Attack on Titan Studio Unveils Risky New Sci-Fi Series with 3 Body Problem Vibes

Image: MAPPA

Each new anime season inevitably brings a flood of adaptations. Blockbuster manga are transformed into televised spectacles, light novels become the foundation for the latest isekai craze, and high-profile video games like Death Stranding and Sekiro are increasingly translated into animation. In this landscape, original anime projects have become a rare commodity, particularly those produced with the budget and ambition of a prestige series. WIT Studio, a powerhouse behind industry giants like Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan, and the upcoming One Piece remake, is no stranger to this trend of leaning on established intellectual property. However, their latest announcement promises a bold departure from the norm.

Arriving in spring 2027, LONA—short for “Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis”—follows a research team tasked with probing the consciousness of the deceased in the wake of inexplicable assaults by people who should, by all accounts, be dead. It’s a compelling, haunting premise that sets the series apart from the crowded field of standard fantasy adventures and cyberpunk thrillers. Rather than treading the well-worn path of questioning the humanity of machines, LONA delves into the nature of consciousness itself. It poses profound, uncomfortable questions: If the human mind can persist beyond physical expiration, what are the implications for scientific discovery and the moral boundaries of such research? What does this reveal about the existence of a soul?

These inquiries allow LONA to tackle dense philosophical concepts through the lens of neuroscience—a territory seldom navigated by modern anime. While grounded in speculative science, the tone feels distinctly metaphysical, evoking a thematic collision between the existential weight of Neon Genesis Evangelion and the high-concept mystery of 3 Body Problem, absent the usual reliance on mecha or extraterrestrial tropes. LONA pivots away from flashy gadgetry, choosing instead to focus on the chilling ambiguities of identity and the human brain.

Visually, the series delivers exactly what one would expect from a high-tier WIT Studio production. The first footage released on June 28 showcases impeccable cinematic lighting, intricate world-building, nuanced character work, and a sophisticated approach to color. The animation is meticulous without being showy, utilizing atmosphere as effectively as any high-octane set piece. The trailer serves as a powerful reminder of why WIT Studio remains a titan of visual storytelling, with promotional artwork capturing a striking fusion of sharp camera angles and enigmatic character designs.

Over the last decade, WIT Studio has cemented its legacy through hits like Ranking of Kings and its co-production work on Spy x Family. While these projects established the studio as a reliable architect of epic adaptations, they represent only a facet of their creative identity. WIT has consistently championed original storytelling, even as the industry’s dependence on safe, proven franchises intensifies.

In this context, LONA stands as a definitive statement. While competitors prioritize pre-existing fanbases, WIT is carving out a niche for daring, high-stakes narratives that must build an audience from the ground up—an ethos seen in previous original works like Great Pretender and Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song. The creative team further signals this intent: screenwriter Akiko Nogi, celebrated for her emotional precision in live-action dramas and the acclaimed Inu-Oh, provides the narrative backbone, while director Takashi Katagiri, known for his work on Spy x Family Code: White, brings a refined cinematic vision to the director’s chair.

Ultimately, LONA serves as a refreshing reminder that the most compelling stories in the medium don’t always require a built-in fanbase to succeed. With no manga to anticipate and no established lore to satisfy, the series is free to forge its own path. As anime continues to be dominated by familiar titles, WIT Studio’s commitment to an original, neuroscience-infused mystery with blockbuster production values proves that the medium still holds room for genuine, unexpected surprises.

Source: Polygon