From the animation studio behind The Legend of Korra and Voltron: Legendary Defender, meet KOJI: Studio Mir’s first original series
Up until now, Studio Mir’s stunning, legendary animation has been reserved for work contracted out by other companies– Nickelodeon for Korra, DreamWorks for Voltron, Lego for Secrets of Elvendale, etc.
But now, very excitingly, they’ve announced their first original series: Koji.
Koji comes from the mind of Alexander Snow, an animator who has a prolific resume including Disney, Blue Sky Studios, and the production company he co-founded in 2016: Wolfbat Studios. (Not sure if the name being the same as Tahno’s pro-bending team is a coincidence…)
It’s unclear how much Wolfbat Studios as a whole is involved, but their website does feature an old concept demo reel for Koji, which looks really cool:
It also gives us a look at who may be the second main character:
Studio Mir really loves their elves! 😂
In all seriousness, this looks really cool, and we’ve been told to keep an eye out for “for more updates coming fast”, so it seems like this could be coming sooner rather than later!
This announcement coincides with Studio Mir launching their official instagram: @studiomir_official. It looks like the bulk of the content coming our way will be posted there, so be sure to follow them, as well as our #koji tag on here for the big updates coming soon!
Update: Just found a bunch more information from the original 2016 press release, including a synopsis, backstory, inspirations (including ATLA!), themes/issues covered, and more! It’s a lot so it’s going under a readmore:
It appears they represent the three Books of the show, with pins for the main characters and elements, and some be-a-utiful backboard artwork featuring the villains looming large over our heroes, with even more characters in the background. VERY stylish!
Book One: Water
Katara and Sokka pins
Waterbending symbol pin
Artwork featuring Zuko, Aang, Jet, Iroh, and Yue
Book Two: Earth
Toph and Suki pins
Earthbending symbol pin
Artwork featuring Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, Bumi, and Avatar state Aang
Book Three: Fire
Aang and Zuko pins
Firebending symbol pin
Artwork featuring Ozai, and Sokka, Suki, Toph, and Katara in their Fire Nation disguises
You definitely need to nab these amazing collectors’ items if you’re gonna be at NYCC!
And don’t forget the dozens of other ATLA and TLOK pins you can get over at zenmonkeystudios.com right now!
i think it’s high time that we acknowledged something positive for SU!
professional, non-youtube critics – the kind that we’ve all forgotten about, but yes, still exist! – are also looking at steven universe… and they sure do like it.
they like it a lot.
the 100% rating is reflected when you count only top critics, too.
critic consensus: having blossomed into a sophisticated mythology with a deeply moving subtext, steven universe remans a sparkling entertainment and perfect introduction to LGBTQ representation for children.
season five is rated higher, on average, than season one.
it’s slightly more controversial with general audiences (well, it’s a rather small sample size, but it does reflect online discourse), but critics love it. the 100% fresh rating is consistent through every season.
the verified top critics had this to say about season five:
Eric Thurm (AV Club): For the first time in a while, there’s no way to know what’s going to happen on Steven Universe – and it’s thrilling.
Jordan Crucchiola (New York Magazine / Vulture): A big queer step forward for cartoon TV.
Caroline Cao (indieWire): Steven Universe is distinctive for its prominence of queerness and its relevance to narrative arcs. Queerness is not sidelined. it is at the forefront.
(edit: this post is intended for people who feel bad for liking SU, and are told they’re stupid for liking a cartoon. yes, i know rotten tomatoes isn’t perfect, but it’s just an aggregate site – i’ve also read the reviews. you can chill. it’s ok if you don’t like it. you don’t need to send me personal insults. thanks).
Oh, he’s a frozen treat with an all new taste
Cause he came to this planet from outer space
A refugee of an interstellar war
But now he’s at your local grocery store
Cookie Cat
He’s a pet for your tummy
Cookie Cat
He’s super duper yummy
Cookie Cat
He left his family behind
Cookie Caaat!
From the animation studio behind The Legend of Korra and Voltron: Legendary Defender, meet KOJI: Studio Mir’s first original series
Up until now, Studio Mir’s stunning, legendary animation has been reserved for work contracted out by other companies– Nickelodeon for Korra, DreamWorks for Voltron, Lego for Secrets of Elvendale, etc.
But now, very excitingly, they’ve announced their first original series: Koji.
Koji comes from the mind of Alexander Snow, an animator who has a prolific resume including Disney, Blue Sky Studios, and the production company he co-founded in 2016: Wolfbat Studios. (Not sure if the name being the same as Tahno’s pro-bending team is a coincidence…)
It’s unclear how much Wolfbat Studios as a whole is involved, but their website does feature an old concept demo reel for Koji, which looks really cool:
It also gives us a look at who may be the second main character:
Studio Mir really loves their elves! 😂
In all seriousness, this looks really cool, and we’ve been told to keep an eye out for “for more updates coming fast”, so it seems like this could be coming sooner rather than later!
This announcement coincides with Studio Mir launching their official instagram: @studiomir_official. It looks like the bulk of the content coming our way will be posted there, so be sure to follow them, as well as our #koji tag on here for the big updates coming soon!
I Lost My Heart in Republic City 