Studio GONZO announced on October 26th that Shigemi Ikeda, the visionary art director known for his work on Afro Samurai, One-Punch Man, and My Hero Academia, passed away on October 13 at the age of 69. Ikedas family shared that his funeral would be held privately, reserved for close family. His passing leaves a significant void in the anime industry, where his artistic contributions to background design and world-building became a foundational influence. Over his prolific career, Ikedas distinct style and unparalleled skill in visual storytelling left an indelible mark on the anime landscape.
