In less than no time at all, Bones Film’s adaptation of Kei Urana’s Kodansha manga, Gachiakuta, shot up the ranks as a promising anime, with every fan champing at the bit to see how its second season will further cement its legacy as the next big thing. While we’ve still got a little bit of a wait before we see how Rudo and crew will further exceed expectations as the stylish new battle anime on the block, we’ve got the inside scoop with the Japanese creatives who were vital in making its first season a smash hit. And we’re giving (get it?) you a peek at how peak was made, too. At Anime Expo, io9 spoke with Gachiakuta director Fumihiko Suganuma and Rudo voice actor Aoi Ichikawa about what sparked their interest in bringing the series to life as an anime, their creative approach to handling tricky, sensitive scenes, and their thoughts on its growing fandom. Left: Aoi Ichikawa, right: Fumihiko Suganuma © Isaiah Colbert/io9 Isaiah Colbert, io9: What initially resonated with both of you about the world and themes of Gachiakuta that made you want to be a part of the anime? Aoi Ichikawa: I would have to say a bit of resonance with Rudo’s character because he’s just the embodiment of anger. It’s what makes him him. All that emotional explosiveness is kind of fueling his life, and I feel like I resonate with those very heated emotions.