Yoshitaka Amano’s dark fantasy anime Zan gets first trailer

Acclaimed artist Yoshitaka Amano has an original anime now officially moving forward. The limited series titled Zan draws from the creator’s long-running dark fantasy endeavor Deva Zan, which appeared as an official artbook in 2013.

The trailer debuts next month at Anime Expo. The first teaser arrives July 3 during the Los Angeles event, accompanied by an initial image credited to Yoshitaka Amano Inc.

Origins of the endeavor stretch back to 2010. That year the artist launched Studio Devaloka and revealed intentions to create a 3D anime movie also called Zan. Following an extended quiet period the project was reimagined as a television series in 2022.

Amano’s artwork drives the visual style. The production reportedly mixes both existing and fresh illustrations from the artist together with hand-drawn animation. A recent press release called the show “a dark fantasy epic that crosses time and space through dynamic action, sword battles, and visually striking heroes.”

Veteran anime professionals are assembling under Amano’s creative direction. The effort targets a high-end animated presentation reaching global viewers. Yoshitaka Amano Inc. is overseeing development.

Key creative staff includes longtime industry veterans. Masashi Ikeda, whose previous work covers Inuyasha and Gundam Wing, joins Toru Toshida, recognized for Armored Trooper VOTOMS and Gundam Seed, as animation directors. Moriyasu Taniguchi, credited on Samurai Champloo and Vinland Saga, takes the role of principal animator.

Ryosuke Takahashi, known for Armored Trooper VOTOMS and The Fable, leads series composition. Yuya Takashima, who contributed to Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and The Fable, is also writing episodes. Kunio Ogawa, whose résumé lists Time Bokan and Mobile Suit Gundam, shares art director duties with Minoru Nishida, noted for contributions to Kill Bill and Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur.

Amano remains widely recognized for illustrations across the Final Fantasy games, the Vampire Hunter D book series, and Sandman: The Dream Hunters. Beyond static art he previously designed characters for series such as Casshan and Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and co-created the 1985 film Angel’s Egg. The 71-minute movie exemplifies the surreal aesthetic he may bring to this new production.