Why Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 Will Only Work If There’s A Stylistic Reboot!

Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 is undoubtedly one of the most awaited anime series, in spite of the fact that Season 1 aired all the way back in 2006. The series’ unabashed look at gender fluidity and sexuality is what made it a hit with its audience. However, in spite of a strong cult following, and repeated requests for Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2, the series just petered out of existence, leaving most fans hanging.

Following a new student called Haruhi Fujioka’s participation in a host club set in a school for rich kids, the series used the protagonist and supporting characters to ask pertinent questions about sexuality, gender norms, representation and more. Of course, this makes it an even more valid series to air in today’s times. However, while the series had its share of high notes, it desperately needs a stylistic reboot if it is to survive in today’s times.

Here’s why Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 will only work if there’s a major stylistic reboot!

1.      The Animation style doesn’t do justice to the themes!

On viewing the pilot episode of Ouran Highschool Host Club, you wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell that this is a Shoujo Anime in the first few minutes. In fact, the animation heavily relies on Chibi illustrations to highlight humorous dialogue. Though one cannot deny that Chibi has its place in Anime, it just doesn’t work here that well. In fact, it only serves to create a disconnect in the narrative, breaking the flow of the show at times.

This is rather surprising, considering that the characters are designed by Kumiko Takahashi. For those who may not know, Kumiko Takahashi also designed Cardcaptor Sakura – a show that was stylistically far superior. Interestingly, Cardcaptor Sakura also has its Chibi moments, but it uses the animation style sparingly, which is why it works.

A lot of great shows have been released between 2006 and 2020, and viewers are now accustomed to more sophisticated animation styles. By tweaking the existing characters and overall designs just a little bit to modernize them, creators can ensure that Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 enjoys a stronger reception from its audience.

2.      The language is officially outdated!

This, of course, is not a fault. When reviewing a show that’s released 14 years ago, one is bound to feel as though the language is a little outdated. In order to make Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 resonate with its audience, creators will certainly have to refine the language and speaking styles of the characters.

One of the most compelling reasons to do so is that gender fluidity, sexuality and representation are all topics widely covered in the media now. As a result, they have their own accepted terminologies. By tapping into the same, the show can feel a little more appropriate for audiences in 2020.

3.      The Manga has seen major character development!

It’s no secret that the Manga version has far more detailed plotlines that were omitted in Season 1. If the creators do consider a reboot for Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2, they must try to be more inclusive of the Manga’s plots to make the story itself richer.

Though the Anime only had one season, Ouran Highschool Host Club Manga progressed much further. Eventually, Haruhi comes to accept her individuality and even dyes her hair brown to represent her spirit. Similarly, the supporting characters also grow as individuals and wrestle their many demons (no spoilers!). 

In order to truly do justice to the storylines, a sophisticated reboot can certainly hit the mark. Yes, Ouran Highschool Host Club is a romantic comedy, with a lot of funny moments. We’re not saying that everything needs to become gritty to show the darker side of being a Host! But, to make the show feel a bit more visually multifaceted, there needs to be an upgrade.  

Sometimes, a simple reboot that just enhances the graphics is all you need to bring a series into the new year, for a new audience. Think of the popular video game, Last of Us. The remastered version doesn’t just optimise the graphics, it also adds an additional chapter for players to get an insight into Ellie’s story.

So, when is Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2 coming out?

Frankly, even though Mangaka Bisco Hatori has often expressed her eagerness to further the exploits of her characters in the form of another season, we shouldn’t really hold our breath for Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2.

Fans in Japan continue to write petitions to the studio. However, at this point, there is no update on whether there will ever be an Ouran Highschool Host Club Season 2. If it does come back though, here’s hoping they totally omit the Zuka Club!