Arcane’s Animation Studio Shows Interest in Animating Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond Manga!
Fortiche, the animation studio behind the critically acclaimed Arcane series, has expressed interest in adapting Takehiko Inoue’s iconic manga, Vagabond. In an interview with Crunchyroll, Pascal Charrue, co-founder of Fortiche, shared his admiration for the masterpiece. When asked about manga he'd like to bring to life, Charrue said, “The first adaptation that comes to mind would be Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. It’s a masterpiece with incredible depth and stunning artwork that would be fascinating to bring to life in animation.”
Vagabond, a martial arts manga that debuted in 1998, is based on Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel Musashi and chronicles the life of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto during the 1600s. Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, who also created the beloved basketball manga Slam Dunk, Vagabond is celebrated for its breathtaking art and philosophical depth.
Challenges in Adapting Manga
Charrue acknowledged that adapting manga into animation comes with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to pacing. Readers have the freedom to control the flow of a manga as they read, which can be difficult to replicate in a more linear animated format. “When considering manga to adapt, it’s essential to find those that genuinely benefit from being animated,” he explained, adding that poor pacing often diminishes the impact of certain adaptations.
Fortiche’s admiration for manga creators doesn’t stop at Vagabond. Charrue expressed respect for other manga legends like Naoki Urasawa, whose works (Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto, and Billy Bat) are celebrated for their intricate storytelling. The studio also draws inspiration from renowned anime directors like Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda, and Hayao Miyazaki, blending anime influences with techniques from Hollywood and Asian live-action cinema.
Fan Reactions to the News
The news of Fortiche’s interest in Vagabond sparked mixed reactions among fans on social media. While some were excited about the prospect of the manga being animated, others were skeptical. Critics argued that Vagabond’s intricate art style and themes might not translate well into the 3D animation style Fortiche is known for, as seen in Arcane. Fans also suggested other iconic manga, such as Berserk, as potential projects for the studio.
Despite the skepticism, many fans are intrigued to see if Fortiche will move forward with this project, especially given their ability to create visually stunning and emotionally impactful storytelling.