Do Studio Trigger Continue Their Winning Streak with BNA: Brand New Animal?
Since their debut in the anime industry with the action-packed 2013 series Kill La Kill, Studio Trigger have produced uniquely colourful and fast paced animations throughout the past seven years from the magical Little Witch Academia to their sci-fi feature film debut Promare.
Their latest series, BNA: Brand New Animal, has finally released on Netflix worldwide after being exclusively available to Japanese audiences since March. Does the studio continue to hit their winning streak or does this new animated show slow down their pace?
BNA: Brand New Animal
In a world where humans and human subspecies who can transform into animal-human hybrids known as Beastmen co-exist, kind-hearted and determined teenager Michiru (voiced by Cherami Leigh/Sumire Morohoshi) heads to Anima City to find a cure after she finds herself transformed into a human-tanuki Beastman. But as she tries to turn herself back to her old self in a city filled with all kinds of Beastmen, she uncovers conspiracies and crimes with the firm social worker Shirou (Ben Diskin/Yoshimasa Hosoya, learns about the hardships that the citizens went through before find peace and explores the new abilities that comes with her new form.
Michiru’s journey of self-discovery and identity is both empowering and endearing. It’s certainly helped with the supporting cast being made up of confident and open characters that make each episode that much more compelling to watch and be entertained.
Michiru Arrives in Anima City
But it’s not just the similar use of a young and fearless female lead that fans of Studio Trigger may be familiar with as they use their signature approaches towards the animation that have made them popular in the industry. All the important ingredients that made their shows stand out are all present: contrasting use of blue and warm colours in scenes; over the top and dramatic transformations; large, expressive facial expressions; bold character designs; and action sequences that will keep audiences on their toes.
But what makes this Netflix show unique is the amount of variety used when it comes to the whole cast of characters, whether they are the main cast or in supporting roles. From the first episode to the last, the show never stopped to show off a new design due to the use of the Beastmen and how they stand out from the multiple urban settings that the artists were able to take advantage of.
Michiru and Shirou
Whether your preference is to watch the series in its original Japanese audio or with the English dub, all the actors from both sides of the world do a great job at bringing the characters to life. While I would recommend watching it in English to enjoy the visuals without having to read simultaneously, the cast members do a brilliant job at grounding the surreal nature of the characters while also adding emotional depth to the more sombre scenes.
The music is also used to great effect to help elevate the tension of the crimes committed across the city and make the same locations feel warm with some vibrant and upbeat tones. The tunes and melodies really feel welcoming to the ears and go hand in hand with the visuals really well.
Baseball in Anima City
BNA: Brand New Animal is another brilliant example of the colourful and dynamic productions that has made Studio Trigger’s work so globally successful. Both fans and newcomers to the company’s work will be pleased at the gorgeous craftsmanship that the animators put into this new series. After the twelfth and final episode, I immediately wanted to return to this world and I hope that a second season will be produced in the future.