The final chapter of the new anime series "TRIGUN STAMPEDE," based on Yasuhiro Nightow's manga "Trigun," titled "TRIGUN STARGAZE," will air on TV Tokyo from 11:00 PM on January 10th. The gun action manga was serialized from 1995 to 2007, with "TRIGUN STAMPEDE" airing from January to March 2023. "TRIGUN STARGAZE" marks the first new series in about three years. The original manga was serialized from 1995 to 2007. The TV anime aired in 1998, and the animated film "Trigun the Movie: Badlands Rumble" was released in 2010. However, both "TRIGUN STAMPEDE" and "TRIGUN STARGAZE" were produced with new staff and cast. So why was a new anime being produced in the first place? Toho producer Katsuhiro Takei and anime production company Orange producer Sumiyoshi Waki spoke about the behind-the-scenes story of the Trigun anime revival.
◇Convey emotions seamlessly in 3D
Orange, which is working on the new "Trigun" anime, is a 3DCG production company. Orange has worked on the 3DCG for numerous anime such as "Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince," and produced its first anime as a prime contractor with the 2017 TV anime "Land of the Lustrous." "Land of the Lustrous" attracted attention for its distinctive style, which set it apart from traditional "drawn-animation," such as the texture of the gems and dynamic character movements. Producer Waki, who had previously worked at Madhouse and Studio Chizu, joined Orange after working on "Land of the Lustrous."
There were many reasons why producer Takei decided to produce a new anime based on "Trigun," but "Land of the Lustrous" was the first time he worked with Waki. Orange was originally a subcontracting 3DCG studio, but its president, Inomoto (Eiji), had a strong desire to "establish 3DCG animation in Japan." When they decided to produce "Land of the Lustrous," they were looking for a production producer to oversee the entire project, and consulted with Waki, who had been a drinking buddy for a while. He thought he could introduce someone to him, and it turned out that Waki had decided to transfer to Orange.
Producer Waki: After "Land of the Lustrous," we also produced "BEASTARS," which used 3DCG to express characters, but I wanted the studio to become one that could truly express humans.
Producer Takei: "Land of the Lustrous" was produced in collaboration with a great 2D animation director, as we were trying to combine the traditions of 2D animation with the new 3D CG. It was during this process that I met Kenji Muto, the director of "TRIGUN STAMPEDE." He is incredibly talented. As a producer, I felt it would be a sin not to let him make his directorial debut. "Trigun" was also a genre that was well suited to 3D CG.
Producer Waki Muto is good at action, so he's a good fit for "Trigun."
Producer Takei: The action in the final episode of "STAMPEDE" was amazing. I trusted Muto-san.
The big appeal of "STAMPEDE" is the dynamic action that can only be achieved with 3DCG. The "fusion of 2D animation tradition and 3DCG" that "Land of the Lustrous" aimed for has also evolved further. It's so good that you forget it's 3DCG while watching.
Producer Waki: In "STAMPEDE," I particularly tried to express the changes in human facial expressions. Viewers sometimes feel a slight sense of incongruity with changes in facial expressions. The challenge was to convey emotions without creating a sense of incongruity.
◇There's no point in doing the same thing
"STAMPEDE" has also been talked about for its bold adaptation of the original work. It is a challenging work.
Producer Takei is a fan of the original work himself, and also likes the 1998 and 2010 anime. With such a great original work and anime, there's no point in doing the same thing. Mr. Naito encouraged me by saying, "Do whatever you like," and I was able to do what I wanted freely.
Producer Waki: Drama exists in the novel, manga, and film alike, but the way it's expressed and what it conveys is different. That can be changed depending on how it's made. In adapting it into a film, I tried to find the consistent, important parts of "Trigun."
Producer Takei: Before starting the scenario and plot, I spent about two years thinking about the setting and story.
Producer Waki: How do we put that all together? Initially, the director said, "It's difficult to understand Vash."
Producer Takei: It's a very substantial story, so if you want to talk about it, you can talk about it as much as you want. There's a backstory and so on, so I thought about how to express that. In the end, "STAMPEDE" has a simple structure, but behind it there is a tremendous amount of setting, and it took a long time to find the structure to put it all together. It's made in the same rich way as a movie.
Producer Waki : When we were dubbing the first episode, I thought, "We can do this!" I was skeptical up until that point, but then I realized what I was aiming for.
Producer Takei also paid particular attention to the sound. I think there was some pressure as the cast was completely new, but they overcame it. I think that was especially true for Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who played Vash. Matsuoka's acting was incredible. I was left wondering what would happen at the end!
Producer Waki: Because it's pre -recorded, the actors' performances are directly reflected in the anime. The emotional scene in the final episode was made possible by carefully considering the acting that came out of the cast.
◇ Become "STAMPEDE" or higher
"STARGAZE" is set two and a half years after "STAMPEDE" and will be directed by Masako Sato.
Producer Waki and Director Sato are from Studio Ghibli and have a unique way of expressing characters.
Thanks to the skills of producer Takei and director Sato, this has become a wonderful anime.
Producer Waki: Orange basically produces anime in-house. So we have a solid track record of building up to now. It has to get better, and it has definitely gotten better, with visual expression that surpasses "STAMPEDE."
Producer Takei: The 1998 TV anime reached its final episode while the original manga was still being serialized, but this time the anime will be adapted after the original manga has been completed. Those who have seen "STAMPEDE" may already know this, but I think you will enjoy each episode with a fresh surprise. I hope you enjoy the final chapter.
"STARGAZE" is sure to be an even more evolved video. Expectations are high for this unprecedented expression. (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
