Following the phenomenal success of Attack on Titan, fans are wondering whether a new project from one of the key figures behind the anime could recreate that same magic. Moonrise, the latest anime directed by Masashi Koizuka—who also directed Attack on Titan Seasons 2 and 3—seems to be the answer.

The anime premiered on Netflix on April 10, 2025, featuring 18 episodes with runtimes ranging from 21 to 31 minutes each.

Adapted from the sci-fi novel by Tow Ubukata, Moonrise is set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets. When a rebellion erupts on the Moon in a bid for independence, a devastating war breaks out. The main character, Jacob “Jack” Shadow, loses his family in the conflict and sets off on an emotional and action-packed journey of revenge.

Koizuka, who grew up loving space adventures like Space Battleship Yamato and Star Wars, was inspired to create a space opera suitable for all ages. He refused to make Moonrise a purely dark sci-fi tale. By adding shonen-style elements inspired by Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, he aimed to balance deep themes with universal appeal.

A key step in realizing this vision was bringing in legendary mangaka Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, as the character designer. Koizuka was impressed by her adaptation of The Heroic Legend of Arslan and her ability to capture the spirit of shonen storytelling. Arakawa’s designs add warmth and visual strength, setting Moonrise apart from typical sci-fi fare.

On the technical side, the design of the vehicles and settings was handled by Satoshi Takabatake, a protégé of Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo. This blend of talents created a “chemical reaction” that makes Moonrise feel fresh and daring.

Although Hajime Isayama is not directly involved in this project, the involvement of Koizuka and Wit Studio (also behind Attack on Titan) naturally raises expectations. Will Moonrise reach the same heights as Attack on Titan? Only time will tell. But with a strong premise, stunning character design, and a powerhouse creative team, Moonrise definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist.

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