The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Etorouji Shiono’s dark fantasy manga, Übel Blatt, has finally arrived, premiering on January 10, 2025, in Japan and globally on Amazon Prime Video the following day. This long-awaited adaptation of the 24-volume manga series, which ran from 2004 to 2019, has sparked considerable excitement among fans of the genre, particularly those familiar with the manga’s intricate plot, brutal action, and mature themes. The anime is produced by Satelight, known for their work on series such as Log Horizon and Fairy Tail, in collaboration with Staple Entertainment and Dax Production.
A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge
The story of Übel Blatt is set in the year 3992 AD, in a medieval, Germanic-inspired land. It centers around the complex character of Koinzell, a young swordsman wielding a deadly black sword. The narrative’s core revolves around a dark and violent revenge quest. Twenty years prior to the main events, the Emperor of Szaalenden dispatched fourteen warriors, the “Lances,” to combat the invading forces of Wischtech. Among them, three perished on the way, and four were later branded as traitors. However, the truth is far more sinister: the remaining seven warriors betrayed their comrades, murdered them, and falsely claimed victory, subsequently becoming known as the “Seven Heroes.” Ascheriit, one of the betrayed warriors, survived and, after a transformation, now seeks vengeance under the alias of Koinzell. He is driven by a desire to expose the treachery of the “Seven Heroes” and avenge his fallen comrades.
A Dark and Gritty World
The world of Übel Blatt is not for the faint of heart. It’s a brutal and unforgiving setting, filled with despair, treachery, and violence. The series embraces the dark fantasy genre, exploring mature themes and featuring graphic content. The anime adaptation doesn’t shy away from the manga’s signature ultraviolence, presenting intense and bloody battle scenes. The landscape is characterized by brutalist medieval architecture, contrasting with anachronistic futuristic technology such as airships, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere.
Characters and Their Complexities
Koinzell, voiced by Yûya Hirose, is the protagonist of this grim tale. Initially appearing as a young, unassuming boy, he proves to be an exceptionally skilled swordsman with a dark past and a relentless determination for revenge. His character is shrouded in mystery, and the anime delves into the reasons behind his quest, gradually unveiling his true identity and motivations.
Other key characters include:
- Peepi, voiced by Hina Tachibana, a supporting character who accompanies Koinzell on his journey.
- Altea, voiced by Hitomi Ueda, another important figure in Koinzell’s story.
- Aht, voiced by Yui Kanari.
- Wied, voiced by Toshiki Masuda.
These characters are not merely plot devices, but rather individuals with their own unique backgrounds, motivations, and complexities, adding depth to the narrative. The series features a broad cast, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding events. The “Seven Heroes”, the “Traitorous Lances” and the Szaalenden Empire all have their own power struggles, which add further intricacy to the plot.
Voice Acting and Character Design
The voice cast for Übel Blatt is comprised of talented voice actors who bring life to the characters. The voice acting enhances the emotional depth and intensity of the scenes, contributing significantly to the overall viewing experience. Kiyoshi Tateishi’s character designs stay true to the manga’s art style, while also adapting it for animation. The designs manage to capture the dark and gritty nature of the series while still being visually appealing.
Adaptation and Changes
While the anime adaptation remains largely faithful to the manga, it does introduce some changes. Most notably, the anime has toned down some of the more graphic and explicit content present in the source material, specifically censoring the NSFW scenes. Some content is cut, including an entire story arc involving the character Kfer. These changes are not uncommon in anime adaptations and are likely made to appeal to a broader audience. However, some manga fans may find these alterations to be a disappointment.
Music and Sound Design
The opening theme song, “Zainin (Sinner)” by GARNiDELiA, sets the tone for the series, conveying the feeling of a revenge quest. The ending theme, “Stella” by Hina Tachibana, provides a contrasting, melancholic feel. The music and sound design work together effectively to create a fully immersive viewing experience, highlighting the tension, emotion, and action of the series. The sound effects during battles enhance the impact of the combat sequences.
Reception and Anticipation
The Übel Blatt anime adaptation has generated significant anticipation among fans of the manga. The initial reviews have been mostly positive, highlighting the anime’s faithfulness to the dark fantasy tone of the manga. However, some have expressed disappointment over the censorship of certain graphic scenes. Overall, the series is seen as a welcome addition to the dark fantasy genre, with many praising its complex characters, gripping plot, and brutal action. Many are drawing comparisons between Übel Blatt and other popular dark fantasy anime such as Berserk, noting similarities in their tone, themes, and overall aesthetic.
Where to Watch
The Übel Blatt anime is currently streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video. New episodes are released weekly, with episode 3 scheduled for release on January 25, 2025. The series is available in Japanese with subtitles, allowing viewers around the world to follow Koinzell’s quest for revenge.
Final Thoughts
The premiere of Übel Blatt marks a significant moment for fans of the manga and those who appreciate dark fantasy anime. The series promises a grim tale of betrayal and revenge, set in a brutal and unforgiving world. With its complex characters, intense action sequences, and mature themes, Übel Blatt looks set to be a notable addition to the anime landscape in 2025. While some may be disappointed by the changes from the manga, particularly the censorship of certain scenes, the series as a whole seems to remain true to the spirit of its source material. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, Übel Blatt is an anime worth exploring.
