Alexander Key is an American author whose work became foundational to anime through the adaptation of his novel The Incredible Tide. Born in 1904 in Florida, Key wrote primarily science fiction and fantasy for young readers, often exploring themes of survival, community, and the relationship between humanity and technology. His most significant contribution to anime and manga stems from his 1970 novel The Incredible Tide, which was adapted by Nippon Animation into the 1978 television series Mirai Shōnen Conan (Future Boy Conan). Directed by Hayao Miyazaki in his first major directorial role, the series remains a landmark in animation history. Key is credited as the original creator for the series and its related productions, including the 1982 compilation film Mirai Shōnen Conan Tokubetsu-hen - Kyodaiki Gigant no Fukkatsu, which re-edited footage from the series. While Key did not write or illustrate manga directly, his narrative framework provided the source material for subsequent manga adaptations derived from the anime. His authorship is defined by post-apocalyptic settings, resilient child protagonists, and a critical view of industrialized societies—elements that aligned closely with the emerging environmental and humanistic sensibilities of 1970s Japanese animation. Though Key’s broader literary career included other works such as The Forgotten Door and Escape to Witch Mountain, his influence within the anime industry rests almost entirely on The Incredible Tide’s adaptation, which helped establish the narrative depth and directorial style that would later define Studio Ghibli. His role as an original creator in anime is thus one of indirect but foundational significance, bridging American young adult fiction with a transformative moment in Japanese television animation.