Gleipnir, a popular manga series published by the renowned Kodansha since 2015, piqued the interest of its fans when the anime adaptation was officially announced on March 6, 2019. The highly anticipated Gleipnir anime debuted on April 5, 2020, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, horror, and supernatural elements. Created by Pine Jam, the studio behind other well-known anime such as “Gamers!” and “Just Because!,” the anime quickly gained a following. It originally aired on Tokyo MX, a popular channel for anime in Japan, and was later made available for international audiences with subtitles and dubbing on the Funimation platform. Following the success of the first season, fans eagerly awaited news of a potential second season. The anime’s first season aired from April 5 to June 28, 2020, but over 4 years have passed with no official announcement regarding a continuation. This raises the question: will there be a second season of Gleipnir?
What is the Plotline of Gleipnir?
The plot of Gleipnir follows the story of Kagaya Shuuichi, a talented and academically gifted high school student living in a quiet, uneventful town. His seemingly ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when he witnesses a mysterious fire. During this event, Shuuichi discovers an extraordinary secret: he possesses the ability to transform into a monstrous, furry dog-like creature armed with a large pistol and a zipper on his back. This transformation grants him enhanced strength, a heightened sense of smell, and sharp claws.
In his new form, Shuuichi manages to save his classmate, Claire Aoki, from the fire. However, Claire, whom Shuuichi initially believes to be unconscious, is fully aware of the situation and begins to blackmail him, threatening to expose his secret. Claire is no stranger to these “monsters,” as her own sister, a similar creature, killed their parents six months earlier. Now, Claire is on a relentless quest to find her sister, and she plans to use Shuuichi as a tool to track down these dangerous beings.
Despite Claire’s sadistic nature and lack of empathy, Shuuichi, overwhelmed by fear and curiosity, reluctantly agrees to help her. As he struggles to come to terms with his newfound powers, Shuuichi’s life is turned upside down. While Claire is driven by a singular goal to find her sister, Shuuichi is left grappling with the question of why he has become a monster—an answer he never sought.
Will there be a second season of Gleipnir?
As of December 25, 2024, the manga publisher Kodansha and the anime studio Pine Jam have yet to announce the renewal of the anime for a second season. Although Pine Jam has recently worked on other notable projects, such as the manga adaptation of “‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess” no second season for Gleipnir has been confirmed. With nine anime productions under its belt, Pine Jam considers Gleipnir one of their more valuable franchises, second only to its hit anime “Gamers!.”
The approval for a new season of an anime depends on various factors, with two key considerations being the anime’s popularity and the availability of manga source material. The Gleipnir manga, written and illustrated by Sun Takeda, has been completed with the final volume released on July 20, 2023. As of now, there are 14 volumes, including 88 chapters. In the anime’s first season, 36 chapters were adapted, meaning there is plenty of source material left for a second season.
Another significant factor in the decision to renew the anime is its popularity. On MyAnimeList, Gleipnir is ranked 461st in terms of popularity, which can be considered above average for a niche series. On social media, the anime has around 13k followers on X. However, it’s important to note that many anime that receive new season approvals often have over 100k followers. Moreover, the official X account for the series has not posted updates in over four years, leading to a decline in followers in years. Despite this, Gleipnir still enjoys search interest on Google, indicating a solid global fanbase, particularly outside Japan.
Gleipnir Season 2 Release Date
Gleipnir has not yet been renewed for a second season. Based on our evaluation, the likelihood of a renewal is currently under 20%. The primary reasons for this evaluation are the anime’s limited popularity in Japan and the lack of major distributors involved in its international distribution. Additionally, considering that only a few anime series are granted a new season, it’s understandable that the chances are slim at the moment. However, the anime industry is unpredictable, and surprises do happen. If Gleipnir does get renewed, it’s unlikely to arrive before 2026, taking into account the typical production timeline for a new season. Fans should keep an eye on official announcements, as the situation could change unexpectedly. If you’re curious about what’s next in the story, we recommend you start reading the manga series from chapter 36.
What Can Happen in Gleipnir Season 2?
The first season left fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. After Aoki and Shuuichi’s conflict with Elena, the mysteries surrounding their past deepened. Looking at the ongoing manga, Season 2 promises a thrilling continuation where Shuuichi, Aoki, and Sanbe set off on a journey to the crash site of a mysterious spaceship. This location holds the key to the confusion surrounding their abilities and might unveil shocking truths about their pasts.
The journey will not be easy, as the trio will face numerous challenges, including fierce opponents and obstacles from other players. Their primary objective is to collect 100 coins and finish the deadly game, but things take a dark turn when they encounter Kaito, a figure with the terrifying ability to resurrect the dead. This encounter leads to battles against an army of the undead, a force too powerful to ignore.
Throughout their trials, the complex and sometimes strained relationship between Aoki and Shuuichi will be tested, pushing their bond to its limits. As the stakes grow higher, the trio must navigate both external threats and their internal struggles, making for an action-packed and emotional continuation of their journey.