Shangri-La is a science fiction novel by Eiichi Ikegami set in 21st century global warming affected tropical Tokyo. The title selection is interesting because Okinawa, the birthplace of the author, was considered by some Shangri-La, a mythical utopia in general sense. The anime will be produced by an impressive team.
- Series Composition: Hiroshi Ohnogi (Area 88, Arjuna, Eureka Seven, RahXephon, Orguss, Macross, Gundam)
- Creative Producer: Takeshi Mori (Otaku no Video, Vandread)
- Creative Supervisor: Shingo Takeba (RahXephon, Eureka Seven)
- Character Designer: Range Murata (Blue Submarine No. 6, Last Exile) – I am very excited about that one 🙂
- Designers:Takuhito Kusanagi (Blue Submarine No. 6, Samurai 7), Hajime Satou (Karas, Solty Rei), and Umanosuke Iida (Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Tide-Line Blue).
Illustrations for the novel by Kenichi YOSHIDA (Cowboy Bebop, Dennō Coil, Eureka Seven, Gunsmith Cats, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ocean Waves, On Your Mark, Only Yesterday, Planetes, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, Princess Mononoke, Whisper of the Heart, Wolf’s Rain, Xamd: Lost Memories). 
See other images in this gallery under シャングリ・ラ挿絵 heading.
Sources:
- Gonzo to Animate Shangri-La Novel for TV (ANN)
- Shangri-La : Gonzo renoue avec Range MURATA (Anime Days)
Further Reading:
- Official Website
- Shangri-La (Book on Amazon)
- Eiichi Ikegami (Japanese Wiki)
- Interview with Eiichi Ikegami (Japanese)
- Shangri-La Character Design by Range Murata
- Episode 1 Screenshots
New Anime Spring 2009
This is how the anime might look like 😛 (No, they are not from the novel, just some interesting renditions of post apocalyptic Tokyo)
Shibuya
Akihabara
Shibuya Center-gai Source: Pink Tentacle
Kitsune's Thoughts 
Looking forward to this. I’m particularly eager to see more of Murata-sensei’s work.
I just hope the film doesn’t try to ram an ultra-lefty environmentalist message down people’s throats. “Save the world”, sure – but leave the doomsday warnings to cable news. All I want is entertainment. (^_^)
Oh yeah, Murata’s work is great. He was an inspiration to Abe 🙂
Well, environmental messages are good, but I don’t this anime will be primarily about that. Anti-government guerrillas!
Omg… I found amazing illustrations for that novel! Uploading them right now!
Ah…so interesting the illustrations. Definitely on my ‘to see’ list, the anime.:-)
Yes, the illustrations by Kenichi Yoshida are quite good 🙂 Shangri-la is on my list as well, but I’ll have to check out a few episodes before I commit to covering ti.
This is kinda reminiscent of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind… I’m thinking of the books, not the movie. I love this genre. AWESOME PICTURES OF TOKYO. XD I also like Kenichi Yoshida; I will pretty much definitely be following this.
I guess in some ways it is similar to Nausicaa 🙂
Yes, those pictures of Tokyo are nice 🙂
Yup, Kenichi Yoshida’s illustrations are quite good. I wonder how Murata’s work will look like animated.
wow the anime amazing, but i would like to read the book, anybody now where i could get the book??