At first glance,Moonriseseemed poised to be a global anime phenomenon. Produced by the acclaimed WIT STUDIO (Attack on Titan,Ranking of Kings), the 18-episode sci-fi epic boasted a dream team: director Masashi Koizuka (who helmed some ofAttack on Titan’s most iconic seasons), writer Tow Ubukata (Psycho-Pass), and character designerHiromu Arakawa (the legendary mangaka behindFullmetal Alchemist). With Netflix’s backing and a premise blending high-concept action and existential drama, it had breakout potential. But when it premiered on April 10, it wasn’t just quiet—it was almost invisible. With minimal promotion,Moonrisestruggled to find the spotlight amid Netflix’s crowded slate.
The lack of marketing forMoonrisecaught many off guard. Netflix has gone all-in for hits likeArcaneandBlue Eye Samurai, but this time, promotion was minimal. Producer GenkiKawamura even posted a heartfelt plea on social media: “I can’t do this alone. Seriously, please!!” signaling just how much support was missing. Even basic elements, like updated key art, were overlooked. Fans noticed, with forums questioning why an original series from a top-tier studio wasn’t being championed. What began as confusion soon turned to speculation — was this a case of Netflix burying its own show?
Six Years in the Making—and Barely a Whisper at Moonrise’s Launch
Moonrise’s development timeline helps explain the disappointment some fans feel. Adapted from Ubukata’s 2017 light novel, the anime was part of WIT STUDIO’s original content initiative followingthe success ofAttack on Titan. First announced in 2018, it spent six years evolving into a visually stunning hybrid of 2D animation and CGI mecha. The series is set in 2145, where society is governed by an AI called Sapientia. It follows Jack, a soldier who joins a lunar mission after tragedy strikes. His journey of grief and defiance against machine control forms a thoughtful exploration of free will and identity.
Early reactions in Japan suggestMoonriseis connecting with viewers — once they find it. Many discovered the series through WIT STUDIO’s loyal fanbase rather than Netflix itself. Praise has centered on the cinematic action, especially the zero-gravity fight in episode 5, and the emotional weight of Jack’s arc. The eerie design of the AI antagonist Sapientia quickly inspired fan art trends on X (formerly Twitter).
Still, a common refrain emerged: “I almost missed this because Netflix didn’t tell me it existed.” International fans echoed the concern, with some accusing Netflix’s algorithm of deliberately burying the series from view. For many, it highlighted the challenge of discovering new anime on streaming platforms without active curation or promotion.
Netflix’s Track Record with Anime Is a Double-Edged Sword
Fans Step In Where Netflix Fell Short
Netflix has had a complex relationship with anime. The company has fundedacclaimed originals likeDevilman CrybabyandCyberpunk: Edgerunners, but not all receive the same attention. WIT STUDIO’sSpriggan(2022) launched with almost no visibility.Super Crooks, based on a comic byJupiter’s Legacycreator Mark Millar, also flew under the radar. EvenPluto, despite its pedigree, relied heavily on word of mouth. This “firehose” approach — releasing entire seasons with minimal fanfare — can work for established IPs, but original or high-concept titles likeMoonriseoften need time and support to build an audience. Without that backing,even standout work can slip through the cracks.
Given its innovative animation and complex themes,Moonrisehas the potential to resonate with international audiences, just likeAttack on Titandid years ago. But the road ahead forMoonriseis still unfolding. Kawamura’s tweet has since been deleted, but fans have begun rallying behind the series. Some are proposing hashtags like #MoonriseOverlooked to draw attention, while others are encouraging word-of-mouth campaigns to support the show organically. Whispers of behind-the-scenes tension have added fuel to the fire, with some speculating that internal disagreements may have led to its quiet release.
Whatever the cause, one thing is clear:Moonrisehas the quality and ambition to succeed. Now it needs the audience. As one reviewer aptly put it: “Moonrise might be the best anime you’re not watching yet—and that’s exactly why it matters.”
