Between Comedy and Despair: The House Style of Studio Shaft

The creative worldview of Studio Shaft focuses on illustrating the fluidity between the comedic and despairing by crafting an intimate relationship between character and audience through a distinct approach to narrative and style. Studio Shaft has made its mark in the anime world from its distinct and recognizable artistic voice that is apparent in all of their creative products, and the popular and financial success its shows have attained. As one of the only anime studios to establish a succinct creative voice and find this kind of success from it, Shaft is an important and challenging figure in the anime industry. This thesis will examine the specific elements of narrative and style that comprise the Studio Shaft house style, and how they work to carry the Shaft creative worldview.