Sequels andspin-offs are a common occurrencein the anime industry, either to expand on the source material or to simply capitalize on a series' raging popularity. Most sequels are heavily marketed to draw in newer viewers and entice the franchise’s already loyal fanbase. However, a few have been swept under the radar, with fans unaware of the actual roots of these series.
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It’s rather uncommon for sequels or spin-offs to go undetected, with similar names being the obvious giveaway. Still, it’s quite plausible in the case of spin-offsbased on much older seriesor sequels with differing names, making these entries a surprising revelation. Moreover, some authors prefer to keep their manga as standalone series, despite being set in the same universe.
6Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
Only true fans of the franchise would know that the recently airedYashahime: Princess Half-Demonis actually a sequel to the famedInuyashaseries. The original hit shojo anime centered itself aroundthe adventures of Kagome, a girl teleported back in time from present-day Japan, and a half-human boy named Inuyasha.
The sequel focuses on the next generation, with the story following Moroha, Inuyasha and Kagome’s daughter, and her companions' adventures through the two differing timelines. With a distinct name, many fail to recognize this shonen series as a sequel to the original shojo action anime.
5Sailor Moon
Many remember the 90s' most popular shojo series as an original adaptation and the first of its kind. However, Naoko Takeuchi’s mangaCodename: Sailor Vpredates the firstSailor Moonmanga, technically making the latter a sequel of sorts.
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Fans of the franchise might not be aware of this fact due toSailor Vnever being adaptedinto an anime. An OVA for the manga was set to air sometime beforeSailor Moon’slaunch, though it never actually aired. While not a direct sequel, theSailor Moonseries is still a continued storyline, making it a sequel of sorts.
4Yu-Gi-Oh!
From novice watchers to anime veterans,Yu-Gi-Oh!is a household name that has defined the card game genre. Being a pioneer of battle-card anime, many assume that the series is the first adaptation of its franchise. However, the show is actually predated by a distinct adaptation of the manga that has now been dubbed by fans asYu-Gi-Oh! Season Zero.
Season Zerofollowed an entirely different narrative from what the franchise is known for today, delving into everything but the concept of card battles. Theadaptation eventually tanked, with producers devising a new rendition of the manga, one that became a legendary success.Season Zerowas swept under the rug, with the series eventually being lost to time.
3Paradise Kiss
Paradise Kissis a standalone anime adaptation based on Ai Yazawa’s manga of the same name. The series centers itself around Yukari, a typical high school girl who somehow ends up being scouted by a high-endfashion brand known as Paradise Kiss. While the author intended for the adaptation to be a standalone series, the anime is actually a sequel to another one of Yazawa’s works known asNeighborhood Stories.
Neighborhood Storiesfeatures some of the same characters asParadise Kiss, with the premise also revolving around a fashion brand. However, the focal characters of the two series differ and the plot tends to move in different directions, leading toParadise Kissbeing denoted as a standalone series instead of a sequel. Still, the timelines align and some of the same characters can be seen in both shows, technically making it a sequel.
2Higurashi When They Cry – GOU
The originalHigurashi When They Cryhas made a name for itself in the anime industry’s horror landscape. Brimming with twists and turns, the show was able to turn heads with its gut-wrenching plotlines andhorror-imbued thematics. In 2020, a remake of the anime adaptation was announced with the titleHigurashi When They Cry – New.
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By the second episode, viewers were taken by surprise by a rattling twist as the series' title was reframed toHigurashi When They Cry – GOU, revealing that the new adaptation is actually a sequel laden with time-travel twists. With the initial buzz of the new adaptation serving as a remake, many fans of the franchise were never acquainted with its true nature of being a murder mystery sequel.
1Great Teacher Onizuka
Most recall Onizuka as a teacher with a (somewhat) professional attitude, loved and adored by all for his charming antics. However,Great Teacher Onizuka’strue beginnings are actually set in juvenility and delinquency. The series is a sequel toShonan Junai Gumi, centered around the Oni-Baku duo compromising Eikichi Onizuka and Ryuji Danma.
Shonan Junai Gumi’snarrative is rather absurd as the two main characters are on a quest to lose their virginity. However, the very same absurdity depicts Onizuka’s growth from a deviant high schooler to a sophisticated teacher. Although, fans ofGreat Teacher Onizukamight have a hard time watchingtheir favorite teacherin such a crude character.
