For decades, the fantasy anime genre has captivated fans with its darker tones, from gritty settings to brutal themes. Although this intense flavor of storytelling has recently been overshadowed by more lighthearted, colorful works, an upcoming series may be set to change that. Enter Blade & Bastard, a dark fantasy tale adapted from a light novel and manga series, crafted by creators with ties to some of the most well-regarded fantasy anime of recent years.
A Glimpse Into the Story of Blade & Bastard
First launched in December 2022 as a light novel, Blade & Bastard follows Iarumas, a somber character tasked with retrieving the bodies of fallen explorers from dangerous caves and dungeons. This unique job ties directly to his past, as Iarumas himself was resurrected from death, left with no memory of his previous life. Stoic and solitary, he navigates this grim world with pragmatism until he encounters a young swordswoman named Garbage, the sole survivor of a group of adventurers. Together, they delve even deeper into treacherous territory, with Iarumas finding renewed purpose.
The light novel series has since produced four volumes, while its manga adaptation launched shortly afterward, now with three volumes completed. Although details about the anime adaptation remain under wraps, fans can expect it to hit screens in the coming year, allowing the series more time to amass material for a faithful adaptation.
A New Hope for Dark Fantasy in Anime
The anime landscape has evolved since its dark-fantasy golden age during Japan’s economic boom of the 1980s, a time marked by experimental, adult-oriented OVAs such as Fist of the North Star and Berserk. These works brought a sharp, dark edge to the fantasy genre, influenced by Western tabletop games like Wizardry, and stood in stark contrast to the family-friendly animation popular in the West. By the 1990s, anime had established a dedicated global following partly due to these grittier tones.
Today, popular anime tend to be lighter, such as One Piece and My Hero Academia. Although the recent emergence of darker shonen series offered a potential return to these themes, works like Dandadan show that comedy and fantastical action dominate current trends, even in fantasy. Meanwhile, the rise of isekai has largely defined modern fantasy anime, with its escapist tales often steering far from the harsh realities that Blade & Bastard aims to reintroduce.
Behind the Scenes: A Talent Roster Rooted in Dark Fantasy
The creators behind Blade & Bastard bring impressive credentials. Writer Kumo Kagyu previously helmed Goblin Slayer, known for its unflinching portrayal of grim fantasy, while the novel’s illustrations are by so-bin, the artist for the popular isekai series Overlord. This pairing of dark fantasy expertise promises to add depth to Blade & Bastard’s visuals and storytelling, building anticipation for an anime that can stand apart from current trends.
The return of dark fantasy themes in Blade & Bastard has the potential to attract a broader audience and reengage fans who have grown weary of isekai and formulaic shonen. As the novels and manga gain a foothold in Western markets, anticipation is building for an anime that may become one of the most eagerly awaited fantasy series in recent years.
With its distinct storytelling and veteran creative team, Blade & Bastard could be just what the fantasy genre needs to revive a classic era, offering a fresh yet familiar experience to both seasoned fans and newcomers to dark anime.
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