Harmony Korine Launches Anime-Inspired Webtoon ‘Katch’ with EDGLRD

Harmony Korine, the visionary director known for films like Kids and Spring Breakers, has made a significant leap into the realm of digital storytelling with the launch of his first webtoon, Katch. This new project, developed by his Miami-based creative studio, EDGLRD, is a serialized comic available on the global webcomic platform WEBTOON. The narrative follows a passionate young ocean enthusiast who becomes entangled in a hidden undersea world inhabited by a secret society dedicated to hunting leviathans.

The webtoon features illustrations by Laura Sakuraki, with color work from Ling Chen and a prologue by Daylen Seu. Korine’s studio, EDGLRD, employs a mixed-media production process that integrates computer-generated tools, animated panels, and interactive musical elements within select chapters. This innovative approach aims to captivate a mobile-first, global audience, making Katch a unique offering in the digital landscape.

EDGLRD’s Ongoing Creative Exploration

Founded in 2022, EDGLRD has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, merging film, gaming, fashion, and generative technology. The studio first gained attention at the 2023 Venice Film Festival with AGGRO DR1FT, an experimental 80-minute film featuring Travis Scott. Korine described this work as an immersive experience rather than a traditional movie, challenging the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Korine returned to Venice in 2024 with another innovative project, Baby Invasion, which further explored the intersection of AI and interactive aesthetics. This film utilized Runway’s generative tools to create unsettling visuals, marking a significant collaboration that established a first-look deal between EDGLRD and the New York-based AI company. This agreement allows EDGLRD to harness Runway’s technology across its various projects, expanding the creative potential for artists working with the studio.

A New Era of Storytelling

With the debut of Katch, EDGLRD emphasizes its commitment to exploring anime-inspired narratives and hybrid digital work. The company views this webtoon as a pivotal addition to its expanding universe, showcasing its goal to operate beyond traditional film and television formats.

“Katch marks the beginning of EDGLRD’s ongoing exploration of anime-inspired storytelling and hybrid digital work,” the company stated, framing this project as a cornerstone of its creative output. The initiative aligns with Korine’s vision for EDGLRD, which seeks to redefine how stories are told in the digital age, making use of innovative mediums that resonate with contemporary audiences.

As Katch begins its journey on WEBTOON, it not only highlights Korine’s artistic evolution but also signals a broader trend of blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology. This move reflects the changing landscape of narrative forms and how creators like Korine are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in an increasingly digital world.