My Hero Academia creators stand firm amid debut series outcry

In the wake of fan backlash over the announcement of their upcoming anime series, The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies (MahoAku), Bones Studio's president, Masahiko Minami, has responded with a resolute defence of their creative choices.

The studio, renowned for its action-packed and visually stunning productions such as My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, has opted for a departure from the expected with MahoAku, a fantasy romance that promises to tug at heartstrings rather than deliver high-octane battles.

Embracing Diversity in AnimeSpeaking to Anime Corner, Minami articulated Bones' commitment to embracing variety within the anime medium. "In short: I treasure variety," Minami stated. "Of course, I feel that part of Bones’ strength is to put out action or fantasy or sci-fi, but the reason why I make anime, why I’m in the animation industry at all, is because of the expressiveness of the artform," he added.

Challenging ExpectationsThe announcement of MahoAku came as a surprise to many fans who had eagerly anticipated a new blockbuster action series from Bones. The studio had teased a secret project, fuelling speculation that it would follow in the footsteps of their previous successes. However, the unveiling of a fantasy romance led to widespread disappointment and criticism from segments of the fanbase.

Defending MahoAkuDespite the initial backlash, Minami remains steadfast in his support for MahoAku. He describes the series as ‘very cute’ and accessible to audiences of all genders and ages. "MahoAku is a very cute series that’s easy to watch and get into. I want people of any gender and age to watch this because, in the end, it’s not just cute. It really tugs at your heartstrings," he said.

Minami believes that MahoAku's appeal lies not only in its aesthetic charm but also in its ability to evoke genuine emotional resonance. He envisions the series as a comforting escape, even for a weary middle-aged businessman facing the stresses of daily life.

Empowering Female LeadershipMahoAku also marks a significant step for Bones in terms of female representation behind the scenes. Minami highlights the female-led team responsible for bringing the series to life, underscoring the studio's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in anime production. This approach was showcased in a recent documentary collaboration with Crunchyroll, offering insights into Bones' creative processes and values.

Looking AheadIn addition to MahoAku, Bones' upcoming slate includes the highly anticipated My Hero Academia Season 7 and SK8 the Infinity 2, directed by Hiroko Utsumi. The studio continues to push boundaries with diverse offerings that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences within the anime community.
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