Webtoon’s action-fantasy juggernaut Eleceed is officially getting the anime treatment in 2026, with industry veterans and a major studio backing the production. As of July 1, 2025, the adaptation is already drawing buzz for its global ambition and high-profile creative team.
Here’s the TL;DR…
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Eleceed, the popular webtoon by Son Jeho and Zhena, is being adapted into an anime premiering in 2026.
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DandeLion Animation Studio is producing the series, with veteran director Hiroshi Nishikiori (Honey Lemon Soda) at the helm.
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The webtoon has surpassed 1.42 billion views worldwide and consistently tops action charts across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The Project: Who’s Behind Eleceed?
The Eleceed anime adaptation was officially announced on June 30, 2025, via Amuse Creative Studio. DandeLion Animation Studio—recognized for The First Slam Dunk—will animate the series, while Hiroshi Nishikiori, known for Honey Lemon Soda and IDOLiSH7 Movie, will direct. Additional details will be unveiled at a dedicated panel during Anime Expo on July 6, 2025.
This partnership between Webtoon Entertainment and DandeLion marks a continued investment in adapting top-performing webtoons into high-quality anime, reflecting a global strategy aimed at bridging digital comics with international animation audiences.
Eleceed: Story and Success
Created by writer Son Jeho and artist Zhena, Eleceed debuted in 2018 on Naver Webtoon. The story follows Jiwoo, a kind-hearted teenager with lightning-fast reflexes, and Kayden, a powerful secret agent trapped in the body of a fluffy cat. Together, they battle rogue awakened beings, develop Jiwoo’s powers, and navigate a hidden world of supernatural conflict—all while balancing the struggles of college life.
The series has amassed over 1.42 billion views globally and is serialized in more than 10 languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, French, and Spanish. Eleceed consistently ranks among the top battle-action titles on Naver Webtoon and maintains strong readership across regions. ComicBook.com hailed it as “one of the best series on Webtoon at the moment” and a frontrunner for anime success.
The English-language version remains available and regularly updated on WEBTOON, where its momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Webtoon Entertainment’s Growing Anime Footprint
Eleceed joins a growing list of manhwa-to-anime adaptations spearheaded by Webtoon Entertainment. After Noblesse premiered in 2020 to mixed reception, Webtoon has doubled down on converting its top-performing digital comics into animated series. Other titles, such as Omniscient Reader, are already in production.
With each adaptation, Webtoon is building a strategic bridge from digital comics to international animation. The choice of DandeLion Animation Studio and an experienced director like Nishikiori suggests a serious push toward higher production values. Some industry analysts have speculated that Eleceed could set a new quality benchmark for future webtoon-based anime.
What to Expect
With a release window set for 2026 and additional news expected at Anime Expo, Eleceed is shaping up to be one of Webtoon Entertainment’s most ambitious projects yet. The anime’s production team, source material, and global fanbase position it as a major entry in the evolving manhwa-to-anime movement.
As Webtoon continues to expand its catalog of adaptations, Eleceed represents a critical test of its ability to turn digital comics into mainstream anime hits. All eyes will be on the AX panel as fans await a first look at Jiwoo and Kayden’s animated debut.
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on July 1, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.
Sources:
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Amuse Creative Studio, announcement of Eleceed anime adaptation, June 30, 2025
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Anime News Network, “Eleceed Webtoon Gets TV Anime in 2026 at DandeLion Animation Studio,” June 30, 2025
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C21 Media, “Webtoon Entertainment Teams with DandeLion Animation Studio for Eleceed Anime,” June 30, 2025
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ComicBook.com, “One of the Biggest Action Webtoons Could Be Getting an Anime Next,” May 17, 2025
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Naver Webtoon, Eleceed global series data and synopsis
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WEBTOON, Eleceed English-language availability
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