For decades, anime fans have debated over an important choice: subs or dubs? Writing for Reel Rundown, Jennifer Wilber describes why some non-Japanese-speaking anime fans strongly prefer the original Japanese audio track with English subtitles. "One of the main reasons that purists give for preferring subs is that subtitles allow them to experience the anime the way the creators meant for it to be seen," Wilber explains. "These fans view anime as an artform, and do not believe that it should be altered in any way."
On the other hand, those who prefer dubbing, wherein an audio track featuring dialogue in another language is used, find it easier to engage with the animation when the dialogue is in their native language. For fear of stoking the rage of partisans on either side, we won't weigh in on the debate — each way of watching has its strengths and its drawbacks. However, for the time being, people who strongly prefer dubbing may want to wait to tune into Baki's third season.
At the time of writing, the release of an English audio track is delayed due to the industry-wide shutdown on TV and film productions. A message on the series' home page on Netflix reads, "Some audio languages are delayed. We're prioritizing voice actor safety." We don't know exactly when you can expect to hear an English audio track for Baki season 3, but if you're a dubbing die-hard, maybe it's a good opportunity to see how the other half views their anime.
