A YouTube channel named FilmArtify explored a fascinating idea: using a neural network to imagine what an anime adaptation of The Witcher universe might look like if it had been created in the 1980s. The video showcases a visual concept where beloved Witcher characters and iconic locations are reimagined through retro animation aesthetics, blending fantasy storytelling with vintage animation sensibilities.
The video highlights a lineup of central figures from the Witcher saga, including Geralt of Rivia, Ciri, Yennefer, Triss, Vesemir, Eskel, Lambert, Emhyr var Emreis, Avallac’h, and Eredin. Fans also glimpse a gallery of creatures such as goblins, a higher vampire, noonwraiths, harpies, and dryads, alongside legendary settings like Kaer Morhen, Toussaint, Novigrad, and Nilfgaard. The concept aims to bridge the mood of classic anime with the richly textured world of The Witcher, offering a unique cross-genre imagining that resonates with both long-time readers and new audiences curious about the franchise’s cultural footprint.
Geralt:
In this retro-fueled vision, Geralt is depicted with the stark, bold lines typical of 1980s animation. The design emphasizes his signature steel and silver swords, the weathered lines of his face, and a gaze that blends wry humor with unyielding resolve. The rendering aims to capture the character’s dual nature: the stoic monster hunter who moves with precision, and the unexpectedly compassionate man who feels deeply for those he protects. The animation style nods to early hand-drawn techniques, where color blocks and dynamic silhouettes convey motion with a certain kinetic charm.
Triss:
A Triss who reflects the era’s softer palette appears with warm tones and expressive eyes. The design emphasizes her intelligence, loyalty, and magecraft, translating her magic into flashy, arc-based visuals that resemble neon-lit spell effects from vintage cartoons. The portrayal balances strength and empathy, portraying Triss as a capable ally to Geralt and a trusted advisor to friends across the Northern Kingdoms. The look prioritizes clarity of gesture and mood, aligning with the constraints of retro animation while preserving her essential personality traits.
Yennefer is rendered with a dramatic, high-contrast silhouette that channels the bold shading and expressive facial animation of 1980s anime. Her presence is magnetic, with emphasis on poise, intellect, and a hint of mystery. The visuals lean into the elegance of her sorcery and her iconic poise, translating her powerful aura into simplified but striking frames that still communicate her complexity as a sorceress and manipulator of events when needed.
Yennefer:
Ciri appears in a style that highlights agility, acuity, and a resilient spirit. The animation leverages brisk, kinetic motion to convey her training and combat prowess while maintaining the period’s characteristic linework. Her character arc—growth through hardship, loyalty to friends, and a strong moral compass—translates into scenes that emphasize determination and quick reflexes within a world that often tests her limits.
Ciri:
Buttercup offers a lighter counterpoint to the darker tones of the Witcher universe. In this imagined decade-inspired treatment, Buttercup’s role centers on warmth, courage, and a sense of wonder that lightens tense moments. The portrayal embraces the charm of vintage animation, turning moments of companionship into vivid, heartwarming panels that celebrate friendship and resilience against looming dangers.
Buttercup:
Vesemir appears in a design that honors the grizzled veteran mentor archetype. The animation emphasizes his experience, calm authority, and tactical wisdom. The palette leans toward muted earth tones, with crisp lines that convey steadiness and reliability—an anchor for younger Witchers and a reminder of the training ground that shaped their future victories.
Vesemir:
Eskel:
Lambert:
Emhyr:
Avallac’h:
Eredin:
goblin:
Supreme Vampire:
Afternoon:
Harpy:
Naker:
Dryad:
Kaer Morhen:
Toussaint:
Novigrad:
Nilfgaard:
Earlier works hinted at a shift in how The Witcher’s female characters were portrayed, moving beyond static illustrations toward more dimensional designs. In this imagined project, the attention to facial nuance, posture, and expression aimed to reflect a modern sensitivity while nodding to the era that inspired the aesthetic. The result is a hybrid vision that respects the source material while inviting fans to rewatch the saga through a retro lens. As with many fan-driven explorations, the goal is to celebrate the franchise’s vitality and the creativity of the people who reinterpret it for new generations of viewers.
Source: VG Times