On Tuesday, GKIDS revealed its acquisition of the North American distribution rights for the anime adaptation of Shinichi Ishizuka’s Blue Giant manga. The company plans to release the film in theaters later this year. As a special treat, a sneak preview screening of the film is set to take place during the ongoing 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
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The movie debuted on February 17, raking in 116,561,020 yen (approximately US$867,600) during its initial three-day run. By April 9, the film’s total earnings had surpassed the 1 billion yen mark.
Yuzuru Tachikawa, known for directing Death Parade, all three seasons of Mob Psycho 100, and Deca-Dence, took the helm as the film’s director at studio NUT. The screenplay, crafted by NUMBER 8, the talented editor behind the Blue Giant manga and the esteemed story director for the Blue Giant Supreme manga, adds depth to the narrative. Distributing the film is TOHO animation, ensuring its wide reach and visibility.
Acclaimed pianist Hiromi Uehara composed the captivating music performed by the jazz trio JASS within the film’s storyline. Additionally, she lent her extraordinary piano skills to breathe life into the character Yukinori Sawabe. Accomplished saxophonist Tomoaki Baba expertly played the saxophone for the character Dai. Furthermore, Shun Ishiwaka, the talented drummer of the Millennium Parade band, showcased his prowess on the drums for Shunji Tamada.
Miyamoto Dai, a basketball enthusiast, embarks on a life-altering journey when he witnesses a mesmerizing live jazz performance. The enchanting melodies resonate deep within his soul, igniting an unwavering determination to master the saxophone. Devoid of expertise, formal training, and unaware of the challenges that lie ahead, he relentlessly devotes himself to the instrument, practicing day after day. Can sheer passion alone propel him towards realizing his musical aspirations? Shinichi Ishizuka’s acclaimed manga, awarded for its brilliance, now presented in five omnibus volumes for its English debut, harmoniously weaves a poignant tale that illuminates the transformative power of music.
Ishizuka, the creator of “Minna no Yama,” debuted the manga in Big Comic in May 2013 and concluded it in August 2016. This series received nominations for the eighth and ninth Manga Taisho Awards in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Notably, it achieved great acclaim by winning the Grand Prize in the Manga Division of the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival Awards in 2017.
Following the success of “Minna no Yama,” Ishizuka launched the sequel manga, “Blue Giant Supreme,” in Big Comic in September 2016. The series spanned 10 volumes and concluded in April 2020.
In May 2020, Ishizuka introduced a fresh sequel manga called Blue Giant Explorer in Big Comic. The manga series, Blue Giant, has amassed a remarkable circulation of 10 million copies. This year, the prestigious Annecy event is scheduled to occur from June 11 to 17 in the eponymous town in France.
Source | Press release
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