Explaining the Recent Decline in Quality of Blue Lock

Key Takeaways

Season 1 of Blue Lock set a high benchmark with its exceptional animation, intriguing story, and thrilling matches.
Season 2 has been criticized for a significant decline in animation quality due to production challenges at the studio.
To restore its reputation, Blue Lock must prioritize animation quality and improve working conditions within the industry.

Quick Links

The High Standards of Season One
- Less Tropes, Beautiful Animation, and Plenty of Action
What Went Wrong In Season 2?
- The Anime’s Greatest Strengths, Cast Aside
How Can Blue Lock Recover?
- There Is Little Hope For Blue Lock’s Future

Blue Lock emerged as a prominent title in the sports anime landscape, captivating audiences with its innovative approach and action-packed sequences in its first season. The series garnered accolades for its breathtaking visuals and higher stakes than many contemporary series, rivaling even Haikyuu!!!, a long-time favorite in the genre.

However, disappointment has set in among fans with the release of the second season, which has faced criticism for subpar animation quality and production issues. This article delves into the rise of Blue Lock, its current challenges, and potential paths for redemption.

The High Standards of Season One

Less Tropes, Beautiful Animation, and Plenty of Action

The debut season of Blue Lock launched with a significant impact upon its Fall 2022 premiere, alongside heavyweights like Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, and Mob Psycho III. It quickly became known for its vibrant, intricate animation, initially hailed as the best of that season.

One standout feature of Blue Lock was its break from conventional sports anime tropes. Unlike typical narratives driven by camaraderie, the matches in this series are won through the characters’ authentic skills and individual abilities. Instead of following a flawless hero arc, the protagonist is a budding striker grappling with his own identity on the field.

The action-packed sequences portrayed during matches contribute to the show’s unique appeal. The incorporation of dynamic camera angles and close-up shots creates an immersive viewing experience. Characters harness special abilities termed “weapons,”enabling them to engage in extraordinary feats akin to a shōnen series rather than a standard sports anime.

What Went Wrong In Season 2?

The Anime’s Greatest Strengths, Cast Aside

Unfortunately, a stark contrast in animation quality has characterized the second season. What was once fluid and vibrant has suffered as the animation has become stiffer and repetitive. This decline has resulted in less engaging match scenes, undermining one of the core attractions of sports anime.

The studio responsible for Blue Lock, Eight Bit, known for successful titles like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and Yuru Camp, appears to be under pressure. Reports of significant production difficulties surfaced, likely contributing to this decline. The animation studio faced allegations of being understaffed and overworked, a common issue within the anime industry.

Current conditions suggest a grim outlook for the season’s animation quality, as the trajectory indicates little prospect for improvement. Even though Blue Lock is on a path to defeat the U-20 National Team, achieving the visual spectacle that impressed fans in its inaugural season seems increasingly improbable.

Moreover, the Japanese animation industry lacks sufficient protections for animators, typically working as freelancers. This environment fosters a culture of overwork and limited respect for staff, adversely affecting output quality.

How Can Blue Lock Recover?

There Is Little Hope For Blue Lock’s Future

To pave the way for recovery, Blue Lock must strive to restore the animation quality that captivated audiences in its first season. Such an endeavor, however, seems unattainable. The existing work culture within studios like Eight Bit, which reportedly lacks adequate safeguards, suggests that achieving consistent high-quality animation before the current season concludes is unlikely.

Despite animation setbacks, the intricacies of the plot remain compelling, enriched with plot twists and character developments that maintain viewer engagement. The writing has consistently upheld quality, ensuring that even with diminished aesthetic appeal, the narrative foundation remains solid.

The best course of action for now is to conclude the current season while possibly expanding the animation team or allotting more time for the current animators to enhance this crucial aspect. Although unions are absent in the anime sector, organizations such as the Nippon Anime & Film Culture Association (NAFCA) and the Japanese Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) are striving to reform working conditions. Rather than attributing blame for a drop in quality, fans should focus their efforts on promoting awareness and support for those working towards improvements in Japan’s animation industry.

Blue Lock, Season Two is presently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Source & Images