Animation fans were stunned last month when award-winning creator Genndy Tartakovsky revealed test footage from his long-rumored project, The Black Knight. The footage, loaded with gritty visuals and medieval-mech action, was not an official studio release.
In fact, Tartakovsky himself admitted he leaked it without Sony Animation’s permission, acknowledging that it “might get [him] in trouble.”
The clip, which has spread widely across social platforms, showcases a medieval knight piloting a giant mechanical suit engineered with ropes, gears, and levers, imagery reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical sketches.
The reveal immediately drew attention across animation circles, sparking excitement among fans and professionals who have long admired Tartakovsky’s ability to fuse style, innovation, and emotional depth.
Tartakovsky explained that he released the footage in hopes of proving to Sony executives that there is indeed an audience for this kind of adult-oriented animated movie. The project, which he has been developing for nearly six years, stalled in production due to uncertainty over its commercial potential.
“The studio liked what we were doing,” Tartakovsky shared, “but they were unsure if there was an audience that would go see it theatrically.”
By leaking this brief “down and dirty” test video, Tartakovsky hoped to build grassroots momentum and perhaps rekindle studio confidence.
The gamble appears to be paying off: fan response across multiple platforms has been overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags like #ReleaseTheBlackKnight trending among animation communities.
A Story Six Years in the Making
For Tartakovsky, The Black Knight is a deeply personal project. Known worldwide for series such as Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Primal, he has spent years crafting a distinctive voice in the world of animation that merges stunning visual design with philosophical storytelling.
The filmmaker said The Black Knight represents another step in his lifelong fascination with contrasts: ancient ideals and futuristic mechanics, emotional intimacy and high-octane spectacle.
“I love knights,” Tartakovsky explained during an interview at New York Comic Con. “I love all that stuff. I had this idea for a story that knights are actually driving big mech suits but using Leonardo da Vinci-style equipment. I haven’t seen that done before.”
He described the concept as a mixture of everything that defines his creative sensibility: historical myth blended with sci-fi and incredible action, fused with moral introspection. “It’s got this amazing father-daughter story at its heart,” he said. “It’s about family, identity, and strength, but it also feels fresh and different.”
According to Tartakovsky, Sony Animation was supportive of the project’s concept and even approved of the script. “They like what we have,” he said, noting that he is no longer receiving notes from the studio.
However, the lingering hesitation revolves around marketing potential. The question executives keep coming back to is simple: who is the audience?
The film’s tone and subject matter put it in a unique zone not quite traditional family-friendly animation, yet not so niche as to limit appeal.
Tartakovsky believes the success of adult-targeted animated works, from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to high-grossing Japanese titles like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, proves that there is an eager viewership for ambitious stories that push artistic boundaries. “It’s frustrating,” he admitted. “We see the numbers. The audience is there.”
Inside Genndy Tartakovsky’s Vision
For more than two decades, Genndy Tartakovsky has been recognized as one of animation’s greatest visionaries. His shows often define eras of television storytelling.
Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003) established him as a pioneer in stylized comedy, while Samurai Jack (2001-2017) showcased his cinematic flair, earning him multiple Emmy Awards.
Later, with Primal, he redefined adult animation again, eschewing dialogue for raw, emotional storytelling through music, color, and movement. Each project reaffirmed his belief that animation can rival live-action cinema in maturity and emotional gravity.
The Black Knight, then, is more than just another title. It’s an evolution of all his creative influences, a combination of brutal action, classical ingenuity, and heartfelt interpersonal themes.
“Knights and giant robots both live in my mind,” he said. “This is me bringing those two together and interpreting a medieval world through my own imagination.”
Tartakovsky aims to balance grandeur with intimacy, focusing equally on spectacle and character. “There’s action and adventure,” he explained, “but at its core, it’s about human emotion and creative invention.”
The leaked footage confirms this blend. Viewers caught glimpses of knights controlling intricate armor machines powered by ropes and cranks rather than digital systems. The tactile realism hinted at Tartakovsky’s fascination with mechanical design and physical storytelling, a hallmark of his visual approach.
The Struggle Between Art and Industry
Tartakovsky’s decision to leak his own material highlights a recurring issue in Hollywood: the struggle between creative ambition and commercial caution.
While studios often hedge their investment decisions on market research and proven formulas, artists like Tartakovsky push boundaries to redefine what animated storytelling can be.
“The last fifteen years of my career, I’ve become a salesman,” he noted candidly. “You have to sell your art to studios, not for yourself, but so they can see it makes business sense.”
He also acknowledged the realities of animation economics: The Black Knight is designed as a low-budget production compared to blockbuster features. “Nobody’s paying top dollar for this movie, which is fine,” he said. “It just needs a chance to exist.”
