Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Mook Animation

Mook Animation Inc. (株式会社ムークアニメーション, Kabushiki-gaisha Mūku Animēshon) is a founded on September 13, 1986, in Inagi, , specializing in planning, production, and subcontracted services for television series, films, and OVAs in both domestic and international projects. The studio emerged from the anime industry landscape of the , initially focusing on overseas support for productions before expanding into collaborative roles on high-profile titles. In 2006, Mook Animation entered a with Dream Link Entertainment (DLE), rebranding temporarily as Mook DLE until the partnership dissolved in 2008; this period marked increased involvement in global co-productions. Over its history, the company has contributed to in-between , key , finish , and full production duties, often partnering with major studios like , , and . Mook Animation gained prominence in the West through its work on direct-to-video Scooby-Doo films, including the groundbreaking Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998), Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost (1999), Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000), and Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (2001), where it handled primary animation and was selected for its superior test reels and prior successes on series like SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron. It later served as a key animation studio for the Cartoon Network series Transformers: Animated (2007–2009), splitting duties across seasons with other Japanese firms like The Answer Studio and Studio 4°C. In Japanese media, Mook provided essential support for acclaimed projects such as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2nd key and in-between animation), Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody (in-between and paint), and Gurren Lagann (finish and in-between animation), underscoring its role in the broader anime production ecosystem. As of 2025, Mook Animation continues to operate, primarily providing subcontracted animation services, though without major publicized projects in recent years.

History

Founding and early development

Mook Animation was established on September 13, 1986, by Tetsurō Kumase, a former employee at Trans Arts and producer at Panmedia, and animator Yoshiyuki Momose, as a Japanese animation studio focused on providing services for overseas clients. The company specialized in subcontracted , beginning operations in the district of , . From its inception, Mook Animation targeted Western markets, offering animation support to American studios such as Hanna-Barbera, which helped build its early portfolio through collaborative television projects. Key early contributions included animating four episodes from the first season of SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron (1993–1994), a Hanna-Barbera production. The studio later handled the full animation for the second season of The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996–1997), another Hanna-Barbera series, demonstrating its growing capability in handling complete seasonal workloads. In the 1990s, Mook Animation expanded its reputation via contracts with , providing animation services for the surreal series across its run from 1991 to 1995. These engagements, alongside additional subcontracts for other Western , solidified the studio's expertise in traditional cel animation techniques during a transitional era for the industry.

Key partnerships and expansions

In the late , Mook Animation expanded its involvement in Western animation through collaborations with Productions and , providing full animation services for several high-profile series. This included handling the complete animation for the third season of in 1996, as well as the entirety of : The Series from 1997 to 2001 and from 1997 to 1999, which allowed the studio to build expertise in American-style action and sci-fi animation. Mook gained further prominence through its primary animation work on films, including (1998), (1999), (2000), and (2001). A significant milestone came in 2000 when Mook Animation secured a major contract with Warner Bros. Animation to produce animation for X-Men: Evolution, which aired from 2000 to 2003; this project marked the studio's deeper entry into high-profile American superhero content and involved overseas production alongside other studios like Madhouse. Parallel to these Western expansions, Mook Animation began subcontracting for Japanese anime productions in the early 2000s, contributing in-between animation and digital painting to series such as Ai Yori Aoshi in 2002 and Aishiteruze Baby in 2004, thereby diversifying its portfolio within the domestic market. In 2006, Mook Animation formed a capital alliance with Dream Link Entertainment (DLE), rebranding as Mook DLE until the partnership dissolved in 2008; this collaboration enabled shared resources for production and supported further growth in .

Reorganization and modern era

In 2010, following the end of its partnership with DLE in 2008, Mook Animation underwent a significant internal by establishing Mook Soratia Animation as a new entity dedicated to managing its production divisions. This reorganization aimed to streamline operations and focus on specialized workflows. As part of this shift, the production arm was divided into two distinct subsidiaries: NEO Pictures Corporation, based in Tokyo, and SORATIA inc., located in Uruma, Okinawa. These entities allowed for more targeted development in diverse animation styles and content areas, building on Mook's established expertise in international collaborations. The studio maintained its service-oriented approach through the 2010s, contributing to international projects such as full animation production for the third season of Transformers: Animated in 2009, after sharing duties with The Answer Studio for seasons 1 and 2 from 2007 to 2008. Post-reorganization, Mook Soratia Animation supported various anime titles in roles like in-between animation and production assistance, including Gosick (2011) and Bakugan Battle Brawlers: Gundalian Invaders (2011). As of November 2025, Mook Animation and its subsidiaries continue operations with a focus on digital tools and subcontracting services, without notable new major alliances reported. The company sustains a modest scale, adapting to industry shifts toward digital while leveraging its legacy in overseas support.

Corporate structure

Headquarters and operations

Mook Animation's registered headquarters is in Inagi, , , while its operational head office was located in Suginami-ku, . These served as hubs for administrative functions and core activities. The studio operated with a workforce of approximately 46 employees specializing in 2D animation techniques, focusing on tasks such as in-betweening, key animation, and paint assistance for various projects. Its operational model centered on subcontracting services for international clients, including contributions to Western productions like direct-to-video films and , while maintaining in-house capabilities for storyboarding, in-betweening, and finishing processes. Over time, Mook Animation evolved its technological approach from traditional cel-based 2D in the —evident in its work on early outsourced projects—to incorporating digital tools by the , enabling hybrid workflows that blended manual and computer-assisted methods for efficiency in subcontracted assignments. Established in , the studio underwent a company split in 2010, with Mook Soratia Animation inheriting its ; the original entity ceased operations as part of this reorganization, and overall activity became limited thereafter, with no significant projects noted as of 2025. In 2019, founder Tetsuro Kumase was indicted for .

Subsidiaries and divisions

Following the reorganization in 2010, Mook Animation established subsidiaries to streamline production processes and leverage regional expertise. Mook Soratia Animation, established in 2010, served as the coordinating entity inheriting overall production oversight from the original studio, handling tasks such as in-between and production assistance for various projects until activity declined. NEO Pictures Corporation, based in Tokyo's ward, specialized in metropolitan-based projects, including key and digital services tailored to high-volume demands; it became inactive by 2014. SORATIA inc., located in , Okinawa, concentrated on regional , providing in-between and cost-effective services by utilizing local talent; it ceased operations around 2011. These subsidiaries operated under an inter-division collaboration model following the 2010 split, supporting the reorganized entity through subcontracting: NEO Pictures managed intensive urban and international workloads, while SORATIA handled supplementary regional tasks to enhance efficiency and resource distribution. However, by the mid-2010s, they became largely inactive, with a related entity T.A.P. continuing limited overseas operations until 2019. As of 2025, no significant activity is reported for these divisions.

Productions

Television series

Mook Animation provided full animation services for 13 episodes of the series SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron, airing from 1993 to 1994, handling the entirety of Season 2 with its high-energy action sequences and detailed character movements. This work was part of broader partnerships with and later , enabling outsourced animation for Western imports. In 1996–1997, the studio took on the animation for Season 2 of , delivering 13 episodes with a focus on cel-based visuals and exploratory adventure themes, produced in association with . For Japanese television, Mook Animation contributed key and in-between animation to the 2007 series , supporting its 12-episode run on with precise motion for rocket launch and training sequences. Similarly, in 2008, the studio provided animation cooperation—including key and in-between work—for nearly all 26 episodes of (also known as *), aiding in depicting futuristic memory-extraction scenarios. Mook Animation handled the complete animation for Season 3 of in 2009, comprising 13 episodes for , where it managed character designs, dynamic robot transformations, and intense action sequences independently after collaborating on prior seasons.

