Ask John: Are There Any Long Anime That Don’t Run Out of Steam?

Question:
Are there any long running anime that don’t run out of steam during their entire series length?

Answer:
I have to separate responses to this question. One is a literal, specific response. The other is a broad, philosophical response. To first address the question literally, I’ll argue that yes, there are very long running anime series that sustain a consistent level of excitement and narrative quality. I think that One Piece is a valid example. Most viewers familiar with the One Piece television series agree that the series gets off to an engaging, but slow start. However, at episode 30, the beginning of the Arlong Park storyline, the intensity and excitement level of the One Piece narrative takes a noticeable step up, and remains at an elevated level throughout the following 300 plus episodes.

The idea of long anime television series “running out of steam” has come to the forefront of international anime viewers’ awareness in recent years as international viewers have gained the ability to follow series including Naruto and Bleach concurrently with their Japanese television broadcast. The inclusion of “filler” storylines, what Japanese viewers refer to as “original” storylines, not found in the originating manga, have frustrated international viewers, causing them to perceive these “original” episodes as inferior or digressive. Admittedly, these “filler” story arcs are typically less impactful and engaging than episodes that advance the series’ primary conflict. But that’s inevitable because “canon” episodes deal with the characters and conflicts that viewers have long become absorbed in while anime original stories are, by necessity, side-stories.

It’s fair to critique the artistic quality of “original” anime episodes within long series, but fans ought to always remember that these episodes are necessary. The production of “original” episodes allows the manga creator to compose more material for the anime to adapt while keeping the anime on air and relevant to viewers. The alternative to “filler” episodes is placing the anime on hiatus since first run Japanese television networks typically don’t repeat broadcasts. Maintaining a consistently high level of artistic quality over a period of many years is difficult to do, and that task is even more difficult when production relies on numerous creators working in different industries.

Don’t take anime too seriously. It’s perfectly reasonable to apply serious artistic critique to anime. It’s also a legitimate personal lifestyle decision to devote oneself to anime obsessively. But viewers should always remain conscious of the fact that anime is a popular culture entertainment medium that’s subject to influences and compromises that inevitably arise in the entertainment industry. Enjoy the anime you watch and criticize that which deserves criticism. But don’t forget that watching any anime, either good or bad, is a luxury, and periodic lapses in quality are an inevitable compromise that one has to accept as a natural part of the anime production process.