Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (also known as Koutetsujou no Kabaneri) is a unique original dark fantasy anime series that stands out for not being based on a manga. Created by Wit Studio, it debuted on Fuji TV on April 8, 2016. Directed by Tetsuro Araki, known for his work on Attack on Titan, the series attracted immediate attention due to its intense world-building and thrilling storyline. The anime follows the fight of survivors against zombie-like creatures called Kabanes during an industrial revolution in alternate Japan. Despite the anime’s popularity, there has not been a second season, which has led fans to wonder about the future of the series. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the plot, the film continuation, and the possibility of a second season.
What is the Plot of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress?
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress takes place during an alternate version of Japan’s Industrial Revolution, where a virus has turned people into bloodthirsty creatures called Kabanes. These Kabanes are more dangerous than traditional zombies, as they are faster and more agile, with hearts encased in iron that make them hard to kill. Survivors live in fortified cities, traveling between them via armored trains for protection.
The main protagonist, Ikoma, is a young man who works as a train mechanic at Aragane Station. Driven by a past regret, he designs a weapon to fight the Kabanes instead of hiding from them. Alongside Mumei, another fighter, Ikoma embarks on a perilous journey aboard the armored train Koutetsujou. Their destination is Kongokaku, but the path is fraught with dangers, from food shortages to the constant threat of the Kabanes.
This intense setting, combined with a blend of action, horror, and character-driven drama, makes Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress a standout anime in its genre.
What About the Manga of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress?
Unlike many anime adaptations, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress does not have manga as source material. The series was created specifically for animation, with the story written by Ichiro Okouchi. As such, there is no manga series to continue or expand upon the story beyond what’s been shown in the anime and the films. While the anime’s first season had a conclusive ending, it left several plot points open, particularly regarding the fate of the characters. This has led many fans to wonder whether the story will continue in a second season or another form.
Will There Be a Second Season of the Anime?
As of November 29, 2024, a second season of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has yet to be confirmed. However, the anime’s continuation is not entirely out of the question. In 2019, an 81-minute, 3-episode film titled Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato was released on Netflix, partially continuing the story. Although the film didn’t have the same level of popularity as the original anime series, it does provide some closure, though it’s clear that the full story has not been completed.
A New Anime Season in the Future?
For any anime to receive a new season, it must have strong fan support and financial backing. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has done well in this regard. The first season of the anime achieved solid disc sales, with an average of 6,100 copies sold per volume. Additionally, the Battle of Unato film was released in 2019, which garnered some box office revenue, estimated to be around 70 million to 100 million yen.
On social media, the series maintains a healthy following, with over 76.3k followers on its official X page, indicating ongoing interest in the anime. However, while this number is respectable, it’s not enough to guarantee a second season on its own. Still, the anime’s active mobile game and continued presence on social platforms suggest there is still potential for new content.
While eight years have passed since the first season, and no announcement has been made about a new season, there are examples of other anime that have been revived years after their initial run. Thus, it remains possible that Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress could return in the future.
If a second season is greenlit, it would likely take around one year to produce, meaning fans could expect it around 2026 at the earliest. While the probability of a new season is estimated to be around 30%, there is still hope that the franchise’s popularity will lead to a return to the small screen.
