A beloved anime franchise is attempting a grand return, and fans have a direct hand in making it happen! Armiger Entertainment has officially launched a Kickstarter campaign for Tenchi Galaxy, a brand-new anime pilot envisioned as a spiritual successor to the fan-favorite Tenchi Universe television series. With director Hiroshi Negishi, the creative force behind the original Tenchi Universe and several other iconic entries, returning to the helm, this project aims to reignite the cosmic romantic comedy that captured hearts worldwide.
Funding the Future of Tenchi
The campaign for Tenchi Galaxy seeks to raise US$400,000 to produce a 30-minute pilot episode. As of press time, the initiative has already garnered an impressive US$220,455 from 1,258 dedicated backers, demonstrating the enduring passion for this universe. The funding window is open until September 8, offering fans a crucial opportunity to contribute. This isn't just about a single episode; the pilot is specifically designed to be a springboard, a proof-of-concept to greenlight a full new Tenchi Muyo! series in the future.
The pilot episode will feature English audio, accompanied by subtitles in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Backers can choose from a range of physical and digital rewards, including a Basic standard Blu-ray Disc, a Special Edition SteelBook with exclusive artwork, and a convenient Digital Download. This multi-faceted approach ensures accessibility for a global audience.
Beyond the Pilot: Exciting Stretch Goals and Add-ons
Armiger Entertainment has outlined an array of enticing stretch goals to enhance the Tenchi Galaxy experience. Should the campaign reach US$450,000, a much-requested Japanese language audio track will be added, allowing fans to enjoy the pilot in its native tongue. A US$475,000 milestone unlocks a stunning 4K version of the pilot episode, promising unparalleled visual fidelity. Finally, hitting US$500,000 will fund a captivating making-of documentary, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Tenchi Galaxy.
In addition to these ambitious goals, the campaign offers numerous add-ons for backers to further personalize their support. These include collectible posters, a comprehensive art book, a vinyl and digital soundtrack for the pilot, and even a nostalgic VHS tape release of the episode, a nod to the franchise's early days.
A Familiar Creative Team Reunites
The return of Hiroshi Negishi as director is a significant draw for long-time fans. His extensive credits within the franchise, including Tenchi Universe, Tenchi the Movie - Tenchi Muyo in Love, Tenchi Forever!: The Movie, and Ai: Tenchi Muyo!, ensure a creative vision deeply rooted in the series' legacy. Adding to the authenticity, AIC president Tōru Miura will serve as executive producer, further strengthening the project's connection to its origins. Crucially, Tenchi Muyo! creator Masaki Kajishima has personally endorsed and blessed this endeavor, a powerful vote of confidence.
Other key personnel include Ikuko Kogiso (Creative Minds LLC) as co-producer, Phil Dragash as character designer, and Stephen Davis as composer. This blend of experienced franchise veterans and new talent promises a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the beloved universe.
The Voices You Love are Back
Fans will be thrilled to learn that much of the iconic English voice cast is set to reprise their roles for the Tenchi Galaxy pilot. The returning cast includes:
- Petrea Burchard as Ryoko
- Matt K. Miller as Tenchi
- Cristina Vee as Ayeka
- Sherry Lynn as Sasami & Detective Kiyone
- Rebecca Forstadt as Mihoshi
- Kate T. Vogt as Washu
- Debi Derryberry as Ryo-Ohki
- Julia Fletcher as Nagi
Adding a modern twist, VTuber Nerissa Ravencroft will join the ensemble as Rise, the Space Pirate, bridging the gap between established talent and emerging voices in entertainment.
Behind Armiger Entertainment
Armiger Entertainment, the new company behind this ambitious project, is spearheaded by founder and president Wesley Vaughn. Vaughn is a familiar name to fans, known for his contributions to the "Tenchicast!" podcast and his upcoming book on the history of the Tenchi Muyo! franchise. This deep personal connection underscores the authentic passion driving Tenchi Galaxy. The company has a proven track record, having successfully crowdfunded the "Tenchi Muyo! American Omnibus Edition" last year, a re-release of the 1997 comic book series. ANN has confirmed that Armiger Entertainment holds the necessary licenses for the comics, showcasing their commitment and capability.
The Enduring Legacy of Tenchi Muyo!
This new project builds upon a rich and expansive history. The Tenchi Muyo! franchise originated with the 1992 original video anime (OVA) series, Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Ohki, which quickly blossomed into a cross-media phenomenon. This original OVA storyline has seen numerous sequels, including Ryo Ohki Dai-2-Ki, Dai-3-Ki, Dai-4-Ki (which debuted in 2016 after an 11-year hiatus), and the most recent Dai-5-Ki, which concluded in May 2021.
Recent developments in the franchise include the anime production company AIC transferring partial ownership of its copyrights, including Tenchi Muyo!, to Toei Agency in April 2021, establishing joint ownership. The universe continues to expand with new projects like Tenchi Muyo! GXP Paradise Starting, an OVA project that shipped in Japan from May to July 2023, with Crunchyroll adding the episodes as they released. This continuous activity highlights the series' lasting appeal and potential for future growth.
Support the Future of Tenchi Galaxy
The Tenchi Galaxy Kickstarter represents a unique opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the revitalization of a beloved anime classic. With an experienced director, a blessed project from the original creator, and a returning iconic English voice cast, the pilot aims to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic experience. Your support can help bring this spiritual successor to life and pave the way for a brand-new series, ensuring the legacy of the Tenchi Muyo! universe continues to thrive for years to come. Visit the Kickstarter page today and become a part of this exciting journey!
