At this year’s Anime Expo, the Tokyo-based company GeeXPlus, Inc. made a significant announcement regarding the launch of its new division, GeeXProductions. This innovative branch aims to enhance the support provided to creators, maximizing their potential in utilizing their intellectual property. The announcement was complemented by a showcase of three flagship projects led by renowned creators: Gigguk’s anime short film titled “Baan – The Boundaries of Adulthood,” Dillon Goo’s original webcomic and 3D animation project “Soul Mart,” and the indie anime series “Otachan” from OtakuVS.
Rick Gao, the chief agency officer and executive producer at GeeXPlus, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture. He noted, “As we continue to explore ways to add value for our creators and brand partners, we are eager to leverage our unique position within the Kadokawa Group. This allows us to step into the realm of original anime IP creation, enabling us to take a more integrated approach to developing creative projects from inception to completion.” Gao emphasized the agency’s fortunate position of collaborating with some of today’s most influential internet-native creators who possess an organic audience fanbase. With access to a robust network of professionals in the anime industry, GeeXPlus aspires to turn clients’ concepts into reality through a collaborative process that is rarely seen.
Each creator involved in this initiative carries significant weight in the anime community and is presenting a distinctive and compelling anime project. Gigguk, a prominent figure in the anime YouTube scene, is well-known for his engaging content that includes anime reviews, commentary on various genres, and interviews with manga authors. Additionally, he is a member of the popular anime podcast “Trash Taste” and will serve as an advisor to the newly formed division.
Gigguk’s project, “Baan,” is an isekai anime set in the fictional world of Euthania, which connects to Japan via a mystical gate—eschewing the common trope of the “Truck-kun.” The narrative draws heavily on influences from Southeast Asian and Thai mythology and follows two protagonists who embark on a quest to find their true sense of belonging. The direction of “Baan” is in the capable hands of Yoshimitsu Ohashi, recognized for his work on “CODE GEASS: Rozé of the Recapture.” The musical score is composed by Kevin Penkin, known for his exceptional contributions to series like “Made in Abyss,” while the animation is produced by Studio Daisy, which has been involved in popular titles such as “BLEACH,” “Delicious in Dungeon,” and “Chainsaw Man.”
The series is set to release both an English dub and a Japanese version simultaneously. Although the full voice cast has yet to be announced, Gigguk’s wife, Sydney Poniewaz, will voice the main character, Rin, in the English version. This character is described as a blend of the couple’s distinctive traits, showcasing Sydney’s vibrant energy and Gigguk’s insecurities. In the Japanese version, Rin is voiced by Haruna Mikawa, with Shoya Ishige lending his voice to the character Daichi.
Another project showcased is “Soul Mart,” created by Dillon Goo, a skilled 3D animator and founder of DillonGoo Studios. Goo’s studio focuses on developing innovative technology and techniques aimed at advancing 3D anime. He also performs as a VTuber under the persona of Professor Goo. “Soul Mart” is poised to be released simultaneously as both a webcomic and an anime, featuring voice talents such as Aleks Le, Emi Lo, and Daman Mills.
The storyline of “Soul Mart” is set in a peculiar convenience store within a future world where demons have adapted to capitalism, utilizing it to purchase human souls. As bizarre products begin appearing on the store’s shelves, a graffiti artist named Kieru Kamiya becomes addicted to a dangerous energy drink that poses lethal risks if he falls asleep. To uncover the mystery behind these strange items and save himself, he teams up with a timid cashier and a demon.
Lastly, OtakuVS, an indie anime studio dedicated to producing original, traditionally animated series, presented “Otachan! Rabbit Season.” This fast-paced and genre-blending anime follows the chaotic adventures of its protagonist, Otachan. The narrative thrusts her into a violent underworld populated by mad scientists, fight clubs, and ruthless killers, all while she races against the clock to survive within a mere 24 hours. The studio’s goal with this work is to revive the gritty, high-quality original video animations (OVAs) reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s anime era.
In the story, Otachan is accompanied by her enigmatic camerawoman, Cam, and a reluctant convenience store worker named Kon. Their journey takes a perilous turn when a routine encounter with a Yakuza member spirals out of control, plunging them into a dark and dangerous world. The series draws inspiration from anime of previous decades, aiming to capture the essence of gritty storytelling and animation quality that has become somewhat rare in contemporary offerings.
In addition to the exciting project announcements, exclusive merchandise related to these initiatives and other talent represented by GeeXPlus can be found at Anime Expo booth WH-634, as well as through online pre-order options.
GeeXPlus, through its new GeeXProductions division, is not only creating opportunities for innovative anime projects but is also setting a precedent for how creator-driven content can be developed in collaboration with industry professionals. By fostering a supportive environment for creators and leveraging their unique strengths, GeeXPlus is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of anime production. As these creators bring their visions to life, fans can look forward to a fresh wave of original content that reflects the diverse narratives and artistic styles that characterize the anime community today.
