Trigun Stampede: Stargaze Premiere Guide - Why Studio Orange is Changing the Game Again

Forget the "3D anime looks bad" argument. That debate died the moment Trigun Stampede aired in 2023.

Now, with the Stargaze Phase Premiering in Winter 2026, Studio Orange isn't just adhering to the standard; they are grabbing the industry by the neck and dragging it into the future.

If you thought the first season looked good, you are not prepared for what Vash the Stampede is about to do to your eyeballs.

!TIP Need a refresher before Stargaze? Read our full recap: Trigun Stampede Recap: Vash vs Knives and Everything You Need to Know for Stargaze.

The "Orange" Standard

We need to talk about CGI.

For years, anime fans dreaded it. It felt stiff, lifeless, and cheap (looking at you, Berserk 2016). But Studio Orange operates differently.

In Trigun Stampede: Stargaze, every movement carries weight. When Vash spins his revolver, you can feel the momentum. When Wolfwood swings his Cross Punisher, you feel the mass. It feels closer to a high-budget Pixar film with the soul of a 90s action anime.

The lighting engine has received a massive upgrade. The "Stargaze" theme isn't just a title; the way starlight reflects off Vash's cybernetic arm and the desert sand is nothing short of technical wizardry.

Narrative: The Final Run

This isn't just a tech demo. This is the endgame.

The Stargaze Phase adapts the climax of Vash's journey. It moves beyond the episodic "town of the week" structure into a focused, desperate sprint against Knives. The emotional facial capture technology Studio Orange uses allows for subtle acting—a twitch of an eyebrow, a trembling lip—that 2D animation struggles to replicate consistently.

Comparison: The 2D vs 3D War is Over

Comparing this to traditional 2D powerhouses like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen is apples and oranges.

• Demon Slayer excels at compositing (2D assets with 3D effects).
• Trigun Stampede is pure 3D performance.

It proves that 3D isn't a shortcut; it's a stylistic choice that, when done right, offers camera angles and fluidity that are physically impossible in hand-drawn animation. The camera doesn't just pan; it orbits, dives, and weaves through bullet hells in a single continuous shot.

Trigun Stampede: Stargaze is a must-watch, not just for Trigun fans, but for anyone interested in the future of the medium. Studio Orange has planted their flag on the summit, dared everyone else to climb up.

!NOTE This series is part of our Winter 2026 Anime Lineup. Check out the rest of the season!