Genndy Tartakovsky (Credit: NBC)
What makes Tartakovsky’s position so compelling is his proven track record of transforming unconventional ideas into mainstream hits.
Samurai Jack initially seemed like a risky concept, a mostly silent samurai show inspired by 1970s cinema, but it became a cultural phenomenon. Similarly, Primal won over skeptical audiences with its minimalist storytelling and unmistakable intensity.
Given these accomplishments, fans are confident that The Black Knight could represent his next great reinvention of animated storytelling. The early footage already demonstrates his talent for blending kinetic combat sequences with poetic emotion, something studios rarely allow space for.
Sony, for its part, appears tolerant of his decision to release the footage. “They saw it, but they’re okay with it,” Tartakovsky shared with a laugh. “I think they’re supportive in their own way. They just want to know if people will show up.”
The Call to Action
Genndy Tartakovsky’s creative rebellion has now become a rallying point for fans of original, adult-oriented animation. His willingness to risk controversy underscores his passion to keep innovative projects alive in a studio-dominated marketplace.
Supporters have flooded comment sections and online forums with encouragement, pledging to back the film. Many believe his work represents a vital force in animation, one that proves animated art can be bold, emotional, and universal.
When asked what he hopes for next, Tartakovsky said his goal is simple: to show studios that passion projects deserve room to breathe. “I just want people to see what we’re building,” he said. “It’s for anyone who loves storytelling, artistry, and imagination.”
If audience enthusiasm continues to grow, The Black Knight might yet stride onto the big screen, armor creaking, gears turning, and ropes pulling as another milestone in Genndy Tartakovsky’s extraordinary career.
K-pop powerhouse IVE has once again captured global attention by revealing the second version of their official light stick.
The announcement, made on October 15, 2025, marks a new chapter in the group’s growing legacy and has sparked excitement among fans across the globe.
For the millions of DIVEs who have supported IVE since their debut, the upgraded light stick represents far more than just a concert accessory — it’s a bright symbol of connection, progress, and pride shared between the group and their fans.
A Group That Redefines Elegance and Confidence
IVE debuted under Starship Entertainment in December 2021 and immediately stood out for their elegant visuals, powerful stage presence, and message of self-confidence.
Songs like Eleven, Love Dive, After LIKE, and I AM became instant hits, showing that IVE could combine catchy melodies with graceful charisma.
Over the years, the group has continued to grow musically and conceptually, blending boldness with beauty in every performance.
As their artistry evolved, fans began to anticipate that an upgraded light stick — something that reflects the group’s maturity and strength — would eventually arrive.
Now, with the release of Light Stick Version 2, that long-awaited moment has finally come.
A First Look at the Design
The teaser video for IVE’s new light stick was shared on the group’s official social media platforms, giving fans a first glimpse of the design.
The short clip revealed a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that fits perfectly with IVE’s modern and luxurious image.
Although detailed specifications have not been disclosed yet, fans noticed that the new version seems to have a refined structure, possibly featuring enhanced lighting and a more comfortable grip.
The top portion of the stick appears to carry a cosmic-inspired motif, reflecting IVE’s recurring themes of stars, dreams, and empowerment.
Accompanied by the phrase “Coming Soon,” the teaser left fans buzzing with speculation and excitement — eager to learn when and how they can get their hands on the upgraded version.
Fans Celebrate the Announcement
The moment the announcement dropped, social media exploded with reactions. Within hours, hashtags like #IVE_LightStick2 and #DIVEsReadyToShine began trending globally on X (formerly Twitter).
Some fans shared sentimental posts about their memories with the first version, recalling the early concert days and fan meetings.
Others expressed how the new light stick represents the next step in their shared journey with the group.
One fan commented,
“It’s more than a light stick — it’s a symbol of how far IVE and DIVEs have come together. The design looks elegant, just like the girls themselves.”
Another added humorously,
“Time to retire my old light stick — it’s served well through so many encore stages!”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with international fans praising the design’s sophistication and anticipating that the new light stick will shine even brighter during future tours.
The Meaning of Light Sticks in K-pop Culture
In K-pop, a light stick isn’t just a prop — it’s an identity marker and a tool of emotional connection.
Each group’s light stick carries distinct colors, designs, and meanings that unite fans into a single glowing community during concerts and events.
When thousands of light sticks illuminate an arena, the synchronized lights create breathtaking “fan oceans,” symbolizing unity and love between artists and supporters.
For IVE, this second light stick is expected to enhance that experience further.
Modern versions of light sticks often include Bluetooth connectivity, app-controlled lighting effects, and synchronized stage modes, allowing fans to participate in dynamic concert visuals.
