Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online Season 2 in the Works

 

After an eagerly anticipated wait of five years, the announcement of a second season for Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online has finally arrived.

The exciting news was revealed during the Dengeki Bunko 30th anniversary event, accompanied by a captivating teaser trailer. While the trailer doesn't divulge many details about the upcoming season, it prominently features the series' protagonist, Karen Kohiruimaki/Llenn, and her unmistakable pink ensemble.

Studio 3Hz, known for their work on The Devil Is a Part-Timer!!, will once again take the reins as the production studio for the anime. Several key members from the original Gun Gale Online team are returning for Season 2, including director Masayuki Sakoi (Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious), script supervisor Yōsuke Kuroda (Birdie Wing -Golf Girls' Story-), and character designer Yoshio Kosakai (Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings). Additionally, it has been confirmed that Tomori Kusunoki (The Misfit of Demon King Academy) will reprise her role as Llenn. However, specific details regarding the rest of the cast for Season 2 have not been disclosed as of the time of writing.

Sword Art Online's Origins

Keiichi Sigsawa and Kouhaku Kuroboshi's Gun Gale Online light novels are a spinoff of Reki Kawahara's mainline Sword Art Online books. The series revolves around a university student and avid gamer who finds solace by immersing herself in the world of the titular full-dive video game. With 13 volumes released thus far, Gun Gale Online has garnered tremendous success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The first season of Studio 3Hz's anime adaptation originally aired from April to June 2018.

In addition to the announcement of Gun Gale Online's second season, the Sword Art Online franchise has seen further developments. Notably, the second entry in the Sword Art Online Progressive film series, Scherzo of Deep Night, made its debut toward the end of last year. This film provides a deeper exploration of the "Aincrad" story arc, following Kirito and Asuna as they navigate the sprawling fifth floor of Aincrad, a labyrinthine ruin, while their romantic bond blossoms.

Furthermore, passionate Sword Art Online fans continue to expand the franchise by creating their own fan-made content. For instance, Instagram user Tsunai delighted followers by sharing an image featuring six distinct Asuna cosplays, meticulously recreating the character's various costumes from the major arcs of the anime. These cosplays included Asuna's iconic Knights of the Blood uniform, her elegant Titania dress, and her recognizable blue-themed outfit from Alfheim Online.

Both Gun Gale Online and the original Sword Art Online anime series are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. However, an official release date for Gun Gale Online Season 2 has yet to be revealed, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further updates and the opportunity to dive back into the virtual world once more.