Following his panel at Anime Expo 2025, Final Weapon had the chance to interview manga artist, illustrator, and character designer Acky Bright. The renowned illustrator discussed his appearance at Anime Expo 2025, upcoming projects and original IPs, and outlook on past experiences and work.
Known for his kawakakkoii (“cute and cool”) characters, Acky Bright has an extensive resumé of projects ranging from original artwork to merchandise and manga. Highlights include the memorable WcDonald’s campaign, a viral music video collaboration with Ado × YOASOBI × Hoshimachi Suisei, and a collaborative Monster Hunter Now × Ayase illustration, to name just a few.
Get the full interview below:
At Anime Expo 2025, you held the Visual Jukebox panel and directly interacted with fans of your work. What was the overall experience like to reflect on your past works and discuss upcoming projects on such a stage?
Acky Bright: This is my third time attending Anime Expo, and I’m genuinely happy that I’ve had more and more fans come to see me each time. It’s a great opportunity to share updates about my work over the past year and what’s ahead. I also feel very grateful to be able to host a solo panel as an artist, which is quite rare compared to panels typically centered around specific IPs.
You also discussed your lifelong desire to create original characters instead of drawing existing IP. Have you thought about creating your own original series, such as a comic/manga?
Acky Bright: In fact, I’ve already started working on several original IPs. Beginning next year, I plan to focus more heavily on developing original projects.
You’ve created artwork for many global companies, including McDonald’s, BMW, and Netflix, to name a few. What are some of your favorite works thus far? What works or opportunities greatly resonated with you?
Acky Bright: Each one of these is deeply meaningful to me. I truly believe that every project I’ve taken on is something only Acky Bright could have done, and I’ve been fortunate to receive that kind of recognition from my clients as well. Among them, the McDonald’s collaboration was definitely a major milestone—it received an overwhelming response from around the world.
You teased a major new collaboration launching this October as one of your biggest cross-industry projects yet. Have you ever felt pressure while working on a project of a similar scale? What helps you find a creative balance between brands and your own art style?
Acky Bright: Many of my clients and partners tell me, “We want you to create something you think is cool, Acky.” So even when I’m working on commercial projects, I approach them with the same mindset as creating an original IP. Because I’ve earned that trust, there’s a healthy kind of pressure—but more than anything, I feel excited about being able to try something new.
What were some of your greatest challenges you’ve encountered as a creator?
Acky Bright: There’s always some kind of unexpected situation every day—but I try to embrace even that as part of the process and enjoy it.
Who or what has inspired you the most in your career?
Acky Bright: The turning point for me was coming to North America. That’s when my world started to expand—and it hasn’t stopped since.
Can you discuss some of your plans for the second half of 2025? Will you be making appearances at other conventions and events?
Acky Bright: In August, my one-shot PREDATOR will be released from MARVEL, marking my debut with the company. While not all events are confirmed yet, I’m currently considering appearances at PAX WEST in Seattle (August), Wonder Festival in Shanghai (October), New York Comic Con, and TwitchCon in San Diego.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Acky Bright: As an artist, I believe I offer a unique presence on the global stage. I hope fans are excited to see what I do next—and to those discovering my work for the first time, I encourage you to follow me on what I do. I’d also love to perform live in more countries, so if I’m ever in your area, please come say hi.
Thank you so much for your time, Acky Bright!
Acky Bright’s works can be browsed at acky-bright.com.
