Just over 40 years ago, the world of anime’s trajectory would change forever upon the February 26, 1986 broadcast debut of Dragon Ball. Animated by Toei Animation, a studio well-established for other anime productions like GeGeGe no Kitarō, Cyborg 009, Devilman, and many more, the series was a lighthearted adventure romp that would precede a global mainstream anime boom in the 1990s. The studio has only continued to grow in prestige, especially as it’s undertaken impressive measures, so its flagship properties, namely One Piece lately, have continued to be a mark of the company’s standard-setting work. Now, another anime is set to join its ranks.
Gosu, written by Ryu Ki-woon and illustrated by Moon Jung-hoo, is a South Korean series primarily released as a vertical-scroll webtoon aka manhwa. The manhwa is known for its initial lighthearted tone and gut-busting humor, all while its breathtaking action, gorgeous backgrounds, and utterly destructive ki-based attacks in a world defined by martial arts, all hallmarks of the murim genre. Now, with the series in production by Toei Animation and Studio Mir, fellow Gosu production company Studio N’s CEO Michelle Kwon discussed the excitement felt by working with an anime giant, reflecting on how far manhwa has come in a recent interview with ScreenRant.
Dragon Ball Studio’s Next Project Is A Dream Come True For WEBTOON & Studio N
Addressing the adaptation of Gosu, which is a unique production on Naver WEBTOON subsidiary Studio N’s slate, Kwon echoed the excitement shared by fans of the iconic manhwa. The sheer appeal of working with a studio known for producing anime projects in the hundreds, including the most popular properties of today, was a massive indicator of the WEBTOON brand’s continuously prominent presence on the global stage. When asked about what’s to come beyond the acclaimed return of Bloodhounds and The Remarried Empress getting an anticipated K-drama, Kwon was quick to point out one particular upcoming standout project.
“GOSU, which we’re developing into an anime with Toei Animation, is one I can’t wait for. It’s a hugely popular title, and has a terrific mix of action, story, and character development.
Working with Toei Animation is a dream come true. To partner with the legendary studio that has made iconic anime like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Sailor Moon is a great example of how popular webcomics have become.”
Gosu’s protagonist, Gang Ryong, starts as a relatively naïve, plump youth, whose unassuming charms deceptively conceal extraordinary martial arts skills honed in the Divine Heavenly Destruction discipline. While the plot initially seems like early Dragon Ball, Gang Ryong soon embarks on a journey of vengeance against the traitorous disciples who killed his master, balancing humor, intense drama, and some truly overpowered combat feats, including eventual energy-based attacks using ki. It’s frankly no surprise that it should join an umbrella shared by Son Goku, as well as Usagi Tsukino, and Monkey D. Luffy, and hopefully it’s a sign of more to come.
Gosu Is One Of The Best Martial Arts Manhwa Around
For those invested in the tonal shift and compelling aspects of Gosu to surface, it’s imperative to read at least the first dozen or so chapters. While some may stick around for the initial hijinks of Gang Ryong’s incredible power and occasional pervy interludes, most will certainly be hooked when they see his immense combat prowess, able to alter the surrounding landscape with the sheer force of his attacks. It involves his disparate mastery over ki, like using a wooden staff to parry against deadly strikes from swordsman So Jinhong, and precedes a stunning showcase with a variety of weapons, and is even more at home barehanded.
The prospect of getting a Gosu anime, especially from the studio behind Dragon Ball and One Piece, is also dependent on what staff is confirmed to be attached to the project.
“We’re still early in this project, so it’s too early to share much. But I think fans will be really happy with
what we’re putting together.”
While it’s exciting enough to hear an update that Gosu is in fact still on the way, given it’s truly one of the best manhwa out there, Kwon unfortunately couldn’t confirm more details for now. But with the latest developments about Dragon Ball’s anime return with Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol, and One Piece’s gorgeous Elbaph Arc return so far, there’s plenty of reason to be excited for Gosu in the months ahead.
- Cast
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Sean Schemmel, Laura Bailey, Brian Drummond, Christopher Sabat, Scott McNeil
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- Latest Film
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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero