The Magical Girl Raising Project Restart anime is now available to stream on the OceanVeil platform. The series, which adapts the 'Restart' arc from Asari Endo's long-running light novel franchise, made its Japanese television debut earlier this week on TV Tokyo, followed by broadcasts on AT-X and BS Fuji.
This production marks a shift in animation studios, with Synergy SP taking over the reins from Lerche, the studio behind the 2016 original series. Despite the studio change, several key creative figures are returning to the project, including director Hiroyuki Hashimoto, scriptwriter Takao Yoshioka, and sound director Satoki Iida. Character designs are handled by Masako Itou, based on the original illustrations by Maruino.
The cast features a sprawling list of performers, including Nao Toyama, who reprises her role as Snow White from the original anime. They are joined by Yoshino Nanjo as Pfle, Fairouz Ai as Masked Wonder, and Aoi Yuki as Lapis Lazuline, among many others. The opening theme, 'No tears here,' is performed by Minori Chihara, while the ending theme, 'ReMind,' is provided by Daisy×Daisy.
While the original 2016 anime adaptation is well-known to fans of the survival-horror subgenre, the franchise has continued to expand through its light novel releases, with 18 volumes published as of late 2023. Given the transition to a new studio, it remains to be seen how the visual direction will evolve compared to the 2016 series. For those following the series, does the return of the original director and writing staff provide enough continuity for this new arc?
