We build the worlds
we want to read.
Studio Crux was born from the shared passion of two lifelong friends who discovered the transformative power of anime during their youth. Fueled by the impact that their favorite shows had on not just entertainment but global industries like video gaming and trading cards, they saw the immense potential for anime to transcend cultural boundaries and shape the future of storytelling. Recognizing a unique opportunity, they set out to build an animation studio that combines their creative vision with the commercial potential of a globally thriving market. Studio Crux aims to create original content that speaks to fans around the world and drives cross-industry innovation, from merchandise to digital media.
ORIGIN
We started Studio Crux because the worlds we wanted to see did not yet exist. Anime and manga taught us that a single character, drawn with intent, could carry decades of meaning. That is the standard we hold ourselves to.
Project Memory has been in development since 2013 — refined draft by draft, world bible by world bible, into the universe launching now. Volume 01 of our Antagonist story releasing in 2026.
HOW WE WORK
We shape the brief, then assign the artist who fits it.
1 - DIRECT
Studio Crux runs with a team of artists across illustration, manga, animation, and design. Every engagement begins the same way — we direct the brief, then assign the artist whose hand and pace match what the project actually needs.
Direct access, start to finish.
2 - OPEN LINE
Every Studio Crux engagement comes with direct access to the people directing the work. No producers fielding questions, no project managers translating requests — just open communication between the client and the studio, on whatever channel works for the project. The conversation stays open from kickoff to delivery, and beyond it when the work demands.
The brief is the floor. Not the ceiling.
3 - ABOVE THE BRIEF
Clients tell us what they need. We deliver what the project deserves. Every Studio Crux engagement ships with a finish, polish, and intent the original ask did not require — work we are willing to put our name on twice.
A sample of recent engagements across music, live events, and festival programming.
SELECTED WORK
A sample of recent engagements across music, live events, and festival programming.
01
MUSIC
A music artist commissioned Studio Crux to extend her record into a short manga released alongside the album. We shaped the narrative beats, storyboarded the adaptation, and produced the finished book — turning a tracklist into a story fans could hold in their hands.
02
LIVE EVENTS
A live-event client wanted their headlining artists transformed into a unified anime cast for festival promotion. We creative-directed the visual language and commissioned an illustrator to deliver the portrait set.
03
PROGRAMMING
A festival client needed a short animated piece to anchor a programming block. We directed the brief, shaped the narrative beat, and commissioned the animator who could land the runtime and tone.
IN PRODUCTION
Studio Crux's flagship IP — and the project we hold ourselves to the standard of. Project Memory: A Mercenary Story has been in development since 2013, refined draft by draft into the universe launching now. Volume 01 ships at Fall 2026.
The work below is a sample from Volume 01 — direction, art, and production handled in-house by Studio Crux
