The popular Korean webtoon "ELECEED," created by Jeho Son (also known as SJH) and illustrated by ZHENA, is set to make its debut as a television anime in 2026. Exciting news surrounding this adaptation has been released, including a key visual and a teaser video. The anime is being brought to life by DandeLion Animation Studio, a company recognized for its work on acclaimed projects like "THE FIRST SLAM DUNK" and the short film "Magic Candies."
The anime will feature a talented team, including Hiroshi Nishikiori as the director, known for his contributions to "Toaru Majutsu no Index III" and "Honey Lemon Soda." Character design will be handled by Minami Sakura, who has worked on "Gridman Universe," while Yosuke Kuroda, credited for "My Hero Academia," will take care of the series composition.
Upon hearing the news of the adaptation, author Jeho Son expressed his excitement, stating, "It feels surreal to finally announce that Eleceed is getting an anime adaptation! This milestone is a testament to the amazing support from our readers who have embraced the series. I hope that the anime allows even more fans to experience the captivating world of Eleceed!"
Adding to the enthusiasm, Sinbae Kim, the Chief Growth Officer at LINE Digital Frontier—operators of LINE Manga and ebookjapan—shared his thoughts on the adaptation: "Eleceed presents an exhilarating mix of rapid-fire action and a tightly knit narrative. This upcoming anime is an opportunity to introduce this dynamic series to a wider global audience, and we believe it signifies an exciting new phase in our storytelling journey."
Overview of ELECEED
The official synopsis for "ELECEED" sets the stage for a thrilling adventure. The story centers around Jiwoo Seo, a high school student who is unaware of the hidden world that surrounds him. Living in fear of his own mysterious powers, Jiwoo has kept his abilities a secret. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a battered stray cat. Much to his astonishment, the injured feline speaks, exclaiming, "YOU IDIOT. CHECK WHAT ON ME? PUT ME DOWN NOW."
The talking cat is none other than Kayden, the most powerful Awakened being alive. After sustaining serious injuries, Kayden had to transfer his consciousness into a cat to survive. While he recuperates and awaits his return to human form, Kayden decides to move in with Jiwoo. This sets the stage for a unique partnership between Jiwoo, a kind-hearted boy struggling to find his place in the world, and Kayden, a temperamental powerhouse. Their unexpected meeting plunges them into a complex web of formidable Awakened organizations and perilous conspiracies. Together, they may have the power to change the world.
Key Visual and Promotional Material
The announcement of the anime adaptation was celebrated with a special illustration from ZHENA, who expressed her excitement by saying, "So excited! So happy! Eleceed is getting an anime!"
In a further effort to engage fans, Kazuhiro Nishikawa, President of DandeLion Animation Studio, is scheduled to attend Anime Expo 2025, taking place in Los Angeles on July 6. During the event, he will share exclusive behind-the-scenes details about the production. An exclusive video to celebrate the adaptation will also be available for fans at the WEBTOON booth throughout the event.
Popularity and Global Reach
Since its serialization began on Naver Webtoon in October 2018, "ELECEED" has captivated readers worldwide, boasting 339 chapters as of June 24. The series has been translated into ten different languages and has garnered over 1.4 billion views globally on WEBTOON. This widespread popularity highlights the immense appeal of "ELECEED" and sets high expectations for its anime adaptation.
Adaptations and Future Prospects
The anime adaptation of "ELECEED" joins a growing list of successful adaptations from WEBTOON Entertainment, which includes titles like "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint" (co-produced with Aniplex and Crunchyroll), "Teenage Mercenary," "Viral Hit," "Tower of God," "True Beauty," and "Senpai Is an Otokonoko." This trend reflects a broader movement in the entertainment industry, where webtoons are increasingly recognized as rich sources of material for anime adaptations.
As the anime adaptation of "ELECEED" approaches its release date, fans are eager to see how the vibrant art style and compelling storytelling of the webtoon will translate to the screen. The combination of top-notch animation and a gripping narrative has the potential to attract both existing fans of the webtoon and newcomers alike.
Anticipation and Community Engagement
The excitement surrounding "ELECEED" has sparked conversations among fans on various social media platforms. Fans are sharing their thoughts on what they hope to see in the anime, ranging from character development to potential plot twists. This level of community engagement is a testament to the series’ impact and the connection it has forged with its audience.
As we look forward to 2026, the anticipation for the "ELECEED" anime continues to build. The fusion of action, drama, and fantasy elements in the story, combined with the skilled production team, promises an adaptation that could resonate deeply with viewers. With its unique premise and dynamic characters, "ELECEED" is poised to make a significant mark in the anime landscape.
With the webtoon’s impressive track record and the anime’s promising development, it will be fascinating to see how "ELECEED" evolves in this new medium. Fans are hopeful that the adaptation will capture the essence of the original series while also introducing its thrilling world to a broader audience. As the release date draws nearer, the excitement for this adaptation continues to grow, making it one of the most anticipated anime releases in the coming years.
