Dorohedoro managed to put itself back on the anime map following the premiere of the second season, which fans thought was dead in the water. The first season premiered in 2020, with all 12 episodes released on Netflix in a single batch. Splashed across the front page of the streaming site was the trailer introducing the oddly endearing cast of characters while building to an action sequence. Dorohedoro season one was a gem to the viewers who saw it, but it felt like this creative show was going unrecognized. Recently, MAPPA polished it, and suddenly, the future for our cast of characters in the hole got a lot brighter. Season 3 has been confirmed!
A dilapidated city covered in magic smog whose inhabitants are made to feel like test subjects. A gritty anime with a charming feel. Even in their bleak situation, the protagonists of Dorohedoro are vibrant and full of hope. Laughing and enjoying the life they managed to make for themselves. A cozy, heartwarming scene in Nikaido’s restaurant is followed up with gore fingers being severed and sent flying across the screen in the next scene. Emotional story beats intertwine the characters as much as the carnage does. It’s the perfect balance that not only affects the heroes, but the antagonists as well. I’d argue that Caiman isn’t the most popular character of his own show. I think most viewers are interested in seeing Noi and Shin, which usually involves a well-choreographed fight scene. Good, bad, or morally gray Q Hayashida gave all of her characters’ flaws to unravel. She also wrote a tale depicting magic as inherently evil, a gift from devils. I feel like this is a reference to how magic used to be seen in the Middle Ages. A work of the devil. I think it’s a cool concept, and Dorohedoro was a binge-worthy show that was weirdly met with crickets.
Dorohedoro Ma no Omake is an OVA with six stories showcasing what all the characters get up to in their free time. It didn’t tie in to the main story, instead feeling like fun extra character studies. A break from the chaos of the series, while also a refreshing palate cleanser before the announcement of the second season. The ending of the first season made it feel like surely a second would be right around the corner. Fans gushed about the pacing, art style, and excitement it left them with after watching each episode. Fans waited and waited, and nothing. A second season was never announced, and it seemed like Dorohedoro was going to be a one-hit anime wonder. A lot of potential lost, unless anime viewers pick up the manga. Suddenly, in 2024, MAPAP announced Dorohedoro season 2.
I was concerned that Dorohedoro didn’t have the fanbase it once did, but I was wrong as the internet erupted with the news. A whole fandom rose from the ashes at once. Not even a delay in the release could stop the excitement. The trailer was promoted on both Netflix and Crunchyroll’s social media. I’ve seen an explosion in fan art, and I’m hoping this means more merch in artists’ alleys at future conventions. Cosplay would be cool to see too! Make sure you check out Q Hayashida’s original work as well. Her art is stunning, bringing monsters to life on the page. Her work has masks and clothing elements inspired by Gothic alternative fashion. The clothing is intricate with tiny details that never get muddled or lost. She’s great at anatomy drawing human organs outside of the body.
At this point, I’m hoping the whole manga series is adapted into an anime, and with the official announcement of season 3, we’re closer to that possibility. No time was wasted as season 3 was confirmed right after the premiere of the season 2 finale. As of now, there is no more information about this future release. What lies beyond season 2 as the magic smoke gets thicker? What answers will Caiman find in season 3? I wonder if there will be any OVA released this time. Who was your favorite character of season 2?
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