Danica Davidson
October 8, 2024 
The anime movie Look Back was shown in 535 American theaters over the weekend, and brought in an estimated $688,253. It came in 12th place, behind Joker: Folie à Deux, The Wild Robot, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Transformers One, Speak No Evil, Sam and Colby: Legends of the Paranormal, Deadpool & Wolverine, White Bird, The Substance, Megalopolis, and My Old Ass.
While 12th place is a ways down, it’s good to keep in mind that Look Back is only receiving a limited theatrical run, so it’s not as easily available as, say, Joker: Folie à Deux (which, despite coming in first place, is underperforming). It also doesn’t have the same level of publicity as these other films.
GKIDS is behind Look Back’s theatrical run. Last week they offered early screenings in Los Angeles and New York, before officially putting it into the box office on October 6.
Kiyotaka Oshiyama of Flip Flappers was heavily involved with the movie, helming the project as director, handling its script, doing character designs, and producing it through his company Studio Durian.
Look Back already came out in Japan this past summer. During its first three days, it raked in $1.40 million and by late August it had earned approximately 12 million in its home country.
It is based on a one-shot manga of the same name by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto. It’s available in English through Viz Media and MANGA Plus. Otaku USA reviewed it here.
GKIDS gave this description for the movie:
Look Back Plot
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.
Based on the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of “Chainsaw Man”, Look Back captures the highs and lows of pursuing artistic excellence and the special bonds formed through creative collaboration. The heart-wrenching story is the stunning feature-length directorial debut from Kiyotaka Oshiyama that will leave you in tears and inspire you to chase your own artistic dreams.
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
