After the conclusion of the anime “TRIGUN STAMPEDE,” where a “Final Phase” was hinted at on the horizon, we can now finally share the official title of the upcoming series: “TRIGUN STARGAZE” was officially revealed just a few days ago at Anime Expo 2024. To celebrate the occasion, original creator Yasuhiro Nightow has shared a special illustration.
Based on Yasuhiro Nightow‘s manga, Kenji Muto (episode director of “Land of the Lustrous“) directs “TRIGUN STAMPEDE” at Studio Orange, with Takehiko Oki writing and Kouji Tajima (character artist of “GANTZ:0“) providing the updated character designs.
“TRIGUN STAMPEDE” first aired in January 2023. This series is a modern reinterpretation of the classic 1998 anime. “TRIGUN STAMPEDE” is notable for its CGI animation produced by Studio Orange, known for their work on “Land of the Lustrous.” Unlike the original series, which used traditional animation, “TRIGUN STAMPEDE” features a more modern and dynamic visual approach, yet maintains the spirit and core characters of the story.
The original series aired from April to September 1998, totaling 26 episodes. It was produced by Studio Madhouse and directed by Satoshi Nishimura. Character design was handled by Takahiro Yoshimatsu and the music was composed by Tsuneo Imahori. This anime stood out for its mix of science fiction, western, and comedy, along with its deep philosophical and emotional explorations.
TRIGUN has left a significant mark in the world of anime and has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years, which has led to the creation and success of “TRIGUN STAMPEDE” and the anticipation for “TRIGUN STARGAZE.”
Synopsis
In” Trigun” (1998), the story centers on Vash the Stampede, nicknamed “The Humanoid Typhoon” for his ability to cause massive destruction, though he is actually a committed pacifist intent on preventing bloodshed. With a bounty of 60 billion double dollars on his head for an incident he does not fully remember, Vash travels the world attempting to save lives and resolve conflicts without violence, while being pursued both by bounty hunters and mysterious figures from his past. Occasionally accompanied by the priest Nicholas D. Wolfwood, a marksman as skilled as himself, Vash faces numerous moral dilemmas and gradually uncovers the dark secrets of his origin and of humanity on the planet.
“TRIGUN STAMPEDE” (2023) offers a reinterpretation and expansion of this narrative, presenting a younger version of Vash and rearranging key events such as the “Lost July” incident. In this series, the incident has not yet occurred at the start of the story, allowing for a deeper exploration of the relationship between Vash and his twin brother, Millions Knives, before he becomes the central antagonist. Like in the original series, Vash is accompanied by journalists, in this case, Meryl Stryfe and the new character Roberto De Niro, who investigate the mystery behind Vash and get drawn into his conflicts and confrontations with various forces seeking to control or destroy him.
Both series, while different in execution and style, explore themes of redemption, the value of life, and the impact of past decisions on the characters’ present. While the original series focuses more on Vash‘s adventures and misadventures as he evades his pursuers and battles his fate, “Stampede” delves into the origins and psychology of the characters, offering a more nuanced and detailed account of their internal and external battles. The differences in presentation and character development reflect not only changes in narrative but also in animation technique, with “Stampede” using 3D animation to bring its world to life in a visually distinct and modern way.
I think many of us are eagerly awaiting the continuation of this franchise, and now we know we just have a few months to wait until it hits our screens! So, now is your time to head over to the comments and leave us your kind opinion on this news, because as you know, we’ll be reading! 😉
Images Source: X (Twitter), Reddit
