The panel by Studio Orange at Anime Expo 2024 primarily acted as a teaser and set-up for future developments. While there were mentions of a future Trigun project and the confirmed release date for BEASTARS season three, the standout focus was on Studio Orange’s next project, Leviathan.
Justin Leach, CEO of Qubic Pictures, joined the stage to explain further about the project, which was clearly where Studio Orange aimed the spotlight after revealing a never-before-seen teaser.
The teaser spotlighted Alek, a young boy going on a journey throughout the series, evading capture by traversing diverse locations aboard Leviathan, an airship crafted from a colossal whale.
It showcased striking imagery that highlighted two main artistic elements of the series: unique creature designs, which appeared as enhanced versions of existing animals or animals fused with technology, and detailed behind-the-scenes artwork aiming to capture the fantastic creature designs found in Scott Westerfield’s original novels, illustrated by Keith Thompson.
Studio Orange Teases Stunning World War One Anime with Netflix Debut in Sight
Leach and Studio Orange also emphasized the importance of the show’s backgrounds, crucial in portraying the story set in an alternate World War One era across a wide array of locations.
Judging from the teaser, anime enthusiasts can expect a visual treat in how these environments are depicted — some of the studio’s most impressive work to date. As someone new to the franchise before this panel, I likened the experience to witnessing a modern take on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
The panel left me more excited than anticipated for Studio Orange’s upcoming series. The team clearly knew where to direct their focus, highlighting elements they take pride in. If the final product can match the quality of the teaser, viewers are in for an exhilarating experience when the anime debuts on Netflix.
