Anime originals have been quite popular lately, with many new projects emerging over the last few years. One of the most notable examples is Lycoris Recoil, which is set to receive a second season – a rare feat for an original anime. Additionally, some series have begun to incorporate original content alongside their source material, such as the upcoming Spy x Family original movie. This trend serves as a positive sign for aspiring artists, suggesting that launching an original anime project is a viable and worthwhile endeavor that may resonate with audiences.
Recently, Yusuke Murata, the manga artist behind the popular Shounen series One Punch Man, announced the first part of his very own original anime project on Twitter. He has also teamed up with a reputable animation studio to bring his vision to life on screen.
Yusuke Murata is a highly respected manga artist with a signature art style that has garnered recognition throughout the industry. Previously an assistant to Takeshi Obata (the creator of Death Note), Murata has worked on a number of popular manga series such as Eyeshield 21 and Gokiburi Buster. However, it is his work on One Punch Man that has propelled him to international fame.
Despite his success in manga, Murata is branching out into new territory with a fantasy-based manga series in the works. Additionally, he has taken on the challenge of creating his own original anime series, collaborating with his in-house animation studio “Village Studio” to bring the project to life. The anime, titled “Zaiyuki”, has already generated buzz among fans, with Murata releasing a two-part trailer on his official Twitter account.
いったんAパートの出来上がってるとこだけ字幕つけてまとめてみました。重いので分割1/2。 pic.twitter.com/is8xSHrHom
— 村田雄介 (@NEBU_KURO) March 6, 2023
分割2/2。オリジナルのアニメを制作中です。 pic.twitter.com/2iSUaECMmN
— 村田雄介 (@NEBU_KURO) March 6, 2023
After viewing the first part of the trailer for “Zaiyuki,” it becomes evident that Yusuke Murata’s signature style is present in the anime. Fans of Murata’s work in the manga industry will likely recognize his distinctive character design, particularly in the female character showcased in the trailer. Additionally, some viewers have noted that the appearance of the driver in the trailer bears a resemblance to Amai Mask, an S-Rank Hero in Murata’s One Punch Man series.
Given the short length of the A Part in the trailer for “Zaiyuki,” it is possible that the anime will be a concise OVA (Original Video Animation) rather than a full-length feature. However, despite its brevity, the trailer showcases an impressive level of detail and complexity, which is characteristic of Murata’s exceptional artistic abilities.
The Synopsis of Zaiyuki
The premise of “Zaiyuki” revolves around the journey of a young kappa named Zaiyuki who is unlike any other kappa. He cannot swim, and he despises cucumbers, which are a defining characteristic of his kind. Consequently, he is subjected to bullying from other kappas in his town. However, Zaiyuki’s life takes an unexpected turn when he wins a lottery that presents him with an opportunity to travel to India.
Determined to leave his troubles behind, Zaiyuki embarks on his journey to India. However, on his way to the airport, he is given a mysterious orb by an older adult that transforms into a monkey when he arrives in India. This attracts the attention of the police, who corner Zaiyuki at the airport. Now trapped, Zaiyuki must find a way to escape. Furthermore, he begins to question whether his journey to India was merely happenstance, or if there is a greater purpose behind his travels.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Yusuke Murata will be as fine an animator as he is a manga artist? And what are your thoughts on the first part of the anime? Let us know in the comments down below.
Source: Crunchyroll News
