Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+, the digital manga platform, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special project that anime fans will not want to miss. Three renowned animation studios, WIT Studio, Production I.G, and CONTRAIL, are joining forces to animate one-shot manga stories from the Jump+ platform. This collaboration aims to highlight the talent of new manga artists and bring their stories to life through high-quality animation.
A Decade of Jump+: Showcasing Manga Talent
Shonen Jump+ was launched on September 22, 2014, as a mobile app and website offering a variety of manga series. It serves as a platform for both original titles and digital editions of Weekly Shonen Jump, with a focus on supporting emerging artists and unique standalone stories.
The platform has published over 2,000 one-shot works, emphasizing these stories as a key element of its editorial direction. These one-shots provide a space for new artists to showcase their passion and creativity, with many gaining support from readers. One notable example is Tatsuki Fujimoto’s “Look Back,” which garnered significant attention and was later adapted into an animated film.
Three Studios, Three Stories
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Shonen Jump+ has commissioned three anime adaptations of one-shot manga from its extensive catalog. Each adaptation will be helmed by one of the three participating animation studios:
- WIT Studio: Known for its work on “Attack on Titan” (Seasons 1-3), “Spy x Family,” and “Ranking of Kings,” WIT Studio has quickly become a leading name in the anime industry, producing visually stunning and emotionally resonant series.
- Production I.G: With a history dating back to 1987, Production I.G is celebrated for its contributions to the cyberpunk genre with “Ghost in the Shell,” as well as its diverse portfolio including “Psycho-Pass” and “Haikyu!!”.
- CONTRAIL: Founded in 2019 by anime director Sunao Katabuchi, CONTRAIL is an animation production company known for its work on “The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black” and collaborations with MAPPA.
The specific manga titles to be adapted have not yet been revealed, but updates will be shared through the Shonen Jump+ app and the platform’s 10th-anniversary website.
JOEN: Leading the Charge
Overseeing the project from planning to final execution is JOEN, a production company established in May 2022 by CloverWorks, WIT Studio, Aniplex, and Shueisha. JOEN aims to empower animation studios by enabling them to manage projects comprehensively, from initial concept to completion. This collaborative approach allows for greater creative control and ensures that each project is tailored to the strengths of the studio involved.
WIT Studio: A Decade of Innovation
Founded on June 1, 2012, by producers from Production I.G, WIT Studio has made a significant impact on the anime landscape in a relatively short time. The studio is headquartered in Musashino, Tokyo, and is known for its high-quality animation and diverse range of projects.
Notable Works:
- Attack on Titan (Seasons 1-3): The series that catapulted WIT Studio into the spotlight, “Attack on Titan” captivated audiences with its intense action, complex characters, and thought-provoking story.
- Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: A steampunk-inspired action series set in a world overrun by zombie-like creatures.
- The Ancient Magus’ Bride: A fantasy series that blends magic, romance, and intricate world-building.
- Ranking of Kings: An adventure series praised for its heartwarming story and unique character designs.
- Spy × Family: A collaboration with CloverWorks, this action-comedy series has become a global phenomenon.
- Vinland Saga: A historical-fiction anime adapted from a manga series.
WIT Studio has also contributed to OVAs (Original Video Animations), including “Attack on Titan: No Regrets” and “The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Those Awaiting a Star”.
Production I.G: A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1987, Production I.G has a long and distinguished history in the anime industry. The studio has produced numerous acclaimed feature films, television series, OVAs, and video games, earning a reputation for innovation and quality.
Notable Works:
- Ghost in the Shell: A landmark cyberpunk series that has influenced countless works in animation and film.
- Psycho-Pass: A dystopian science fiction series exploring themes of justice, technology, and free will.
- Blood: The Last Vampire: An action-horror film known for its groundbreaking use of digital animation.
- Kuroko’s Basketball: A sports anime that has gained a large following for its dynamic characters and over-the-top basketball action.
- Haikyu!!: Another popular sports anime that follows a high school volleyball team’s journey to the top.
Production I.G has also collaborated with international partners, including Cartoon Network on the series “IGPX”.
CONTRAIL: A Rising Force
Founded in September 2019 by director Sunao Katabuchi, CONTRAIL is a relatively new animation production company with close ties to MAPPA. The studio’s mission is to support Katabuchi’s future works and contribute to the anime industry with high-quality animation.
Notable Works:
- The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black: An animated film showcasing CONTRAIL’s production capabilities.
- Kikasete Hoshii Kimi no Koto (I Want to Hear About You): A short anime created in partnership with MAPPA to raise awareness of young carers in Japan.
Shonen Jump+: A Platform for Discovery
Shonen Jump+ has become a vital platform for manga creators, offering a space to showcase their talent and connect with a wide audience. The platform serializes original titles, titles from other Shueisha manga magazines, and digital editions of Weekly Shonen Jump. It also features a variety of discovery tools, including interviews with notable manga fans, year-by-year rankings, and creator recommendations.
The platform’s commitment to one-shot manga has made it a breeding ground for new talent, with over 200 one-shots published annually. This focus on short, standalone stories allows creators to experiment with different genres and styles, fostering innovation and creativity.
A Promising Collaboration
The collaboration between WIT Studio, Production I.G, CONTRAIL, and Shonen Jump+ promises to be a significant event for anime and manga fans alike. By bringing together these talented studios to adapt one-shot manga stories, the project aims to:
- Showcase emerging manga talent: Provide a platform for new artists to gain recognition and exposure.
- Deliver high-quality animation: Utilize the expertise and resources of renowned animation studios to bring these stories to life.
- Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shonen Jump+: Commemorate a decade of innovation and support for the manga industry.
As the anime industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this one demonstrate the power of объединение talent and resources to create exceptional and memorable experiences for fans worldwide. The project is being led by JOEN, a production company formed by CloverWorks, Wit Studio, Aniplex and Shueisha.
Fans can look forward to the announcement of the specific manga titles to be adapted and the release of the animated one-shots. This project is a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving world of anime and manga, and a celebration of the creativity and passion that drives the industry forward.
