Special Visual and Video Unveiled: Created by 'Space Brothers' Author Chuya Koyama for Disney & Pixar's 'Elio'

　To celebrate the theatrical release of Disney and Pixar’s film Elio on August 1, a special visual and video illustrated by Space Brothers creator Chuya Koyama have been unveiled.

Elio, the latest film from Disney & Pixar, tells the heartwarming story of a lonely boy who has lost his parents. Through a colorful and visually stunning journey across the “world of stars,” Elio discovers meaningful connections that embrace him for who he truly is—a moving tale that inspires the courage to love oneself.

Meanwhile, Space Brothers, which began serialization in Morning (Kodansha) in 2007 and has since been adapted into both an anime and live-action film, follows the story of two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who promised as children—after witnessing a UFO—that they would become astronauts together. The recent release of Volume 45 revealed that the next volume will conclude the series, drawing widespread attention.

The newly unveiled special illustration by Space Brothers creator Chuya Koyama features a quote beloved by fans of the manga—one that also resonates with the themes of Elio:“We are lonely, but not alone”
In the visual, Mutta and Hibito, who have chased their dreams of space since childhood, are shown gazing at a starry sky alongside Elio, who longs to find someone, somewhere in this vast universe, who understands him.

In addition, a special crossover video has also been released, blending memorable scenes from Elio and iconic panels from Space Brothers. The video highlights the shared themes of both works—childhood dreams of space, the struggles of not being understood, the importance of connections that believe in you, and the breathtaking view reached by staying true to your passion—in an emotional and cinematic tribute.

■ Comment from Space Brothers Author: Chuya Koyama

— About the Special Visual This Time

Koyama: By depicting Elio, who exists in a 3D world, in the same manga style as Space Brothers, the image became one that feels more familiar and harmonious when the characters are lined up together. The composition of characters from different worlds all looking at the same moon felt very dreamy, and I had a lot of fun drawing it.

— The meaning behind Eddie’s words: “We are lonely, but not alone”

Koyama: These words were spoken by the character Eddie in Space Brothers, stemming from his own situation. But I also hoped they would reach someone far away who might hear them. By combining the line with this collaborative illustration, I think the message can resonate with even more people.

— Impressions and memories of Pixar films

Koyama: Among many works I love, Monsters, Inc. and WALL-E are my favorites. I think it's amazing how emotions—even those of monsters and robots—are clearly conveyed through their movements and expressions, not just human characters. Even a character like Mike, with only one eye, can express joy, anger, sadness, and happiness! I enjoy watching while learning from them.

■ 4DX & Dolby Cinema Screenings Confirmed

In addition to standard 2D (subtitled and dubbed) screenings, Elio will also be shown in 4DX and Dolby Cinema formats, offering a more vivid and immersive experience of the breathtaking world of stars and Elio’s emotional adventure—bringing the total to four versions.

Two large-format posters have been created to represent each special screening format. The Dolby Cinema version features a poignant scene of Elio gazing up at the beautiful night sky. The 4DX poster, meanwhile, highlights Elio with a beaming smile under a sky full of stars, surrounded by fellow adventurers: Glordon, who joins him on his journey; Ooooo, a high-tech helper computer; and Grigon, Glordon’s father and a ruthless alien warrior bent on revenge against the Communiverse—along with many other aliens.

☟[Video] Special Footage Weaving Together Iconic Scenes from Elio and Space Brothers

Source : ORICON NEWS