Demon Slayer Fans: Immersive Exhibit Explores the ‘History of Manga and Anime’
Fans of Japanese pop culture are in for an immersive experience at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, “Immersive History of Manga & Anime,” Designed by the visionary duo Vanessa Vu and Kevin Yu of 2d is open until September 21st. The exhibit invites visitors to quite literally step into the pages of manga, exploring the rich and dynamic evolution.
Demon Slayer fans, this is the perfect time to celebrate! The experience designed by Vanessa Vu and Kevin Yu, which focuses on the global phenomenon of Manga, is ongoing, and in time for the worldwide release of the new movie, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle.
The film, which is already a massive box office success for Sony/Crunchyroll, is projected to have a record-breaking opening weekend for an anime movie in the U.S. Some early predictions estimate a $28 million Friday (including $11.4 million from Thursday previews) and a three-day opening of $45 million. Fans and collectors are trying to get their hands on the new Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle popcorn buckets and sword cups, and scoop up any collectables they can find in the US.
Every surface of the space—walls, floors, and furniture—is meticulously crafted to create a stunning black-and-white, hand-drawn environment. It’s a surreal, larger-than-life comic book that guests can walk through, with each area dedicated to a specific era in the history of this influential art form.
The journey begins with the ancient roots of Japanese visual storytelling, from the hand-drawn scrolls of the past to the introduction of the term “manga” itself. Visitors will then progress through the key periods that shaped the medium, including the post-World War II golden age and the pioneering works of artists like Osamu Tezuka, often hailed as the “god of manga.” The exhibit chronicles the rise of different genres, from the action-packed shōnen to the heartfelt shōjo, and the global spread of manga as a cultural phenomenon.
For those captivated by the intense action and compelling characters of the new Demon Slayer film, the “Immersive History of Manga & Anime” exhibit offers a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of their passion. By walking through the very history that gave rise to masterpieces like Demon Slayer, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic legacy behind the anime they love. It’s a chance to see how the centuries-old tradition of sequential art has evolved to produce the modern heroes who are captivating audiences around the globe.
From 2d x CCMA: First-ever Immersive Manga Exhibit:
In collaboration with the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, we transformed a blank museum space into the world’s first fully immersive manga environment — a walkable black-and-white dreamscape inspired by the origins of Japanese comics. Visitors stepped through a hand-illustrated portal door into a surreal world where gallery walls became living panels, everyday objects turned into flat drawings, and guests became part of the story.
From concept sketches to final install, every detail was custom-designed and hand-executed to blur the line between fantasy and reality. The result? An unforgettable experience that redefined what a museum exhibit could be — playful, participatory, and deeply visual.
The Origins – Hokusai Manga Room The Birth of Manga
Step into the world of Hokusai Manga, where the roots of Japanese comic storytelling come alive in bold black ink. This room features oversized sketches and framed panel walls that honor the legendary ukiyo-e master who helped shape the language of manga. Visitors are surrounded by scroll-style illustrations, dynamic characters, and sound effect calligraphy that echo Hokusai’s influence on generations of artists.
Highlight Feature: A massive floor-to-ceiling 16′ Hokusai Wave in our 2d Manga Style
Nostalgia Zone – Doraemon’s Bedroom Whimsy, Wonder & Time Travel
Through a hand-drawn portal door, guests enter a reimagined 1970s Japanese bedroom straight out of Doraemon. Featuring illusory wall art and nostalgic props, this space invites visitors to relive their childhood fantasies of gadgets, friendship, and imagination. It’s a love letter to simpler times — and the joy of dreaming big.
Highlight Feature: A replica of Nobita’s desk that lets the fan relive their favorite Doraemon moment
Power & Play – Dragon Ball Room Energy, Movement & Adventure
This room bursts with energy, celebrating the action-packed legacy of Dragon Ball. With the first-ever recreation of the fighter’s podium. Visitors feel like they’re mid-battle inside a comic book panel. Playful posing spots and exaggerated props let guests channel their inner Super Saiyan.
Highlight Feature: A replica of the fighter’s podium in the first-ever world martial arts tournament, which Goku participated.
Legacy & Emotion – Demon Slayer Hall Destiny, Sacrifice & Epic Storytelling
Inspired by the highly anticipated Infinity Castle arc from Demon Slayer, this final room is a fan reimagining of the climactic battleground where the series’s most heartfelt and heroic moments unfold. Our hand-drawn version of the castle channels the dramatic tension of the original story — a surreal, maze-like space where each pillar faces its destiny.
Highlight Feature: A glowing, ethereal photo zone framed by floating lanterns and fragmented castle lines, inviting guests to step into a quiet moment before battle — and become part of the story themselves.
Demon Slayer Fans: Immersive Exhibit Explores the ‘History of Manga and Anime’
