New Anime Anthology Is the Ultimate Replacement for Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling Films

Image: Cloverworks/Grotesqqque

Unveiled during the CloverWorks showcase at Anime Expo 2026, Grotesqqque is a vibrant anthology film helmed by Atsushi Nishigori. Fans will recognize Nishigori’s pedigree as the chief animation director for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time, alongside his acclaimed work on the heartfelt mecha romance Darling in the Franxx and his seminal character designs for the iconic Gurren Lagann.

Initially teased at Anime Expo 2024, Grotesqqque—continuing the medium’s penchant for uniquely repetitive naming conventions—is slated for a theatrical release in Japan on November 6, with preview screenings hitting the Fantasia International Film Festival this July. CloverWorks Vice President Yuichi Fukushima noted that the project was born from a long-standing desire to collaborate closely with Nishigori.

The anthology is a joint production between CloverWorks and Joen, featuring three distinct cinematic segments. The first, Æliens, is directed by Nishigori himself. Judging by the trailer, it introduces a charming, shape-shifting octopus girl with a bubbly disposition. Following that, 4649 Girl is helmed by Takahiro Miura, known for his work on Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]. It presents a stylized, all-female vision of a cyberpunk landscape teeming with neon aesthetic, lethal assassins, and high-tech weaponry. Finally, Nishigori returns to direct Nocturne: En Cette Nuit Grotesque, where he also oversaw the character design. The footage hints at a “yuri”-coded narrative, blending a girls’ road trip with supernatural vampire elements.

What makes this collection particularly striking is its visual diversity. The anthology transitions seamlessly from the vivid color palette of Æliens to the electric, high-contrast neon of 4649 Girl, and finally into the melancholic atmosphere of Nocturne. Nishigori’s keen eye for art direction acts as the connective tissue, allowing these eclectic styles to form a cohesive, visually arresting whole.

Grotesqqque serves as a grand showcase for Nishigori’s creative range. His ability to oscillate between intimate character drama and explosive action—a hallmark of his earlier hits—makes him the ideal architect for an anthology of this caliber.

Image: CloverWorks

The auditory experience promises to be equally ambitious, featuring a massive roster of 35 contributing artists. The opening theme, “Shoot Shoot Shoot,” performed by Metalverse, leads an impressive soundtrack that includes contributions from ASCA, Mika Ichinose, Iori Noguchi (=LOVE), Kanon Shizaki, VaVa, Reol, Taku Inoue, Yushi Nakajima (Gusokumuzu), and others. This parade of contemporary talent provides a compelling soundscape that should resonate well beyond domestic Japanese audiences.

In a market increasingly dominated by spinoffs of established franchises, original projects like Grotesqqque are a breath of fresh air. While blockbuster adaptations like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc certainly drive commercial success, the industry thrives when it grants creative visionaries the freedom to explore unique, experimental formats.

Source: Polygon