Looks like Gonzo is in the red already, with numerous back-to-back titles failing make a breakthrough sales in their local market, it is really a no-wonder. All of their animes since Vandread have been very geared towards the western market. Gonzo, of course being their stupid self never paid much attention to the demands of their home ground. They went on doing what they do best; anime for western market.

Of course, after all the poor sales it’s a wonder to how did Gonzo actually survived all these years? One can only assume GDH injecting funds from sister companies like Rosso to keep Gonzo staying afloat. Perhaps overall sales and licensing profits managed to keep them just enough to break even? One way or another, GDH couldn’t stand the loss anymore and have decided to retrench Gonzo’s original manpower of 130 to just 30 in the course of next 5 years. This, of course coupled by their previous claims of reducing anime production annually from 8 to 4 means they are really in a deep shit. Not to mention them making deals with Youtube and Crunchyroll to broadcast new productions with ready subtitles. Probably a way to hamper fansubs and increase overseas sales.

Perhaps Strike Witches is Gonzo’s last saving grace, and they know that very well. The TV version alone are blatantly littered with every possible fetish for the local masses to feed upon. Stuffs like pantyshots to striped panties and school swimsuits are a common sight throughout the anime. Of course who wouldn’t like an anime where innocent girls shamelessly display their glorious bottoms in the open? Not me lol, I totally and wholly approve of this production.

It seems that the second season of Strike Witches have been announced. This means that the first was a pretty decent success; enough to warrant itself a continuation. Of course Gonzo is putting everything on the line for the success of this anime. I hope so too, it’s a shame to see a great studio falling flat on it’s face.