During the four days of anime’s biggest convention, new adaptations, series news, and general franchise announcements get so much of the attention. While the most popular franchises in anime have earned their place, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the new original projects that are making a splash in the anime industry. To help out on that end, the independent animation distributor GKIDS arrived at Anime Expo to show off two new feature films.
The two films, Goodbye, Don-Glees, and Summer Ghost, ended up being two interesting companion pieces that both explore the fleeting of adolescence and the bonds of friendship across the limits of time and space. By seeing the relationship and atmosphere of these films with exclusive North American premiere screenings, the intensity and hype of Anime Expo was infused with a brief, transcendent respite from the rush of the crowds.
Goodbye, Don-Glees: A Film About the Nostalgic Magic of Adolescence
Premiering on Friday, July 1st at the Regal Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, Goodbye, Don-Glees is a coming-of-age drama directed by Atsuko Ishizuka. Centered around three adolescent misfits, the film encapsulates the essence of small-town life within all of the asides of warm summer adventures. Set against the backdrop of the “Don-Glees” (“the acorns”) venturing into the woods into an attempt to secure innocence against allegations of starting a forest fire, the film eschews the common coming-of-age film trend of focusing on the broader environment of the characters in favor of calm, intimate character studies and interactions.
The film utilizes a blend of 2D animation, and, at times, some slightly noticeable CGI vehicle and action movement. Animated by Madhouse, the film’s visual strengths are most apparent in the lush, woodsy background art and understated character studies. GKIDS is set for a theatrical release of Goodbye, Don-Glees later in 2022. For more information on the film, visit its page on the GKIDS website.
Summer Ghost: A Film About Relationships Stronger Than Death
In a premiere on Sunday, July 3rd, inside the main LA Convention Center, the “short feature” Summer Ghost captivated a large congoing crowd. From the acclaimed, heavily-stylized illustrated “loundraw,” Summer Ghost is a supernatural drama focusing on a teenager who feels compelled to unlock—quite literally—the secrets of a local urban legend. When a “summer ghost” begins to talk with him about the tragedy of her life and death, the main character Toyoma embarks on a quest that will, ultimately, set her soul free and enable him to get a new perspective on life.
Drawing inspiration from one of loundraw’s own illustrations, Summer Ghost blends modern anime sensibilities with instances of a thick-outlined, expressionistic style that compliments the psychological drama of the plot. At only around forty minutes, the film’s strength is in the succinctness with which it delivers a window into its character anxieties, ultimately offering a poignant message on resilience and companionship. Summer Ghost is being prepared for a limited theatrical run as well as digital distribution in 2022; learn more about it on the GKIDS website.
As all of the new events and announcements abound at this year’s Anime Expo, GameZXC is pleased to present full coverage of all of the biggest announcements, screenings, events, and fandom. For full coverage of the event, stay tuned to GameZXC’s anime section.