Trigun Stargaze: The Final Chapter of Vash the Stampede’s Journey Begins

After two and a half years of anticipation, the wait is finally over. Trigun Stargaze, the “final phase” of Studio Orange’s ambitious reimagining of Yasuhiro Nightow’s classic space western, has arrived in January 2026 .

Picking up from the devastating events of Trigun Stampede (2023), this new series promises to deliver the emotional and narrative conclusion that fans have been craving. But Trigun Stargaze is more than just a sequel—it’s a meditation on trauma, redemption, and whether a pacifist can truly survive in a world bent on violence.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the series, from its haunting premiere to the creative team behind its stunning visuals.

Prologue: From Stampede to Stargaze

When Trigun Stampede premiered in January 2023, it faced skepticism from fans of the beloved 1998 anime and the original manga . The shift to CGI animation, the updated character designs, and the compressed timeline were initially controversial. However, Studio Orange’s signature 3D craftsmanship won over audiences, delivering fluid action, expressive characters, and a darker tone more faithful to Nightow’s manga .

At the end of Stampede, viewers were promised a “Final Phase.” That promise materialized at Anime Expo 2024, where the official title Trigun Stargaze was revealed alongside a special illustration from Nightow himself . Now, in January 2026, the conclusion to this reimagined saga unfolds .

The Story So Far: Two and a Half Years After Lost July

Trigun Stargaze begins two and a half years after the catastrophic “Lost July” incident, which laid waste to an entire city and plunged the planet into chaos . The world remains haunted by the tragedy, still “walking on cracked glass” as one reviewer describes it .

Where Are They Now?

• Vash the Stampede has gone into hiding, living under the assumed name “Eriks” in a remote frontier town. This is not the goofy, doughnut-loving gunslinger of memory, but a broken man in self-imposed exile, carrying the weight of Lost July like a curse .
• Meryl Stryfe has evolved from a rookie reporter into a senior journalist, more serious and grounded. She continues her search for Vash, now accompanied by a new younger partner .
• Milly Thompson, beloved from the 1998 anime, finally makes her debut in this continuity. Voiced by Chika Ayamori, she serves as Meryl’s enthusiastic junior sidekick .
• Nicholas D. Wolfwood crosses paths with Meryl and Milly, still carrying his signature Punisher and his own complicated relationship with Vash .
• Millions Knives, Vash’s twin brother, lurks in the shadows. His organization is suspected of orchestrating renewed plant robberies across the planet .

The Inciting Incident

Vash’s quiet existence is shattered when a young girl named Jessica arrives with an SOS from the “third ship”—the colony vessel that originally brought humanity to this harsh world. This plea forces Vash to emerge from hiding and confront his brother once more .

Adding to the complexity, the planet receives a mysterious message from deep space: “We are a fleet of colony ships from Earth… Those who wish may accompany us to a new frontier.” This news brings hope to the population, but as if to mock their celebration, the “one-winged angel” (Knives) returns to wreak havoc .

Character Deep Dive: The Emotional Core

Vash the Stampede: A Pacifist’s Breaking Point?

The Vash of Trigun Stargaze is a fundamentally wounded soul. Episode 1, titled “Wandering Days,” deliberately avoids action spectacle in favor of quiet devastation . We see a man trying to disappear, living small and silent under a false name. Yet his core philosophy remains intact.

As seen in Episode 4, when Wolfwood returns Vash’s signature firearm after their two-year separation, Vash still refuses to use his weapon to end a life—even as he vows to “deal with” Knives . The tension between his pacifist ideals and the mounting pressure to stop his genocidal brother forms the series’ central conflict.

Meryl and Milly: The Investigators

Meryl’s evolution into a senior reporter adds a layer of professional determination to her search. She’s no longer just chasing a story; she’s hunting for a man she believes in. Milly, meanwhile, brings the same sweet enthusiasm that made her a fan favorite in 1998, though her proportions are more realistically rendered in this adaptation .

Wolfwood: The Reluctant Ally

The wandering priest remains one of Trigun’s most complex figures. Episode 4 shows him returning Vash’s gun with pointed instructions to “use it properly this time,” highlighting his pragmatic view of violence versus Vash’s idealism .

Knives and His Followers

Millions Knives continues his campaign against humanity, now regenerating in a vat while his acolytes—including the psychopathic Legato Bluesummers and the conflicted Midvalley the Hornfreak—carry out his will . The series introduces a mysterious figure named Tesla, potentially the first “independent” plant who preceded the twins, adding new layers to the lore .

Production Excellence: Studio Orange’s Vision

Director Transition

While Kenji Muto directed Trigun Stampede, Masako Sato (Haikyu!! To the Top) takes the helm for Trigun Stargaze . This shift brings fresh energy while maintaining continuity with the previous season’s aesthetic.

Writing Team

Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) handles series composition and scripts, working from concepts by Takehiko Oki .

Character Design

Kouji Tajima (GANTZ:0) returns to supply concept art and character designs, ensuring visual consistency with Stampede . Additionally, Kiyotaka Oshiyama (director of Look Back, character designer for Devilman crybaby) contributed a striking teaser visual featuring Vash with the haunting tagline “Existence and Pain” .

Animation

Studio Orange continues to push the boundaries of 3D CGI animation. Their limited frame technique allows for fluid action sequences while maintaining expressive character performances. The CGI renders intricate gunplay and dynamic cinematography that traditional animation might struggle to match .

Themes: More Than a Western

Trauma and Survival

Early reviews emphasize that Trigun Stargaze is “more about scars than action” . Lost July isn’t just a plot point—it’s an emotional crater that every character carries. The world “never healed” , and the series explores how individuals and societies cope with catastrophe.

Pacifism vs. Necessity

Vash’s unwavering commitment to non-violence faces its ultimate test. Can he stop Knives without killing him? And at what cost to himself and others?

Guilt and Redemption

Every major character grapples with guilt. Vash blames himself for Lost July. Knives’s followers serve him out of fear, knowing he’ll likely destroy them anyway . Even the hopeful message from Earth carries the weight of humanity’s complicated legacy.

The Nature of Humanity

Through the “Plants”—mysterious energy sources that enable survival on this harsh world—the series questions what it means to be human, to be independent, and to care for others .

Viewing Guide and Release Information

Trigun Stargaze premiered in January 2026 and streams on Crunchyroll simultaneously with its Japanese broadcast .

Where to Start

New to Trigun? While Trigun Stargaze continues directly from Trigun Stampede, Crunchyroll hosted a global watch party on January 6, 2026, featuring all 12 episodes of Stampede followed by an exclusive interview with creator Yasuhiro Nightow . Both series are available on Crunchyroll for newcomers to catch up.

What to Expect

The series is expected to run through Winter 2026, building toward an emotional climax that honors Nightow’s original manga while delivering the “epic finale” promised to fans .

Conclusion: A Legend Reborn

Trigun Stargaze represents more than just another anime sequel. It’s the culmination of a story that has evolved across three decades—from manga to 1998 anime to this stunning reimagining. Each version offers something unique, but Stargaze strives to capture the bittersweet soul of the original while pushing visual boundaries .

For longtime fans, it’s a chance to see beloved characters rendered with unprecedented emotional depth. For newcomers, it’s an invitation into one of anime’s most enduring space westerns. As the tagline suggests, “Every gun makes its own tune” —and Vash the Stampede’s final song is playing now.

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