Netflix release of Princess Knight adaptation

Netflix released "Ribbon Hero," an animated film directed by Yûki Igarashi that serves as a modern adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's 1953 manga "Princess Knight." The story follows Princess Sapphire as she defends the kingdom of Silverland from a giant flying earwig named Nergal.

The adaptation utilizes a visual style blending 2-D backdrops with Euro-inspired pageantry. While the film attempts to honor the source material through cameos and expanded themes regarding gender expectations, critical reception has been mixed; reviewers have praised the animation variety but criticized the plot for relying on conventional tropes and lacking the bolder elements found in the original manga.