Netflix: The Ribbon Hero, based on the ‘Godfather of Manga’s’ classic
Inspired by Princess Knight, Netflix’s The Ribbon Hero carries a beloved manga legacy to anime fans, but how it pulls it off is what you’ll want to see.
Silverland has fallen, a disaster called Nergal has scattered its people, and a princess named Sapphire is hiding out in a new kingdom when a magical ribbon unlocks her power. That’s the setup for The Ribbon Hero, a feature-length anime that borrows the bones of Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight but spins a different tale: Sapphire’s exile in Goldland, her transformation, and a fight to reclaim what was lost.
Instead of a straight page-to-screen adaptation, the movie uses Princess Knight’s world and themes as a springboard. Sapphire remains at the center, now stepping into a superhero mantle the original never had, with the ribbon itself as the catalyst for her abilities and her new identity.
New story, classic roots
First published in 1953, Tezuka’s Princess Knight is widely credited as a foundation of shōjo manga and helped define the medium’s modern era. For longtime fans, The Ribbon Hero marks the first major new animated project inspired by the property in decades, reconnecting with a character who helped shape what girls’ comics — and later, anime — could be.
Tezuka’s legacy looms large: the creator behind Astro Boy and Black Jack is often called the “Godfather of Manga,” and Princess Knight’s cross-dressing heroine broke ground for generations of artists and readers. This film aims to keep that spirit while telling Sapphire’s story in a way that feels contemporary.
Who’s making it
- Director — Yuki Igarashi (Jujutsu Kaisen, Star Wars: Visions); this is his feature-length directorial debut
- Studio — OUTLINE
- Character designs — Kei Mochizuki
- Creative contributions — Mai Yoneyama
- Art direction — Cédric Hérole
Netflix spotlighted the film as part of its anime slate at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and early trailers and artwork have drawn praise online for their bright color palette and fluid, stylized character work — a look that stands apart from most summer releases.
The Ribbon Hero premieres worldwide on Netflix August 8.