Original video animations and films

Mook Animation provided overseas animation services for several Scooby-Doo films produced by and during the late 1990s. These included (1998), where the studio handled key animation and in-between work, marking the first feature-length project animated primarily in . The studio continued this collaboration with (1999), (2000), and (2001), contributing to the films' distinctive blend of American storyboarding and Japanese animation techniques that emphasized fluid action sequences and detailed backgrounds. These projects highlighted Mook's early expertise in adapting character designs for production pipelines. In the Japanese market, Mook Animation served as the primary for several original video animations (OVAs) in the early , often adapting visual novels and focusing on character-driven narratives. For Triangle Heart: Sazanami Joshiryō (2003), a five-episode OVA series based on an by Ivory, Mook handled full production, including digital painting and in-between animation, centering on themes of dormitory life and interpersonal . Similarly, the studio produced Kurohime: Shikkoku no Yakata (2004), also known as , a two-episode hentai OVA that explored horror elements in a secluded mansion setting, with Mook responsible for and . Mook's work extended to Sin in the Rain (2008), a single-episode OVA delving into and mystery in a rain-soaked , where the studio managed all aspects to convey atmospheric tension through subtle expressions and environmental details. Mook also contributed animation support to feature films, notably The Condor (2007), a animated film from Entertainment and . The studio provided key animation services, aiding in the depiction of dynamic action and technological gadgetry central to the story of a crippled teen turned vigilante. This project exemplified Mook's versatility in Western co-productions following its with DLE, which facilitated expanded international collaborations.

Other contributions

Beyond its primary productions, Mook Animation has provided specialized support services in finish animation, key animation, in-between work, and backgrounds for select projects. For the original video animation series (1997–1999), the studio handled finish animation, contributing to the final coloring and detailing of the episodes produced by . Similarly, in the 2009 film Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Mook Animation served as 2nd key animation provider, assisting with intermediate key frames, in-between animation, and paint work alongside primary studios like . Mook Animation also offered in-between and background support for other original video animations, including Gibomai (2002 OVA), where it contributed as a key studio for intermediate drawings and scenic elements. This role extended to Asgaldh: Waikyoku no Testament (2001–2002 OVA, also known as F-Force), providing in-between animation and background assistance to enhance the fantasy-harem narrative's visual depth. In its early international efforts, Mook Animation delivered additional animation services for MTV's (1991–1995), supporting the distinctive style of the U.S. TV series through outsourced frame work. The studio further contributed elements, such as cleanup and , to various pilots during the 1990s, aiding the development of experimental shorts from predecessors. These ancillary roles highlight Mook's versatility in bolstering Western and Japanese projects without leading production.

