Among Netflix’s upcoming anime releases is a revival of a series that Netflix calls “The Landmark of Action Manga.” The title in question is Sprigganbased on the manga of the same name by Hiroshi Takashige with illustrations by Ryoji Minagawa.
Spriggan it began publication in 1989 and ran until 1996, at which point the manga launched in the US as Striker. However, the US version was heavily censored to “mask anti-American sentiments” according to MyAnimeList.
Spriggan’s story
Fans of old-school anime cinema may remember Studio 4°C’s 1998 adaptation, which had plenty of slick action and plenty of superbly detailed weapons. It is the type of anime remembered more for its incredible visuals than its story. Critical and audience reception among general movie aggregates and even MyAnimeList are quite mixed on the film.
However, despite the film being more of a cult movie with a niche following, the release of the new series has the potential to reignite interest. This occurs around the same time that Seven Seas Entertainment is licensing the original manga to be released in the west under its original name.
If ever there was a time to Spriggan to come back strong and stake its claim as a “Landmark”, as Netflix’s marketing so boldly asserts, now would be the time. So what is it Sprigganand exactly why this Netflix ONA should be on your radar.
Spriggan’s story
In Cornish folklore, Spriggans are fairies with childlike faces despite their grotesque old bodies. He’s perhaps not the most marketable protagonist, which is probably why the manga forgoes that instead of Yu Ominae, a trained fighter and ARCAM corporation agent.
As “Spriggan”, Yu fights to protect the powerful technology of an ancient civilization and prevent power from falling into the wrong hands. That is, they are fighting to prevent other nations and factions from using the technology as a weapon on a global scale.
From the studio that brought you JoJo
David Production, the studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Y fire forcehas assumed Spriggan‘s revival, using a mix of CGI and hand-drawn animation. Early teasers gave the impression that the show would be mostly computer generated, save for a few detailed close-ups, similar to the MAPPA animation. Dorohedoro.
As more trailers and teasers are released, the animation style seems to lean heavily towards 2D during downtime, character acting sequences, and even many action scenes. Where CGI is primarily used is during action involving characters in superhuman power suits.
creative leaders
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Director Hiroshi Kobayashi’s resume has two highlights: Netflix’s dragon pilot Y Kiznaiver. Both shows may be known more for character drama than action per se, but both shows were acclaimed for how they tackled their respective dramas. The latest trailer for Spriggan It shows a lot more character acting outside of combat, and everything looks vibrant and full of life.
On the action side, character designer and key animator Shuhei Handa is the character designer and animation director. The historical history of him as head of AD in kill the preyto his work in one punch man, sword art onlineand more, makes them a solid choice for a series sold for their stock.
The latest standout on the staff list is screenwriter Hiroshi Seko. With adapted material you don’t always think about scriptwriting, but it’s certainly what comes up most in criticism. People often complain about things being cut or added unnecessarily etc.
Seko has written adapted scripts for some of the biggest anime adaptations of the last two decades, from attack on titana jujutsu kaisen. It’s clear that David Production is serious about making sure this adaptation is done as faithfully and lovingly as possible.
Spriggan is available to stream on Netflix
Sources): Spriggan on MyAnimeList / Srpiggan (ONA) on MyAnimeList / Seven Seas Entertainment
