It’s hard to believe but it’s the 10th-anniversary of the Mawaru Penguindrum project and it looks like something new is coming down the road for it.
We learned previously back in March 2021 that a compilation feature film is being put together that will rework the 24-episode series into something tighter while adding some new sequences to help blend things better. With Kunihiko Ikuhara directing it, a crowdfunding project was done for it as well to help work on the new animation elements and has some neat rewards, but they’re limited to backers with Japanese residence as you’d expect.
Earlier this week, we learned that the project is being split into two parts and is going by the name Re:Cycle of Penguindrum with it set to arrive in 2022. Before that, it looks like there’s a version of it that’s getting a new run for the TV show itself with it being streamed on YouTube with a re-edited version of the run but with new material mixed in.
That portion is now streaming with the first episode available below to check out. Of course, there are no English subtitles but astute fans may be able to see the differences more casual viewers will miss, or just enjoy having this new edition streaming in HD.
Plot concept: Is destiny a matter of chance or a matter of choice? All Kanba and Shouma know is that when their terminally ill sister Himari collapses, her death is temporarily reversed by the penguin hat she wears. To keep Himari alive they must find the mysterious Penguin Drum. To do so, they must answer a chain of riddles that links them to strangers who all have their own secrets and “survival tactics.” From the creator of Revolutionary Girl Utena comes a story of love, fate, life, death … and Penguins.
