The TVING original animation "Terror Man" raises expectations for the birth of a well-made animation.
The "Terror Man," which will be released exclusively on TVING on the 29th, is based on the popular webtoon of the same name that opens the start of YLAB's flagship hero franchise "Superstring Universe," and depicts the story of Jeong-woo, a high school student with eyes that sense misfortune, who becomes a terrorist himself to save people and confronts a massive conspiracy.
Simpson special episode "Treehouse of Horror 33," the second story of which won the Emmy for outstanding animated program at the 75th Emmy Awards, is directed by director Eom Sang-yong, and character animation director Takahiro Umehara, who served as episode director for the Netflix original animation Pluto, is responsible for the character art to ensure completeness. In addition, popular voice actors Lee Kyung-tae, Jang Mi, Eom Sang-hyun, Shim Kyu-hyuk, Jeon Tae-yeol and others who have been active in major animations such as the feature film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Maru the dog, and The First Slam Dunk join in large numbers, raising expectations.
Above all, with the 10th anniversary of the "Superstring Universe," the fact that "Terror Man," which can be considered its starting point, is being reborn as an animation has drawn a hotter reaction than ever. Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD at Studio Bazooka, who planned and produced "Terror Man," explained the significance, saying, "It is meaningful because it is a work that remains in fans' memories for a long time by well blending Korean settings and background with realistic concerns and heroic elements."
Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, said he poured his heart into realizing the charm of "Terror Man," which was loved for its unique and high-quality artwork during serialization, in video form. "Although 10 years have passed since the original was released, it still looks sophisticated and distinctive," he said, adding, "Director Takahiro Umehara served as chief animation director and created characters with a unique atmosphere." He emphasized that they repeatedly agonized over realizing the special worldview and action of "Terror Man," in which someone becomes a terrorist to save the world. Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, said, "Director Eom Sang-yong deeply expressed the inner conflicts and changes that ordinary high school student Jeong-woo experiences as he grows into a dark hero. In particular, through detailed facial expressions and gestures, he vividly directed the villain's charisma that threatens the protagonist, adding dramatic fun," and added, "We put a lot of thought into reproducing the original's emotional impact across artwork, direction, music and voice cast," stimulating expectations.
Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, who pointed to the protagonist Jeong-woo's changes and action direction as points of anticipation, explained, "'Terror Man' has the exterior of a superhero story, but at its center is the question, 'Why does an ordinary person make an extraordinary choice?' Jeong-woo's guilt, anger and sense of responsibility drive the narrative." As a second point, Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, highlighted "action direction," saying, "To translate the high-quality artwork of the webtoon into video, we aimed for action that conveys the characters' emotions and narrative, not merely flashy action. If viewers watch how the moments when characters waver, hesitate and resolve are revealed within the action, as well as the gratification of the action scenes themselves, they will be able to enjoy 'Terror Man' more deeply."
TVING is making various attempts to diversify content and expand IP, ranging from series and films to entertainment and sports, including the co-produced show with Mnet "Show Me the Money 12: Yaksha: Ruthless Operations." The meaning of the animation "Terror Man" is also special. Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, said, "Amid TVING's push to expand original animation IP, 'Terror Man' will be the first benchmark to confirm the possibility that 'webtoon-based adult-targeted animation can work on OTT.'" He added, "It is significant as a test of whether animation can be established as a genre content beyond a simple kids' genre. It offers viewers the experience of enjoying the same universe in different ways and can be a driving force for platforms to expand their original IP portfolios."
He also expressed confidence, saying, "While preserving the original's emotional impact and core message, by reorganizing it with the grammar unique to animation to create empathy and immersion, it can sufficiently expand to new viewers," and added, "I hope 'Terror Man' becomes a work that not only achieves results but contributes to creating a base where domestic adult animation production becomes repeatable. I hope it becomes a precedent showing that it can be evaluated not just as original IP utilization or fan service but as a highly complete animated work. Furthermore, I hope it becomes a benchmark for what can result when the production company, platform and original author collaborate based on trust."
Lastly, Lee Jong-Hyuk, PD, said, "We are grateful to those who have waited a long time for the 'Terror Man' animation. The production team focused on raising completeness by maintaining as much of the original's strengths and atmosphere as possible while organizing the story flow, action and sound overall. Original fans will be able to see familiar scenes in a new rhythm, and first-time viewers can follow along without burden as a genre animation, so we would appreciate it if you leave many reactions and opinions after watching," asking for anticipation.
"Terror Man" will be released exclusively on TVING on the 29th.
[Photo] TVING, provided by Studio Bazooka.
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