Game of Thrones has ended after 8 season, and although it has slipped considerably in quality these last seasons (the trouble begin back in season 5 and the botched job the showrunners did with the Dorne arc) it still was mostly an enjoyable fantasy ride. People were rightfully angered on some (if not most) of the things that transpired in season 8, but now it’s time to move on. Perhaps the various rumoured spin-offs and prequels from the GoT universe will prove successful, but for now why not check out some of the anime fantasy series out there?
These last few years the isekai* subgenre has in many ways dominated the anime fantasy, and there are some real gems in the genre, but today I’ll focus on the proper high fantasy shows.
*Isekai denotes a story where a normal human is transported/trapped/reincarnated in an alternate world
Lodoss-tou Senki – Record of Lodoss War
What: 13 episode long OVA (1990-91)
Record of Lodoss War is in many ways the golden standard for anime fantasy. The first anime adaptation was done as an OVA in 1990 but the franchise began with the serialized D&D replays of from 1986 to 1988. Replays is in fact transcripted RPG session, and some has aptly described the Record of Lodoss War as an anime equivalent of Critical Role (an D&D podcast). The franchise has since grown, spawning both novels, manga, anime and compute game adaptations. The first OVA is of course pretty nostalgic viewing, but both the OST and animation is very good for early 90’s and the story and characters are pure D&D fun. The OVA adapts the first 2 novels and parts of novel 3 and 4, but as it overtook the novels you get an original ending which is a bit rushed (sounds familiar GoT fans?) .
Lodoss-tou Senki: Eiyuu Kishi Den – Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight
What: 27 episode long TV series (1998)
This alternate version/sequel to Record of Lodoss War was released in 1998. The story picks up in part where the OVA left us, starting by following the same characters before introducing new characters. It is a more faithful adaptation of the novels (1 to 7).
Mahou Senshi Louie – Rune Soldier
What: 24 episode long TV-series (2001)
If you aren’t tired of the Lodoss-setting you can also give Mahou Senshi Louie a go. Set in the same fantasy setting, this show is more fantasy-comedy, mostly episodic in nature and fairly light-hearted.
Claymore
What: 26 episode long TV-series (2007)
Claymore is a darker, more mature show. A very medieval setting where Yoma (shapeshifting demons) prey on the human world and a mysterious organization have female human-yoma hybrids called Claymore defend the various parts of the world. Again where talking about an adaptation of a long running manga series (27 volumes, from 2001 to 2014). As the show again ended before manga, the final two episodes make an very alternate ending to the story compared to the manga.
Goblin Slayer
What: 12 episode long TV-series (2018)
A newest show on the list, Goblin Slayer takes on many of the familiar fantasy tropes, but with the twist that the main character is obsessed by killing golbins, as perceived as low-level threats. The show mirrors part of the reason I prefer low to middle-level RPG-campaigns. It also has a few mature scenes. The first episode in particular seemed to shock a lot of viewers and made Crunchyroll (which streams the show internationally) to include a warning screen before each episode. Again we are talking on a long running novel series so you can expect more anime seasons.
Kenpuu Denki Berserk – Berserk
What: 25 episode long TV-series (1997-98)
You can’t really talk about anime fantasy without mentioning Berserk, the quintessential dark fantasy. The franchise began as a manga in 1989 and is still running (40 volumes as of 2019). If you think GoT fans patience is tested with G.R.R. Martin you should talk to Berserk-fans waiting for Miura to release a new chapter…
In 1997 the Golden Arc of the story was adapted in the 25 episode anime. Strictly for mature audience, the show also feature memorable music by Hirasawa Susumu. If you enjoyed the Red Wedding and equal shocking scenes from GoT you’ll enjoy Berserk (I need only mention the ECLIPSE).
The story has also seen more modern adaptations, the same story arc was animated in 3 movies from 2012 to 2013, and the story continues in two season of 12 episode (2016 and 2017). While it is interesting to see new material being adapted to anime, the newer season does suffer from rahter sloppy animation, way too reliant on CGI.
Also worth mentioning;
Slayers (basically slapstick fantasy, wonderful voice-cast), Juuni Kokki (isekai-show with take on ancient Chinese and Japanese mythology), Arslan Senki (political struggle in medieval setting) and Tenkuu no Escaflowne (Isekai-show combining mech-fighting and fantasy, superb soundtrack by Yoko Kanno).
Tabletop Cave 