The CW Network has yet to reveal whether or not Supernatural will be back for a seventh season in the Fall, but even if May sees the show finally leave the airwaves there will be something new for fans this Summer. Having already been released in Japan earlier this year, Supernatural: The Anime Series makes its way to the US on June 21. Consisting of 22 episodes, the anime series primarily consists of the storylines fro mthe first two season of the live action show, however it also includes original content exploring the Winchesters’ childhoods and giving some of the secondary characters more story.
According to the official press release, “to maintain continuity with the live-action series, the characters of Sam and Dean Winchester in SUPERNATURAL: THE ANIME SERIES reflect the look of the SUPERNATURAL actors – in vibrant, exciting anime and, presented in full 16×9 widescreen format.”
Additionally, Jared Padalecki reprises his role as Sam Winchester for all twenty-two episodes while Jensen Ackles also provides the voice of Dean Winchester in select anime episodes, specifically the final two. Padalecki and Ackles are also ever-present in the Blu-ray and DVD enhanced content as they both provide a video introduction to each of the episodes, and are also featured in a series of interviews that include conversations with live-action series creator Eric Kripke, and Supernatural: The Anime Series directors Shigeyuki Miya and Atsuko Ishizuka.
Special features on the Blu-ray and DVD also include a two-part featurette, “The Making of Supernatural: The Anime Series,” an intriguing behind-the-scenes revelation of how the live-action series was actually re-imagined into its new art form.
“The worldwide popularity of Supernatural is undeniable, eclipsing cultural and language barriers to easily fit into the unique artistic approach and alternative style of storytelling offered in anime,” said Rosemary Markson, Vice President, TV and Special Interest Marketing. “This groundbreaking vision of the popular series will give Supernatural fans an altogether new experience, mixing familiar themes and characters with intriguing new stories from within the series’ haunting mythology. Fans of the anime genre will enjoy this high quality, one-of-a-kind production as well.”
Look for special sneak peeks and episode airings at select anime and pop culture conventions over the next couple of months and stay tuned to Pop Culture Zoo for more, as always!