B: The Beginning

B: The Beginning was conceived as an original net animation series, produced by the acclaimed studio Production I.G and released globally through Netflix in 2018. The project was helmed by director Kazuto Nakazawa, who is widely recognized for his unique artistic contributions to anime, most notably his work on the animated sequence in Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The series was designed to blend high-stakes crime procedural elements with supernatural mystery, aiming to push the boundaries of psychological thriller storytelling within the medium.

The visual direction and character designs were driven by Nakazawa himself, who sought to create a gritty, atmospheric aesthetic that leaned into a distinct noir-inspired palette. Upon its release, the series received attention for its polished animation quality and intricate world-building, though critics often noted the complexity of its interwoven narrative threads. It stands as a significant example of Production I.G's efforts to cultivate high-concept original IP for the international streaming market.