Is the Golden Age of Anime Over? Industry Veterans Unite for the 'ZAN' Project
The most experienced names in the anime industry are bidding farewell to an era they say no longer shines as it once did. According to a report by Anime News Network from Anime Expo, a group of veteran directors and animators have joined forces for a brand-new project, declaring that the 'golden age is over': ZAN.
These figures, who have contributed to many iconic works, criticize the current state of the industry and describe ZAN as a 'final journey.' So, what is the story behind this project? ZAN claims to offer an anime experience that is as natural and authentic as the flow of water, standing against today's culture of rapid consumption. The team behind the project highlights the burnout, low wages, and loss of creative freedom that the industry has experienced in recent years.
The veterans state that the 1990s and early 2000s were the true golden age of anime, noting that the handmade aesthetic and original storytelling of that period have now been replaced by commercial concerns. This project is a form of rebellion set out to revive that very spirit. ZAN aims both to inspire the new generation of animators and to make viewers ask, 'how was it back then?'
While there is no clear information yet regarding the project's release date or format (series, film, OVA), the team's lineup alone is exciting in its own right. The coming together of these doyens, who have worked on many famous productions, gains value with the 'never again' possibility. ZAN is not just an anime, but also a manifesto regarding the future of the industry. Concept art and further details about the project are expected to be shared in the coming months.
