LeSean Thomas Advocates for Innovative and Diverse Narratives in Anime Industry

LeSean Thomas: A Trailblazer in Anime

LeSean Thomas is a notable figure in the world of animation, breaking boundaries as the first African-American animator to direct an anime in Japan. His journey has been guided by a deep passion for the medium, as shown by his work on both anime-inspired American series like The Boondocks and Black Dynamite, and then later venturing into anime with series such as Cannon Busters and Yasuke.

Rejecting Conventional Narratives

During an event at the Japan Society in New York City, Thomas expressed his frustration over fans' demands for more anime reminiscent of classics like Samurai Champloo. He questioned why audiences insisted on "the same sh*t," advocating instead for projects that challenge traditional storytelling. Thomas’s viewpoint illustrates a desire for more innovation within the industry, encouraging diverse narratives and the exploration of new genres.

Pushing Boundaries with Cannon Busters and Yasuke

In Cannon Busters, Thomas brings to life a colorful and imaginative world through the adventures of a friendship android and her companions. This series was a landmark in introducing original Black-coded characters to the anime landscape, offering rich storytelling beyond conventional archetypes.

The production of Yasuke, however, faced criticism over its blend of mecha and fantasy with historical drama. Despite facing backlash, Thomas stood by his creative choices, describing Yasuke as an "audacity" project. He justified the addition of fantastical elements by emphasizing that such innovations draw attention to real history, as not even some of his staff were aware of the historical Yasuke before the project.

The Role of Black Creators in Anime

Thomas is vocal about the need for more Black creators in the anime industry. He feels this influx would help address the creative stagnation in Japan. Echoing a sentiment for more Black-led initiatives, he notes the importance of uplifting each other in the creative community and embracing fear as part of the innovative process.

Thomas critiques cinematic offerings like Jordan Peele's psychological thriller Get Out, arguing that despite featuring a Black protagonist, such films often do not fully embrace diverse narratives. He aspires to see more ground-breaking Black-animated drama produced, advocating for a departure from conventional storytelling.

Looking Ahead

LeSean Thomas's dedication to diversity and innovation continues with new projects in the pipeline, set to debut on Netflix. In the meantime, his existing works, Cannon Busters and Yasuke, remain available on the platform, both serving as testaments to his ambition and pioneering spirit in the anime world.

By championing experimental narratives and pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling, Thomas seeks to inspire a new generation of creators and audiences alike to embrace innovation and diversity in anime.