There is little interest in the return of Panty and Stocking

Animation studio TRIGGER announced that it will revive the iconic series "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt" with a new project scheduled to premiere in 2025. Although the news generated excitement in part of the international fan community, the reception in Japan has been noticeably less positive, as can be seen in various discussion forums.

Comments on social networks and forums reveal a mixture of disinterest and criticism towards the timing and focus of the project:

Some users consider that the continuation comes too late. As one commentary notes, "When we wanted this sequel, they didn't make it, and now that years have passed, the franchise doesn't have the same impact anymore."
Others believe that Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt has a style more focused on foreign audiences than on Japanese audiences. "It's an anime with a Western cartoon aesthetic that never quite connected here," one user mentioned. Another replied, "I thought it was for foreigners, but it seems that they also tried to adapt it for Japan."
In addition, there are those who criticize narrative and stylistic aspects of the original series. "I thought it would be a stylized anime, but it ended up being vulgar humor that didn't catch me," commented one viewer. "The character design and music were great, but there was nothing interesting about the story," said another.

Despite these criticisms, there were also positive messages, although in a smaller proportion. Some fans celebrated the news as "the best announcement of the year" and were curious about how TRIGGER will approach the continuation of a story that left many loose ends at the time. "I remember the ending, which clearly hinted at a second season. I can't believe they actually will," one fan highlighted.

But why is there this disinterest in this franchise? We can analyze a few possible reasons:

The moment of announcement: The original series premiered in 2010 and was considered groundbreaking for its irreverent humor and visual style inspired by Western cartoons. However, 14 years have passed since then, and many feel that the franchise lost relevance in today's anime market. "These types of projects only work if they are done at the right time. Now, it just doesn't have power," one user claimed.
The target audience: Although Panty & Stocking generated a loyal fan base overseas, some Japanese consider its style and narrative to be more aligned with international tastes. This, coupled with its vulgar and sometimes controversial humor, has limited its appeal among certain sections of the Japanese public. "It's a play for pretentious otakus," criticized one viewer.
Problems with Gainax's legacy: The Gainax studio, responsible for the original anime, has faced numerous problems in recent years, which may have affected the perception of the franchise. Many remember how the original anime hinted at a sequel in its final episode, but the project never came to fruition due to internal problems at the studio. "It was part of the decline of Gainax; Now there is only nostalgia," another comment mentioned.
Criticism of the original series: Although it is fondly remembered by some, the series was also polarizing in its time. Comments on forums highlight that its grotesque humor, lighthearted plot and focus on sex were not to everyone's taste. "I was expecting something more stylized, but it turned out to be more pornographic than anything else," one user opined. Another recalled, "I can only think about the transformation scenes, the rest didn't mark me at all."

Despite these criticisms, TRIGGER has the opportunity to renew interest in "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt" with this new project. The studio, known for its creativity and unique style in productions such as "Kill la Kill" and "Promare," could revitalize the franchise by introducing elements that connect with modern audiences while preserving the irreverent charm of the original.

Source: Yaraon!