If the upcoming model includes similar features, it will give IVE’s live performances an even more immersive, futuristic edge — perfectly aligned with the group’s artistic direction.
Timing the Release: A Smart Move by Starship Entertainment
The announcement comes at a meaningful time in IVE’s career. Over the past year, the group has broken multiple records, performed in major international festivals, and strengthened their global fandom base.
Their most recent album, praised for its balance of energy and emotion, demonstrated how much IVE has matured both musically and conceptually.
Releasing a second version of their official light stick now feels symbolic — a way to celebrate their accomplishments and prepare for a new era.
Many fans also suspect that the reveal may be linked to an upcoming world tour or a comeback, making the timing especially strategic.
As IVE steps into their fifth year as a group, this new release reinforces their image as global icons who know how to connect with their audience not only through music but also through meaningful fan experiences.
What to Expect Next
While details about the pre-order date, pricing, and release schedule have not been shared yet, fans are preparing for what will likely be a high-demand launch.
IVE’s merchandise has historically sold out within hours, and this release is expected to be no different.
Some speculate that Starship may hold a special showcase event or fan meeting to officially unveil the light stick and explain its design inspiration.
Given the buzz surrounding the announcement, such an event would undoubtedly draw immense attention from both domestic and international fans.
A New Symbol for IVE’s Journey
The new IVE light stick carries a deeper meaning than just a visual upgrade. It symbolizes the bond between IVE and DIVEs, representing shared dreams, support, and pride.
It’s also a reminder of the group’s journey — from confident rookies to global superstars who continue to push boundaries in music and fashion.
As concert lights dim and fans lift their light sticks high, the shimmering glow across thousands of hands will stand as a testament to IVE’s enduring message: self-love, unity, and empowerment.
With this release, IVE not only adds another collectible to their growing legacy but also strengthens their connection to a fandom that continues to shine just as brightly as the group itself.
After announcing his retirement from feature-length animation in 2020, Japanese director Masaaki Yuasa is returning to cinema with renewed purpose.
The visionary behind groundbreaking works like Mind Game, The Tatami Galaxy, Devilman Crybaby, and Ride Your Wave is set to direct Daisy’s Life, an adaptation of Banana Yoshimoto’s acclaimed 2019 novel.
The project will be co-produced by Asmik Ace, Aniplex, and CoMix Wave Films, with Yuasa heading production under his newly established animation studio, amepippin.
Yuasa’s announcement immediately ignited excitement across the anime industry and among global art circles. His decision to adapt Yoshimoto’s introspective narrative signifies both artistic evolution and personal renewal.
After years spent pushing animation’s boundaries through bold experimentation, Daisy’s Life appears to mark a calm, contemplative turning point, a return to sincerity and quiet emotion.
The director last worked on the historical musical short Inu-Oh in 2021 before momentarily stepping away from filmmaking.
Since then, Yuasa’s absence left many fans wondering whether his imaginative streak had reached a natural pause. Instead, his comeback proves that the creative spirit often returns stronger than before, guided by deeper reflection.
“This story’s quietness is what made me want to animate again,” Yuasa said in a recent interview, hinting at how Daisy’s Life rekindled his passion. His statement reflects not only artistic curiosity but also a profound personal shift, one that ties perfectly with the themes of grief and renewal central to Yoshimoto’s prose.
The Story of ‘Daisy’s Life’: Tenderness Amid Loss
Banana Yoshimoto’s Daisy’s Life centers on a young woman named Daisy, living in Tokyo and navigating the emotional aftermath of a family tragedy. As the seasons change, Daisy encounters strangers and memories that gradually help her reconcile grief and rediscover her sense of purpose.
The novel meditates on loneliness, resilience, and the transformative power of quiet human connection—an ideal match for Yuasa’s vivid yet emotionally intuitive storytelling style.
While Yuasa’s previous works often leaned toward surrealism or kinetic energy, as seen in the psychedelic chaos of Mind Game or the time-bending narratives of The Tatami Galaxy, Daisy’s Life promises stillness and lyrical beauty.
It’s not an abandonment of his signature artistry but a reimagining of it, channeling subtle emotional movement instead of visual hyperactivity.
Yoshimoto’s writing, internationally admired for its delicate treatment of mourning, memory, and healing, aligns perfectly with Yuasa’s long-standing interest in the fluidity of emotion. Her works, like Kitchen and Goodbye Tsugumi, have shaped generations of Japanese readers, focusing on women navigating heartbreak and change.
Under Yuasa’s direction, her words will merge with his art’s visual rhythm, offering a cinematic poem about rediscovering life after loss.
