AIC to Animate Strike Witches 2
We already new for the first time ever that Gonzo didn't have any series currently running in Japan, but at least we took comfort in the fact that Strike Witches 2 was in the works. Unfortunately, it's now been revealed Gonzo has lost that as well. The latest issue of Kadokawa's Nyantype magazine confirmed that anime studio AIC will take over work on the second season of the popular loli series, tentatively titled "Strike Witches 2-ki."
Don't get too worried over what this will mean for the quality of the new season, though. Most of the staff from the first season will be returning, including the director, character designer, & script supervisor. However, this does bring up a cause of concern for Gonzo. I'm no financial expert, but wouldn't holding onto a title that's guaranteed to be bankable & extremely profitable be a good idea? Or are things so bad for them now that they can't afford to even work on the new season?
Regardless of most of the staff returning, there is some cause for concern. For instance, AIC's animation quality over these past few years isn't really up to par with Gonzo's. Say what you will about Strike Witches, but it had solid & fluid animation to it. I worry that AIC animating it wont look quite as good. But choosing AIC does make some sense as well. They've partnered with Gonzo on projects several times in the past, & they even animated SW's sister series SkyGirls.
One final note is the copyright notice for season 2. Gonzo is actually listed right there, which reads "© 2007-2009 Humikane Shimada/Kadokawa Shoten/Gonzo/501st Joint Fighter Wing."
Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-27/aic-to-replace-gonzo-on-2nd-strike-witches-season-updated