The world of anime has never been as intense as when Baki Hanma steps into the ring. In a genre filled with Dragon Slayers, Pirates, and Ninjas, it’s the lethal martial artist Baki that steals the spotlight in pure hand-to-hand combat. If you’ve been a regular binge-watcher of Netflix’s anime lineup, you’re no stranger to the phenomenon that is “Baki Hanma.” Adapted from the fan-loved manga ‘Baki the Grappler’ by Keisuke Itagaki, this Netflix sensation has flexed its muscles through two seasons that keep fans coming back for more. And let’s face it, we are all at the edge of our seats to find out what comes next after the seismic showdown between Baki and his father, Yujiro Hanma.
“Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2 featured the highly anticipated fight between Baki and his father, Yujiro Hanma,”
Ticking Clock: Where’s the Official Nod for Season 3?
Despite the cult following and the booming success of the series—garnering a MyAnimeList score of 7.84/10 by 15,309 users and an IMDb rating of 6.8/10 by 3.1k users—Netflix is playing hard to get. There’s been a mysterious silence on the official announcement for “Baki Hanma Season 3.” At this point, the anticipation is so thick you could slice it with a katana.
Tweeting cryptic hints doesn’t count, Netflix! We’re watching you.
Navigating the Rumor Mill: When Will We Return to the Ring?
Gauging the future based on the series’ past pattern and studio lineup, we’ve got some educated guesses. TMS Entertainment, the creative minds behind the adaptation, have a busy calendar for 2023 with titles like “Dr. Stone: New World,” “To Me, The One Who Loved You,” and “Resident Evil: Death Island.” So, don’t hold your breath for a 2023 release date. The smart money, based on speculation, points to 2025 if the 3rd season gets the green light next year.
Usually, once an anime season is officially announced, we can expect it to air within 1 to 1.5 years. So let’s keep our eyes peeled for any whispers or (dare we say it) official announcements.
What Awaits in “Baki Dou”: A Glimpse into Baki’s Future?
If we’re riding the speculation train, let’s talk about the manga for a second. The manga series, as rich and expansive as it is, gives us more than just a glimmer of hope for a third season. Given that the show’s second season closely follows “Baki: Son of Ogre,” the third season might take inspiration from “Baki Dou,” aka “Style of Baki.”
The third season will be adapted from “Baki Dou,” also known as “Style of Baki.” This suggests that the third season might be titled “Baki Dou” instead of “Baki Hanma.”
Post the father-son face-off, our hero Baki finds himself not just in the throes of mortal combat but facing an enemy he didn’t anticipate: boredom. It’s Baki’s unquenchable thirst for thrilling battles that sets the stage for what comes next.
Netflix's Baki Hanma: Buzz About Season 3, Samurai Showdowns & Release Date Rumors https://t.co/yTWuabHtjs
— Hiptoro (@HiptoroNews) August 28, 2023
Concluding But Never Done: The Legacy Continues
All signs point to a “Baki Hanma Season 3” being more a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. With rich source material and an even richer fanbase, it’s safe to say Baki’s story is far from over. While we may be kept in suspense for now, let’s cherish the interlude as a chance to revisit Baki’s most thrilling moments. As for the next chapter in this saga, we can only promise to stay tuned, eyes wide, ears perked, ready for that drop of official news that will send us spiraling back into the world of no-rules combat.
So for now, immerse yourselves in the existing episodes, reread the manga, or debate with friends on who Baki’s next opponent should be. Baki Hanma isn’t done with us, and we certainly aren’t done with him.
Keep your gloves on; we’ll be back in the ring soon.