References

  1. [1]
    The Oral History Of Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island - SlashFilm
    Apr 24, 2025 · When "Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island" was finally released, it was a resounding success for Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera. VHS sales figures aren' ...
  2. [2]
    It's Terror Time: Why SCOOBY-DOO ON ZOMBIE ISLAND ... - Fangoria
    May 4, 2021 · The animation was being handled by the Japanese studio Mook Animation ... Post Tags: #animation #scooby-doo #scooby-doo on zombie island.
  3. [3]
    Mook DLE - Anime News Network
    : Animation Sylvanian Families (U.S. TV) : Animation, Layout, Storyboard Transformers: Animated (U.S. TV) : Animation Production. This encyclopedia is ...
  4. [4]
    Mook Animation - Anime News Network
    No account yet? Registering is free, easy, and private. Discuss in the forum, contribute to the Encyclopedia, build your own MyAnime lists, and more.
  5. [5]
    Mook DLE (Creator) - TV Tropes
    MOOK DLE (ムークDLE), or simply just Mook Animation (ムークアニメーション), was a Japanese animation studio. The company's best known for Transformers: Animated ...
  6. [6]
    Company credits - Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron - IMDb
    Mook Animation. (produced in association with, Mook Co. Ltd.) Mook DLE. (Mook Co. Ltd., produced in association with). Mook. (produced in association with, Mook ...
  7. [7]
    "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest" Without a Trace (TV Episode ...
    Glenwood Editorial. (music editing) ; Mook DLE. (Mook Co. Ltd., overseas animation) ; The Post Group Production Suites. (post-production services) ; Warner Bros.
  8. [8]
    "Æon Flux" End Sinister (TV Episode 1995) - Company credits - IMDb
    Æon Flux. Jump to. Production Companies (2), Other Companies ... Production Companies. Edit · MTV Animation · MTV Networks. Other Companies. Edit · Mook DLE. ( ...
  9. [9]
    "Æon Flux" Ether Drift Theory (TV Episode 1995) - Company credits
    Æon Flux. Jump to. Production Companies (2), Other Companies (1). Edit ... MTV Animation · MTV Networks. Other Companies. Edit · Mook DLE. (Mook Co. Ltd ...
  10. [10]
    Company credits - Biker Mice from Mars - IMDb
    Biker Mice from Mars (TV Series 1993–1996) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more ... Mook Animation. (additional animation, uncredited). Mook DLE. (additional ...
  11. [11]
    Men in Black, 1997 | Tim Eldred
    Mar 27, 2023 · Mr. Prado refined my storyboards in his own drawing style and animation was done in Japan by a studio called Mook. A few weeks later, I joined ...
  12. [12]
    Company credits - "Spawn" Prophecy (TV Episode 1999) - IMDb
    ... Spawn" Prophecy (TV Episode 1999) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more ... Other Companies. Edit · Mook DLE. (overseas animation studio). Contribute to this ...
  13. [13]
    Evolution" The X-Impulse (TV Episode 2000) - Company credits - IMDb
    ... X-Men: Evolution" The X-Impulse (TV Episode 2000) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and ... Mook DLE. (Mook Co. Ltd., overseas production). Nian Dai Animation.
  14. [14]
    Ai Yori Aoshi (TV) - Anime News Network
    Plot Summary: Kaoru Hanabishi, a college student who lives alone, met a beautiful but bewildered girl dressed in kimono at train station.
  15. [15]
    Aishiteruze Baby (TV) - Anime News Network
    Plot Summary: Kippei Katakura is a high school playboy who flirts with any girl he sees. His life is turned upside down when one day his 5-year old cousin ...
  16. [16]
    アニメビジネス 2006年に何があった！？
    Dec 14, 2006 · 2006年終わりまであと2週間あまり、そこで2006年に起こった主なアニメビジネスニュースを時系列でまとめてみた。今年も様々な出来事のあったアニメ ...
  17. [17]
    Mook - Transformers Wiki
    May 19, 2025 · Mook Animation (株式会社ムークアニメーション, Kabushiki Gaisha Mook Animation) is a Japanese-based animation studio which has produced ...
  18. [18]
    Mook Soratia Animation - Anime News Network
    Mook Soratia Animation ; Blood-C (TV) : In-Between Animation (eps 8, 11) ; Broken Blade (TV) : In-Between Animation ; Bunny Drop (TV) : In-Between Animation (eps 1 ...Missing: 2010 establishment
  19. [19]
