Haikyuu animator Boya Liang dissects Season 2’s Mad Dog scene

“Haikyuu!!” is a widely acclaimed athletic anime that revolves around the sport of volleyball. Like many other successful anime series, “Haikyuu!!” is based on a manga of the same name. The anime initially ran from 2014 to 2016 and returned for its fourth season in 2020. It follows the story of Shoyo Hinata, a young enthusiast with an unwavering passion for volleyball, and chronicles his relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport. Despite the challenges faced by the animation team during the creative process, the sheer quality of the anime speaks for itself.

One aspect that particularly stands out in “Haikyuu!!” is its stunning animation, which is often lauded by fans and critics alike. The series serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the animators. Among the many memorable moments, the Mad Dog spike scene in Season 2, Episode 20 continues to generate excitement among fans. Kentarō Kyōtani, known for his wild and aggressive playstyle, earned the nickname “Mad Dog” due to his almost feral movements on the court.

This scene captures a pivotal moment during the game, focusing intensely on Mad Dog as he leaps into the air, propelling himself forward and delivering a powerful spike that sends the ball soaring back to the opponent’s side of the court. The animation in these few moments is highly stylized, with everything except Mad Dog fading into the background, creating a visually impactful and awe-inspiring spectacle. The talented animator responsible for bringing this scene to life is Boya Liang, a prominent figure in the industry.

Boya Liang has contributed her skills to several well-known anime throughout her career, including notable titles like “Attack on Titan,” “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” and “Hunter x Hunter.” In a discussion with Wave Motion Cannon, Liang delves into her involvement in animating the iconic Mad Dog spike scene. When approached with the opportunity to work on such a powerful and pivotal moment, she admits to feeling a lack of confidence initially. However, she saw it as a chance to showcase her skills and decided to take on the challenge.

Reflecting on the spike scene, Liang explains that although the storyboard had specific requirements, she had limited experience in drawing such intense moments. To overcome this obstacle, she referenced spike scenes from other anime, only to discover that each animator had their unique personal style. Determined to find inspiration, Liang studied these variations and eventually developed her approach. The entire process took her four days to complete.

Liang also draws inspiration directly from the original manga and explains her decision to incorporate its harsh and cool style into the anime adaptation. One night, while reading the manga, she had an epiphany and realized the potential of utilizing Haruichi Furudate-sensei’s distinctive line work in the anime. This realization influenced her artistic choices for the scene, resulting in an animation that authentically captures the essence of the manga.

The quality of Boya Liang’s work in the Mad Dog spike scene speaks for itself. As Mad Dog leaps into the air, the animation expertly directs the viewer’s attention solely on him, while the added line work accentuates the power and impact of his spike. Liang’s careful attention to detail and her successful emulation of the manga’s style truly bring the scene to life, captivating audiences with its dynamic visuals and showcasing her talent as an animator.

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Yukinari, Uchizawa, Natsu, Saeko, Makoda, Miwa