Since first arriving in the manga medium back in January 2019, Chained Soldier has captivated readers with its imaginative, action-packed storytelling. Now, with its highly-anticipated anime hitting screens, its reach and fan interest are at an all-time high.
The series takes viewers into a Japan riddled with open portals to a dangerous dimension filled with vicious beasts known as Shuuki. It's not 100% doom and gloom, though. This mysterious dimension also houses Peach, a substance that grants superpowers to female humans. The core partnership between protagonists Yuuki Wakura and Kyouka Uzen has raised some eyebrows due to its bizarre looks at both slavery and sexual dynamics. Beyond its more controversial plot points, though, the series is a perfect example of dark fantasy anime for the Shōnen demographic. Sporting energetic action sequences and high-stakes storylines, Chained Soldier touches on a variety of powerful themes including sacrifice, loyalty, and duty. For fans looking for similar stories, here are five other series that fit similar bills.
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5 Guilty Crown
A Fast-Paced, Post-Apocalyptic Treat
- Genre: Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic
- Episodes: 22
- Demographic: Shōnen
- Studio: Production I.G Division 6
This polarizing, post-apocalyptic series takes viewers to a dystopian version of future Japan. Some time after a catastrophic virus outbreak, Japan has been plunged into cutthroat authoritarian rule.
Viewers are introduced to lead hero Shu Ouma, a high schooler who develops a bizarre superpower. Ouma can extract mysterious Voids from those around him. Voids essentially serve as spiritual weapons that come from the souls of those he uses the power on, making room for plenty of inventive action and combat set-ups. Joining a mysterious resistance group known as Funeral Parlor, Ouma's dangerous adventures make for an intriguing, often thrilling viewing experience.
4 Seraph Of The End
A Thrilling Vampire Fantasy Series
- Genre: Dark fantasy
- Episodes: 24
- Demographic: Shōnen
- Studio: Wit Studio
The threat of bloodthristy vampires is in full, apocalyptic force in this well-regarded series. The story in Seraph of the End focuses on a virus that destroys humanity, all whilst curiously sparing anyone aged 13 and under.
As if having an Armageddon-level viral outbreak wasn't enough to contend with, the world is then rocked by the emergence of vampires. The long-hidden blood suckers quickly establish themselves as the dominant life form, making life hard for many, including series protagonist Yuichiro Hyakuya. A troubled youngster, Hyakuya's militant vampire-hunting makes up a key aspect of the story, as viewers are immersed in a bleak, fantastical world of vampiric dominance.
3 Black Bullet
An All-Action, Post-Apocalyptic Thrill-Ride
- Genre: Post-apocalyptic
- Episodes: 13
- Demographic: Shōnen
- Studio: Kinema Citrus, Orange
In a rather ominous premise for modern viewers, Black Bullet sees the world in turmoil from a parasitic threat starting in 2021. The dreaded Gastrea epidemic grows so devastating that what's left of humanity must hide behind enormous metal walls.
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The series follows Rentaro Satomi, a high school student serving in civil security. With his Initiator, Enju Aihara, and old pal Kisara Tendo, Satomi goes about action-packed missions to protect Tokyo from the ever-present threat of the Gastrea. With thrilling sequences, intriguing character dynamics, Black Bullet delivers the suspenseful goods with its dark, atmospheric post-apocalyptic world and lore. The impressive hybrid blend of standard animation and CGI also lends some visual originality and intrigue to the series.
2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Boasts Rich Lore And World-Building
- Genre: Steampunk
- Episodes: 54
- Demographic: Shōnen
- Studio: Bones
This highly acclaimed classic follows brothers Alphonse and Edward Elric as they undertake the quest for the Philosopher's Stone. The pair are in dire need of its magical properties to restore their damaged bodies following a catastrophic alchemical experiment.
As the pair move through a dangerous world full of political intrigue and potentially fatal alchemy, they encounter a whole host of both challenging moral dilemmas and fearsome adversaries to tangle with. Neatly blending action, mystery and thoughtful drama, Brotherhood takes viewers through a variety of fascinating locations as the brothers continue their quest to heal under the watch of State Military alchemist Roy Mustang. Thanks to its immersive lore, world-building, and thrilling action and storytelling, Brotherhood is a must-watch for fans of the anime medium across the board.
1 Attack On Titan
Epic Storytelling And Action
- Genre: Post-apocalyptic
- Episodes: 94
- Demographic: Shōnen
- Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
This iconic dark fantasy epic sees the world violently overrun by monstrous man-eating Titans. With this new threat quickly pushing humanity to an extinction-level event, survivors are forced to live behind enormous walls to remain safe.
Initially, the bulk of the narrative follows protagonist Eren Yeager's journey into the military to join the fight against the Titan threat. It allows viewers to discover both the horror and lore of the setting, as well as getting to know Yeager and a whole host of intriguing, complex characters fighting the good fight to keep humanity going. The increasingly complex plot, as well as the unpredictability of the frequent character deaths, ensures the series never runs out of steam. With intense action, thought-provoking existential themes, and well-constructed character arcs, Attack on Titan is an incredible piece of dark, imaginative storytelling.
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