It’s been around four years since we last watched any new episode of this brilliant Isekai anime. Sadly, fans might have to wait until 2023 to watch Drifters Season 2. Yet, the future of the series looks pretty bright as it’s already renewed. What will the new season be about? When will it hit the screens? Here’s everything you need to know about your favorite show.
Drifters is an immensely famous manga series written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano. It’s serialization began back in 2010 and is currently running with six volumes already released (as of November 2018). Due to its popularity, the manga was soon picked up for an anime adaptation produced by NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan. The 12-episode series was animated by Hoods Drifters Studio (Hoods Entertainment) and debuted in Japan back in October 2016.
Drifters Season 2: Officially Renewed!
Yes, fortunately, the highly-awaited second season of the anime has officially been renewed. In fact, the renewal was announced alongside the finale of the debut season. Towards the end of its last episode, a message was displayed saying, “To be continued Second Season. See you again. Tokyo 20XX. Sayonara.” Hence, Drifters Season 2 is likely to premiere sometime in the near future. However, using “20XX” gives them the liberty to change the release as per their need.
Well, the first few episodes of the sequel were released as OVA episodes soon after Season 1’s end. As of now, three Drifters OVA episodes have already aired. Though these episodes are only available in Japan, that too in the form of DVD and Blu-Ray discs. Hoods Drifters Studio or any other producers of the anime have not approved their international release yet.
Why Is The Sequel Delayed?
Well, unlike most anime series, Drifters was renewed right after its first season ended. Yet, it’s been four years, and we haven’t heard of its return. One of the main reasons behind its delay is the lack of source material. As of 2020, the producers of the anime do not have sufficient content for Season 2.
The Drifters manga series consists of a total of 6 volumes (the last one came out in October 2018). The first season of anime covered the plot of the first four volumes. Hence, the studio only has two more volumes for Drifters Season 2. Clearly, the remaining source material won’t be enough for a full season. Besides, the three OVA episodes have already adapted half the chapters of Volume 5.
Well, writer-illustrator Kouta Hirano usually releases one volume of his manga every two years. Since the last one came out two years ago, Volume 7 might arrive sometime this year (2020). Similarly, the eighth volume may not come out before 2022. Hence, the producers of the anime will have to wait until the manga serialized Volume 9.
When Will The Productions Begin?
Since there is not enough source material now, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan might wait until 2022 for the eighth volume. Once that comes out, the creators might begin the productions of the new season. Based on its history, the Drifters anime series takes quite long to produce a season. Hence, Drifters Season 2 might take a year to wrap up its production schedule.
Drifters Season 2: Release Date
As mentioned above, the latest season of the well-known Isekai anime might begin productions by 2022. Besides, after that, the installment is likely to take a year to hit the screens. Well, Hoods Drifters Studio or any other company related to the anime has not confirmed the release date of Drifters Season 2. However, based on speculations and S2’s expected production schedule, any new episodes may not premiere anytime before 2023. We will update this section once the official news arrives.
Are you excited about Drifters Season 2? What are your expectations from the sequel? Please share with us in the comments below.
