Rara Kurofuto: What To Expect In A Tomb Raider Anime

Have you ever wondered about any other adaptions of Lara Croft’s legacy, besides a live-action movie and a few comics [12] [19]? Well, I happen to suddenly imagine an official anime adaption of Tomb Raider since I loved the movie based off the 2010s reboot of the franchise and I admire the art style of anime [12]. Two months ago, I posted a poll on Twitter, asking my dear followers if they would like to witness an official anime based on Tomb Raider [23]. Most of them agreed with the idea and I am sure that they would still be up for such a concept. It would be rather assuming if the genre of music for its theme song ought to be Japanese death metal [6] [7]. But then again…maybe not. As someone who cosplayed as Lara Croft before she became stronger in the 2018 movie [22], I am especially up for an anime based on the Survivor generation of the franchise since it has been going on for a few years within the 2010s. So furthermore, I will proceed to discuss what any fan of the Tomb Raider would expect from an official anime adaption of the game or the comics by Dark Horse Comics [18] [19].

A poll I posted two months ago, asking my followers if they would like an official Tomb Raider anime. [23]

The start of the new era. [18]

An outstanding art style would be a big essential with appealing visuals and fluid animation. There were three episodes of Revisioned: Tomb Raider Animated Series from 2007 that consisted of an anime-like art-style during the Legend era [11] [15]. Some of you might tell me that there was technically already a Tomb Raider anime due to the existence of the small trilogy, but it would be fascinating to also see an anime that is based on the Survivor timeline as its comics also featured some fantastic art styles [19]. As much as I am against completely objectifying strong and independent female characters like Lara, I would be highly interested to see the reboot reincarnation her in a glamourous anime art style, as long as it is convincing enough for an anime that would be aimed at older audiences. Ms. Croft has also received recognition for her beauty from the Japanese crowd, which could explain why Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness was named “Tomb Raider: The Beautiful Fugitive” [3] [21]. The visuals will also have to look fairly realistic and often gloomy when it comes to the islands and tombs.

The older and stronger Lara Croft in all three parts of Keys To The Kingdom, the episodes that features a highly passable anime art style. [11]

The younger Lara Croft we know today on the cover of twelfth issue of the Tomb Raider comics by Dark Horse Comics. Dang, its art style is gorgeous! [19]

As fairly unlikely an official anime based on Tomb Raider would seem to happen, there is indeed a horror genre for anime and the Tomb Raider reboot era does feature some unsettling moments [1] [8] [9] [10] [20]. Do not get me started with plenty of Lara’s deaths in the first reboot game from 2013 as they are revolting enough to almost match Happy Tree Friends standards [1] [10]. Despite the horrifying and life-threatening risks Lara had to face, I do not think there could be much fresh blood present in an anime based on the Survivor timeline due to how the blood in one scene of the Japanese version of Shadow Of The Tomb Raider was changed into some black substance [2] [3]. We all know an anime would firstly air in Japan, right? On the other pistol, since there is plenty of horror anime, I suppose at least a few moments of red blood would be legitimate for any suspenseful scenes. With scary moments loosely based on what the younger Lara had to go through in order to survive [3], an official anime is sure to stay faithful to what made the redone origin a gem within the mature side of this decade’s gaming.

Many of Lara’s deaths in the 2013 game are absolutely vile and horrifying. At least none of them would happen in a Tomb Raider anime, right? [1] [10]

And yes, there will need to be moments of action and adventure in an anime based on the Survivor timeline. [14]

And of course, every adaption of Tomb Raider has to feature Croft’s intelligence and athletic abilities [14]. An English dub of the anime must definitely feature a calming and feminine British voice for her [3] [11] [14]. To several people within the Japanese audience, the eventually hardened Lara could be the female Sousuke Sagara from the Full Metal Panic franchise [4] [5], except without a blue-haired sweetheart and a grey-haired love interest [5]. Aside from how the classic Croft was known for her fierceness in the classic era, the anime version of our current Croft ought to be protective of her friends and innocent people, especially Samantha Nishimura [14] [16]. In addition to her soft side, there could be scenes when she treats injuries as she is skilled in first aid in the 2013 reboot [14] [18]. So come on, refrain from viewing incredible women like Lara as objects and also admire them for their bravery and intelligence, not just for their good looks.

A shout-out to all independent and determined women in gaming! [18]

And a shout-out to the fighters and survivors with good hearts. [16]

To be honest, I think it would be far more necessary to base the anime on the comic series by Dark Horse Comics that take place in between the games since there is already something based on the 2013 game, which is a live-action movie [12] [13]. After all, the comics were meant to avoid seeming as if they are in their own separate timeline from the Survivor generation, including the first comic that was meant to take place before the events of the 2013 game [19]. There can be some differences between the comics and an anime adaption, just like how there would be several differences between a novel and its film adaption. An example of a difference between the 2013 game and the 2018 film is that unlike in the 2013 game, Lara did not wear a green pedant in the 2018 film [12] [13] [18]. I am not sure if the comics were released in Japan or not, but with plenty of rough translating, the progress of basing the story on the plot of the comics would be useful for those Japanese Tomb Raider fans who cannot fully understand English and are rather curious about the comics.  

Some shooting standards in one of the issues of the comics. [14]

Overall, I would definitely be up for an official Tomb Raider anime based on the reboot from 2013 or the comics that follow it [18] [19], especially for those who love both Tomb Raider and mature anime. As a fan of the beautiful fugitive, I know that it would definitely need:

•     An outstanding anime art style
•     Moments of suspense and adventure
•     Lara’s character as a survivor portrayed accurately

Hopefully, the title of the anime would not be “Tomb Raiders” because there is only one tomb raider in the franchise and that is Lara Croft [21]. I am not saying that a Tomb Raider anime or manga should definitely happen, but it could at least be very interesting. If the current era of Tomb Raider neglects to establish one, there is always an opportunity for a Tomb Raider anime or manga in a possible next reboot in the future. You are more than welcome to express your opinion on the concept in the comments. Perhaps you would like a Jaffa Cake as the current incarnation of Lara has a sweet tooth for them [14]. Or better yet, we could have a little archery session. Yonde kurete arigatou gozaimasu.

There is only room for ONE Tomb Raider on this island! [19]

References

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