Suicide Squad Isekai Producers Unpack the Anime's Unlikely Origins: Exclusive Interview

As a lifelong aficionado of both anime and DC Comics, I must say that Suicide Squad Isekai is nothing short of a masterpiece. The way they’ve blended these two distinct worlds is simply brilliant – like a perfectly brewed cup of green tea, where the subtle notes of traditional isekai meld seamlessly with the robust flavors of DC Comics.

The ingenious series titled “Suicide Squad Isekai” seamlessly blends elements from different media platforms: iconic DC characters, anime aesthetics, and isekai themes. Warner Bros. Japan, in collaboration with Wit Studio, has tirelessly worked to bring this unique concept to reality. This year, its debut season graced our televisions with widespread acclaim, and representatives from ComicBook had the opportunity to interview two key producers instrumental in its launch.

As a gaming enthusiast eagerly counting down the days till the season one finale of “Suicide Squad Isekai,” I recently had an exclusive chat with Shinya Tsuruoka and Sho Ohtani, the masterminds behind this captivating anime. Working at Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio respectively, they shared fascinating insights about the unconventional birth of this intriguing series.

Suicide Squad Isekai Interview

As a die-hard fan, I’m curious about the fascinating journey that led to the creation of the Suicide Squad Isekai project. Could you enlighten me on how Warner Bros. Japan collaborated with Wit Studio to breathe life into this unique anime concept? I’d love to peek behind the scenes and understand the process.

Shinya Tsuruoka: Initially, Batman Ninja (2018) played a significant role within our perspective. The idea of Warner Bros. Japan creating an anime adaptation of DC Comics with a Japanese flavor was well-received through Batman Ninja (2018). This venture stood out as a remarkable and exclusive endeavor for WBJ. Inspired by this success, we pondered, “What if we tried this approach with a television anime series featuring other DC characters?” So, we pitched the idea to WIT Studio, one of Japan’s leading animation studios, who showed keen interest. The talks between us moved swiftly from that point forward.

Could you tell me about the development process of the Suicide Squad Isekai project? How did collaboration between Wit Studio and Warner Bros. Japan unfold to create this anime, particularly from a behind-the-scenes perspective?

Sho Ohtani expresses his excitement about collaborating once more with Nagatsuki and Umehara, teammates from their past original project. Then, their company’s CEO Wada received a proposal from WBJ for adopting a DC anime. Being an avid fan of American comics, Ohtani jumped at the opportunity. He proposed “Suicide Squad” as the main characters, which both Nagatsuki and Umehara were thrilled about. In a flash, they decided on this subject. Nagatsuki then suggested incorporating an isekai (alternate world) element, and everyone found it intriguing. Immediately, WBJ considered the idea and gave the project a go-ahead. Rather than discussing formally, they all agreed quickly that the concept was exhilarating. Ohtani realized the significance of having a fun initial idea to bring everyone on board.

When bringing Suicide Squad Isekai to life, did the production team encounter difficulties transforming the DC Comics team into an anime format? What factors led to Suicide Squad being selected as the central theme of the series?

In Tsuruoka’s words, much like Ohtani mentioned, the idea for Suicide Squad came from WIT studio. However, it’s important to note that Warner Bros. Japan also recognized that the Joker and Harley Quinn hold an iconic status comparable to Batman and Superman. Given their immense popularity in Japan, we felt this project would align perfectly with Japanese animation aesthetics.

From the outset, Ohtani-san proposed that Nagatsuki-san pen the script, and the narrative unfold in a fantasy world known as Isekai. Instead of dwelling on the specific DC characters, our focus shifted towards the captivating blend of “Isekai” and “Suicide Squad”. This unique amalgamation held promise for an intriguing tale, which is why we ultimately settled on using Suicide Squad in our storyline.

As a gamer diving deep into this unique project, there’s been a lot to unpack. With an original story in tow, we’ve got the task of finding harmony between the distinctive flair of Japanese anime and the ingrained traits of our beloved characters from the source material. There were certain character quirks and setting details that both parties were firm on keeping intact. The real challenge here lies in blending these elements seamlessly into our narrative, all while ensuring we don’t dilute the thrill factor.

Ohtani explained that they frequently consulted with DC regarding the authenticity of DC characters and essential script components. They’ve been inquired about maintaining the original settings for DC characters. After making some adjustments, they had numerous discussions about the challenging aspects to modify due to the story’s progression. The primary reason for choosing Suicide Squad is their deep affection for these characters. As producers, they wanted to emphasize the distinctive WIT style. Ohtani felt that with these characters, their team could fully immerse themselves and deliver their best work, reflecting the chaos and dynamism characteristic of the Suicide Squad.

When creating Suicide Squad Isekai, how did its narrative evolve? Was there a comic used as a blueprint during this process, or was the story largely self-generated from the outset?

