The manga Psyren had to endure an abrupt cancellation after three years of publication, leaving a significant mark on the hearts of its dedicated fans and the broader manga community, particularly in the West. Even 15 years after its discontinuation, Psyren remains an underground “hit,” frequently appearing in the top lists of manga that fans wish to see adapted into anime during official discussions.
It can be said that Psyren is one of the most underrated gems that have been published in Weekly Shōnen Jump, and in the end, it may finally receive the recognition it deserves.
In a preview for the upcoming issue of Total Licensing, the Japanese licensing company Remow revealed its collaboration with Shueisha to develop an anime based on a beloved manga that has been completed for over 15 years.
This announcement aligns perfectly with Psyren, leading many to believe that this is indeed confirmation of an anime adaptation for the series. Although there has not been any official announcement yet, if Psyren is indeed adapted, it would undoubtedly be exciting news for fans eagerly waiting.
Why do Shōnen Jump fans consider Psyren a “classic” despite its low ratings?
For anyone who followed Psyren when it was still running in Shōnen Jump, the potential for the series to be adapted into anime was highly anticipated. Not only does it have an incredibly intriguing plot with a plethora of creative characters and settings, but Psyren also builds a unique narrative world, consistently evoking a natural and enticing atmosphere.
In addition to its story, the manga introduces a remarkably strong and unique power system that is thoroughly explored throughout the series. One could argue that the emotional stakes of Psyren resonate deeply with elements from other “hits” in Shōnen Jump.
Today, the fanbase of Psyren has grown alongside titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, which have leveraged the genre in meaningful ways. In summary, Psyren would have achieved greater success if it had been released several years later, and hopefully, the current anime environment will allow this adaptation to flourish.
Will the anime adaptation of Psyren need to “rework” the story to be successful?
Psyren possesses numerous strong points, but it cannot escape the harsh reality that its narrative was abruptly cut short, and the reasons for this are quite understandable. Its release coincided with established “giants” like Bleach, which did not help Psyren carve out its unique identity.
Moreover, the introduction of female characters in the story did not allow for significant character development, especially when the world of Psyren began to experience drastic changes. The manga had struggled to find a balance to avoid being abruptly canceled, regardless of the direction it took. Overall, Psyren is a series that could have thrived under different circumstances, yet it still faced many challenges that led to its untimely end.
Given these factors, the anime adaptation of Psyren should not merely aim to be a direct translation of the manga. The original manga, from a certain perspective, is a failure in terms of mainstream appeal, and adapting it faithfully could even lead to a more disappointing anime.
Therefore, if Psyren does indeed get an anime, the production team should strive to enhance the most crucial aspects of the manga to create a more engaging and cohesive narrative.
Source: Screenrant
