Old Shonen Anime That Need Remakes

As a lifelong anime enthusiast who’s seen more episodes than I care to count, let me weigh in on these potential remakes and reboots.

Remakes are currently trending, whether it’s because of a longing for the past, a desire to explore more, or studios being cautious with new projects. It feels like they’ve always been around, but now they seem to be everywhere. For instance, the revamped version of “Sailor Moon” titled “Sailor Moon Crystal”, and the new installments of “Urusei Yatsura” and “Ranma ½” anime series, are using contemporary animation to reboot their original versions.

In the world of anime and manga, there’s been a trend of reviving some beloved classics from the 80s. For instance, “Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin” is a continuation of an old series, while “City Hunter” has returned as a live-action show. Even “Fist of the North Star” is set to be reborn by WB Japan. This got people speculating which series might get remade next. Whether it’s because they still hold a strong appeal or because their original versions could benefit from improvements, these iconic shōnen series seem ripe for a comeback.

7 Zatch Bell!

The Magic of Mamodo Could Spark Again

Old Shonen Anime That Need Remakes

2003 is more than two decades behind us, making Zatch Bell a classic of sorts. If you recall watching it on Toonami back in the day, perhaps a good stretch before diving in again would be beneficial. With its sequel, Konjiki no Gash 2, having been running for over 2 years and already 25+ chapters into its storyline, revisiting the original series could provide context on how Zatch’s magic operates.

Surely, they might choose to watch the initial series, but it has some issues. The main problem is that it was produced while the original manga was still being published. This meant the show’s pace had to be adjusted so as not to surpass the manga, leading to a somewhat abrupt conclusion. Now that the manga has finished, a remake could tell the story in its entirety without getting bogged down midway or leaving out significant storylines.

6 Samurai Deeper Kyo

Can a Second Run Save This Series?

Studio: Studio Deen.
Episodes: 26.
Streaming: None.

Whether they’re wacky like Gintama, serious like House of Five Leaves, or somehow both at the same time, like Samurai Champloo, there’s always room for a samurai anime. But while those series still hold up, the anime adaptation of Samurai Deeper Kyo doesn’t. Its choppy animation, slow pacing, and jumbled plot made it a rougher experience than just reading the manga.

The story of Kyoshiro, a medicine man with the spirit of Demon Eyes Kyo within him, teaming up with the bounty hunter Yuya to find her brother’s murderer had potential, but could have been more impactful with a stronger and more organized adaptation. Since Jujutsu Kaisen shares a similar premise, an improved adaptation might attract its audience, especially those who appreciate its feudal Japanese backdrop and samurai sword-fighting scenes.

5 Great Teacher Onizuka

How the Punk-Turned-Teacher Could Return

It seems there was indeed a remake of Great Teacher Onizuka before. However, GTO Revival isn’t exactly a remake but rather a continuation of the 1998 live-action TV drama that gained popularity in Japan. The story revolves around an ex-biker gang member turning to teaching with his unique methods. This concept was adapted into more live-action TV series and even a movie.

Although it boasts an extensive collection of 43 episodes, the popular series has been absent for far too long. A sequel, at the very least, is well past due. Its manga adaptations and continuations provide ample material to draw from in this regard. For instance, “Bad Company” and “GTO: The Early Years” delve into Onizuka’s past as a troublemaker, while “GTO: 14 Days in Shonan” explores what transpired during his disappearance, and “GTO: Paradise Lost” finds him managing prisoners instead of students.

4 Appleseed

The 4th Time Could be the Charm for This Cyberpunk Classic

Studio: Gainax.
Episodes: 1 (OVA).
Streaming: Amazon Prime, Peacock, Roku, Tubi, PlutoTV, Retro Crush, and Freevee.

In simpler terms, while many works by Shirow Masamune aren’t typically classified as “shonen” due to their mature themes, his work titled “Appleseed” is more suitable for this genre. It follows the characters Deunan and Briareos, a cyborg, who are ESWAT cops protecting the city of Olympus that’s supposedly utopian in nature. This story also falls under the category of cyberpunk media. However, it’s important to note that an anime adaptation of “Appleseed” hasn’t remained entirely true to the original work.

In contrast to the 1988 OVA “Appleseed” and the “Applesead 13” series, as well as the movies, each followed a separate path with the initial concept. Unlike its counterpart “Ghost in the Shell,” although its adaptations preserved the essence of the original manga and expanded upon it, the adaptations of “Appleseed” veered off track and received varying reviews at best. A fresh anime that remains truer to the source material could potentially improve its reception this time around.

3 Sakigake!! Otokojuku

The Manliest High School in Japan is Due for a Comeback

Studio: Toei Animation.
Episodes: 34.
Streaming: None.

Reviving Sakigake!! Otokojuku could be challenging, given that it’s somewhat similar to Cromartie High School but with a more serious tone. The narrative revolves around Momotaro and his fellow students in an all-boys school, battling under the strict rule of their principal, Heihachi Edajima. Initially, the manga was filled with comedic elements where intelligence and kindness triumphed over raw masculinity.

As it progressed, it grew increasingly straight-lined, transforming into a school-based spin-off of “Fist of the North Star“, where students engaged in martial arts competitions against adversaries. In its prime, it enjoyed great popularity, yet much like “Kinnikuman“, it never ventured beyond Japan. If rebooted, it would introduce fresh ground to international viewers who are more accustomed to its satirical adaptations.

2 Bio Booster Armor Guyver

When Biomech Armor Got Bloody

Studio: Studio Live, animate Film.
Episodes: 1 (OVA).
Streaming: None.

Dark Hero”, in which David ‘Solid Snake’ Hayter portrays the main character.

Instead of a direct remake, Guyver might gain more traction from a reboot. The initial story, which revolves around a high school student transforming into a biomechanical version of Kamen Rider, appears outdated with its one-dimensional characters and excessive gore. However, its impact is still evident in comic books, notably DC’s Blue Beetle. With a new perspective, it could regain popularity.

1 Ashita no Joe

The Original Boxing Anime

While Guyver, though once popular, may not withstand the test of time as effectively due to its age, Ashita no Joe remains captivating. The tale of Joe’s transformation from a vagabond to a boxer is as compelling as ever, echoing the narrative style of Rocky, decades before it was introduced. Despite multiple anime series and films in the 1970s and 1980s, the story seems to have been thoroughly explored, suggesting its enduring popularity.

Although it’s challenging to locate the original Ashita no Joe series online since it isn’t available on any streaming platform, its sequel series, Ashita No Joe 2, has a handful of episodes on Amazon Prime. The most similar alternative is Megalo Box, which offers a futuristic interpretation of Joe’s concept. Given the significance of Ashita no Joe as shōnen media, it deserves more recognition, either by remastering the original series or creating a new adaptation altogether.

2024-10-11 05:04