Here's The Anime Spinoffs Which Outdo Their Predecessors
When it comes to anime, studios are not afraid to milk a franchise for everything it’s worth. [...]
When it comes to anime, studios are not afraid to milk a franchise for everything it's worth. From Dragon Ball to Sailor Moon, some of the biggest anime titles around have been commodified with varying success - but no method works quite as well as a spinoff. While some fans may think studios okay spinoffs in a bid for cash, there are plenty of a aside series out there which add quality stories to an existing canon.
Sure, some spinoffs have gone terribly wrong in the past; There is a reason why fans tend to not speak about Dragon Ball GT. However, there are others spinoffs which give fans a brand-new look at an old series. The fresh take can sometimes be enough to revive a failing series, and a really good spinoff can even make fans fall in love with a franchise they've long grown out of.
Here at ComicBook, we are gearing up a list of anime's best spinoffs to date. If you are looking for rom-com fun or dramatic action, then you will find something which suits you below. For many of these shows, no prior knowledge is needed about the title's parent series, so get ready to binge at your own discretion!
Pokemon: Origins
Who can forget Pokemon? The franchise made its debut back in the 1990s, but the world has yet to give up on all its adorable Pocket Monsters. Back in 2013, Pokemon chose to give fans a special treat when it rolled out a new spinoff miniseries called Pokemon Origins. The story follows a boy named Red, a trainer from Pallet Town who predates Ash Ketchum. The boy wants to become a Pokemon Master and take down his childhood friend Green. The gorgeous series gives a narrative to the original Pokemon Red and Blue game, and fans were all too eager to watch a new trailer put his life on the line to become a Pokemon legend.
Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya
Created in 2007, Fate/Kaleid was written out as an alternate universe take on the Fate/Stay Night visual novel. The new story features Illyasviel von Einzbern as its protagonist, and the little girl undergoes a huge transformation when she is granted magical girl gifts. The powers are given to Illya by Kaleidostikck Ruby, a magical device which has grown tired of its original overbearing master. However, Ruby's original sorceress is tasked with overseeing Illya as the duo go on a journey to collect seven cards containing heroic spirits from time past. Along the way, the two girls begin to reconcile their differences along the way - but all is not well. When Illya's life is threatened by a mysterious girl name Kuro throws the duo off their stride as the show progresses.
A Certain Scientific Railgun
If you are a fan of A Certain Magical Index, then you need to check out its spinoff ASAP. In 2009, A Certain Magical Railgun was released, and the series shifts focus from Toma Kamijo to Mikoto Misaka. The action-packed spinoff follows the girl as the esper gets involved with the story threaded throughout A Certain Magical Index. Known for his electromaster abilities, Mikoto shows off her power at Level 5-ranked esper as she engages in various battles with friends Ruiko Sten, Kazari Uiharu, and Kuroko Shirai.
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
Acting as a bridge between Full Metal Panic! and Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid, Fumoffu gives fans a slice-of-life look at two leads. Sousuke Sagara and Kaname Chidori are the main couple in Fumoffu, but there is little drama in sight. Instead of focusing on military action, this spinoff delves into the slice-of-life living the two characters encounter daily as they live together. In the FMP! anime, Sousuke is tasked with monitoring Kaname since the girl houses secret knowledge about new tech which she cannot access at will. Fumoffu focuses on the awkward moments the pair run into as they live in close quarters, and its rom-com undertones are enough to make any fan swoon.
