The original anime series "Tenchi Muyo!", produced by AIC, has captivated fans since the release of its first OVA, "Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki," in 1992. The franchise has since expanded into TV anime, movies, games, and more, maintaining a dedicated global fanbase.
In July, Creative Minds LLC announced a brand-new US-led "Tenchi Muyo!" anime project titled "Tenchi Galaxy." The crowdfunding campaign for its pilot episode officially launched on Kickstarter in the US on July 10th. In just two days, the project successfully blasted past its $400,000 goal!
This new "Tenchi Galaxy" isn't a continuation of the "Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki" timeline established by original creator Masaki Kajishima, nor is it a sequel to any existing anime series. Instead, it's a completely fresh, original story spearheaded by a US team.
The plot kicks off with the theft of a crucial Jurai artifact, sending Tenchi and his crew on a mission to retrieve it from the heart of a space pirate stronghold. Their journey forces them into an intergalactic tournament, leading to a direct confrontation with the Space Pirate Queen, all while unraveling the hidden secrets of Ryoko's tragic past.
The project will deliver a single, approximately 30-minute pilot episode, designed as the first installment of a potential full series. While initially planned for English voice acting, the overwhelming success of the crowdfunding campaign has also secured the production of a Japanese dubbed version.
Directing the pilot is Hiroshi Negishi, known for his work on various "Tenchi Muyo!" titles including the original TV series ("Tenchi Universe" and "Tenchi in Tokyo"), "Tenchi Muyo! in Love," "Ai Tenchi Muyo!," and "Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Paradise Shidou-hen." Toru Miura serves as producer, with animation handled by US-based Armiger Entertainment.
▼ Current character design concepts:
▼ As of this writing, the crowdfunding campaign has soared past $530,000!
Adding to the excitement, Nerissa Ravencroft, a VTuber from hololive English -Advent, is set to lend her voice to an original character in the series.
【Project Overview for Funded Production】
Upon successful funding, the following will be produced:
Project Scope: A 30-minute pilot episode, serving as the first installment for a potential full series.
Title: "Tenchi Galaxy"
Format: US Original Pilot Anime (1 episode, approx. 30 minutes)
Voice Acting: English (featuring many renowned voice actors from past US "Tenchi Muyo!" dubs), Japanese dub also confirmed.
Producer: Toru Miura
Director: Hiroshi Negishi
Production Company: Armiger Entertainment (USA)
Co-Producer: Ikuko Ogiso (Creative Minds contracted company, Japan)
▼ "Tenchi Galaxy" Kickstarter Teaser Concept Video:
The crowdfunding campaign runs until September 8th, with fans from Taiwan, Japan, and other international regions also able to contribute. For a long-standing IP like "Tenchi Muyo!", seeing a new derivative work come to life through this method is truly remarkable. The official team promises to keep releasing updates for all the dedicated fans worldwide!
via： kickstarter