New Anime From ‘Akira’ Creator in Development – Here’s What We Know So Far

A new era has begun for the legendary anime creator Katsuhiro Otomo, renowned for Akira, as he officially unveils a new animation studio named OVAL GEAR. This announcement was made via the studio’s newly launched official website and X account, confirming that work on its inaugural project is already in progress.

According to the information shared through OVAL GEAR’s official channels, the studio is not merely in the planning phase but is actively seeking talent. Additionally, its first anime project is under development, although specific details regarding the storyline or release date have yet to be disclosed.

Otomo is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in the history of anime. He created the Akira manga and later directed its iconic film adaptation produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. Over the years, he has contributed to various projects like Memories and Steamboy, earning a reputation for intricate storytelling and striking visual direction.

With OVAL GEAR, Otomo aims to share his expertise with a new generation of creators. The studio is set to concentrate on original storytelling, although the precise direction of its first project remains a mystery for now.

The studio’s official banner has also garnered attention, featuring a central character from ORBITAL ERA, a sci-fi film project first announced in 2019. This project was associated with Studio Sunrise and was revealed around the same time as a planned new version of Akira. However, there have been no significant updates on either project since their initial announcements.

Currently, OVAL GEAR is in its early stages, but the fact that production is already underway on its first title has sparked considerable interest among fans. The announcement comes from OVAL GEAR’s official website and social media accounts, with further updates anticipated in the future as the studio develops its lineup of works.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!