Three decades after the six-episode OVA series inspired by BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (1992-1993) aired, the manga classic comes back to life in an ONA adaptation by Liden Films. Directed by Takaharu Ozaki, with character design by Sayaka Ono, music by Team-MAX’s Yasuharu Takanashi, and script by Yōsuke Kuroda, the ONA is set to premiere on Netflix on June 30, 2022.
It has been disclosed that the band coldrain will perform the opening theme song and Tielle — the ending theme song. Digital single “BLESSLESS” by Tielle (Warner Music Japan) will be streaming starting on June 24, 2022.
Another key visual has also been revealed.
BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- anime EP1 synopsis and stills revealed
A synopsis and stills for BASTARD!! Episode 1: “The Arrival” have been revealed via the official anime series website:
“400 years after the fall of modern civilization, the world is riddled with chaos and ruled by swords and magic. The Kingdom of Metallicana is under attack by the Dark Rebel Armies and their Four Divine Kings, and Tia Noto Yoko, the daughter of the Grand Priest, must make a fateful decision to save the kingdom. Should she resurrect Dark Schneider, the ancient grand wizard who once sought world domination?!”
BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- ONA 2022: what we know so far
As mentioned above, the BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- anime series will premiere on Netflix on June 30. It will feature two cours, with the first 13 episodes to be made available on the premiere day and the remaining 11 at a later, undisclosed date.
Netflix describes the ONA thusly:
“The Dark Rebel Army, which plans to resurrect the god of destruction Anthrasax, continues to expand its power in a bid to rule the world, led by the overwhelmingly powerful Four Divine Kings. The Kingdom of Metallicana on the Central Metallion Continent is assaulted by the sorcerer-led Dark Rebel Army.
In order to save the kingdom, Tia Noto Yoko, daughter of the Great Priest, has a decision to make — she must resurrect the ancient great wizard who once plotted to rule the world, and who is sealed within her childhood friend Lucien Renren. The only thing that can undo the seal is a virgin’s maiden kiss.
Facing imminent danger, Yoko puts her lips on Lucien’s, and at that moment, dark and powerful energy fills the air. The strongest, wildest, and most beautiful protagonist, the legendary wizard Dark Schneider, is finally revived!”
The main cast features:
- Dark Schneider: Kisho Taniyama (Attack on Titan’s Jean)
- Tia Noto Yoko: Tomori Kusunoki (Assassins Pride’s Melida)
- Gara: Hiroki Yasumoto (One-Punch Man’s King)
- Arshes Nei: Yoko Hikasa (High School DxD’s)
The staff members are:
- Producer: Warner Bros. Japan
- Art Director: Kazuhiro Inoue (Kusanagi)
- Art Setting: Barnstorm Design Labo
- Creature Design: Raita Sunaga
- Effects Design: Tatsuo Yamada
- Color Key Artist: Aiko Shinohara
- Special Effects: Ayumi Arahata
- Special Effects Supervisor: Kumiko Taniguchi
- 3D CGI: Felix Film Compositing
- Director of Photography: Junpei Takatsu
- Editing: Mai Hasegawa
BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- manga
Kazushi Hagiwara’s Bastard!!: Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (BASTARD!! -暗黒の破壊神-) was launched in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1988. It went on hiatus in 2010 and not a single update has been provided since. The manga’s 27th compiled book volume was published by Shueisha in 2012. Viz Media had licensed the manga, publishing 19 volumes, but canceled the release of the 20th volume and terminated the license thereafter.
Bastard!!: Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy is, unsurprisingly, inspired by heavy metal. The plot takes place in the fantasy world of Metallicana and follows a seemingly ordinary 14-year-old boy.
The original six-episode OVA series (1992-1993) cover the first seven manga volumes.