MAPPA is not just a name but a huge brand when it comes to top-notch animation. From Jujutsu Kaisen to Chainsaw Man, the studio has produced some of the popular anime. It is also one of the top animation giants among Ufotable and Toei. Amidst the popularity, however, there’s a pressing issue within the animation industry itself.
The release of Blue Lock’s Season 2 has fans divided because of the animation quality. Most viewers took to the internet to express their rage and disappointment. On the other hand, some viewers also speculated about the working conditions within the animation spaces. This, conversely, affects several animation studios including MAPPA.
Blue Lock takes a nosedive with its second season’s animation
Blue Lock is one of the most popular and celebrated anime in the sports genre. It is based on the manga written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura. The series has received several accolades in the sports anime genre. Unlike most sports anime, the series subverts several tropes including team play. The individuality coupled with realism is what sets it apart in most aspects.
What makes it different is the premise of the series. Be it controversies or competition, the anime brings out the harsh reality of the soccer world. More often than not, it is pitted against Haikyuu. While both are sports anime, they are poles apart in their depiction of gameplay. Despite its feat as a popular series, it failed to maintain consistency as most fans noted.
An Instagram user, @taylor.anime.reviews pointed out the significant drop in the series’ animation quality. Several users critiqued the animation while others speculated the reasons behind it.
While several users deemed Season 2 as having a ‘PowerPoint’ animation. Others, however, highlighted a major concern in the industry. Amidst the growing competition, overworking and underpayment have come to light. While brutal working conditions plague mangakas, animators aren’t exempt from this, especially MAPPA.
MAPPA is treading on thin ice with its shaky ethics
It is no surprise that MAPPA is one of the leading animation studios when it comes to anime. From Attack on Titan to Chainsaw Man, the studio has produced some impeccable works. It received its breakthrough with Jujutsu Kaisen’s success. The anime bagged several awards for its top-notch animation and visuals. There is a caveat to that especially with its work ethic.
Apart from bagging accolades, the studio is among the rising and promising animation giants including Ufotable and Toei. This, however, doesn’t negate the studio’s brutal treatment of its workers. This holds especially true for Vincent Chansard who left the studio after witnessing the brutal working conditions. Chansard is also one of the finest animators in the industry.
From Garp’s Galaxy Impact to Shanks’ Kamusari, he has animated some of the iconic scenes in One Piece. Despite the animator’s plea, the studio has overlooked its harsh and unethical working conditions. Safe to say, its competitors prove to be rather mindful when it comes to work ethic and humane spaces.
All in all, animation quality is subject to controversies nonetheless. The anime space is ridden with criticism. This holds especially true with the sheer amount of work pressure. While fans’ criticism seems fair, it is essential to acknowledge the working conditions of the animators. Regardless of its popularity animation studios need to create healthy working spaces.
Blue Lock is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
