Moonrise
At first glance,Moonriseseemed poised to be a global anime phenomenon.
With Netflixs backing and a premise blending high-concept action and existential drama, it had breakout potential.
But when it premiered on April 10, it wasnt just quietit was almost invisible.
With minimal promotion,Moonrisestruggled to find the spotlight amid Netflixs 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 cant do this alone.
Seriously, yo!!
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 wasnt being championed.
What began as confusion soon turned to speculation was this a case of Netflix burying its own show?
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 STUDIOs loyal fanbase rather than Netflix itself.
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 didnt tell me it existed.
International fans echoed the concern, with some accusing Netflixs 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.
The company has fundedacclaimed originals likeDevilman CrybabyandCyberpunk: Edgerunners, but not all receive the same attention.
EvenPluto, despite its pedigree, relied heavily on word of mouth.
Without that backing,even standout work can slip through the cracks.
But the road ahead forMoonriseis still unfolding.
Kawamuras tweet has since been deleted, but fans have begun rallying behind the series.
Whatever the cause, one thing is clear:Moonrisehas the quality and ambition to succeed.
Now it needs the audience.
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