31 Years Later, Classic Fantasy Series Confirms an Anime Adaptation

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The world of anime and manga is largely driven by series aimed at young boys, often called ‘Shonen,’ and many popular titles focus on action and fighting. Some of the best-selling manga ever, like One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Demon Slayer, fall into this category. Often, a manga’s success is boosted by its anime adaptation, which is why series published in Shonen Jump usually get an anime version within a couple of years. While manga aimed at young girls, known as ‘Shojo,’ may not be as globally recognized, they frequently offer some of the most original and creative stories you’ll find.

The 1990s were a great time for Japanese comics, especially for both action-oriented (Shonen) and romance-focused (Shojo) series. Many beloved Shojo comics from that era never got turned into animated shows, despite being critically acclaimed and having dedicated fans. One such series is Red River by Chie Shinohara, which ran in Sho-Comi magazine from 1995 to 2002. This fantasy story was popular with both readers and critics, even winning a Shogakukan Manga Award in 2000. Now, over thirty years after it first came out, an anime adaptation of Red River has finally been announced.

Red River Will Be Released in Summer 2026

The new anime is set to debut in July as part of the Summer 2026 season, according to an official announcement on the anime’s X account. While a trailer is still forthcoming, a beautiful key visual has been released, giving fans their first look at the main characters. Production is being handled by VAP and Tatsunoko Production, a long-standing Japanese animation studio founded in 1962.

The studio behind popular anime like Ping Pong the Animation and Neon Genesis Evangelion has released a new character visual from Chie Shinohara, a highly celebrated manga artist. Details about where to stream the anime and who will voice the characters haven’t been announced yet, but with the premiere just months away, more information is expected soon.

What Is The Plot of Red River?

Yuri Suzuki is starting an exciting new phase of her life – she’s passed her college entrance exam and just shared a first kiss with her boyfriend, who she’s known since childhood. But during a date, she’s suddenly transported back in time to the Hittite Empire in 14th century BC. There, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous power struggle for the throne, destined to be a sacrificial offering. She meets Prince Kyle, the leading contender for the throne, and together they embark on a journey that will win over the hearts of the people.

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2026-02-16 04:40