Earlier this month the Japanese animation scene was abuzz with the announcement of the anime 009 RE:CYBORG, to be directed by Kenji Kamiyama of the Ghost In The Shell Standalone series fame. Originally a manga by Shotaro Ishinomaru (who also created the legendary Kamen Riders), Cyborg 009 is a much beloved classic among the Japanese, which is why anticipation for the film is exceptionally high. Skip right down to the bottom to watch the 4 minute teaser.
With Kamiyama-san on board it was easy enough to guess that Production I.G would be involved in the production, but they will also be sharing the work with Sanzigen CGI. The rousing soundtrack you hear in the trailer below is by Kenji Kawai, one of my favourite Japanese composers.
Having worked on Otomo Katsuhiro’s Freedom Project some years back, which was also a 2D cell shaded anime, I’m already forming my own opinions about the look of this film, but it’ll be wise to see the finished film first. 009 RE:CYBORG will be released in fall 2012.
Visit the official homepage at www.ph9.jp.
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Animestyle Magazine Issue 2 – 009 RE:CYBORG
Future – Tsuruta Kenji Art Book Review
Denki – Tsuruta Kenji Art Book Review
Otomo Katsuhiro Tribute Exhibition – Angoulême
Otomo Katsuhiro’s Short Peace – New Posters
November 11th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Never read the manga but this looks like a lot of fun! I love Standalone complex so I have faith in the director. I’m not a fan of the 3d characters though, they feel off to me and move strangely when they’re not in extreme action.
November 12th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
While watching the trailer I came across the entire 1966 movie on youtube and watched it. It wasn’t very good!! lol
Based on the trailer, the 3d for the new movie is probably the best I’ve seen. But I don’t really like this kind of 3d either. tbh I don’t even like mechanical objects done in 3d. They usually work well enough to stand with the 2d animation, but then when I watch something like the Patlabor movies I know what I’m missing.
With Production IG and Kawaii working on this it’s kind of funny to imagine what it would be like of Oshii was directing, lol
November 13th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Sukh – Yes I agree; you just can’t pose the 3D characters the same way as when you are drawing a 2D version, I think the latter gives you more immediate creative control.
Jason – Haha I’ve not seen the original and so cannot comment on its quality. I think if Oshii had taken up the project it would take on a very different feel indeed.
January 2nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
The serious/realistic style shown in the last picture of all the characters literally made me say “what the fuuuck” out loud.
It’s not in a negative way, but just that image was something I had never expected to see. To see the big nose flying guy, pudgy Chinese guy, Black dude and hulking brown man done in that style is a shock hahah.