In Tsuruoka’s explanation, he clarified that the idea for “Suicide Squad” and the ISEKAI genre were present from the get-go. The task of scriptwriting was given to Nagatsuki, a renowned author known for his series “Re: Zero” and a significant figure in the isekai genre, as well as Umehara. Their participation was decided early on, and Nagatsuki swiftly drafted an original storyline for “Suicide Squad Isekai.” This framework served as the foundation for this work, which we then expanded and refined into a complete script.

In the realm of anime productions, isekai series have become a favorite among viewers, with an abundance available for watching. What makes Suicide Squad Isekai distinctive within this crowded field?

In recent years, Japanese anime featuring the concept of “isekai” have gained massive popularity, and there are numerous series based on this theme. Despite this abundance, I find that this particular work distinguishes itself with its distinctive originality. For instance, it features established DC characters, providing a recognizable foundation for viewers. The intrigue lies in imagining these characters causing chaos in an isekai setting, or anticipating their actions. This anime originates from Japan and incorporates unique twists on the isekai genre, elements that I believe make this series particularly captivating.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Suicide Squad Isekai appears to be an unprecedented marvel in DC Comics’ extensive library of animated productions. Intrigued by its unique blend of elements, I find myself pondering over what sets this anime apart. So, if I were to express my thoughts, I would say the top allure of Suicide Squad Isekai lies in its innovative fusion of the dark and gritty Suicide Squad universe with the fantastical realm of isekai, offering a fresh perspective on familiar characters while introducing captivating new worlds for us fans to explore.

Reflecting on it now, it feels like the team didn’t force DC characters into the distinctly Japanese Isekai world, but instead infused Isekai aspects into Suicide Squad. I think they managed to bring these beloved global characters into this Japanese-originated Isekai without diluting their original appeal, which is what made the project such a success. Mixing in unique Isekai elements from Japan into Suicide Squad, that’s what makes this anime stand out among other Isekai anime. (From the perspective of a gamer who appreciates the fusion of cultures in anime.)

Apart from the Suicide Squad, which DC Comics characters do you find particularly intriguing? Are there any other heroes or villains within their universe that could potentially fit well in an anime adaptation?

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say my favorite character from The Flash would be the Flash himself, but let me tell you, the entire show is a gem! Each character in the series has such depth that it’s impossible not to fall for them. Now, if we’re talking about an anime character, I’d pick Savitar. When I first watched The Flash, I was blown away by the complexity and development of the characters. I can’t delve into details without revealing spoilers, but what I can say is that his situation resonates with me. Given his fate, it makes perfect sense for him to end up as he does, which makes it simple to empathize with him. In the Flash series, there are so many villains that make you question how they’ll be defeated. Among them, Savitar stands out as particularly memorable.

Previously, western superheroes have ventured into the realm of anime, and it’s truly thrilling to witness DC Comics joining the booming anime market. What could possibly explain the success of this fusion?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring legacy of DC Comics and its captivating cast of characters. Every hero and villain is painstakingly crafted, each boasting a deep, engrossing backstory that resonates with fans like me.

Although some viewers might recognize character names such as Clayface or Deadshot from the DC Comics, they may not fully grasp their complexities without reading the original comics. In our series, Suicide Squad Isekai, due to time constraints and maintaining a fast pace, we didn’t have the opportunity to delve deeply into character introductions. To make these stories more relatable for Japanese audiences, I propose that we spend more time exploring these characters in greater detail prior to adapting other DC properties like Suicide Squad or Justice League into anime. There are still many characters I am unfamiliar with, and I am optimistic that as more Japanese creators work with these captivating characters, it will lead to the creation of even more outstanding anime productions.

Over the last ten years, anime and manga have achieved widespread popularity around the world, often being referred to as a global revival of these art forms. So, how might “Suicide Squad Isekai” potentially fit within this trend, if it does at all?

In Tsuruoka’s own words: The world of anime and manga is growing rapidly, and it feels like it’s evolving into a global language and benchmark. Simultaneously, I notice that the lines between various forms of entertainment, such as films, comics, and animation, are blurring. Today, a production like this anime has a higher likelihood of being appreciated by fans across the globe, including anime enthusiasts, moviegoers, and American comic readers. It seems we’re witnessing a wave that says, “As long as it’s intriguing, that’s all that matters.” If viewers watch this series and comment, “This really challenges boundaries,” then we’ve achieved our goal. And if they also think, “It’s unique yet entertaining,” then it signifies the work aligns perfectly with current trends. I hope people can put aside their preconceptions and simply enjoy it for what it offers.

2024-08-13 00:12

Suicide Squad Isekai Producers Unpack the Anime’s Unlikely Origins: Exclusive Interview

Suicide Squad Isekai Interview

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