Part 4/9:
The Mixed Reception and Marketing Missteps
Much of the controversy surrounding the series wasn't rooted in its premise but in its marketing approach. Crunchyroll made a Kickstarter-like promotional video emphasizing the show's diversity, featuring numerous diverse staff members. While well-intentioned, this strategy backfired, as fans interpreted it as a diversity over quality narrative, leading to a backlash on forums and social media.
Further, test screenings reportedly did not go well, with some insiders suggesting that the reception affected plans for the release. As Neon from Clownfish TV suggests, there is suspicion that the show's development was a victim of meritocracy, where quality ultimately decides its fate more than marketing hype.