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Internet reacts to Crunchyroll's addition to Delta Airlines in-flight entertainment

Crunchyroll's Controversial Dive into Original Anime: The "High Guardian Spice" Backlash and Its Implications for the Streaming Giant

As a leading platform for anime streaming, Crunchyroll has long been a go-to destination for fans seeking the latest from Japan's vibrant animation industry. However, in a bold move to expand its offerings, the company ventured into producing original content, announcing its first in-house anime series in 2018. Titled "High Guardian Spice," the show was positioned as a fresh take on the magical girl genre, created by a Western studio with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. What should have been a celebrated step forward for the platform quickly turned into a firestorm of controversy, highlighting deep divisions within the anime community and raising questions about cultural authenticity, fan expectations, and the role of Western influence in a traditionally Japanese medium.

The announcement came via a teaser trailer released on Crunchyroll's YouTube channel, showcasing a colorful world inhabited by young guardians-in-training at a magical academy. The series, created by Raye Rodriguez and produced by Ellation Studios (Crunchyroll's parent company at the time), featured a diverse cast including LGBTQ+ characters, strong female leads, and storylines that emphasized empathy and personal growth over high-stakes battles. Crunchyroll touted it as part of their new "Crunchyroll Originals" initiative, aimed at broadening the appeal of anime to global audiences and fostering new talent outside of Japan. Executives at Crunchyroll emphasized that this was an opportunity to "push the boundaries of what anime can be," drawing parallels to how Western animation has evolved with shows like "Steven Universe" or "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power."

Yet, the response from a vocal segment of the anime fandom was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Within hours of the trailer's release, the video amassed thousands of dislikes, with the like-to-dislike ratio tipping heavily against it. Comment sections across social media platforms, including Reddit's r/anime and Twitter, erupted in criticism. Detractors labeled the show as "not real anime," arguing that its Western production style, character designs, and thematic focus deviated too far from the conventions established by Japanese studios like Studio Ghibli or Kyoto Animation. Some accused Crunchyroll of pandering to "social justice warriors" (SJWs), claiming the inclusion of diverse representation felt forced and politically motivated rather than organic. Phrases like "CalArts style" – a pejorative term for simplistic, Western-influenced animation aesthetics – were thrown around, with comparisons to shows perceived as "Tumblr bait."

This backlash wasn't isolated; it tapped into broader tensions within the anime community. For years, debates have raged about what constitutes "true" anime. Purists insist that anime must originate from Japan, adhering to specific artistic and narrative tropes, while others advocate for a more inclusive definition that embraces global contributions. "High Guardian Spice" became a flashpoint in this debate, with critics pointing to the show's budget – reportedly modest compared to high-profile Japanese productions – as evidence of subpar quality. Animation snippets in the trailer were scrutinized for perceived errors, such as inconsistent line work or off-model characters, fueling memes and parody videos that mocked the project.

Crunchyroll's handling of the situation only intensified the controversy. In an attempt to curb toxicity, the platform disabled comments on the trailer and related videos, a move that some fans interpreted as censorship. This led to accusations that Crunchyroll was stifling free speech and ignoring legitimate feedback. Supporters of the show, meanwhile, defended it as a necessary evolution, arguing that anime has always borrowed from various cultures and that diversity enhances storytelling. Prominent voices in the community, including anime YouTubers and critics, weighed in. For instance, channels like Mother's Basement analyzed the trailer positively, praising its potential to attract new viewers, while others like The Anime Man expressed skepticism about its execution.

The fallout extended beyond online discourse. Reports emerged of harassment directed at the show's creators and voice actors, including doxxing attempts and threats on social media. This prompted Crunchyroll to issue statements condemning hate speech and reaffirming their commitment to safe, inclusive spaces for fans. The controversy also sparked discussions about the platform's business strategy. As Crunchyroll, owned by WarnerMedia (and later merging with Funimation), sought to compete with giants like Netflix and Disney+, producing originals was seen as a way to retain subscribers and generate exclusive content. However, the "High Guardian Spice" debacle raised doubts about whether Western-produced anime could gain acceptance without alienating core fans.

When the series finally premiered in 2021, after delays attributed to production issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, reviews were mixed. Some praised its heartfelt storytelling, vibrant world-building, and representation of queer identities – a rarity in mainstream anime at the time. Episodes explored themes like gender identity, friendship dynamics, and overcoming prejudice, resonating with younger audiences and those seeking more progressive narratives. Critics, however, noted pacing problems, uneven animation quality, and a tone that sometimes felt more like a children's cartoon than a sophisticated anime. On aggregate sites like MyAnimeList, it scored modestly, around 5.5 out of 10, reflecting the polarized opinions.

In the broader context, this incident underscores the challenges facing anime's globalization. Crunchyroll has since expanded its originals lineup with titles like "Onyx Equinox," "Tower of God," and "Shenmue the Animation," some of which have fared better by collaborating with Japanese studios or adapting popular webtoons. Yet, the "High Guardian Spice" saga serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights how fan communities, empowered by social media, can amplify dissent, sometimes crossing into toxicity. It also prompts reflection on inclusivity: as anime gains mainstream popularity in the West, platforms like Crunchyroll must navigate the fine line between innovation and tradition.

Looking ahead, Crunchyroll's push into originals continues, with announcements of more diverse projects. The platform has invested in anti-harassment measures, such as moderated forums and partnerships with organizations promoting positive fandom. For fans, the controversy is a reminder that anime is not monolithic; it's a evolving art form shaped by global influences. Whether "High Guardian Spice" will be remembered as a bold experiment or a misstep, it undeniably sparked important conversations about representation, creativity, and the future of anime streaming.

This episode in Crunchyroll's history illustrates the platform's ambitious vision colliding with community expectations. As anime continues to cross cultural boundaries, such conflicts may become more common, challenging all involved to foster a more inclusive dialogue. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Daily Dot Article at:
[ https://www.dailydot.com/news/crunchyroll-anime-delta/ ]