Anime has a generally expected aesthetic, with the medium and 2D animation typically going hand in hand. That's not always the case, though most anime that utilize CGI are notoriously lambasted for it. However, as bad as CG may be in some anime, there are certain shows that actually make it look great.
The most common complaint about CG in anime is that it looks lazy, cheap and lacking in care. For anime such as Land of the Lustrous and Beastars, however, their entire style is defined by beautiful uses of computer-generated animation. This comes alongside the other elements of the shows to create anime that excel because of their CG rather than in spite of it. Here's a look at some of the better examples of anime with CG and why even skeptical viewers should give them a try.
Why CG Anime Is So Looked Down Upon
Many anime fans like the medium because of its more traditional animation, which is quite different from the CG domination of the West. With the comparative lack of experience with CG, the anime that use it typically do so in a rather wonky capacity. That's especially the case for anime that are entirely CG, with some of the most notorious examples completely ruining the reputation of computer-generated animation from Japan. One notorious example was the 2016 adaptation of Berserk, which took a notably dark and serious story and rendered it downright laughable due to the horrendous, amateurish nature of the CG. Given that more traditionally-animated anime such as The Way of the Househusband are criticized for their still frames and images, it's especially egregious when the same thing is done with ugly, outdated-looking CG.
Another infamous case was Ex-Arm, which was laughed at online for its CG action sequences. These elements looked like the early stages of the animation for a Gamecube or PlayStation 2-era video game cutscene. Given that it came out in 2021, the wound is still raw for CG anime, with many unwilling to give shows a chance if they implement CG on a significant level. Nevertheless, there are definitely a few CG anime that excel not only in animation but also in creating beautiful and interesting worlds with their styles.
Beastars Is a Unique, CG Anime Version of Disney's Zootopia
The comparisons between the anime/manga franchise Beastars and the animated Disney franchise Zootopia have been made constantly, but this is a term of endearment for what's become a beloved series. Beastars is based on the Akita Shoten manga of the same name and set in a world of anthropomorphic animals. There's a huge societal divide among these creatures, which heavily impacts their relationships with each other. The protagonist is Legoshi, a wolf whose friendship with a rabbit is changed thanks to a controversial interspecies murder case.
The unconventional series, which doesn't feature any human characters, also eschews traditional animation in favor of CG. Even so, this style has a cel-shaded aesthetic to it, giving vibrancy and life to what could have easily been a sterile-looking show. The characters and their actions come off as video game-like in the best way, which matches the stylized art style of the original manga. The CG is never distracting, instead adding to the world of Beastars to create a unique experience.
Pretty CG would all be for naught if the series lacked compelling characters, of course. Thankfully, Beastars is very well-written, with its characters, plot twists and themes all being likable and relatable. This level of "humanity" helps to stave off any misgivings that some viewers might have due to the animal cast members. It also helps that, despite the series' manga being published through a shonen manga magazine, it isn't action-based and further bolstered the genre diversity of today's most popular anime and manga. With the series now completed and available to stream on Netflix, it's the perfect time to binge through the CG menagerie of Beastars.
Land of the Lustrous Added Shimmer and Shine to CG Anime
Based on a manga by Haruko Ichikawa, Land of the Lustrous completely plays around with the idea of using CG in anime, creating a visual style that's unlike any other series. The storyline involves the eponymous Lustrous, a species of ageless creatures that are humanoid gems. Their enemies are the Lunarians, who attempt to harvest the bodies of the Lustrous in order to make decorations and ornaments. Phosphophyllite, the protagonist of the series, is tasked with compiling a natural history of the Lustrous people.
The use of CGI was employed to match some of the visuals of the original manga. The series was made by the anime studio Orange, which also worked on Beastars. The CGI elements were used as a base to capture the translucence of gemstones -- something that would have been far more difficult if attempted through more traditional animation. This manifests mainly in Phosphophyllite's hair and that of the other Lustrous, whose colorful hair shines in a brilliant, glassy way.
Land of the Lustrous came out in 2017 and quickly made strides due to how surprisingly good it looked. Up to this point, CG in anime was notably behind computer-generated animated shows in the West, especially if the anime was a combination of 2D and CG. Land of the Lustrous proved that CG anime could look just as beautiful and breathtaking as more traditionally animated fare. The writing was also very well-received, with the characters and their world being given plenty of depth and development. The series can be streamed through Amazon Prime Video.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus Was a Great Continuation of the Franchise
Set over 10 years after the original movie, Blade Runner: Black Lotus was an animated series that built upon the world first seen on the big screen in 1982. The story follows Elle, a female replicant with no knowledge of her past or why she's extremely skilled against those who begin targeting her. The only clue is her eponymous black lotus tattoo, which is the key to figuring out her origins and why she's being hunted. Along the way, familiar faces from the franchise are seen, further connecting the series to the wider Blade Runner universe.
The series' CGI is much different from how CG is usually handled in anime, namely due to how realistic the character models are. The animation and movement all come off as organic and fluid, never feeling stilted or disjointed. This naturalistic yet "clean" art style contrasts with the gloomy noir aesthetic, helping to capture the general mood that audiences would expect from the franchise. The CG in particular shines in the action scenes, taking what could have been static and lifeless and ramping up the momentum. Black Lotus serves as a great example of how CG animation can add to the ambiance of an anime, helping to set a tonal mood while still allowing for some great character interactions. The show can be streamed on Crunchyroll.