (and so far, only) season of the Drifters anime, with Hoods Drifters Studio realizing the animation. Hideyuki Kurata and Yosuke Kuroda crafted the anime’s script. While there’s been no official word on their return for a new season, fans hold onto a sliver of hope.
The initial 12-episode run of Drifters premiered in Japan in October 2016, followed by three OVA episodes released between December 2017 and December 2018. So, will we ever be graced with Drifters Season 2 Episode 1, or perhaps another form of continuation?
Is Drifters Season 2 on the Horizon?
An official announcement confirming Drifters season 2 remains elusive. However, there’s ample cause for optimism. The source material, the manga, boasts a wealth of content that could fuel another season. The first season adapted chapters 1 to 45, leaving a substantial 39 chapters ripe for adaptation in a potential second season.
The anime’s popularity and passionate fanbase are additional positive signs. Season one garnered positive reviews and ratings, averaging a score of 7.8 out of 10 on MyAnimeList. Since its conclusion in 2016, fans have been anxiously awaiting more. The manga’s ongoing publication (Volume 7 was recently released after a five-year hiatus) further strengthens the possibility of a revival.
The primary obstacle has been the limited availability of source material. While Drifters season one’s Blu-ray sales were impressive (over 11,500 copies), the manga’s hiatus between 2018 and the recent volume release effectively stalled any chance for a new season. Volume 8’s arrival could be the key, providing enough chapters for a full-fledged second season.
Where Can I Continue the Drifter Story?
If you’re eager to pick up where season one left off, delve into Volume 5 of the Drifters manga. The first anime season adapted volumes 1 through 4 (ending with chapter 45), meaning season 2 would likely cover volumes 5 to 8.
The Drifters manga is a phenomenal read, and many fans hold it in higher regard than the anime adaptation. In 2024, it’s the sole way to experience more of the story.
I’ll keep this post updated with any official news or release date announcements from the Drifter’s Twitter account or Crunchyroll.