New Anime From Made in Abyss Studio Will Put a New Spin on a Classic Fairy Tale (2024)

Anime continues surprising and intriguing its viewers with new additions almost daily, with Kinema Citrus (the veteran animators behind Made in Abyss) dropping a concept trailer for Goodbye, Lara. With a recent wave of anime adaptations of classic fairy tales, the works of Hans Christian Andersen seem to be next to get a unique animated spin. Goodbye, Lara infuses aspects of classic shojo aesthetic design, cinematic animation, and a nostalgic romanticism as Kinema Citrus shows the first glimpses at this new project based on The Little Mermaid.

Kinema Citrus has made impressive contributions in the decade and a half since its founding. The most definitive anime it has produced is undoubtedly Made in Abyss. Still, other contemporary hits have followed since, such as The Rising of the Shield Hero and last year's My Happy Marriage debut.

The range of animation styles and refinement in their works makes Kinema Citrus a great choice to bring The Little Mermaid into modern Japan in more ways than one.

Goodbye, Lara Anime Brings The Little Mermaid to Modern Japan

Kinema Citrus Adds a Shojo Spin to a Classic Fairy Tale

Recently released on May 18, 2024, the Goodbye, Lara concept trailer brings Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid protagonist to modern Japan two hundred years into the future. There are early glimpses of her old life, among other merfolk, as she pines for her Prince Charming, seemingly unconscious on a bed of white roses. Goodbye, Lara starts with a more elegant and classic Shojo aesthetic in its character designs before seemingly leaving the fantastical behind as a time-skip is teased, bringing her to Lake Biwa in the Shiga Prefecture.

Brought to the modern world, Kinema Citrus channels a classic anime vibe similar to the works of Studio Ghibli, bringing the protagonist's sense of wonder alive at the sight of modern conveniences. This includes enjoying Japan's cuisine, fainting at the sight of cars, and making new friends. Finally, it seems like she leaves behind her old Prince Charming in light of a possible new love interest, but still, questions remain: she has her legs now, yet if this is an adaptation of The Little Mermaid, will she have to pay a price?

Kinema Citrus Upholds Anime Trend of Adapting Fairy Tales

Classic Influences Go Beyond Simply The Little Mermaid

It's hard to overlook how much anime has infused fairy tale concepts, so Kinema Citrus is no pioneer. However, its elegance, such as with My Happy Marriage, should get fans excited. Kinema Citrus has a strong foundation with classic influences like Magical Mako and Princess Tutu, which serve as a clear basis for the combined elements of The Little Mermaid and oceanic ballet. Hearing "Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II is an excellent touch to the Goodbye Lara trailer, combining these aesthetics to instill wonder and charm.

Still, not much else is clear about this anime project. Even on Kinema Citrus' official YouTube video for the trailer, it's labeled a "Work in Progress," there's no indication whether this is a limited series or a film. However, Takushi Koide's involvement as director indicates the likelihood of this being a TV project, which is great for fans wanting an extended glimpse into Goodbye, Lara's version of The Little Mermaid.