小中千昭
During Sakura-Con 2009, famed character designer Yoshitoshi ABe revealed that he will be developing a new anime titled "Desperant" (デスペラント). He also announced that he will be working with many of the staff who worked on "Serial Experiments Lain". Details on the storyline were scarce as ABe stated that the anime had not been officially unveiled in Japan yet, but he revealed that it will be set during Japan's Taishō era. On his personal blog the next day, ABe clarified that the title of the anime is "Despera" and that he mispronounced it during the announcement at Sakura-Con. On his website, Chiaki J. Konaka announced a graphic novel serialization in the Japanese magazine "Animage" which lasted for a year, with the story penned by him and artwork provided by ABe.