Alexander "peter bjorn" Fadin
The animation industry is having an exciting year with returning legendary directors from FLCL, Cowboy Bebop, and other classics, alongside numerous promising new projects. Dive in.
Moonrise
WIT Studio introduces Moonrise, an original science fiction narrative exploring a future where artificial intelligence controls political systems, resulting in a severe divide between Earth and lunar populations. The story follows a protagonist whose family was killed by rebels, driving him to join Earth's military forces in their lunar operations. This ambitious project, delayed from its original release date, features character designs by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, adding significant artistic credibility to the production.
The series combines personal revenge themes with broader explorations of social inequality and political upheaval, all set against the backdrop of an AI-governed future. For fans awaiting the adaptation of Arakawa's latest manga, Yomi no Tsugai, Moonrise offers a chance to experience her distinctive character design work in a fresh context. The collaboration between WIT Studio's production expertise and Arakawa's artistic influence, coupled with an original science fiction narrative, positions this project as a potentially significant contribution to contemporary anime, particularly within the science fiction genre.
Kidou Senshi Gundam: GQuuuuuuX
In the latest addition to the Gundam franchise, we follow Amate Yuzuriha, a peaceful space colony student whose life changes dramatically after meeting Nyaan, a military refugee. Their encounter pulls Amate into the underground world of mobile suit battles, leading to a pivotal moment where she witnesses a mysterious unidentified Gundam being pursued by law enforcement.
This new project arrives as a potential redemption following the mixed reception of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022). While that series initially breathed fresh life into the franchise and made it more accessible to newcomers, its rushed and awkward conclusion left fans wanting more. The new series promises to address these shortcomings with a more focused and deliberate approach.
What truly sets this project apart is its exceptional creative team, featuring FLCL director Kazuya Tsurumaki, fresh from his work on the Evangelion rebuilds at Studio Khara, revolutionary screenwriter Yoji Enokido of Revolutionary Girl Utena fame, and involvement from the legendary Hideaki Anno. While this dream team doesn't guarantee success, their combined expertise and vision suggest the potential for something truly remarkable in the Gundam universe.
Make a Girl
Set in the near future, this innovative story follows Akira Mizutame, a young robotics scientist who faces professional challenges. When a friend suggests he should create a girlfriend, Akira develops Artificial Partner #0, leading to an exploration of the classic theme of creator-creation relationships. This modern interpretation of the Pygmalion myth takes advantage of contemporary AI concepts while examining the complexities of human-robot interactions through a distinctly Japanese lens.
The project marks the directorial debut of Gensho Yasuda, a renowned 3D animator famous for creating short films featuring anime girls in various scenarios, from mundane activities to military conflicts. While the film's full 3D animation might raise concerns among traditional anime fans, Yasuda's proven track record in creating visually appealing computer animation suggests a promising visual experience. His unique approach to 3D animation, combined with the engaging narrative premise, positions this film as a potentially groundbreaking entry in the evolving landscape of Japanese animation.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Movie 4: Walpurgis no Kaiten
The upcoming film continues the groundbreaking Madoka Magica trilogy, representing a significant moment in anime history. Despite Studio Shaft's notorious management issues and delays, this project carries the weight of its predecessor's legacy a series that revolutionized the magical girl genre and introduced the concept of deconstruction to mainstream anime discourse.
What sets Madoka Magica apart is its exceptional artistic taste, combining unique visuals with a carefully balanced narrative approach. Gen Urobuchi's storytelling, perhaps his most successful work to date, masterfully walks the line between compelling drama and controlled chaos. The franchise's influence on anime culture remains profound, having permanently altered how audiences approach and analyze the medium.
Despite valid concerns about Studio Shaft's operational challenges and their treatment of animators, the recently released trailer suggests exceptional production values. This visual promise, combined with the franchise's established creative excellence, indicates potential for another remarkable entry in the series, even as the studio continues to grapple with internal issues. The project demonstrates that even amid organizational struggles, artistic vision can prevail in creating compelling content.
