After Netflix’s recent success with the live-action One Piece adaptation, the company seems to have acknowledged the potential of anime. Several Netflix original series have been released in the past few years, and the latest addition is Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf.
This no-nonsense action-packed series is very obviously targeted at fans of Baki, Spriggan, Kengan Ashura, and other original Netflix action anime. No one can deny the cult following these action anime have, and the company did not waste any time catering another series to this growing audience.
Netflix ONA Garouden: Plot, Trailer, and Other Updates
Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf anime is inspired by a Japanese martial arts novel by Baku Yumemakura. The protagonist, Juzo is a skilled martial artist and practices Takemiya-ryu. He is on the run from a dark past and is being followed by a detective.
Juzo is forced into a dangerous underground fighting tournament designed to figure out which martial art technique will reign in hand-to-hand combat. The episodes will be filled with deadly matchups, and Juzo will try to release his inner beast.
The anime is directed by Atsushi Ikariya at Studio NAZ. The studio has previously created Sabikui Bisco, Angolmois, Gloomy the Naughty Grizzly, Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, and other anime. Its series composition is done by Sadayui Murai and Ikariya and Momoko Kawai are in charge of character design.
It has already received an adrenaline-pumping trailer and a dashing visual portraying a bloody Juzo.
Netflix’s Increasing Engagement with the Anime Industry
If you have been following Netflix’s anime journey for the past few years, you must have noticed how the company graduated from artificial-looking 3D CG characters to fine-grained 2D anime. The company’s earlier productions, like Dragon’s Dogma, Eden, and other projects, faced a lot of criticism due to the plasticky quality of the ONAs.
However, they have been in the game for some years, and Netflix proudly offers its audience top-class anime. Yet, among its original releases, there are anime that have more Western influence and cater to the Western audience. But Netflix has also produced masterpieces like Kakegurui, Devilman Crybaby, Japan Sinks, Violet Evergarden, and more.
In addition to original animations, Netflix has also licensed many popular and preexisting anime to stream worldwide. After the success of the One Piece live-action, the company might have grasped the formula for appealing to its users.
The blood-soaked Baki anime also garnered lots of attention. Garouden is another anime that will tantalize Baki lovers and give gore enthusiasts the mindless action they crave.
You can watch Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf on Netflix, which will be released on May 23, 2024.
