Legendary Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano announced a new anime series and a California-based production company at Anime Expo 2026. The project emphasizes traditional hand-drawn techniques.
Yoshitaka Amano presented ZAN, an anime adaptation of his 2013 artbook published by Dark Horse Comics. The limited series is described as a sci-fi action fantasy crossing time and space.
The production relies entirely on hand-drawn art created on paper before digital scanning. A 90-second pilot film used 2,700 individual drawings and features staff including directors Masashi Ikeda and Toru Yoshida.
Amano also revealed plans for Yoshitaka Amano Inc., a Los Angeles studio intended to develop his intellectual property into an international brand. The ZAN series is scheduled for release in 2028 or later, with two additional unannounced animated projects in development.
Amano explained his commitment to hand-drawn work, noting that the studio decision followed a visit to the Santa Monica Pier three years ago. He stated that preserving the artistic process remains central to the effort.