    株式会社ムークアニメーション | 8013401006458 - gBizINFO
    株式会社ムークアニメーション; 法人名ふりがな: 法人名英語: 本店所在地: 東京都稲城市大丸536番地の5. 法人基本情報（その他）. 代表者名: 資本金: 従業員数: 企業規模 ...
  20. [20]
    ムークアニメーション - Bangumi 番组计划
    2006年8月には、映像コンテンツの制作会社であるDLEと資本提携を結び翌年には商号を「株式会社ムークDLE」に変更した。しかし、2008年にはDLEとの資本提携を解消し同年8月1 ...
  21. [21]
    ムークアニメーション - Wikipedia
    ### Subsidiaries and Divisions of Mook Animation
  22. [22]
    株式会社NEOピクチャーズ | 5010401093059 - gBizINFO
    法人番号: 5010401093059 ; 法人名: 株式会社NEOピクチャーズ ; 法人名ふりがな ; 法人名英語 ; 本店所在地: 東京都港区虎ノ門3丁目8番25号T3Gates9F ...
  23. [23]
    ソラティア株式会社 | 9360001011126 - gBizINFO
    法人番号: 9360001011126; 法人名: ソラティア株式会社; 法人名ふりがな: 法人名英語: 本店所在地: 沖縄県うるま市字川崎468番地 ...
  24. [24]
    ソラティア株式会社 | 2024年05月31日更新 | SalesNow DB
    ソラティア株式会社 ... 沖縄県に拠点を置くアニメ制作企業です。同社は動画コンテンツ制作事業とアニメーション制作事業に従事しています。ゲーム、広告・制作、CM制作・ ...
  25. [25]
    Soratia - Anime News Network
    Soratia. Kanji name: ソラティア株式会社. Official website: ソラティア株式会社 沖縄にて動画アニメーター (Japanese). News: Show: 0 +1 ref. +1 unverified.
  26. [26]
    Season Two - SWATKATS.info
    MOOK DLE INC., which had animated 4 episodes of Season One, was chosen for the entirety of Season Two of SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron, and is responsible ...<|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Company credits - The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest - IMDb
    The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest ; Distributors · Cartoon Network. (United States, 1996-1997)(TV) ; Special Effects · Blur Studio ; Other Companies · Anima Sam Won.
  28. [28]
    The Real Adventures Of Jonny Quest: Season One, Volume One
    Mar 29, 2009 · Japan's Mook Studios did the second season's cel animation, while Blur Studio handled the CGI (Blur is currently a production partner for the ...<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Rocket Girls (TV) - Anime News Network
    Color design: Eiko Sekine ; In-Between Animation · Miyuki Hara (Mook Animation; 7 episodes. eps 1-2, 6, 8, 10-12. ) ; Key Animation · Emiko Kataoka (eps 8, 12)
  30. [30]
    Anime: Top Secret: The Revelation - AniDB
    Himitsu: The Revelation ... Okuda Seiji · Planning Assistance (企画協力) · Melody Henshuubu · Animation Work Assistance (アニメーション制作協力) · Mook Animation.
  31. [31]
    DVD Review: Transformers Animated - Season Three (2009)
    Jul 29, 2014 · Animation/Production Studio: The Answer Studio, MOOK DLE, Studio 4°C Genre: Animation, Action, Sci-Fi, Drama Running Time: minutes (13 Episodes)<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Company credits - Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase - IMDb
    Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. (Hanna-Barbera, presents). Warner Bros. Television ... (Mook Co., Ltd, animation services). Box Hills. (background). T Nishimura. (T ...
  33. [33]
    Triangle Heart: Sazanami Joshiryō (OAV) - Anime News Network
    Sazanami Joshiryō, as the name suggests, is an all-girl dorm. So only girls live there, but there's one exception: Kousuke, the temporary manager.
  34. [34]
    Kurohime: Shikkoku no Yakata (Black Widow) - MyAnimeList.net
    Status, Finished Airing ; Aired, May 31, 2002 to Mar 28, 2003 ; Producers, Discovery ; Licensors, Critical Mass Video ; Studios, Mook Animation.Kurohime · Anime Reviews · Characters & Staff · Clubs
  35. [35]
    Sin in the Rain | Anime-Planet
    OVA (1 ep x 22 min). Mook Animation. 2006. 2.506 out of 5 from 224 votes. Rank #19,654. Sin in the Rain Screenshots. Kimura Yui has had a tragic life. After the ...
  36. [36]
    The Condor (Video 2006) - Company credits - IMDb
    (Mook Animation Inc.) POW! Entertainment. (in association with). Distributors ... (United States, 2007)(DVD). Cartoon Network. (United States, 2007)(TV).
  37. [37]
    Mook Animation - Companies - MyAnimeList.net
    Trying to find anime produced by Mook Animation? Discover anime by Mook Animation on MyAnimeList, the largest online anime and manga database in the world!
  38. [38]
    Mook Animation - Wikipedia
    Mook Animation Inc is an animation studio based in Japan and started in 1986. Mook Animation formed a business alliance with DLE in 2006 and was known as ...