The world’s most popular anime brand, Crunchyroll has announced its inaugural slate of Crunchyroll Originals. These include eight series which span adventure, fantasy, romance, historical fiction and more. These shows, which are produced with respected publishers including Kodansha, animation studios such as MAPPA and from Crunchyroll Studios, represent Crunchyroll’s continued commitment to delight fans and expand the global anime community through fresh stories and unique perspectives from a global slate of creators.
“Since our launch in 2006, Crunchyroll has been at the forefront of anime fandom and a driving force in the popularizing of this beloved genre worldwide,” Said Joanne Waage, General Manager of Crunchyroll. “In keeping with this tradition, we are incredibly excited to announce our first slate of Crunchyroll Originals. These stories range from the traditional to the more innovative, blending eastern and western ideas within the spectrum of anime. We hope this content will not only delight our current fans but also create a pathway for new fans to fall in love with this amazing art form.”
Crunchyroll Originals will build upon its global collection of anime, with more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes currently available for fans. This inaugural slate was curated using more than 10 years of viewership data, paired with Crunchyroll’s deep connection to the anime community. These series will also premiere throughout the year, to compliment Crunchyroll’s robust seasonal anime slate.
Check out the details we have on the eight new Crunchyroll Originals.
In/Spectre
This Crunchyroll Original mixes supernatural romance with an enthralling, fantastical mystery. As a duo sets out to solve a series of dark incidents plaguing their world. The series is available now and is airing on Crunchyroll.
Tower of God
A dark fantasy action series which centers on the journey of a young man as he battles his way through the mysterious Tower, building friendships, discovering the rules that govern this tower and facing unimaginable terrors as he strives to find the only friend he’s ever known. A Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production, based on the comic series ‘Tower of God’ which was created by SUI and published by WEBTOON. The animation was produced by TELECOM ANIMATION FILM, production management was provided by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT. The series will be available on Crunchyroll in spring 2020.
Onyx Equinox
A young Aztec boy is saved from death by the gods and chosen to act as ‘humanity’s champion’. He is forced to discard his apathy towards his fellow man and prove humanity’s potential in a fight that spans across fantastical, yet authentic Mesoamerican cultures. This production was created by Sofia Alexander and will premiere in the summer of 2020.
The God of High School
This action packed series, based on the comic series The God of High School created by Yongje Park, follows a high-schooler and his friends as they compete in an epic tournament, borrowing power directly from the gods and uncovering a mysterious organization along the way. With the promise of their hearts deepest desires, motivating their tournament victory. Animation was produced by MAPPA, production management by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT.
Noblesse
This series is based on the comic series Noblesse from Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee which was published by WEBTOON. The series is a fantasy that follows a powerful vampire noble who is throw into modern civilization after 820 years of slumber. Dangerous adventures with is new friends await as they combat a secret organization and uncover his past. Animation produced by Production I.G
Meiji Gekken: Sword and Gun (Working Title)
In Japan in 1870, we follow an ensemble of characters, a former samurai, a yakuza bodyguard, a devious spy and a geisha assassin, as they try to find their place in the rapidly evolving Meiji-era while escaping the sins of their pasts.
FreakAngels
After a civilization comes to sudden and crashing end, twelve 23-year-old psychics living in the rubble of London must check their wild impulses and discover their better angels in order to rebuild society. The series is based on the graphic novels by Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield.
High Guardian Spice
In this Crunchyroll Studios production created by Raye Rodriguez, four fierce girls train to become the great heroes at High Guardian Academy. There they form allegiances, uncover betrayals and discover their true identities while preparing to protect the world from an ominous unknown threat.
All of the Crunchyroll Originals will be available to fans internationally on Crunchyroll, with In/Spectre airing now and additional premieres slated for throughout 2020.
Crunchyroll Originals is not the brands first foray into original content, as Crunchyroll has co-produced more than 60 series since 2015, working directly with partners in Japan to fund the production and creation of original anime including The Rising of the Shield Hero, A Place Further Than the Universe and The Junji Ito Collection among many others.
Crunchyroll offers the anime community a full 360 degree experience around the content they love, and fans can expect to see Crunchyroll Originals in upcoming events. At Crunchyroll Expo, Crunchyroll’s owned anime convention as well as at various conventions across the US and abroad, and in merchandise and social media.