5 New Anime Netflix Originals For All You Otaku’s Out There

(source: Netflix)

JUICE attended Netflix ‘See What’s Next Asia’ event in Singapore last week. Aside from getting chummy with Robin Wright, Diego Luna, Robert Sheehan, Micheal Pena and Andy Serkis (more on that later), we got first dips on 5 original anime projects unveiled by the streaming platform, ranging from adaptations of current projects like Pacific Rim and original anime series like Yasuke.

As Netflix is increasing its presence in Asian entertainment, it makes sense for them to give something we could anime and chill to. If you’re a hardcore otaku, you’ll know that the streaming giant has over 100 anime titles scattered across subgenres ranging from sci-fi and fantasy to comedy.

While none of these new titles have firm release dates yet, Netflix stated that most of them should be released sometime in 2019. Here’s a quick rundown on the 5 upcoming anime originals:

1. Pacific Rim

(source: Animation Magazine)

Returning to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers, this original anime series will expand upon the story of the first two live action movies and follow two siblings – an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister – who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents.

Co-showrunners: Craig Kyle (Thor: Ragnarok) and Greg Johnson (X-Men: Evolution)
Production Company: Legendary Entertainment (Kong: Skull Island; Pokemon: Detective Pikachu)

2. Altered Carbon

(source: Comic Book)

This anime feature, set in the same universe of the Netflix live-action sci-fi series (second season in production from Skydance Television), will explore new elements of the story’s mythology.

Writer: Dai Sato (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) and Tsukasa Kondo
Animation Studio: Anima

3. Cagaster of an Insect Cage

(source: Netflix)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease called “Cagaster” turns people into giant murderous insects. This manga-based series follows the struggle of a young couple to stay alive.

Directed By Koichi Chigira (Last Exile, Full Metal Panic!)
Animation Studio: Gonzo (Hellsing, Afro Samurai)

4. Yasuke

(source: Afropunk)

In a war-torn feudal Japan of mechs and magic, a retired ronin must take up his sword when he is charged with the task of transporting a mysterious child who dark forces want to eliminate. Created and directed by LeSean Thomas (The Boondocks, Cannon Busters), this anime will feature music composed by Grammy-nominee Flying Lotus who is also an Executive Producer for the show. Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta, Sorry to Bother You) will be the voice of the protagonist Yasuke (based on the historical samurai of African origin who fought with Oda Nobunaga).

Animation Studio: MAPPA (Yuri On Ice, Kakegurui).

5. Trese

(source: Netflix)

Set in a Manila where mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in hiding amongst humans, Alexandra Trese finds herself going head-to-head with a criminal underworld comprised of malevolent supernatural beings. This anime series is based on the Philippine graphic novel of the same name, created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo.

Executive Producer: Jay Oliva (Wonder Woman, The Legend of Korra).
Produced by Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson at BASE Entertainment, a studio based in Jakarta and Singapore.

 

This list is obviously action-packed and we’re ready to binge watch all of it (!) when it comes out, especially Trese because it explores a unique culture of a close neighbour of ours (that’s not Singapore). How about you?

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