Spice and Wolf
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an anime that appeals to just about every fanbase in the medium more so than Spice and Wolf. The show is all about the peculiar relationship between a traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, and a 600-year-old wolf-deity, Holo.
Throughout the two 12-episode seasons, the bond between Kraft and Holo grows immensely. The romance between the two blossoms, as they explore their world’s fantastical landscape, going on fun adventures together and meeting new people in the process.
Kraft and Holo’s chemistry improves along with each adventure, as they share some of the most genuine, relatable, and hilarious banter ever written in anime. Alas, there can only be so much of a good thing.
Spice and Wolf’s last OVA aired in 2009. That means it has been almost a decade since fans were left with a massive cliffhanger, holding out hope that the third iteration of the anime is just around the corner.
Claymore
There is nothing more frustrating than getting to see a fantastic manga get the adaptation it deserves, only for it to be abandoned after just one season.
That is exactly what happened to Claymore.
Claymore takes place in a world where humanity must survive against humanoid shape-shifters, known as the Yoma. To combat the human-hunters, a group known as The Organization creates human-Yoma hybrids, Claymores, exploiting their genes and talents for profit.
Alongside the fact that Claymores can only be women, the anime features a lot of exciting premises that lend to its story and setting. An example of this is the ranking system, which places each character in a specific district based on their skill level.
While it may seem like it would be your goal to make it to the top of the rankings, it also means enemies could kill you a lot easier if you slip up. The show uses that to its advantage, going against social norms to tell a gripping story that’s rife with suspense and intrigue.
Despite this unique premise, it’s been far too long to ever expect a second season for Claymore, even if it genuinely deserves more to explore the other characters from the manga that get more exposure in the anime.
Ouran High School Host Club
Finding a comedy that fits your sense of humor in anime can always be a struggle, especially when you’re just starting to dive into the genre like I was back in high school.
Ouran High School Host Club filled that void perfectly when it debuted back in 2006, as its quirky characters are easy to get attached to thanks to their charm and wit.
The comedy revolves around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy, better known as Tokyo’s school for rich kids.
When she accidentally destroys a precious vase, Haruhi must use her natural charisma to pretend to be a boy and entertain female “clients” with sweets and tea.
While the plot may sound pretentious, it’s actually rather wholesome. Friendships between Haruhi and the group form quickly, with romances following not too far behind.
With just one season, Ouran High School Host Club managed to build an amazing dynamic between its characters and tell an entertaining story off the backs of a weird premise. If the anime got more time to develop those strengths, it would lead to an even more satisfying conclusion.
Deadman Wonderland
Ever wondered what it would be like to see death row inmates fight for their survival in an amusement park? Well, you’re either an insane billionaire or the perfect demographic for Deadman Wonderland.
After being wrongfully accused of massacring his entire class, Ganta Igarashi must carry out his death sentence at Deadman Wonderland: a privately-owned prison that doubles as a theme park.
To survive, he must complete tasks, win fights, and somehow make friends that will watch his back. His trials and tribulations make for tense, thrilling action, as you watch him learn how to survive, especially since he isn’t as bloodthirsty as his opponents.
As soon as the anime gets going, though, it’s over. With a runtime of 27 minutes each and only 12 episodes in total, fans of this thriller are left on the edge of their seats after the first installment, wondering how Igarashi will ever survive and clear his name.
If the second season of Deadman Wonderland were to ever come to fruition, it would have plenty of work to adapt. Not only would it continue the hunt for Red Man, but it would also introduce the major characters we’ve yet to see in the show that was of great importance in the manga.
Baby Steps
Even though Eiichirō Maruo, also called Ei-chan by his friends, is known for his meticulous notes and top-of-the-class grades, there has always been something missing from his life: passion. He studies hard and gets the grades because of expectations, not because it is what he wants to do.
That all changes when he finds a flyer for free Tennis lessons at the local club. While he isn’t even good enough to match up with the elementary school kids at first, it isn’t long before his sharp eyes and note-taking abilities put him on par with the best of the best.
He quickly learns everything he can about tennis, aiming to go pro after two years of intense physical and mental training.
The last we saw from the anime, Ei-chan was training for the most important match of his young career.
Since Season 2 ended back in 2015, though, the studio behind Baby Steps, Pierrot studio, has remained silent, leaving us with only what could be of Maruo’s limitless tennis potential.
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