Thunder 3 season 2: Huge 2027 return is great news for fans
“Thunder 3” season 2 is officially on the way. The anime will return with a second season in 2027, the production staff announced after the 12th and final episode of the first season aired in Japan late Wednesday, Sept. 30, according to the official “Thunder 3” X account, as relayed by MyAnimeList and Anime News Network. A teaser promotional video accompanied the news.
What we know about Thunder 3 season 2
So far, the only confirmed detail is the 2027 timing. No premiere date, returning or new cast, staff changes or streaming plans have been announced for Thunder 3 season 2.
The series’ creator marked the news with a new celebratory illustration, Anime News Network reported.
How the first season aired
Studio Unend produced the 12-episode first season, according to MyAnimeList. It premiered July 8 on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block in a late-night slot that technically fell in the early hours of July 9, and Netflix streamed it worldwide, What’s on Netflix reported.
The story follows Pyontaro and his childhood friends as they search for his missing younger sister, a hunt that pulls them toward another world. The main voice cast includes Sayumi Suzushiro as Pyontaro, Natsumi Kawaida as Tsubame, Eri Akiyama as Hiroshi and Honoka Mitsubachi as Futaba.
Chief director Hiroyuki Seshita, whose credits include “Ajin: Demi-Human” and “Blame!,” led the production, with scripts by Hiroshi Seko, AniTrendz reported. Singer Yuuri performs the opening theme, “Thunderbolt,” and otoha sings the ending theme, “Shururerira.” Whether the same team returns for Thunder 3 season 2 has not been announced.
Gantz creator Hiroya Oku revealed as the author
The manga was credited to newcomer Yuki Ikeda. On Sept. 24, less than a week before the anime finale, “Gantz” and “Inuyashiki” creator Hiroya Oku confirmed on X that Ikeda was his pen name, Anime Hunch reported.
Oku said he hid his identity because revealing it would have weakened the twist in the first chapter. He also said he watches every anime episode “with excitement and anticipation,” according to the outlet.
It is not the first time Oku has worked under another name. He used the pen name Kuon Yahiro for his 1988 debut manga, “Hen,” according to Anime Hunch, which also noted that Oku has said he plans to retire after finishing his latest series, “The Sweet Sixty Princess.”
The manga behind the anime
“Thunder 3” ran in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine from May 2022 until it ended June 5. Kodansha released the 10th and final volume in Japan on Aug. 17, according to MyAnimeList, and Kodansha USA publishes the series in English.
The manga ranked fourth in the male readers’ category of the 2024 “Kono Manga ga Sugoi!” guide.
How to catch up before “Thunder 3” season 2
All 12 episodes of the first season are available on Netflix, which carries the series worldwide with subtitles, according to MyAnimeList. Readers who want the full story can turn to the manga: Kodansha USA released the first English volume on Nov. 5, 2024, according to Wikipedia.
Before the anime, the manga built a following among critics. It was nominated for the 2022 Next Manga Award and the 2023 eBook Initiative Japan Manga Award.
What’s next for “Thunder 3” season 2
The staff has not given a release window within 2027. Expect a premiere date, key visual and streaming details to follow as production moves ahead.
For more anime news, see our look at the “Glasses With a Chance of Delinquent” anime coming in 2027 and “Dragon Ball Super: Beerus” on Netflix, or browse our anime and manga coverage.
Featured image: Photo: Balon Greyjoy / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
