Skybound's Japan Expansion: Embracing Manga and Anime Creators

Skybound, the studio renowned for hits like Invincible and The Walking Dead, is broadening its horizons with a dedicated venture focusing on manga and anime from Japan. Anchored in the expertise of Ash Nukui, a seasoned producer known for works like Sniffer the Investigation Officer and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, this new offshoot, Skybound Japan, is a pivotal stride toward representing and producing Japanese content.

At the forefront of their agenda is the adaptation of the graphic novel "Heart Attack," conceived by Shawn Kittelsen, Eric Zawadzki, and Mike Spicer in 2020. Set in a post-pandemic United States, where disease has been eradicated through gene therapy, the narrative delves into the emergence of individuals with unique abilities, coined "Variants." As the government encroaches on their liberties, a rebellion ensues among these Variants, with the story centering on Charlie and Jill, two teens whose mutual attraction unlocks their latent powers, leading them to flee from Variant trackers.

Teaming up with Japanese network Fuji TV for production and local airing, Skybound is gearing up for a significant leap into the Japanese market. Rick Jacobs, Skybound's managing partner, emphasized that the adaptation of "Heart Attack" is just the inception of their ambitious foray into Japanese storytelling. Reports from Deadline hint at even broader expansion plans, marking Skybound's clear intent to carve a prominent place in the global animation landscape, exemplified by the revival of Spike & Mike’s Animation Festival. Skybound's bold strides mark an exciting new chapter for manga, anime, and storytelling worldwide.