FLCL: Grunge

FLCL: Grunge was produced by Studio NUT and released in 2023 as part of Adult Swim’s continued expansion of the FLCL franchise, nearly two decades after the original cult-classic series. This iteration was directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo, who sought to translate the series’ signature frantic energy and coming-of-age themes into a 3D CGI animation format. The project aimed to revisit the surrealist, alternative-rock-infused world of Mabase, focusing on a new protagonist navigating the transition into adulthood amidst the series' trademark cosmic chaos.

The reception to the series was notably polarized, as fans of the original 2000 Gainax and Production I.G series struggled with the stylistic shift to full 3D animation. While the production team intended to honor the legacy of the original's frantic visual language, many long-term viewers found the aesthetic departure jarring. Despite the discourse surrounding its visual choices, the series remains a formal part of the franchise's history, representing the studio's effort to leverage modern animation techniques to reach a contemporary television audience.