UNFINISHED

The anime adaptation of CLAMP’s classic manga, Tokyo Babylon, has quite a winding history, leaving many fans wondering about its complete status. While there have been animated iterations, a full adaptation of the manga has never seen the light of day.

Initially, the series received a two-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) adaptation in the 1990s. These OVAs are highly regarded by long-time fans for their atmospheric quality and faithful portrayal of specific story arcs. However, they only cover a small fraction of the expansive manga narrative, leaving the vast majority of the story untold in animated form. More recently, a new anime reboot was planned for 2021, generating significant excitement. Unfortunately, this project was ultimately cancelled due to production issues, including plagiarism concerns, further dashing hopes for a complete series. Therefore, despite these efforts, Tokyo Babylon remains an unfinished anime adaptation of its source material.

Watch Order

For those eager to dive into the animated world of Tokyo Babylon, your viewing journey is quite straightforward as there’s only one existing anime adaptation to consider:

  • Tokyo Babylon OVAs (1992-1994): These two original video animation episodes are the sole animated representation of the series. While they offer a captivating glimpse into the dark, supernatural world and compelling characters, remember they are standalone pieces that do not cover the manga’s entire plot.

Fans continue to hold out hope that a new studio might one day pick up the series to deliver a faithful and complete adaptation that truly honors the manga’s iconic story.

Similar Animes

If the gothic atmosphere, supernatural themes, and intricate character dynamics of Tokyo Babylon appealed to you, here are a few other anime series you might enjoy:

  • Yami no Matsuei: A dark fantasy series steeped in the supernatural, featuring a similar gothic aesthetic and a focus on paranormal investigations.
  • Un-Go: A detective series that masterfully blends supernatural elements with complex character studies and intricate mystery plots.
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: While more sci-fi, this cyberpunk series delves deep into psychological and existential themes, offering complex narratives and thought-provoking character interactions that fans of sophisticated storytelling will appreciate.