The first trailer for Netflix’s next Original production, Onymoji, has been released. This is Marvy Jack’s first original series and the first anime adaptation of a popular Japanese historical fantasy book series. On November 28, 2023, if you’re interested, the premiere of this new program will occur.
Having a name so close to an unrelated gaming might hurt the new anime’s chances of becoming popular abroad. The first original production from Studio Marvy Jack will also be scrutinized, however ideally it will live up to the studio’s fans’ expectations.
But the Heian period of Japan is an unusual setting for anime, so that should help it stand out from the crowd of other fantasy stories.
Onmyoji Recreates the Heian Period of Japanese Television
The following is the series’ official summary.
In prosperous ancient Kyoto, court musician Minamoto Hiromasa, grandson of Emperor Daigo, visits the residence of the official onmyoji — the yin-yang diviners — in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the demons that disturb the city. While there, he is introduced to a man perfectly suited for untangling these enigmas: the great onmyoji Abe Seimei, a man cloaked in an otherworldly aura. Hiromasa is vexed by Seimei’s lack of interest in the mundane world and his reluctance to help, but the two of them confront the demons at the cause of the incidents. They eventually find the onmyoji Ashiya Doman, who lurks in the shadows of the demons. Seimei and Hiromasa are joined by Hiromasa’s flute teacher Imperial Prince Atsumi, the emperor’s onmyoji Kamo Yasunori, and Lady Tsuyuko, who comes to accompany them as a result of a particular case. As their emotions intertwine like threads, will Seimei and Hiromasa be able to restore peace to the capital?
Like Aleister Crowley is frequently cited as a “real life” wizard in Western media, Abe Seimei is a prominent figure in Japanese fiction as a pseudo-historical sorcerer. The new anime is an adaptation of short stories by Baku Yumemakura, which feature the historical fantasy character Seimei.
Since its inception in 1986, Onmyoji has seen the publication of three books by Yumemakura, all published between the years 2000 and 2008. Even though several live-action adaptations and manga already exist for the property, an anime adaptation has not been made until now. While Onmyoji’s popularity in Japan seems assured, Netflix is putting a lot of money into the show breaking over outside.
The most peculiar thing about Onmyoji is that a 2016 mobile phone game of the same name and premise, which has become its own franchise around Abe Seimei, shares its name with it. Some viewers may be confused if they were anticipating a different program. Also putting a lot on this series is Marvy Jack.
The company has been there since 2003, but they’ve never done much more than provide essential animation and background art as a support service. Even so, the teaser suggests that the animation and artwork are of a high caliber and that the program has all the characteristics that appeal to anime lovers, such as exciting action sequences and a recognizable ensemble.
The audience for Onmyoji is unproven, and the studio behind the show has never released anything before. Nonetheless, with its dazzling otherworldly conflicts and exorcisms, the teaser offers potential. If Marvy Jack is successful, it will have the distinction of being the first anime adaptation of the beloved novel series.
The Heian period is rarely shown in anime because most shows are set in modern Japan. Going back to a more traditional form of fantasy is a refreshing change of pace. If you’re looking for a really original anime, keep an eye out for Onmyoji, which premieres on Netflix on November 28.
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