High-Rise Invasion

High-Rise Invasion, known in Japan as Tenkuu Shinpan, began as a manga series written by Tsuina Miura and illustrated by Takahiro Oba, serialized on the Manga Box app from 2013 to 2019. The narrative centers on a high-school student thrust into a surreal, skyscraper-filled realm inhabited by mysterious masked killers, blending survival horror with intense action sequences. Its transition to an animated format was driven by its cult following and the unique verticality of its setting, which offered a distinct visual challenge for the production team at Zero-G.

The 2021 ONA (Original Net Animation) adaptation was developed under the direction of Masahiro Takata, who sought to capture the visceral intensity of the original manga while navigating the technical complexities of rendering the sprawling, interconnected cityscapes. Upon its release on Netflix, the series was noted for its frantic pacing and unconventional premise. While critical reception was varied, the animation is recognized for its commitment to the source material's grim aesthetic and the atmospheric tension of its claustrophobic, sky-high environment.