Moonrise Review – Netflix’s Bold Sci-Fi Gamble from WIT Studio

April 20, 2025

Moonrise Review – Netflix’s Bold Sci-Fi Gamble from WIT Studio

Mixed Reviews for Netflix’s ‘Moonrise’ Anime

Netflix’s latest sci-fi anime, Moonrise, doesn’t just blast viewers into a war-torn future between Earth and the Moon—it brings with it a rich creative legacy and deep thematic layers that are worth exploring. While the visuals and action sequences have captured attention, there’s a fascinating story behind the scenes that makes Moonrise even more intriguing.

From Novel to Anime

The series is adapted from a novel by Tow Ubukata, a Japanese writer known for blending intricate science fiction with philosophical depth. His storytelling often explores complex themes like the nature of identity, the ethics of technology, and the consequences of human ambition—elements that are embedded throughout Moonrise’s plot. The adaptation retains much of the novel’s cerebral tone while injecting it with the energy of animation.

Character Design by a Legend

A standout element in the production is the involvement of Hiromu Arakawa, the celebrated creator of Fullmetal Alchemist. Her recognizable art style gives Moonrise a grounded emotional core. While the setting is space-age and the stakes are high, her character designs bring humanity and nuance to the story’s protagonists and antagonists alike.

Main Cast & Characters – Moonrise on Netflix

Chiaki Kobayashi as Jacob “Jack” Shadow

Voicing the protagonist Jack Shadow, Chiaki Kobayashi brings emotional depth to a character driven by grief and revenge. Jack, a young man from Earth, enlists in the military after losing his family in a Moon rebel attack. Kobayashi is no stranger to intense roles, having previously voiced Gabimaru in Hell’s Paradise and Mash in Mashle: Magic and Muscles

2. Yūto Uemura as Phil Ash

As Jack’s ally and fellow soldier, Phil Ash plays a pivotal role in the Earth army’s operations. Uemura lends his voice to the level-headed and dependable Phil, building on his experience from past performances such as Tamaki Amajiki in My Hero Academia and Kiriya Nouzen in 86.

Supporting Cast

A strong supporting cast rounds out the ensemble, each bringing a distinct presence to the world of Moonrise:

Kōsuke Takaguchi as Osma
Satoshi Yamaguchi as Duan
Kori Arisa as Inanna Zinger
Yuka Terasaki as Zowan
Yū Kobayashi as Eric Baker
Katsunori Okai as Georg Landry
Misaki Yamada as Rhys Rochelle
Aina The End as Mary
Masaki Aizawa as Bob Skylum
Takehito Koyasu as Wise Crowne
Mie Sonozaki as Dr. Salamandra
Arisa Sekine as Windy Sylph
Shin Aomori as Novice Harbinger

Setting the Scene

The anime is set in a dystopian future where Earth is under the rule of an advanced AI system named Sapientia. At the center of the story is Jack Shadow, a man driven by personal loss who enlists in Earth’s military forces. His mission: to seek vengeance against the rebel factions living on the Moon, whom he blames for his family’s death. The series delves into themes of war, grief, identity, and the ethical complexities of AI governance.

Visual Excellence

Visually, Moonrise is nothing short of stunning. The animation is dynamic and fluid, especially during its intense battle scenes. The design of both Earth and lunar environments showcases impressive attention to detail, immersing viewers in a richly imagined sci-fi world. Fans of Wit Studio’s previous works will find a lot to admire in the visual storytelling here.

Narrative Hiccups

Despite its compelling premise, the show has faced criticism for its storytelling. Many viewers and critics agree that the narrative feels uneven. While the central conflict is emotionally charged, character development takes a back seat, and the plot occasionally feels rushed or overly complex. These shortcomings may leave some viewers struggling to connect with the story on a deeper level.

What the Audience is Saying

On IMDb, Moonrise has earned a respectable rating of 7.5, indicating a generally favorable response. Some viewers appreciate its bold worldbuilding and emotional undertones. However, discussions on Reddit and other forums point to mixed feelings—particularly regarding the pacing and depth of the characters. While the visuals impress, the storytelling doesn’t always hit the mark.

Watch the official Trailer here: