When an anime series gets popular, a spinoff is inevitable. Be it a side story to the already established continuity, an alternate universe retelling or something that takes the characters into a whole new genre. Anime history is littered with spinoffs, with many series generating several. In fact, it isn't uncommon for a spinoff to get its own spinoffs, creating a twisted spider's web of content.
However, sometimes a spinoff is so good that it eclipses the original show. Here are some anime spinoffs that utterly steal the limelight from their original work.
The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan
The Haruhi Suzumiya franchise is an anime institution, with the series being many people's entry point into anime. However, The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan is a fascinating spinoff that captures the original franchise's unique charm while also having its own appeal. Set in the alternate universe seen in The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, this series follows shy girl Yuki Nagato as she navigates her school life, getting mixed up in mysteries and strange events along the way, all while trying to be with Kyon, her crush.
While Haruhi is still present, she is a background character here. The series turns the often meandering and muddled supernatural and time-travel plots into charming slice-of-life moments that will resonate with everyone who struggles with confessing their love.
Carnival Phantasm
A comedy series starring all of Type-Moon's major franchises, including Fate/stay Night and Tsukihime, Carnival Phantasm is set in the Ahnenerbe, a bar that sits between worlds. This simple setup allows the characters to meet up and get caught in many strange and wacky adventures.
Effectively a high-speed sketch show, Carnival Phantasm is hilarious even if you're not familiar with the shows the characters originally come from. And for Type-Moon fans, there is plenty to enjoy, from clever character moments to some deep-cut references. The sketches themselves contain everything from a wacky game show that satirizes the Holy Grail War to a pitch-perfect mockery of soap operas. Carnival Phantasm's comedy is so good that it makes the lack of humor in other Type-Moon shows feel like a missed opportunity, especially as the series turns forgettable characters into comedic powerhouses.
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
A spinoff of Sword Art Online, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online moves the action to a different game genre with great success. The series follows Karen Kohiruimaki, a girl who dislikes her height. She hates it so much she turns to virtual reality games, hoping to find one that will allow her to be small, eventually coming to Gun Gale Online.
Karen turns out to be quite good at the game and earns herself the nickname of the "Pink Devil." Karen joyfully takes out other competitors and quickly gains the attention of other players, including the eccentric Pitohui. Gun Gale Online handles video games and the relationships formed within them in a unique and nuanced way and avoids many of the cliches and melodrama that Sword Art Online was held back by, making it a far more engaging story.
Pokémon Origins
Pokémon Origins retells the story of the very first Pokémon games. When Red and Blue, two young Pokémon trainers, are called in by Professor Oak, they find themselves going on an epic adventure as they try to complete Oak's new invention, the Pokédex. Oak also gives each trainer a Pokémon partner to help them on their journey, giving Red a Charmander and Blue a Squirtle. Of course, this introduction means that Red and Blue quickly form a rivalry that pushes each of them to be the best they can be.
While Pokémon Origins is a nostalgia trip, it is a perfect one. It captures the sense of wonder that the original games have and, unlike the main anime, keeps a tonally consistent and focused storyline. It even reaches a solid ending, something the main series likely won't ever do.
Burn The Witch
A spinoff of the ever-popular Bleach franchise, Burn The Witch was released as a movie in Japan. However, Crunchyroll turned it into a three-episode series for its broadcasts. Set in Reverse London, it follows two witches who work for a group called Wing Bind. Reverse London has a problem with invisible dragons. However, Wing Bind aims to protect and manage the dragons within London to protect the general population.
Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, the two lead characters, have a fantastic odd-couple relationship that makes the show feel fresh and unique, making Burn The Witch an utterly engrossing watch. The setting of Reverse London also shines, giving the animators a chance to create some really memorable locations and set pieces that will leave you wanting more. While Bleach was good, Burn The Witch really feels like it builds on everything Tite Kubo had done and incorporates things he learned while writing Bleach.
