Yudetamago, the creator of the popular manga and anime series Kinnikuman, recently expressed disappointment in the lack of overseas popularity for the new anime adaptation, Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc. Despite the series performing well on TV in Japan and on Netflix, it ranked only 47th on MyAnimeList, leaving Yudetamago puzzled.
In a tweet, Yudetamago questioned the ranking and even jokingly suggested retiring as a manga creator. However, he clarified in a later tweet that he takes pride in delivering high-quality entertainment and is not retiring anytime soon.
The President Online article that discussed the ranking did not provide details on the methodology used or a direct link to the rankings on MyAnimeList. Yudetamago’s concern is valid as the article mentioned Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc in a section about school anime, which may have contributed to the confusion.
The Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Hen anime premiered in July with a recap episode featuring new animation. The series is set to return for a second season in January 2025. Despite its lower overseas ranking, the series continues to have a dedicated following and remains a beloved classic in the anime and manga community.
Yudetamago’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges creators face in navigating the ever-changing landscape of anime and manga popularity, both domestically and internationally. While rankings can be a valuable measure of success, they do not always reflect the true impact and legacy of a beloved series like Kinnikuman.
