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One of the most intriguing original anime announcements received an extended spotlight during a panel at AX 2026: Jurassic Shadows. Fans got to hear directly from the creative minds behind the upcoming series. Director Norihiro Naganuma, producer Tomokazu Iizumi, and producer Toshiaki Obata took the stage to introduce the project and answer questions about what makes this ambitious action series unlike anything else currently in anime.
What Can We Expect From Jurassic Shadows?First unveiled during Anime Expo, Jurassic Shadows is an original shounen action anime directed by Naganuma that blends dinosaurs, ninjas, and makeup-inspired powers into a modern-day battle story. Set in Tokyo in 2029, the series centers on characters who awaken dinosaur abilities through their DNA, with more than ten different dinosaur species appearing throughout the story. While dinosaurs naturally dominated much of the discussion, the panel revealed that they are only one piece of the show's identity. Iizumi explained that makeup and ninjas are equally important pillars of the series, helping shape both the world and its unique power system alongside the prehistoric creatures.
The creative team also spoke extensively about the visual philosophy behind the project. Several key staff members who worked on The Apothecary Diaries reunited for Jurassic Shadows, particularly in the color design department. According to the panelists, color plays a critical role in both the dinosaurs themselves and the overall story, making it one of the production's biggest artistic challenges. Finding the right color palettes for each dinosaur required extensive research. During the Q&A, the staff explained that selecting the perfect colors involved countless palette tests before arriving at designs that fit both the creatures and the narrative. Another visual element carried over from The Apothecary Diaries is the emphasis on expressive eyes. Just as eye acting was an important storytelling tool in their previous work, the team is once again placing significant focus on large, expressive eyes to convey emotion throughout Jurassic Shadows. The panel's audience eagerly participated in a lively question-and-answer session, offering fans a deeper look into the philosophy behind the series.
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When asked how Jurassic Shadows differs from other ninja series like Naruto or previous dinosaur anime, the creators emphasized that the defining feature is the relationship between each character and their dinosaur DNA. Rather than simply giving characters dinosaur powers, the series explores why each character needs those abilities, with their designs and powers directly tied to their personal stories. Another attendee asked who decides which dinosaurs represent heroes or villains within the story. The panelists answered cryptically: "Appearances may be deceiving." The response suggested that audiences shouldn't judge characters solely by their outward appearance.
Fans of The Apothecary Diaries were also curious whether the detailed environmental storytelling seen in that series would carry over into this action-heavy project. The staff reassured attendees that backgrounds remain a major priority. While The Apothecary Diaries paid exceptional attention to its plants and natural scenery, Jurassic Shadows applies the same level of detail to its architecture and buildings, creating richly crafted environments for its urban world.
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The panel concluded with one final surprise for attendees: Kodansha has officially greenlit a manga adaptation of Jurassic Shadows. The creators teased that more information about the manga project will be shared during next year's Anime Expo, giving fans yet another reason to keep the highly anticipated dinosaur action series on their radar.
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