Delays are an increasingly uncommon occurrence in the world of anime, but something really has to be wrong for a show to get straight up canceled before release.
Based on a manga by doujin circle CLAMP, Tokyo Babylon 2021 was set to be a more faithful adaptation of the story compared to the 1992 OVA series and 1993 live action movie. Production studio GoHands first found themselves in hot water last November after it was discovered that two character designs were directly lifted from existing designs without credit or permission. Key artwork of protagonist Subaru in his onmyoji robes was strikingly similar to a 2017 outfit by dollmaker Volks, meanwhile his sister Hokuto was drawn almost identical to a promotional image of Yeri from Kpop group Red Velvet.
At the time, the anime was delayed indefinitely from its initial release date of April 2021. But the anime's official website was updated on March 29 with news that GoHands was apparently engaging in even more intellectual theft behind the scenes, causing the production committee's trust in them to diminish and the project ultimately getting canned.
“After the recent discovery of incidents of plagiarism by the animation production company, the Tokyo Babylon 2021 production committee comprehensively reevaluated the project. As a result, we were disappointed to discover other instances of plagiarism beyond the two character costumes that had been initially pointed out.
We deeply apologize for this oversight.
Following repeated discussions, the production committee no longer has trust in the current production company and does not believe production can continue, so we will be halting production of the Tokyo Babylon 2021 project.”
Fans of the series who are disappointed with the news needn't despair too much as it also confirmed that a newTokyo Babylon anime will start production from scratch at another, more trustworthy studio.
“We wish to offer our deepest apologies to Clamp, everyone who loved the original Tokyo Babylon, who had been looking forward to Tokyo Babylon 2021, who had been rooting for its success, the voice cast that was scheduled to be involved, and all other partners who were contributing to the project.
The production company will make sincere efforts to deliver a newly produced version of Clamp’s wonderful work Tokyo Babylon as soon as possible, and we ask for your continued support.”
Previously known for their work on K, W'z and Mardock Scramble, GoHands were never a household name as far as anime studios go. But their reputation is sure to take a hit after this and it'll be difficult for them to get work if they're known as a bunch of unoriginal hack frauds.
What do you guys think of this? Were you looking forward to Tokyo Babylon 2021? Which studio would you choose to produce the next Tokyo Babylon anime? Let us know below!
