Trigun Stampede

Trigun Stampede is a Japanese anime television series that serves as the second adaptation of Yasuhiro Nightow's manga *Trigun*, reimagining the story from a new angle. Produced by studio Orange, its first part aired from January to March 2023, with a sequel, *Trigun Stargaze*, following from January to March 2026.

Set in a far future where Earth is uninhabitable, humanity fled in colony fleets and created artificial lifeforms called plants to produce infinite energy. On one fleet, brothers Vash and Knives are born with a unique bond to these plants and are raised by a woman named Rem Saverem. When the fleet's computers malfunction, causing a crash landing on the arid planet Noman's Land, Rem sacrifices herself to save the brothers. Vash later discovers Knives caused the disaster, driven by a desire to kill all humans for exploiting plants.

Years later, survivors have built cities dependent on plants. Adult Vash wanders the desert, branded an outlaw known as "Vash the Stampede" or the "Humanoid Typhoon," while Knives, now called "Millions Knives," continues his schemes. Vash seeks a peaceful resolution between humans and plants, crossing paths with reporters Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro, which sparks their new adventure.

Toho producer Katsuhiro Takei aimed to create "a new Trigun" to attract viewers without requiring prior knowledge, acknowledging the original works as complete. Manga author Yasuhiro Nightow supported the project, viewing any continuation as "bonus time" with creative freedom, and served as an advisor to ensure faithfulness to the series' core. Takei advocated for 3DCG animation, believing the story could adapt to different formats. Studio Orange developed concept art balancing nostalgia with new designs, with development beginning in 2017 and lasting about five years; the CG modeling alone took a year and a half, finishing before the first trailer in July 2022.

The narrative focuses on Vash's origins, particularly his past with Rem and Knives, to explore his character depth. For *Stargaze*, director Masako Sato aimed to portray Vash as incapable of true righteousness, highlighting differences with his brother while exploring his sensitive side. Sato was moved to tears recording one of actor Matsuoka's lines, feeling he was a perfect fit. Johnny Yong Bosch reprised his role as Vash in the English dub, expressing gratitude. Tatsuya Kato composed the soundtrack; Takei chose not to use Tsuneo Imahori's 1998 soundtrack, feeling it wouldn't suit the new world.

Directed by Kenji Mutō, the series was announced in June 2022. Takehiko Oxi handled the story draft, with Tatsurō Inamoto, Shin Okashima, and Yoshihisa Ueda writing the screenplay. Kōji Tajima served as concept designer, Nao Ootsu as chief designer, and multiple artists designed characters. It aired on TV Tokyo and affiliates from January 7 to March 25, 2023. The opening song is "Tombi" by Kvi Baba, and the ending is by Salyu, composed by Haruka Nakamura.

After the final episode, a "final phase" was announced, later titled *Trigun Stargaze*, set 2.5 years after *Stampede*. Directed by Masako Sato, with Oxi returning for the original story and Kazuyuki Fudeyasu writing and supervising scripts, it aired from January 10 to March 28, 2026. The opening theme is "Picaresque Hero" by Ano, and the ending is "Stardust." Crunchyroll streamed both series worldwide excluding Asia, but including the Philippines, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The English dub for *Stampede* premiered on January 21, 2023, with Bosch reprising his role.