New Promotional Image Teases Key Events in "The Summer Hikaru Died"
The anime for "The Summer Hikaru Died," an adaptation of Mokumokuren's popular manga, has revealed a new promotional image that anticipates upcoming events. The visual shows Yoshiki and Hikaru, along with their friends, in a twilight setting that hints at the series' unsettling and mysterious atmosphere. This release comes just before the premiere of the seventh episode, promising an "impactful" installment for viewers worldwide. The manga, which is serialized in "Young Ace UP" (KADOKAWA), has gained international recognition after being ranked number one in the male category of "Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023" and receiving nominations for prestigious awards like the Manga Taisho Award, the Tsutaya Comic Awards, the Eisner Award, and the Next Manga Award.
Delving into the Creative Process with the "Making of..." Documentary
In addition to the new image, the first episode of the documentary "The Making of The Summer Hikaru Died" has premiered, available on Kadokawa Anime's YouTube channel. The initial episode, titled "Horror," offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the creators are working to capture the essence of terror in the anime. It includes interviews with director Ryohei Takeshita and other key team members, who share their perspectives on creating a genuinely terrifying atmosphere. This documentary provides valuable context for understanding the creative process behind the animated adaptation and the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into the production.
The Sinister Plot: Who is the Real Hikaru?
"The Summer Hikaru Died" tells an intriguing story about two childhood friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, who live in a seemingly peaceful village. However, Yoshiki's life takes an unexpected turn when what he thought was his friend Hikaru is replaced by something different and potentially dangerous. Despite this disturbing situation, the protagonist tries to maintain an appearance of normalcy while confronting an unsettling question: how can you live with the apparent presence of a missing friend who perfectly imitates their behavior and memories? The series explores themes of loss, identity, and the supernatural, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.
Top-Tier Creative Team and Global Distribution
The animated adaptation features a highly talented team. Ryohei Takeshita (Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night) directs the series at CygamesPictures studio and is also in charge of series composition. Yuichi Takahashi (Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song-) is responsible for character design and is the chief animation director, while Masanobu Hiraoka (Chainsaw Man) is the "Dorodoro" animator. The series streams exclusively worldwide on Netflix, which ensures its accessibility to a wide audience. Yen Press publishes an official English version of the manga, describing it as a story about the confusion and fear surrounding the apparent resurrection of a friend with a dark secret.
