The popular anime series Lycoris Recoil is set to expand its universe with a new short film project. The announcement came during the “LycoReco Produce Okinawa Event Commemorative Stream” on Saturday, revealing the title, key visual, and the talented staff behind the six-episode shorts. The new project is officially titled Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
A Slice-of-Life Spin-Off
Unlike the original series’ action-packed narrative, the short films will delve into the daily lives of the beloved characters at Café LycoReco. Fans can expect a more light-hearted and slice-of-life approach, focusing on the interactions and everyday moments of Chisato, Takina, and their friends. This shift in tone offers a fresh perspective on the established world of Lycoris Recoil, exploring the quieter moments of the characters’ lives.
Production Team
The production of Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time is under the supervision of Shingo Adachi, the director of the original anime. However, each of the six episodes will feature a unique team of directors and storyboard artists, promising a variety of styles and perspectives. Here’s a breakdown of the key staff for each episode:
Episode 1
- Script: Shingo Adachi
- Storyboard/Technical Director: Takashi Sakuma. Sakuma has previously directed the sixth episode of the original series.
Episode 2
- Storyboard Script: Imigimuru
- Storyboard: Shingo Adachi
- Technical Director: Tsuyoshi Tobita
Episode 3
- Script: Shū Mori
- Storyboard/Technical Director: Kōta Mori
Episode 4
- Script: Yoshikazu Tominaga
- Storyboard/Technical Director: Takayuki Kikuchi
Episode 5
- Script: Ken Yamamoto
- Storyboard/Technical Director: Motoki Nakanishi
Episode 6
- Script: Shingo Adachi
- Storyboard/Technical Director: Masayuki Sakoi
Notably, Imigimuru, the character designer for the original anime, will be handling the scripts for some of the episodes, which is likely to please fans of his work. The diverse team of creators ensures a unique viewing experience for each short, making this project a must-watch for fans of the series.
Key Visual
The announcement was accompanied by a new key visual for the short film project. This visual features the main cast, including Chisato, Takina, Kurumi, and Mizuki, standing near the entrance of Café LycoReco. The visual sets the tone for the slice-of-life stories, highlighting the characters’ everyday lives.
A Highly Anticipated Project
The announcement of the short film project follows previous news of a new Lycoris Recoil animation project, which was initially revealed in February 2023. This new short film project, announced in July 2024, is a separate endeavor. The shorts will focus on the daily lives of the characters, while the other project is still under development. The original Lycoris Recoil anime premiered in July 2022 and quickly gained popularity, with Crunchyroll streaming the series and its English dub. The anime also aired on Adult Swim’s Toonami block in January 2024.
What is Lycoris Recoil About?
For those unfamiliar with the series, Lycoris Recoil is set in a world where a secret organization called “DA – Direct Attack” prevents crimes using all-girl agents known as “Lycoris.” The story follows the elite Chisato Nishikigi, the strongest Lycoris agent of all time, and Takina Inoue, a talented but mysterious agent. They work together at Café LycoReco, which takes on a variety of jobs, from coffee and sweets to childcare and teaching Japanese. The chaotic everyday lives of these two mismatched agents are central to the original show’s charm, which is expected to continue in the short films.
Release and Further Details
While the title, key visual, and staff details have been released, the official team has not yet announced a release date for the short films. However, fans can expect further updates on the project through the official Lycoris Recoil channels. The series is produced by A-1 Pictures, and the anime was originally simulcasted on Crunchyroll.
Conclusion
The Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time short film project is a highly anticipated addition to the anime franchise. It will offer a unique and light-hearted look at the characters and their everyday lives. With a diverse team of directors and storyboard artists under the guidance of Shingo Adachi, the six-episode series promises a variety of viewing experiences. Fans of the original series will undoubtedly look forward to the release of these shorts and the opportunity to spend more time with their favorite characters. This project further solidifies the Lycoris Recoil series as a popular and well-loved anime.
