RWBY is a Western-animated, Japanese anime-style science fantasy series that has captured many fans' hearts since Volume 1 came out in 2013. Yet, it has been more than one year since we saw the last of the 8th season. So, when is RWBY Season 9 coming out?
RWBY Season 9 Delay Explained
Until recently, RWBY had a relatively predictable pattern, with new episodes every summer or autumn, depending on the length of the season. So, what changed?
Although Season 8, most commonly known as Volume 8, began its schedule as normal, the season had to take longer than its scheduled Christmas break and restart in early February. The finale had to be pushed further back, due to the February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm which affected members of the RWBY team.
Volume 9 then took longer than usual amidst concerns about the Delta variant, as the company was reportedly trying to produce their best work while keeping their staff safe from covid.
When Is RWBY Volume 9 Coming Out?
RWBY Volume 9 was supposed to come out at some point in 2022, but after several delays, the new release date has finally been locked as the 18th of February 2023 on Crunchyroll.
Joey Clary, Co-head of animation at Rooster Teeth, had tweeted at the beginning of 2022 that a 2022 release was still in Rooster Teeth's plans even though CRWBY - as the team working on the anime is fondly called - was delayed by the pandemic.
The delays are definitely disappointing, but RWBY Volume 9 is finally lined up to come out very soon.
Judging from the lush, colorful trailer and promotion materials they probably outdid themselves with this one!
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Was RWBY Volume 9 Affected By RWBY: Ice Queendom After All?
The 9th season of RWBY isn't the only content in the past couple of years. In late March 2022, a Japanese anime spin-off titled RWBY: Ice Queendom was announced.
RWBY: Ice Queendom aired as part of the Spring 2022 anime season but after the first few episodes aired together, there was a relatively long delay.
The Studio Shaft work took the story from the beginning when the four main characters first join Beacon academy, making this a school anime.
But this isn't just a remake or reboot. New adventures will also be there after the first few recap episodes.
Did RWBY: Ice Queendom mean further delays for the original show's Volume 9? This has not yet been confirmed, though, of course, one is bound to wonder given the new 2023 release announcement.
It's possible that Ice Queendom will introduce concepts and ideas that might be essential for Volume 9; this would explain why the latter had to be pushed back so much. With the release date of Volume 9, we'll finally find out very soon.
While waiting, you can watch RWBY: Ice Queendom or past Volumes on Crunchyroll and Rooster Teeth First.
READ MORE: Who Is the Summer Maiden in RWBY?
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