Brand New Animal, shortly known as BNA, is an action and fantasy anime series that was first published in 2020. The original anime series, directed by Yoh Yoshinari, comes from Kazuki Nakashima’s pen. The script, specially prepared for the anime, was later turned into a manga and a light novel. The anime, created by the Japanese animation studio Studio Trigger, has a strong fan base waiting for a second season. We also know the studio from the beloved anime series Little Witch Academia. The series, licensed and broadcast by Netflix, met with the audience on April 8, 2020, with the all episodes simultaneously. Fans wonder about the series’ season 2 renewal status, whether it will be a second season, and other details.
What is the plotline of the anime: BNA?
The story takes place in the 21st century. It is based on a period in which anthropomorphic (such as human) animals that have never been seen in the world before, called Beastmen, came to light. Michiru Kagemori, an ordinary high school student, suddenly turns into a tanuki Beastman one day. A high school student in trouble with monster hunters travels to the city of Anima.
The city of Anima is a place where creatures like themselves can live in peace. Michiru, who meets the wolf Beastman named Shirou Ogami, wants to uncover this transformation’s secret. The two young people begin to investigate the mystery behind this sudden event and even the deep secrets that lie behind the city’s origin.
Will there be a second season of BNA?
As of July 23, 2022, Netflix, Studio Trigger or any related company with the anime has not yet renewed the series for a second season. However, there is no cancellation yet. It was one of the most successful series of 2020 on Netflix. Expectations are still that there will be a second season. Expectations are that the anime may still have a new season.
It is not known if the studio is currently working on a sequel. There is no information they have published on this subject yet. Although some people liked the series quite a lot, everything is moving on revenue. However, the story can be expanded as it has a script that is not adapted from a manga. In this regard, it is important how much Netflix and producers benefit from the series. Although there is no official statement about the new season, it is possible to speculate about it.
Disc Sales and Popularity of BNA
As a source of income, disc sales are important for anime. Although not as important as it used to be with the rise of exclusive distributors and online streaming platforms in recent years, it is still good data to see the popularity in Japan and to compare with the other anime that went on disc sales in the same period.
Generally, the anime is expected to sell an average of 4,000 copies to get a new season confirmation. However, BNA’s disc sales were well below this target. BNA, which sold 436 discs on average of the volumes, ranked 80th among 109 anime that went on sale in 2020. Although it has gained global popularity on Netflix, disc sales show that anime is highly underrated in Japan. The fact that only 35k people follow the anime’s Twitter page in Japan also confirms the result we have derived from disc sales. On the other hand, the anime ranked 614th on Myanimelist based on popularity and this ranking seems risky when evaluated together with the disc sales.
However, unlike the situation in Japan, there is a good worldwide popularity thanks to Netflix. BNA is one of the best anime on Netflix and has an above-average Google search volume.
Although the anime studio, Trigger, is not a studio that has a high capacity, its most valuable productions are BNA and Little Witch Academia. Therefore, we think the studio will be eager for a new season.
[letsreview]
Since BNA anime is not a manga adaptation, source material availability will not be a problem for a new season. In this case, popularity is the most critical metric to see a new season. The fact that there has not been a cancellation announcement from Netflix so far keeps the chances of seeing the series’s second season. Considering that it takes one year to prepare an average anime series, we think we can see a possible second season of BNA of the series around 2023 – 2024.
Characters of possible season 2 of BNA
Michiru Kagemori: She was a high school student before he turned into a monster. Michiru is affectionate, brave, and energetic. She has a humanist personality. She tries to protect people by compromising himself. She reacts to unjust violence.
Shirou Ogami: A wolf is the Beastman. Shirou, who does not like people, fights against people by the Beastmans. With a rebellious nature, Shirou is a wolf monster that appeared about a thousand years ago in the city of monsters called Nirvasyl.
Nazuna Hiwatashi: Michiru is Kagemori’s best friend. She used to be a high school student. She likes to hang out and listen to music with Michiru. One of their favorite songs is Night Running.
Alan Sylvasta: Former CEO of Sylvasta Pharmaceuticals. Alan’s managerial personality, which has a calm structure, is at the forefront. Alan’s words also carry a lot of weight among his employees.
Marie Itami: She is a Mink Beastman. Attached to her society and traditions, Marie has an insidious and self-interested personality. She does not do unrequited favors. She always receives rewards for her good deeds.
Barbara Rose: She is the mayor and founder of Anima City. Barbara, a mole rat Beastman, has a gentle nature that she hides under her smart and serious appearance.
Kuro: Kuro is Shirou Ogami’s pet. It is a crow.
Giuliano Flip: He is a Beluga Monster. He has a brutal judge personality. His attitude can make his friends nervous.