The Good
When done right, anime reboots can capture the spirit of the original while improving upon outdated animation, pacing, and storytelling. One standout example is Hunter x Hunter (2011). The original series, which aired in 1999, was loved by many, but it was left unfinished and didn’t cover the entire manga. The 2011 reboot, however, fixed this by faithfully adapting more of the manga with vastly improved animation quality and tighter pacing, making it a huge success among both new fans and those who loved the original.
Another excellent example is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The 2003 version of Fullmetal Alchemist deviated from the manga's storyline due to the source material being unfinished at the time. In contrast, Brotherhood follows the manga more closely and delivers a more cohesive and satisfying conclusion. Its success demonstrates that reboots can indeed improve upon earlier adaptations, especially when staying true to the original vision of the story.
The Bad
Not all reboots manage to strike the right balance. Sometimes, the updated visuals can feel too polished, or the changes to the story can alienate longtime fans. An example of a less successful reboot is Berserk (2016). Fans of the original 1997 adaptation praised its gritty atmosphere, character development, and the emotional depth of its hand-drawn animation. However, the 2016 reboot relied heavily on CGI animation, which many fans found jarring and unnatural. The reboot's clunky animation style and lack of emotional resonance led to widespread disappointment.
Similarly, the Sailor Moon Crystal reboot received mixed reviews. While the series aimed to be a more faithful adaptation of the manga, many fans found the early seasons’ animation and character designs to be a step down from the 90s classic. The pacing also felt rushed compared to the original, making it hard for new viewers to connect with the characters and story.
The Unnecessary
Some anime reboots leave fans asking, "Why did they bother?" These are the reboots that offer little to no improvement over the original, or worse, feel like a cash grab rather than a genuine attempt to enhance the original work.
An unnecessary reboot in many fans' eyes is Dragon Ball Z: Kai. While it promised to cut out the filler and improve the pacing of the beloved Dragon Ball Z series, many felt it was unnecessary since the original still holds up relatively well. Additionally, the minor improvements didn’t justify rewatching a series that fans had already seen multiple times.
Another example is Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Rebuild films. While they are technically reboots rather than a straight-up remake, the new films alter so much of the original story that many fans argue they stray too far from what made the series iconic in the first place. For some, the original Evangelion series is untouchable, and the reboots feel more like an attempt to capitalize on its legacy than a necessary retelling of the story.
Conclusion
Anime reboots can be a double-edged sword. When done with care and respect for the source material, they can enhance the viewing experience and introduce a classic series to new audiences. However, not every reboot succeeds, and some leave fans longing for the original. Ultimately, whether a reboot is good, bad, or unnecessary often depends on the delicate balance between staying true to the original and offering something new and refreshing for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.