The Bakemonogatari Delay: By the Numbers
It’s hard to believe, but over 320 days since the first episode of Bakemonogatari aired on July 3, 2009, the show is still not complete. It has been almost 3 months since the latest episode was released. It was easily the most popular show of 2009, dominating the chatter in anime fandom both in Japan and out. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at this incredible – unprecedented? – delay from a couple different perspectives.
Wait Between Episodes:
Usually, series will be aired on a set schedule weekly, leading to a predictable wait from episode to episode. Some will have recap episodes or skip a week for special occasions, leading to a 2 week wait. Bakemonogatari followed this for its 12 on-air episodes, but its online releases has failed to do so. Its BD/DVD releases have failed to follow schedule as well, as Volume 4: Nadeko Snake was delayed by a month, from December 23 to January 27. Note (5/25/2010): This chart was updated to reflect the news from 5/21/2010 – 1 day after I made this post – that the final volume was delayed to July 28.
What’s Happened Since the Last Episode:
The last episode of Bakemonogatari to be released was 14, titled Tsubasa Cat: Part 4. It was streamed on Shaft’s website on February 23, 2010. Here’s a look at what the main cast and its director, Akiyuki Shinbo, have done since then.
Money Left on the Table:
For a time in 2009, Bakemonogatari dominated the mindshare of anime fans in the East and West alike. The sales of its BD and DVD releases in 2009 are proof enough. But it’s difficult to keep a franchise relevant when there is literally nothing new happening in it. You gotta wonder, with new shows coming out and gaining popularity, how much in potential revenue are Shaft and its sponsors losing out on due to this interminable delay?
Data was collected from Anime News Network and Tokyo Toshokan. Images are from official art released by Shaft or screens from episodes themselves.
Of course, my research could have some holes in it; I had to rely heavily on 2nd hand sources because I do not understand Japanese. If you see any errors or omissions, please let me know in the comments.
