Studio Orange’s Leviathan is an ambitious alternate-history anime that blends soaring imagination with the grim realities of war. Based on Scott Westerfeld’s novel trilogy and produced in collaboration with Qubic Pictures, the series reimagines a World War I–adjacent conflict where bioengineered “fabricated beasts” and hulking mechanical war machines clash overhead and on the ground. With strong direction, emotional character arcs, and a magnificent score, Leviathan stakes a powerful claim as one of the most resonant war stories in recent anime.
Leviathan — a breathtaking fusion of fabricated beasts and wartime storytelling.
Table of Contents
Synopsis and Setting: A Skyward War in an Alternate 1914
Leviathan unfolds in an alternate 1914 where two major powers—British-led Darwinists and German-led Clankers—wield radically different technologies. The Darwinists command bioengineered flying creatures and living ships, the crown jewel being the leviathan-class flying whale, while the Clankers deploy massive steam-powered machines and stormwalkers. Into this volatile world step two protagonists from opposite backgrounds: a British commoner who disguises herself as “Dylan” Sharp to join the aircrew aboard the Leviathan, and Prince Aleksandar von Hohenberg, a hunted Austrian royal who is abruptly thrust into exile. Their accidental meeting in the Swiss Alps becomes the emotional and narrative fulcrum of the series.
Characters & Performances: Heart at the Center of Conflict
At its core, Leviathan is a character-driven wartime drama. Sharp’s brash optimism and fierce independence make her a compelling lead—someone who yearns to fly and to prove herself in a world that often excludes her. Alek’s coming-of-age arc, from sheltered prince to someone forced to confront real-world consequences, provides a complementary emotional counterweight.
Supporting Cast and Memorable Dynamics
Supporting characters add warmth and complexity: the loyal mechanic Klopp and the stoic Count Volger act as guardians and moral anchors for Alek, while Dr. Nora Barlow represents a bridge between scientific ingenuity and sympathetic humanity. The ensemble is rendered with nuance, and the English-language performances—especially the leads and key supporting roles—bring out distinct accents and personality traits that enrich the series’ international flavor.
Themes: Unity, Identity, and the Human Cost of War
Leviathan explores how ordinary people—soldiers, civilians, and scientists—grapple with forces much larger than themselves. The series repeatedly emphasizes that individual loyalties and friendships often transcend nationalistic fervor imposed by leaders. Identity is another central theme: Sharp’s concealment of her gender to serve in the air corps raises questions about agency, belonging, and the roles society prescribes. Above all, Leviathan refuses to glamorize conflict; it shows war’s tragedies with clarity while insisting on the possibility of human connection amid chaos.
Animation, Visual Design, and Sound: Big-Scale Craftsmanship
Studio Orange demonstrates a continuing mastery of dynamic 3D and hybrid animation techniques. From the intricate mechanics of stormwalkers to the tactile movement of fabricated beasts, the series presents large-scale action and sweeping vistas with cinematic flair. Occasional visual hiccups—minor lip-sync differences and some stiff fabric rendering—are present but do little to diminish the overall visual ambition.
Score and Sound Design
The soundtrack is one of Leviathan’s most affecting elements. A sweeping, emotive score elevates quiet character moments and large aerial battles alike, giving each scene a sense of wonder or dread as required. The careful sound design—creaks of airship decks, the flapping of living sails, thunderous mechanical footfalls—deepens immersion.
Adaptation Choices: Streamlining for Emotional Clarity
Adapting a multi-volume novel series for serialized anime requires tough choices, and Leviathan pares down certain plotlines and characters to create a more focused arc. Those editorial decisions sharpen the series’ central themes and make the narrative more accessible to viewers who haven’t read the books. While some novel readers may miss specific subplots, the adaptation stands confidently on its own as a cohesive and emotionally satisfying work.
Familiar Echoes: Inspirations and Lineage
Leviathan wears its inspirations subtly and respectfully: echoes of classic war anime and literature—both in tone and structure—can be felt throughout. The assembled crew of mixed backgrounds calls to mind ensemble wartime narratives where survival depends on uneasy alliances and evolving loyalties. At the same time, the series evokes the spirit of Western literary adaptations in Japanese animation, creating a bridge between cultures that deepens its thematic resonance.
Why Leviathan Matters Today
In an era of rising geopolitical tensions and fractured social discourse, Leviathan offers a reminder of shared humanity. The show’s emphasis on empathy—showing how people from different nations and identities find common cause—is a timely counterpoint to contemporary divisions. Furthermore, its honest depiction of war’s cost makes it both a moving character study and a sobering reflection on the consequences of power struggles.
Where to Learn More
Leviathan is rooted in Scott Westerfeld’s original novels—readers interested in the source material can explore the author’s work for deeper context and worldbuilding. For more on the studio behind the adaptation, see Studio Orange’s official site. (External links nofollowed.)
Scott Westerfeld — author page | Studio Orange — official site
Final thoughts
Leviathan is an emotionally generous, visually striking anime that balances spectacle with sincere human drama. Its adaptation choices sharpen the story’s heart, its performances make characters feel lived-in, and its ambitious animation brings a fantastic alternate history to vivid life. For viewers seeking an animated war story that champions empathy without softening the horrors of conflict, Leviathan is essential viewing—an artwork that soars as much as its namesake.
