The first season of Edens Zero on Netflix was a huge success, but since the death of director Yuji Suzuki, can production continue? This science-fiction fantasy anime follows the adventures of Shiki Granbell and Rebecca Bluegarden as they journey through the universe aboard the Edens Zero in search of the magnificent Mother. Shiki had previously spent the entirety of his life surrounded by robots on the planet Granbell, raised by the Demon King and taught to respect and love humans and androids alike.
His naivety causes some troubles for B-Cuber, Rebecca, Happy, and the gang, but with his enthusiasm and bubbly personality, Shiki can't help but make friends along the way. Joined by the formidable forces of the Shining Stars and the wily ways of Professor Weisz, the adventurers team up in pursuit of Mother, supporting Shiki as he aims to make 100 new companions in the process.
The Death of Yuji Suzuki
Written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima, the sci-fi anime Edens Zero would not be the same without the contributions of the respected director, Yuji Suzuki. Sadly, Suzuki passed away on September 9, 2021, but the news was only officially made public on the Edens Zero website a month later - presumably to give friends and family time to grieve and recover from the shock. His death became public knowledge on October 3, the same day that the final episode of season 1 aired on Nippon TV in Japan. The cause of Suzuki's death is yet to be disclosed, and no prior illnesses or afflictions were reported before his untimely passing in a Tokyo hospital.
As the director of Edens Zero, Suzuki was responsible for constructing and overseeing the storyboards and even had a hand in several final animations himself. One of his most memorable artistic contributions was in Fairy Tale, earning him the title of 'Mr. Suzuki of Atlas Flame,' for which he was still being commended up until his death.
"I was in charge of the 'Atlas Flame' dragon, which is a whole-body flame that appears in the work, and the movement of the flame that is not in the setting. I added it myself, but it seems to be memorable."
Suzuki also played a crucial role in popular anime such as Heybot!, Yu Gi Oh! Sevens, and Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy to name but a few.
Will Edens Zero be Canceled?
Suzuki made significant contributions to the Edens Zero anime, and the series will probably not be the same without his artistic direction. However, only the first 68 chapters have been adapted for anime, with a total of 16 volumes of Manga to work through with tonnes of content in need of exploration - so the possibility of future seasons cannot be taken off the table. Netflix has yet to confirm the renewal or release date of season 2, however, the Edens Zero official Twitter feed declared that “Shiki’s adventures will continue.”
On February 8, J.C.Staff confirmed viewers' assumptions by announcing that the next installment of the popular sci-fi fantasy anime is in production, the release date of which is still to be declared. The new director for the second season has not yet been officially disclosed, but fans are confident that Hiro Mashima chose the ideal candidate.
What to expect from Season 2
Considering the gargantuan cliffhanger that episode 25 ends off with, there would undoubtedly be an uprising if season 2 does not come to fruition. The death of Valkyrie was a severe blow for most fans, but the anticipation of witnessing Homura officially join the Shining Stars is enough to make up for Sensei's heartbreaking and tragic death (almost). The ever enticing Xiaomei titillated viewers' appetites for more, hinting at the impending battle with Drakken Joe, and the revelation of the true identity of the suspicious Captain Conner - and viewers should take her word for it, considering she can predict the future.
Fans doubt that the despicable Kurenai Kōgetsu survived her ambush in the forest, but until there is a corpse, one cannot be sure that her villainous character won't pop up in future episodes. Manga readers warn that the storyline detours into awfully dark and foreboding places, and the content will not be as silly and humorous as in season 1.