“Leviathan” is a new anime series adapted from the novels written by Scott Westerfeld and illustrated by Keith Thompson. Now streaming on Netflix, this series is an epic, beautiful steampunk twist on a World War I story.

Temple of Geek spoke with Kido, “Leviathan” scriptwriter, about what it was like adapting a trilogy of novels to a twelve-episode anime.

Kido Delves into the Writing Process for the “Leviathan” Series

Q: Were you a fan of Scott Westerfeld’s work before joining this project as the scriptwriter?

Kido: I had always been curious about his work but hadn’t had the chance to read it—once I finally did for this project, I became a fan instantly.

Q: Could you briefly explain the process of adapting the novel into a script?

Kido: We began by spending a great deal of time in detailed discussions with the director and the production team about how to translate the original work into animation. Based on those conversations, we developed the overall structure of the series, and from there, moved on to writing each episode’s script. We then regularly shared those drafts with Mr. Westerfeld, who provided valuable feedback—pointing out anything that felt off or offering suggestions to make things even better—which allowed us to continue refining the scripts throughout the process.

Q: What are the differences between adapting a novel versus a manga or comic into anime? And personally, which type of adaptation do you prefer?

Kido: There are quite a few differences. For instance, and this may be obvious, but with manga, you already have a fairly concrete visual reference from the start. The characters’ expressions, the panel layouts, the visual flow—they’re all there. With novels, much more is left to the imagination. You need to visualize everything as you write, and then work closely with the director and creative team to build a shared vision of the world and how it should be portrayed. Dialogue is also handled very differently. Novels often include long lines or monologues, and it takes a lot of care to adapt them in a way that doesn’t disrupt the pacing or compromise the characters’ personalities when animated.

On the other hand, with manga, where both visuals and dialogue are already defined, the focus shifts to how we can enhance what’s there for the screen. If I had to choose, I’d say I prefer working with novels—there’s more room for imagination.

Overcoming Challenges in the Adaptation Process

Q: What challenges did you face during this project, and how did you overcome them?

Kido: One major challenge was figuring out how to condense all three books into a single season. But what was even more difficult was the timing. We started this project in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Communicating with the director, producers, and team members was incredibly difficult back then. In hindsight, it felt like the world was fragmented, not unlike the state of things within the story itself. Thankfully, as life gradually returned to normal, so did the workflow. In the end, it turned into a very smooth and collaborative production environment.

Q: What kind of response are you hoping to see from audiences?

Kido: I hope viewers will enjoy the series and that it spreads through word of mouth around the world. Especially in times like these, it’s a story I truly hope reaches as many people as possible.

“Leviathan” Series Synopsis

“Leviathan” follows Prince Alek of Austria-Hungary, who flees his home after his parents’ deaths. Alek’s homeland takes pride in being “Clankers.” “Clankers” are nations that rely on heavy machines. Alek meets “Dylan” Sharp, a young Scottish airman. Sharp is from a nation of “Beasties,” the biologically enhanced creatures that replace machines. Furthermore, they learn to embrace each other’s cultures to help end the war.

All twelve episodes are available for streaming on Netflix. Qubic Pictures and Studio Orange produced the series.