Anime doesn’t create itself, you know? Multiple animation studios in the anime industry have given life to your pastime favorites, some even doing it for over 70 years. For the past decade, however, one animation powerhouse has made its mark in the industry: MAPPA. Celebrating its 13th anniversary today, the studio’s animes are one of the most awaited productions in current times and have bestowed audiences with thrilling stories.
MAPPA has brought some high-quality productions to the table. And while it is yet to take part in what anime fans call the “Big Three,” it has already given the world the “Dark Trio.” From a diverse catalog of genres that has dictated where the modern generation of anime is headed, picking out where an anime newbie should start is already challenging. But by the grace of the heavens, you’ve been led to this list—the list of anime titles that have brought MAPPA to the top!
5. Dororo
First adapted into an anime in 1969, Dororo is from the genius of Osamu Tezuka’s (Astro Boy) classic manga. The dark fantasy series follows the journey of a ronin named Hyakkimaru and an orphan named Dororo. The former was born without body parts as a part of his father’s deal with demons. He was saved as an infant when Dr. Jukai gave him prosthetics as a substitute for his missing limbs and other body parts. However, he stops at nothing to search for the rest of his body in a demon-plagued world.
Thankfully, MAPPA hasn’t tampered with the original anime’s storyline, but there are questions about its loyalty to the main source material. All things considered, if you love your dark fantasy anime and complex characters, then Dororo is the MAPPA project for you. This series has always been deeper than it seems—even during its first anime adaptation. It isn’t just about finding Hyakkimaru’s other body parts, it is also about finding himself, and his humanity as a whole. Tezuka is a genius at writing dark stories, so having MAPPA convey that emotion is a win-win for both sides.
4. Chainsaw Man
2022 was a year that anticipated many new anime. The likes of Spy x Family and Blue Lock are examples of this star-studded year of releases, but one title had all the eyes glued to them: Chainsaw Man. From the works of Tatsuki Fujimoto, the manga series was so enigmatic that it needed to become an anime—and who better to handle such a release than MAPPA? The story follows Denji, a young man who battles devils alongside Aki Hayakawa and Power for the Public Safety Devil Hunters.
The popularity of the manga has risen to new heights, so MAPPA had some work to do to achieve the same feat for its anime adaptation. The manga showcased a unique narrative and outrageous scenes that would otherwise be difficult to handle for any studio, but not MAPPA. As if pulling out the pages from the manga, the studio’s efforts were recognized and nailed the project on its head. The quality of Chainsaw Man‘s anime adaptation speaks for itself and has ultimately made it one of MAPPA’s biggest and most successful projects that fans loved dearly.
3. Vinland Saga
Already an instant classic with two seasons, Vinland Saga is another MAPPA masterpiece. Despite being a project of Wit Studio for its first season, MAPPA stepped up and gave the series even more depth to its already-deep lore. Following the first season’s story of Thorfinn who seeks revenge for the murder of his father, the animation studio focused on older, enslaved Thorfinn in the second season.
The change in the studio was perfect for Vinland Saga‘s change of pace. From the violence in the first to the tranquil in the second, MAPPA has done an excellent job making the series equally entertaining. During the second season, Thorfinn had to let go and reflect on his bloodstained past in Denmark. There, Vinland Saga‘s protagonist turned his life around by learning how to build foundations, not break them. With an even deeper lore set for future seasons of the series, MAPPA will be ready to surpass all expectations once again.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most acclaimed titles of this generation of anime. Adding onto an already-incredible lineup of modern shonen titles such as Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia, MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen has given them a run for their money. Taking inspiration from the hit series Bleach and its supernatural monstrosities in Japan, Gege Akutami provides his audience with the intense battle between sorcerers and curses.
Jujutsu Kaisen is arguably the top battle shonen anime of this generation. The supernatural and action-packed series stars Yuji Itadori who hosts the King of the Curses inside of him, Ryomen Sukuna. Acting as the King’s living vessel, Yuji willingly takes on this heavy burden and becomes a sorcerer of Jujutsu. However, he isn’t alone in his sudden involvement in the world of cursed energy and techniques; he is backed by his sensei Satoru Gojo, and fellow young sorcerers in Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki.
1. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a different breed. If there’s a title that has made ordinary folk interested in anime, it’s most definitely this one. Hailed as one of the biggest anime series of all time, Attack on Titan was first developed through Wit Studio during its first three seasons. MAPPA got a hold of the dark fantasy series for its final season and it was like Cinderella fitting into her glass slipper—a match made in heaven. With millions of fans already anticipating the ending of the series, MAPPA delivered beautifully and made Attack on Titan an instant classic that lived up to all its expectations.
Hajime Isayama is responsible for many heartbreaking deaths, but Attack on Titan has stepped up when the world needed it most. The unprecedented world-building and the war between humans and Titans have kept fans fascinated and on the edge of their seats during each episode. If MAPPA created a museum of its own, Attack on Titan would be its Mona Lisa.