Studio Manglobe: The Defunct Studio that Created Classics

gamerant.com:

In light of the 18th anniversary of the highly acclaimed anime series, Samurai Champloo, it is only right to remember the studio behind it. Manglobe Inc., established in 2002, is best known for its production of original anime titles, rather than the adaptation of existing IPs.

Despite its huge impact on anime and production of some highly regarded series, Manglobe struggled to remain afloat, with the company declaring bankruptcy in September 2015. Here is a rundown of the studio's rise and eventual collapse.

Great Anime Studios That Are No Longer Around

Manglobe Inc. was established in 2002 by Sunrise producers Shinichirō Kobayashi and Takashi Kochiyama, with the company based in Suginami, Tokyo. During its short lifespan, Manglobe came to be known for its production of original anime titles, a period that spawned heavy hitters like the aforementioned Samurai Champloo (2004), Ergo Proxy (2006), and Michiko and Hatchin (2008).

While the studio came to be known for the originals, Manglobe adapted several works as well, which includes The World God Only Knows, Deadman Wonderland, and Hayate the Combat Butler: Cuties. The author of The World God Only Knows, Tamaki Wakaki, developed a friendship with Kochiyama, stating that the relationship with Manglobe led to the creation of «a truly fortunate work».

Directed by the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Carole and Tuesday), Samurai Champloo follows 15-year-old Fū Kasumi, a waitress at a small teahouse whose life changes when she accidentally spills tea on a customer. Incurring the wrath of several samurai, she desperately asks another samurai in the shop for his protection, and he makes quick work of her attackers. The samurai, a man named Mugen, goes on to pick a fight