I think it's more the problem of execs, market people, and other people in the industry who are all "female leads in a shonen series don't sell" than the writers. I've heard of various writers in Hollywood trying to break various barriers, but the powers that be make it extremely difficult.
Though other countries being allowed to do their own versions of series franchises like Digimon would be pretty awesome.
And since all the stories ideas had would show up as fanfic, one can screw with the dynamics. I have as seven-part OC series where the lead partner is a cougar, a triceratops, a Wild Turkey, an extinct squid, a hadrosaurus, two mineral Digimon, and a frog. That's the good thing with fanfic. You don't have to obey to the prejudiced notions of a few overly paid execs.
Don't know how making everything in the same continuity would work. The multiverse concept makes crossovers easier. Though I have an AU series in mind where all the anime series would be in the same universe and have different plots (Adventure will initially take place in the Real World, the Tamers are sucked into the Digital World like in the first season, etc). Plus I could have my crossover pairings that aren't generally possible. *stares at Miyako/Ruki and Savers Agumon/Shoutmon* I have an notion for an manga AU series with the X-Evolution movie thrown in that might crossover with the anime one.
LOL would there be an Ultraman-like narrator to tell the audience every episode s/he should finish the enemy quickly, or they will remain like Digimon forever? And if/when they run over the time limit, would they remain as Digimon or would a loophole be exploited?
I remember that Katara and Suki and her Kyoshi Warriors were great opportunities for merchandise ,especially Suki. Yet they never released any figures except the whitey Katara and you know the rest.
If these characters could make it here and be well liked, why can't there be more? Especially since women make the MAJORITY of the movie ticket sales, daytime show viewings ,and possibly invest a sizable chunk in anime too and probably the majority in its native land. I could see that it has had a mnimal effect in Japan where the guys are all superhot possibly metrosexual man-idols ,but from my limited viewing of Japanese media, we both have a LONG way to go .
Having a non-stereotypical lead role for a WOMAN is needed because since I'm white and a guy , I've had INFINITE role models though I admired POCs like Bruce Lee, Ali , Tsuburaya and others more . I cannot imagine how horrible it is being a woman ,aside being any other minority not seeing equal ,balanced representation in the mainstream media ;its one of the reasons I've stopped paying attention to it . It's all a joke and very narrow-minded, regardless of viewpoints.
I would only like an American version of Digimon if I did it . Not to sound arrogant , but I have out all mapped out in my head how it would be done and executed. If need be , i9t could be a co-production between Toei and Saban assuming they get the rights back, but Nick COULD be a possibility now since they have Avatar.
Why wouldn't they import an already existing franchise that has some niche roots for a new audience? This concept would only work if the crew of Avatar got onto the show because anything else would be lesser. And I know what I mean since their attempts at Voltron and Speed Racer failed/might fail.
And if not them it would have to be talents that are up to the task of making a second Americanime franchise.
I thinking sticking to the basics like the original would be a start like Digidestined children/teens taken into an unknown world that is based within the computer mainframe of the world /alternate universe(dimension?).
Continuing any other storyline, while good for us fans , would be a major mindfuck for the children who're being just introduced, so making it standalone series (at first ) is essential for an American revival. Then gradually, you seep in aspects of continuity like familial connections, guest appearances of the first four seasons ,and most important of all, connecting the stories.
Essentially , if done correctly , it would serve the function that Turn A Gundam was supposed to do and failed, combining the seemingly alternate worlds. It would not be hard to connect the Adventure saga to Tamers since Takato's teacher and the blond secret agent dude are basically Kari and TK. The only thing that would have to be done is to make the connections. Maybe Frontier could be too, but maybe that is before Adventure? Savers could be in the near future and Xros Wars in the here and now.
P.S. Analyzer, I recall there being a loophole in the Animorphs books that gave leeway if the morphed beings were still morphed, so maybe that could be woven in?