A New Chapter for a Mecha Legend
Big news is rolling out from Bandai Namco Filmworks! The studio has officially announced a brand-new anime in the classic Soukou Kihei Votoms series. Titled Soukou Kihei Votoms: Haiiro no Majo (also known as Armored Trooper Votoms: The Gray Witch or Die Graue Hexe), this project is set to premiere in 2026. It’s not just any new release—it’s slated to be the first part of the grand Sunrise 50th Anniversary celebration, making it a significant milestone for fans and the studio alike.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
This revival is in incredibly capable hands. The legendary Mamoru Oshii—the visionary director behind timeless works like Ghost in the Shell and Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor—is taking the helm to direct this new entry. The animation production will be handled by the iconic studio Sunrise, with Production I.G providing crucial production cooperation. This powerhouse combination promises a series that honors its roots while bringing something fresh to the table.
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Mamoru Oshii |
| Animation Production | Sunrise |
| Production Cooperation | Production I.G |
A Rich Legacy: The Votoms Universe
The Soukou Kihei Votoms franchise is a cornerstone of sci-fi anime, with a history spanning decades. It all kicked off with the original 52-episode TV series that aired from 1983 to 1984, setting the standard for gritty, realistic mecha drama. Since then, the universe has expanded through a compelling array of OVAs and spin-offs:
The story deepened with prequels like Red Shoulder Document – Yabou no Roots (1988) and the 12-episode Pailsen Files OVA (2007-2008), which later got a movie adaptation with a new story in 2009.
Sequel stories followed, such as the five-episode Kakuyaku taru Itan (1994) and the six-episode Genei-hen (2010). Side stories like The Last Red Shoulder (1985) and Big Battle (1986) added more layers to the world, while the spin-off series Kikou Ryouhei Merowlink (1988-1989) explored different corners of the conflict.
More recently, fans were treated to spin-offs like Case;Irvine and Votoms Finder in 2010. This long and varied history makes the announcement of Haiiro no Majo an exciting prospect for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers ready to dive into this enduring mecha saga.
Stay Connected
Want to follow every update for this upcoming anime? Be sure to bookmark the official website and check out their social media for the latest news and reveals.
- Official Website: https://votoms-gh.com/
- Official X (formerly Twitter): @votoms_gh
Source: V-Storage
