New One-Shot by Attack on Titan Creator Set for Release in January

Overview

Hajime Isayama partners with voice actor Yuki Kaji on a new project, independent from Attack on Titan, utilizing voice synthesis technology.
The initiative, named Soyogi Fractal, marks Kaji’s two-decade milestone in the industry and showcases innovative voice reproduction software.
Post Attack on Titan, Isayama is set to explore AI in a new manga spin-off, hinting at novel storytelling possibilities.

In June, Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama revealed an exciting new project, which is set to launch shortly. This initiative, titled Soyogi Fractal, involves his long-time collaborator, voice actor Yuki Kaji, known for his role as Eren in the series.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kaji’s voice acting career, Soyogi Fractal presents a unique voice synthesis software that features Kaji’s vocal talents. The software offers two variations: one that recreates Kaji’s speaking voice and another for his singing voice. Kaji expressed concerns about the unauthorized use of his voice in generative AI, prompting him to create an official way to license its use.

Additionally, Isayama is crafting a new one-shot manga scheduled for publication in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shonen Magazine on January 9, 2025. He will handle storyboarding, while artist Noshigami Kai will provide the finished artwork. This work is tentatively titled Soyogi Fractal: Official Spin-Off.

The Soyogi Fractal story is expected to delve into the implications and boundaries of artificial intelligence, as seen in a teaser where the protagonist Soyogi contemplates the purpose of this evolving technology. Initial hints suggest that the narrative will feature both male and female characters, although detailed information remains scarce. Given that this is a spin-off, fans can anticipate intriguing narrative deviations.

Isayama’s Transition from Attack on Titan

Although Isayama and Kaji’s collaboration is promising, it appears that Isayama is intentionally distancing himself from Attack on Titan following the conclusion of the series and its anime adaptation. This shift could be temporary, or it may signal a significant new chapter in Isayama’s career after dedicating years to the beloved franchise.

While devotees of Attack on Titan might be disheartened by this development, they can find comfort in the fact that Isayama may still endorse potential spin-off projects, be they in manga or anime form. Last year, Isayama received the esteemed Fauve Spécial award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, further solidifying his status in the comic world, recognized annually in Angoulême, France.

Attack on Titan: Last Attack Movie

The highly anticipated film, Attack on Titan: Last Attack, premiered in Japanese theaters in November 2024, garnering a positive reception at the box office. This film serves as a culmination of Eren’s journey, blending the final two parts of the anime’s last season with additional scenes. Fortunately for international fans, Crunchyroll has announced plans to bring this movie to U.S. theaters soon.

For those eager to revisit the series, the Attack on Titan anime adaptation is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in both subtitled and dubbed formats.

Source: Official Website and MangaMoguraRE

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