# BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (2022)

> A volatile dark wizard is called upon by a kingdom to stop evil forces from resurrecting the God of Destruction in this heavy metal flavored dark fantasy anime.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/119115

## Facts

- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 39
- Episode runtime: 25 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, fantasy, action
- Network: Netflix
- Cast: Kisho Taniyama, Tomori Kusunoki, Hiroki Yasumoto, Yoko Hikasa, Kanae Itou, Tomokazu Sugita, Kensho Ono, Nao Toyama
- TMDB rating: 6.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17736234/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: graphic
- Tone: irreverent, bloody, theatrical, brooding

## What critics say

Audiences rate the series as a mixed but generally enjoyable heavy metal dark fantasy anime, praised for its bombastic action and over-the-top style while its gratuitous content divides viewers.

## Synopsis

BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (2022-2023) is a Japanese anime series produced for Netflix, a two-season adaptation of a dark fantasy manga that spans 39 episodes. The story follows the volatile dark wizard Dark Schneider, voiced by Kisho Taniyama, who is called upon by the Kingdom of Meta-llicana when evil forces threaten to resurrect Anthrasax, the God of Destruction. Principal voice cast includes Tomori Kusunoki as Tia Noto Yoko, Yoko Hikasa as Arshes Nei, and Kanae Itou as Lucien Renlen, with Tomokazu Sugita as Abigail adding to the ensemble. Each episode is a brisk, sword and sorcery set piece in which the wizard's destructive power is both a threat and a weapon, with battles that escalate across the seasons. The look leans into heavy metal iconography, giving the fantasy kingdom a loud, theatrical energy. Its tone is irreverent and bloody, mixing crude humor with grim violence and adult sensuality. Fans of Berserk and Overlord will find resonance in its dark fantasy scale and demonic protagonist. Two seasons, one continuing storyline, and a fully concluded arc make it a stylish, adult-oriented anime for viewers who enjoy metal-tinged excess.

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