Early concept notes suggest that the film will balance minimalism and painterly expression. The animation style reportedly blends watercolor-like textures and gentle brush strokes, depicting Tokyo as a living canvas that reflects Daisy’s inner world.
This approach underscores Yuasa’s evolution as an artist; he continues to push the medium but with newfound restraint and maturity.
The Birth of Amepippin: Yuasa’s New Creative Ground
Beyond the film itself, Daisy’s Life carries symbolic weight through Yuasa’s founding of his new studio, amepippin.
The atelier, described as a collaborative space focused on intimate, auteur-driven projects, represents a departure from Science SARU, the studio he co-founded in 2013 and helped establish as one of Japan’s most progressive animation houses.
Science SARU continues to thrive under longtime partner Eunyoung Choi, producing major works like The Heike Story, Star Wars: Visions, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Meanwhile, amepippin is envisioned as Yuasa’s personal creative laboratory, smaller in scale but rich in independence.
Rather than adhering to tight production schedules and high-stakes deadlines, the studio will prioritize artistic freedom and craftsmanship.
“Amepippin is where I can make things by hand again,” Yuasa shared in a recent discussion. “I want to return to storytelling that feels personal, something built from emotion as much as technique.”
Masaaki Yuasa (Credit: BBC)
This sentiment resonates deeply among artists who have watched Yuasa’s journey from experimental beginnings to mainstream acclaim. His return through such an intimate studio structure suggests a desire to focus on human emotion rather than spectacle, something increasingly rare in modern animation production.
Industry insiders describe amepippin as a workshop-like space, reminiscent of classical animation ateliers that emphasize slow, artisanal creation. The team behind Daisy’s Life includes several artists long associated with Yuasa’s earlier works, ensuring familiarity yet adaptability toward this quieter visual philosophy.
While no release date has been confirmed, production sources aim for a late 2026 festival debut, possibly at international showcases like Annecy or Venice. Anticipation continues to build, as Yuasa’s name alone guarantees global attention whenever he returns to the director’s chair.
The Master’s Evolving Vision
Masaaki Yuasa’s creative evolution mirrors modern Japanese animation’s own transformation. For years, his films have defied genre structure, mixing absurd comedy, emotional introspection, and philosophical undertones in refreshing combinations. His legacy includes redefining how animation conveys feeling, not just action.
In Devilman Crybaby, he captured primal emotion through chaos and tragedy. In Ride Your Wave, he turned romantic grief into visual poetry filled with fluid, oceanic imagery. And now, Daisy’s Life appears poised to bring that emotional language into subtler territory, replacing turbulence with tranquility.
Critics and fans alike interpret Yuasa’s return as a meditation on time. While younger animators experiment with hybrid CG and digital stylization, Yuasa is revisiting traditional hand-drawn craftsmanship to express quiet authenticity.
His art remains ambitious but now speaks through silence rather than explosion, an evolution that feels natural after decades of genre innovation.
Japanese animation itself has expanded globally, with audiences seeking emotionally complex stories beyond youth-oriented adventure.
This shift creates fertile ground for a director like Yuasa, whose works blend psychology with art. By adapting Banana Yoshimoto’s novel, he aligns perfectly with this audience’s growing appetite for reflective, character-driven storytelling.
Many expect Daisy’s Life to parallel Ride Your Wave in tone while deepening its introspective qualities. Reports from early production reveal a subdued palette of pinks, greens, and soft blues, a deliberate departure from the neon chaos of Devilman Crybaby.
Even early sketches evoke serenity, echoing themes of rebirth and reconnection that define both Yuasa and Yoshimoto’s creative worlds.
Why This Return Matters
Yuasa’s comeback is more than a continuation of his storied career; it’s a cultural moment for Japanese animation.
After a decade dominated by blockbuster franchises and studio giants, his reemergence through Amepippin reasserts the spirit of artistic independence. It reminds audiences why animation remains such a versatile medium for personal expression.
The excitement surrounding Daisy’s Life also reflects a hunger for sensitivity in storytelling—something that both Yuasa and Yoshimoto excel at. Their collaboration bridges literature and visual artistry, promising a cinematic experience shaped by empathy rather than spectacle.
Whether this project signals Yuasa’s permanent return to filmmaking or a one-time reflection, fans and critics are united in anticipation. The global conversation around him demonstrates how deeply his creativity continues to inspire both professional peers and audiences.
As production progresses, Daisy’s Life is positioned not just as a comeback but as an artistic renewal—a quiet masterpiece born from contemplation, emotion, and the enduring power of animated storytelling.
Through tragedy, healing, and transformation, both Daisy and Yuasa seem poised to remind the world that even after silence, creation blooms again.