A New Dawn
A promising debut feature emerges from Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, a protégé of the renowned Makoto Shinkai, centered on the Obinata fireworks factory facing administrative seizure. The narrative follows Keitaro, who has spent six years crafting fireworks in memory of his vanished father, alongside two other young protagonists who must confront nature's fury while discovering their true selves. This intimate story blends personal drama with environmental themes, setting up a compelling exploration of human relationships against natural forces.
Based on Shinomiya's previous short films and available previews, audiences can anticipate exceptional visual artistry. His background as an accomplished animator suggests a feast for the eyes, continuing the tradition of stunning Japanese animation that combines technical excellence with emotional storytelling. The visual elements promise to enhance the narrative's impact while creating memorable cinematic moments.
While the environmental themes echo recent works by Shinkai, this project represents Shinomiya's opportunity to establish his unique directorial voice. The challenge lies in balancing these familiar elements with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling approaches. As the film industry watches this debut, the key question remains: will Shinomiya successfully craft his own distinctive style while addressing contemporary ecological concerns in a way that resonates with audiences?
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
A surprising revival emerges as this cult phenomenon makes its unexpected return, bringing with it the raw, unfiltered comedy that made the original memorable. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi, known for masterpieces like Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Cyberpunk Edgerunners, marks his first directorial work in three years by personally securing the rights to this forgotten Gainax legacy. The series promises to maintain its distinctive approach to humor, embracing its reputation for crude jokes and explicit language that somehow transcend their basic nature to achieve comedy excellence.
This continuation represents more than just a simple sequel; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of unconventional storytelling in anime. While it may not be the most prestigious series in the medium, it fills a unique niche that audiences didn't realize they needed until its return. With Imaishi at the helm, known for his ability to elevate seemingly simple concepts into memorable experiences, this new season promises to bring that special touch that makes the world a slightly better place through the power of unapologetic entertainment.
Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze-hen
The popular shonen manga adaptation returns for its second season with significant changes, most notably a new director bringing a dramatic shift in visual approach. Moving away from the first season's dark, hyperrealistic style, the series now embraces a more stylized animation technique with vibrant, contrasting colors. This bold creative decision marks a decisive break from its predecessor's controversial reception, suggesting a potential renaissance for the franchise.
However, given MAPPA studio's track record of unpredictable quality, viewers should approach the impressive trailer with cautious optimism. The studio's productions often walk a fine line between spectacular action masterpieces and technically compromised results of mismanagement. This uncertainty leaves fans wondering whether they'll witness the year's best action spectacle or another example of squandered potential, making the upcoming release both exciting and anxiety-inducing for the series' devoted followers.
Virgin Punk
In this violent new series, we follow Ubu, a young female bounty hunter who becomes entangled in a world of extreme violence. This project marks the anticipated return of Yasuomi Umetsu to the director's chair after a decade-long absence, bringing with him his signature style that earned him recognition as the John Woo of anime. His previous works, including Kite and Mezzo Forte, established his reputation for creating explosive action sequences and controversial content that defined 90s anime action.
The new series promises to revive Umetsu's distinctive approach to animation, characterized by intense gunfights, dramatic explosions, and mature themes that made him a standout director during the 1990s. This return to form represents more than just another action series; it's a bridge between classic anime sensibilities and modern production values, offering audiences a chance to experience the raw energy of 90s action anime through a contemporary lens.
Hateshinaki Scarlet
Mamoru Hosoda, the acclaimed director of "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" and "Wolf Children," returns with a new film about a dimension-traveling princess. While Hosoda's reputation as a masterful storyteller has historically guaranteed attention for his works, his recent projects have fallen short of the high standards set by his earlier masterpieces. Despite this creative slump, each new Hosoda film remains a significant event in the animation world.
The director has promised something truly unique and unprecedented with this latest project, though details remain scarce. Given Hosoda's current creative trajectory, there's a mix of cautious optimism and hope among fans and critics for a triumphant return to form. This film could potentially mark a decisive comeback for one of anime's most influential contemporary directors, making it a particularly intriguing addition to his filmography despite recent disappointments in his creative output.
City The Animation
Kyoto Animation takes on another Keiichi Arawi work, departing from their signature moe aesthetic to adapt the story of Midori, a debt-ridden protagonist avoiding responsibility while her landlady demands rent and her best friend refuses loans. This adaptation follows in the footsteps of Nichijou, breaking from KyoAni's usual warm color palettes and sparkly-eyed character designs to embrace Arawi's distinctive style. Unlike their typical productions, which feature gentle aesthetics and meticulous animation, this project maintains the manga's unique visual approach.
Arawi's absurdist comedies represent a distinctly Japanese phenomenon that often polarizes international audiences, generating reactions ranging from uncontrollable laughter to complete bewilderment. However, while the content's cultural nuances may challenge some viewers, Kyoto Animation's goal remains straightforward: to create another masterpiece of animation, just as they did with Nichijou. Their commitment to excellence, combined with Arawi's unconventional storytelling, suggests a potentially groundbreaking addition to their impressive portfolio.
Takopii no Genzai
What appears to be a lighthearted story about an alien from the Planet Happiness helping a troubled schoolgirl named Shizuka takes an unexpected turn in this adaptation. Following the tradition of Made in Abyss, director Shinya Iino, who previously served as assistant director on that series, masterfully contrasts innocent visual styling with deeply disturbing narrative elements. This juxtaposition creates a uniquely unsettling viewing experience that challenges audience expectations.
The project builds upon its source material's impressive success in Japan, where the brief two-volume manga sold over a million copies. Combined with the anime's distinctive analog aesthetic and the creative team's experience with similar tonal contrasts, this adaptation promises to be a remarkable entry in the growing subgenre of deceivingly cute series with dark undertones. The series demonstrates how animation can effectively deliver complex, mature themes through seemingly simple presentation, making it a potentially significant addition to contemporary anime.
Hyakuemu
Director Kenji Iwaisawa brings his distinctive rotoscoping expertise to this compelling sports narrative about Togashi, an undefeated 100-meter sprinter who mentors Komiya, a naturally gifted but technically raw athlete. Their paths cross again years later at a competitive event, setting up a powerful exploration of athletic rivalry and personal growth. This adaptation of Uoto's manga (known for On the Movement of the Earth) promises to deliver the same artistic innovation that marked Iwaisawa's previous work, Ongaku.
While some might question the high placement of this niche project, those familiar with Iwaisawa's unique directorial style understand its potential significance. His masterful use of rotoscoping technique, combined with subtle storytelling approaches, creates a singular visual experience unlike anything else in contemporary animation. This project represents a perfect marriage of source material and directorial vision, suggesting an extraordinary addition to the sports anime genre that transcends conventional expectations.
Sanda
A unique narrative unfolds when Fuyumura, convinced that her classmate Sanda is descended from a bearded gift-giver in a red hat, attempts a violent summoning ritual. This adaptation comes from Paru Itagaki, creator of Beastars and daughter of Baki the Grappler author Keisuke Itagaki, maintaining the family's tradition of creating extraordinary manga narratives. The series represents another ambitious project from Studio Science Saru, which has found new momentum under TOHO's corporate umbrella.
Based on early footage, Science Saru's sketch-like animation style proves to be an excellent match for Itagaki's eccentric worldbuilding and sensitive character portrayals. The studio's approach offers a different but equally effective interpretation compared to Orange Studio's more structured 3D work on Beastars, suggesting that Itagaki's unique vision translates well across various animation styles. The combination of the studio's distinctive aesthetic with Itagaki's storytelling promises an intriguing addition to the season's lineup.
Main image: ensigame.com
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