For many anime fans,CG animation is a dirty word. Whenever a new series leans heavily on computer-generated visuals, the knee-jerk reaction is almost always negative.Viewers associate CG with stiff character movement, awkward transitions, and an overall lack of the fluidity that traditional hand-drawn animation provides. Shows like the 2016BerserkandEx-Armare often cited as prime examples of why anime and CG should never mix. But while there have been some undeniable missteps, dismissing CG animation entirely ignores the incredible advancements and successes within the medium.
Despite its rough history, CG animation in anime has improved significantly in recent years. Studios like Orange,the powerhouse behindTrigun StampedeandBeastars, have demonstrated thatCG animation can be just as expressive and engaging as traditional techniques. The issue is not that CG is inherently bad, it is that bad CG stands out more than bad hand-drawn animation. So the question remains of why the anime fandom continues to reject CG so aggressively and if it is time to give the medium a fair shot.
The Stigma of Early CG Anime
Why Anime Fans Distrust CG Animation
The backlash against CG in anime is not baseless because the early attempts at integrating 3D animation into anime were undeniably rough.The 2016Berserkbecame infamousfor its janky animation and unnatural character movement, making fans of the original manga furious at its poor execution. Unlike the 1997 hand-drawnBerserkanime, which had a gritty aesthetic that fit the tone of the story, the CG version lacked the weight and emotion that the series needed. Similarly,Ex-Armis another example of how poor CG can ruin an otherwise promising story.
10 Best 3D CG Anime of All Time
3D CG has a notoriously negative reputation in anime, but there are a few CG works that are sure to please even the toughest critics of the style.
This early failure led to a general distrust of CG in anime. Traditional 2D animation, despite its limitations, has an inherent charm and artistry that makes even lower-budget productions feel more authentic.When CG fails, it fails hard, creating an uncanny valley effect that breaks immersion. This has left a lasting impression on anime fandom, making any new CG anime face an uphill battle for acceptance, no matter how much the technology has improved.
The Misconception That CG Is “Lazy”
Debunking the Myth That CG Requires Less Effort
A major reason why anime fans remain skeptical of CG is the belief that it is a shortcut and a cheaper, less labor-intensive alternative to traditional animation. While it is true that CG allows for some efficiencies, it is far from being an “easier” method of animation. In reality, high-quality CG animation requires an immense amount of skill, effort, and resources to execute properly. Studios like Orange have invested years refining their techniques to create visually stunning projects likeBeastarsandTrigun Stampede.
Unlike low-budget attempts that rely on rigid motion capture and limited textures, well-executed CG animation employs a blend of techniques that mimic the expressiveness of hand-drawn art. For example,Trigun Stampedeincorporates dynamic camera angles, fluid motion, and a painterly aesthetic that makes it stand out from the awkward CG productions of the past. The problem isn’t CG itself; it is studios cutting corners and failing to integrate it properly into the anime aesthetic.
How Studios Like Orange Are Changing the Game
How Beastars and Trigun Stampede Prove CG’s Potential
Despite the skepticism, some studios have proven that CG animation can be done right.Studio Orange has become a leader in CG anime, demonstrating how technology can enhance storytelling rather than detract from it.WithBeastars, Orange combined 3D models with hand-drawn textures, creating characters that moved naturally while retaining the expressive quality of traditional anime. The result was a visually unique and emotional series that even CG skeptics had to respect.
Trigun Stampedetook this a step further, blending fast-paced action sequences with breathtaking cinematography that would be nearly impossible to achieve in hand-drawn animation. The series used CG to create dynamic fight scenes, detailed environments, and character expressions that felt fluid rather than robotic. By pushing the boundaries of what CG can do, Orange is helping to change the perception that all 3D anime is stiff and lifeless.
The Future of CG in Anime
How Anime and CG Can Work Together to Create Masterpieces
The rejection of CG animation in anime is rooted in a mix of nostalgia and past bad experiences, but it is unfair to just the entire medium based on its worst examples. Just as traditional animation has its highs and lows, CG anime has the potential to be breathtaking when handled with care. With advancements in technology and studios like Orange leading the way, CG anime is only going to get better. Instead of dismissing it outright, fans should embrace the possibility that 3D animation could expand anime’s artistic potential rather than limit it.
One recent example of an anime using CG effectively isMedalist, which can be streamed on Hulu.Medalistis a series centered around the world of competitive figure skating. Given the complexity of skating movements, traditional animation would struggle to capture the fluidity and speed required to depict performances realistically. However,Medalistuses CG to enhance these sequences, ensuring that the choreography is both accurate and visually engaging while maintaining an anime-style aesthetic. The smooth integration of CG with traditional animation elements allows for dynamic movement without feeling out of place.
What setsMedalistapart from older CG-heavy anime is its understanding of how to balance 3D and 2D elements. Rather than relying on CG for everything, the show selectively applies it where it works best, ensuring that character expressions and emotional beats still feel natural. This hybrid approach is a glimpse into how future anime productions can use CG without alienating traditional animation fans. If more studios follow this path, the outdated stigma against CG in anime may finally begin to fade.
