Anime Fans Torn Over Art Style Direction | Ohkubo’s Early vs. Late Soul Eater
Edited By
Olivia Moore
A lively discussion has emerged among fans regarding a potential remake of the beloved Soul Eater series, particularly focusing on whether it should embrace Ohkubo's early art style or modernize to reflect his later work. The conversation has sparked mixed opinions and heated debates across forums since April 17, 2025.
Unique Styles and Nostalgia
Fans argue that the drastic shifts in art style over Soul Eater’s lifespan play a crucial role in the series’ identity. Some insist that retaining the unique features of the original style would enhance the remake. "It’s good for an anime to have a unique style, in my opinion," noted one commenter.
Conversely, many others recognize the evolution of Ohkubo's art as a natural progression. "The art style grew with the main crew. As they matured, the art style sharpened up," shared a supporter of newer designs.
The Balance of Old and New
Commenters presented compelling arguments about finding a middle ground between the two styles. One user suggested a blend, acknowledging that while the earlier style is nostalgic, it may not resonate with today’s audience, stating, "We all know it would look closer to more recent works of Ohkubo."
The idea of pulling from the collaborative art of recent projects was also popular, with mentions of a high-definition take on earlier aesthetics. One participant stated, "I’d want it in the style of the recent collab art, which is basically the early/middle style but high definition."
"The middle manga art style around the Baba Yaga castle is the goal in my opinion. If they take the art style from the 2008 anime, it’ll be perfect."
Soul Eater fans await to see how this debate shapes the future of the series.
Key Considerations from Fans
Art style nostalgia: Many support the original aesthetic as integral to the series’ charm.
Art evolution: Others believe the newer style reflects character growth and sophistication.
Blending styles: There’s a strong call for a compromise that incorporates modern elements with nostalgic touches.
🔹 Commenters express a mix of enthusiasm and concern over the design choices.
🔹 "If they try to stick with the earlier art, it’ll be harder to make later scenes look as good as they should," warned one fan.
🔹 "SE anime is what I’d want absolutely. It fits that tone so well," expressed another enthusiast.
Where do you stand in the debate about Soul Eater's artistic direction? As conversations escalate, fans will continue to be vocal about their hopes and fears for the series' future.