Summary
- Moonrise is WIT Studio's original sci-fi anime promising high-stakes drama and dazzling animation.
- Fans hope Moonrise, helmed by industry veterans, will mark WIT Studio's return to form.
- Even if Moonrise falters, WIT Studio has the highly anticipated One Piece remake as a safety net.
Despite having several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including the One Piece remake and the continued success of Spy × Family, WIT Studio has faced growing criticism in recent years. While their earlier reputation was built on hits like Attack on Titan and Ranking of Kings, recent projects like Suicide Squad Isekai and My Deer Friend Nokotan have left fans questioning whether the studio has lost its touch.
Enter Moonrise, WIT’s ambitious original sci-fi anime. Promising high-stakes drama and dazzling animation, this could be the series that finally turns the tide.
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WIT Studio is a Japanese animation studio founded on June 1, 2012, by producers at Production I.G as a subsidiary of IG Port. The studio quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the anime industry with its breakout success, Attack on Titan, which became a global phenomenon. Other notable projects include the critically acclaimed Vinland Saga, the whimsical Ranking of Kings, and the stylish heist series Great Pretender. More recently, the studio collaborated with CloverWorks on the massively popular Spy × Family, further cementing its status as a major player in the anime world.
WIT Studio’s Recent Rut: A String of Misses
Suicide Squad, Nokotan, and More
It’s no secret that WIT Studio’s recent output has struggled to meet expectations. Suicide Squad Isekai and My Deer Friend Nokotan were passable, but neither had a lasting impact. Suicide Squad Isekai in particular, despite its intriguing premise, failed to rise above mediocrity. Many viewers felt it was simply another tired attempt to capitalize on a popular franchise without meaningful innovation.
Nokotan, on the other hand, suffered from comedic misfires. While the animation quality remained strong, the humor often fell flat, with jokes overstaying their welcome. Projects like Grimm Variation and Kizuna no Allele faced similar criticism, leading to a growing sentiment among fans that WIT was no longer delivering the same level of quality.
Fans have argued that these missteps are less a fault of the studio and more a result of questionable writing. The concern now is whether Moonrise will break free from the studio’s recent slump.
Why Moonrise Could Be the Turning Point for WIT Studios
The Sci-Fi Anime Is Backed By Industry Veterans
Moonrise is an original science fiction anime set to premiere on Netflix on April 10. Helmed by Attack on Titan director Masashi Koizuka and featuring character designs by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, the series is promising fans an exciting sci-fi adventure like never before. The story, written by Ghost in the Shell: Arise creator Tow Ubukata, explores a future where Earth thrives under the rule of an AI system called Sapientia. Meanwhile, the Moon is relegated to a dumping ground for criminals and pollutants.
The plot follows Jacob "Jack" Shadow, a young man whose life is shattered when the Moon's resistance launches a terrorist attack, killing his family. Consumed by grief, Jack enlists in Earth's military, only to confront harsh truths about the nature of war and justice. With its morally complex narrative, Moonrise aims to capture the emotional weight of conflict and the blurred lines between hero and villain.
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There’s plenty of reason to believe Moonrise could mark WIT Studio’s return to form. For one, the pedigree behind the project is undeniable. Masashi Koizuka’s previous work on Attack on Titan demonstrates his skill in portraying large-scale conflict and complex character arcs. Coupled with Tow Ubukata’s knack for layered narratives, the potential for gripping storytelling is high.
Based on the trailer and promotional visuals, Hiromu Arakawa’s character designs lend Moonrise a distinctive visual identity, with many people noting that they might check out the series just because of the character designs. Plus, the show’s concept of lunar rebellion against Earth’s technological dominance has already drawn comparisons to iconic series like Gundam. While Moonrise must carve its own identity, echoes of classic space operas give it a sturdy foundation.
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A Safety Net: The One Piece Remake
Even if Moonrise falls short, WIT Studio has a significant fallback. The upcoming One Piece remake, set to reimagine the iconic series in a visually stunning new format, is practically guaranteed to be a commercial success. This remake has already generated massive anticipation.
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With the updated visuals, One Piece fans have a better idea of what to expect from the remake.
In many ways, Moonrise is a bold but calculated gamble. If it pays off, it could restore WIT Studio’s reputation as a powerhouse for amazing original work.
When and Where to Watch Moonrise
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Moonrise lives up to its promise. The series premieres exclusively on Netflix on April 10. With its impressive creative team and a compelling premise, it’s certainly worth adding to your watchlist.
Whether Moonrise becomes the hit that WIT Studio desperately needs or simply another misstep, it will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about anime releases of the year. Mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff—the battle between Earth and the Moon is about to begin.
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