The energy at Anime Expo 2026 reached an all time high this weekend as Amuse Creative Studio took to the main stage for their highly anticipated New Anime Launch Event. Led by moderator Lisle Wilkerson, the panel offered a star-studded look at the future of animation, featuring the creators of the global webtoon sensation Eleceed and the visionary artist behind the new original project Re:bel Robotica.

The Road to April 2027: Eleceed Comes to Life

The first half of the panel was dedicated to Eleceed, the hit action-comedy webtoon. Writer Jeho Son and illustrator ZHENA shared the stage to discuss the series' transition from the digital page to the silver screen.

Fans were treated to a surprising "what if" regarding the series' most iconic character. Jeho Son revealed that Kayden, the powerful awakened one who spends most of the series trapped in the body of a fat tabby, was originally storyboarded to be a dog. "I knew ZHENA raised a cat and was incredible at drawing them," Son admitted. "So, I changed it to a fat cat to convince her to join the project."

ZHENA, who also designed this year’s Anime Expo key visual, treated the crowd to a live drawing session while answering questions. She revealed that while she found action-fantasy a challenge, her biggest insistence was making Kayden an orange tabby—a tribute to her own pet.

The highlight of the segment was the reveal of the official teaser trailer and the confirmation that the Eleceed anime adaptation is set to premiere in April 2027. Additionally, for those who want the story on their shelves, Penguin Random House confirmed a North American print edition arriving in 2027.

Re:bel Robotica: A Masterclass in Visual Storytelling

The spotlight then shifted to the world of original anime with the introduction of Re:bel Robotica. Creator and world-renowned illustrator Mika Pikazo took the stage alongside Producer Yamauchi-san to discuss the project’s nine-year journey from a self-published Comiket manga to a full-scale production.

Pikazo, known for her vibrant and eclectic use of color, attributed much of her style to the two and a half years she spent living in Brazil after high school. "I was moved by the film and music there," she explained. When asked about her technical process, she surprised the audience by revealing she doesn't use a color palette, preferring to choose shades organically to keep her work from feeling "restricted."

Yamauchi-san emphasized the high-caliber talent attached to the project. The series will be directed by Shin Onuma (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya) with a screenplay by Ryo Yoshigami (Psycho-Pass). Perhaps the biggest roar from the crowd came with the announcement that legendary composer Yuki Kajiura (Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online) will handle the score and opening theme.

"The core of the story is a simple but important question," Yamauchi-san said. "What is happiness, and can advanced technology truly make us happy?"

Advice for the Next Generation

Before the panel concluded with a massive giveaway of signed art, the creators took a moment to offer advice to the aspiring artists in the room. Mika Pikazo’s message was one of discipline and research: "Find the top professionals in the field you want to enter. Research their level, use it as your benchmark, and keep drawing until you reach that quality."

With Eleceed arriving in April 2027 and the powerhouse team behind Re:bel Robotica gathering steam, Amuse Creative Studio has firmly positioned itself as a major player to watch in the coming years.

Follow Eleceed

X Official Page: https://x.com/Eleceed_pr

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Eleceed_pr

Follow Mika Pikazo

X Official Page: https://x.com/MikaPikaZo