Gainax, the beloved anime studio behind Gurren Lagann and Neon Genesis Evangelion, has announced that they have filed for bankruptcy. They have also revealed that they will provide further news on the series they have worked on after the bankruptcy proceedings are over.
Gainax has worked on several anime series over the past forty years. This includes Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, Gurren Lagann, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Magica Wars and more. Their company has come to an end just a few months before their 40 year anniversary.
Gainax Files for Bankruptcy, Details Revealed
On May 29, Gainax officially filed for bankruptcy. Recently, they made the announcement public, elaborating on the reasons for it on their website. According to a translation from Anime News Network, “Gainax explained that its financial situation worsened starting in about 2012, due to various factors including managing a restaurant that did not meet projections, establishing a mismanaged CG company, giving large unsecured loans to executives, and running its business operations as if it was a small personal venture.”
Further, they said that “due to massive debts incurred by management, it was removed from production committees after not paying royalties, and it was sued for debts and other matters.” Overall, it seems that the bankruptcy of Gainax is due to numerous factors, including poor management, a tumultuous financial situation, and risky investments.
Regardless, the loss of Gainax will likely be felt in major ways by the entire anime industry. The studio has created several major works since their establishment in 1984. Only time will tell what their closure will mean for the many properties under their banner.
