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New Anime 'Kyoukai Senki Kyokukou no Souki' from the "Kyoukai Senki" Series, Directed by Masami Obari, Special Trailer Released!

SUNRISE BEYOND, an animation studio under Japan's Bandai Namco Group, today officially announced a new anime series, 《Kyoukai Senki Kyokukou no Souki》, a collaboration with BANDAI SPIRITS for the original robot anime "Kyoukai Senki" series, and released a special promotional video.

The story of "Kyoukai Senki," which premiered in 2021, describes how in A.D. 2061, Japan was divided and ruled by the world's four major economic blocs. Its people were treated like slaves of a subordinate nation, and its territory became the frontline battlefield where various powers deployed humanoid special mobile weapons called "AMAIM." The protagonist, Amou Shiiba, is a 16-year-old boy who loves machines and collects parts. One day, his encounter with the autonomous AI "Gai" sparked an opportunity. Using a bare frame left in an abandoned factory, he built the combat robot 'MAILeS Kenbu' and fought alongside his comrades from the resistance organization 'Yatagarasu' to reclaim Japan.

However, after its premiere, the anime was criticized for its unexciting and lackluster action sequences, slow pacing in its dramatic scenes, and uncharismatic characters. Even the focus on rural revitalization seemed to outweigh the narrative of reclaiming Japan. Despite a more serious depiction of the nation's restoration process starting in the second season, the weak combat choreography and illogical plot remained unacceptable, significantly dragging down sales of Bandai's target model kits. SUNRISE BEYOND also incurred a loss of approximately 63 million JPY in 2022.

Nevertheless, Bandai is not giving up on this IP. This time, they have brought in popular animator Masami Obari, known for his extensive experience in mechanical design and directing robot anime, to take over the new anime "Kyoukai Senki Kyokukou no Souki." From the special promotional video, it's evident that both the new character designs and the directorial style are more youth-oriented. In addition to the appearance of the spin-off unit "Byakuchi," designed by Ken Okuyama Design, new units designed by familiar faces from the "Gundam" series, such as Kanetake Ebikawa, Takayuki Yanase, and Ippei Gyobu, will also be released. The question remains: can this move reverse the decline of "Kyoukai Senki"?

via： BANDAI HOBBY