If you were a kid growing up in the suburbs of the early 00’s, then your first introduction to anime was something on Cartoon Network.  Sailor Moon,Rurouni Kenshin, and Gundam Wing pulled us in but, it was shows like FLCL that we stayed for. 

Originally airing on Adult Swim in 2003, FLCL became a cult classic almost overnight.  It expertly combined the music of the The Pillows, one of the best alt-rock bands in Japan at the time, with extremely inventive animation to bring viewers something truly special.  While FLCL doesn’t have a focused narrative, it is simply fun to watch.  Very few shows, anime or otherwise, can make that claim.  FLCL shouts it in your face every time. 

Sadly, the thrill that is this anime is short lived.  FLCL‘s full run time is only 6 episodes and for more than a decade, fans have been begging for more.  On March 23, 2016 Toonami’s Facebook page made the announcement official.  FLCL is coming back.  Just to prove it’s really real, here’s a trailer that aired at this year’s Anime Expo. 

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you.  The trailer does indeed say FLCL 2 AND FLCL 3.  Each season will contain 6 new episodes, taking place years after the original story.  I think what we can expect is best summed up by the official synopsis. 

“In the new season of FLCL, many years have passed since Naota and Haruhara Haruko shared their adventure together.  Meanwhile, the war between the two entities known as Medical Mechanica and Fraternity rages across the galaxy.  Enter Hidomi, a young teenaged girl who believes there is nothing amazing to expect from her average life, until one day when a new teacher named Haruko arrives at her school.  Soon enough, Medical Mechanica is attacking her town and Hidomi discovers a secret within her that could save everyone, a secret that only Haruko can unlock. 

But why did Haruko return to Earth?  What happened to her Rickenbacker 4001 she left with Naota?  And where did the human-like robot ‘Canti’ go?” 

Over-the-top action scenes, unique and stylized animation, and a soundtrack that just can’t be beat.  Given Cartoon Network and Adult Swim’s success with the return of Samurai Jack, I’m confident FLCL will be nothing short of amazing.