Disney+ has announced the forthcoming debut of the acclaimed anime series “The Fable,” derived from Katushisa Minami’s popular manga, marking another addition to its expanding repertoire of Japanese animation. Scheduled for a worldwide premiere on April 7, the show represents Disney’s collaboration with Kodansha, a prominent figure in Japanese publishing renowned for iconic manga titles such as AKIRA, Attack on Titan, and Ghost in the Shell. Viewers can anticipate accessing “The Fable” on Star via Disney+ internationally and on Hulu within the U.S.
In a recent discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Luke Kang, Disney’s Asia Pacific president, emphasized the burgeoning global appeal of anime, underscoring Disney’s commitment to bolstering its presence in this genre within the Japanese market. While “The Fable” will also broadcast on Nippon TV in Japan, Disney retains exclusive streaming rights worldwide.
Originally penned and illustrated by Katsuhisa Minami, “The Fable” manga enjoyed widespread success during its run in Japan’s Weekly Young Magazine from 2014 to 2019, boasting millions of copies sold. The anime adaptation, helmed by Tezuka Productions and directed by seasoned industry veteran Ryōsuke Takahashi, promises to faithfully bring this captivating narrative to life.
The storyline revolves around the enigmatic assassin known as “Fable,” renowned across the underworld for his lethal prowess. Tasked with a sudden directive from his crime syndicate’s leader to abstain from killing for a year, Fable finds himself thrust into unfamiliar territory in Osaka, navigating the treacherous waters of a city teeming with ruthless adversaries. To survive in this perilous environment, he must suppress his instinctual urge to eliminate targets and adapt to a more ordinary existence.
