Look Back Announces US Release Date

Tatsuki Fujimoto is perhaps best known for creating the blood-soaked shonen series The Chainsaw Man but Denji’s story is far from the only manga the artist is responsible for. Looking back is very different from the Demon World as it follows two young aspiring manga creators and how their relationship is forged through their love of the medium itself. While the anime film has been in Japanese theaters for several weeks, North American anime fans are waiting to see if they will get the chance to experience Fujino and Kyomoto’s unique story. Luckily, GKids is teaming up with Studio Durian to bring Looking back to the West.

Looking back is actually the first animated film from Studio Durian, the production house founded by animator Oshiyama. In taking on the role of director of this heartbreaking film, Oshiyama has worked on Studio Ghibli films The Boy and the Heron and the animated adaptation of The Chainsaw ManIn an interview earlier this year, the director explained the unique animation style used to animate Fujino and Kyomoto.

“Key animation only draws the key points of the movement, and animation fills in the blanks. The lines drawn by the key animator are somewhat rough, so the animation artist cleans them up to make them neat lines. Normally, the lines drawn by the key animator do not appear as they are on the screen. This time, the key animator’s rough drawings are sent directly to the finishing touches and colored. The key animation is reflected on the screen as is in animation form. I think one of the reasons why many people think “this work is different” is that we have maintained a hand-drawn feel.”

Look back US release date

GKIDS has announced that Western anime fans can expect Looking back will be released in U.S. theaters on October 4. If you haven’t seen the trailer for this hit animated film yet, you can check it out below.

If you would like to know more about Looking backHere’s an official description of the film from the mind of manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto, “Popular and outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her fun comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share space with Kyomoto, a reclusive truant whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What begins as jealousy turns into a passion when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.” The film “captures the highs and lows of the pursuit of artistic excellence and the special bonds formed through creative collaboration.”

Want to stay up to date on one of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s most emotional stories? Follow Team Anime on ComicBook for the latest updates on Looking back.

By The Wrap