We were fortunate enough to attend the exclusive live preview of Übel Blatt Episode 1 at AFA Singapore 2024, marking the first time the episode was shown to an audience worldwide. The anime, based on Etorouji Shiono’s long-running manga series, follows Köinzell, a swordsman with a hidden past and a vendetta against the Seven Heroes—legendary figures who betrayed him years ago.

The story takes place 20 years after the Seven Heroes sealed away a dark force, only for turmoil to resurface along the empire’s borders. Amid the chaos, Köinzell, now known as “The Hero of the Frontier,” emerges with unrivaled swordsmanship. However, behind his heroic facade is the truth: Köinzell is Ascheriit, a member of the “Lances of Betrayal” who was wrongfully accused and left to die by the very heroes he once fought alongside.

The episode introduces several key characters. Köinzell’s complex and tragic journey is shaped by his immortality, gained through merging with a fae’s power, and his mastery of dark swordsmanship, which peaks under the moonlight. The characters that accompany him are Wied, an ax-throwing warrior with an eyepatch; Peepii, a resourceful and courageous girl from the Miruell-Miriel tribe; and Altea, a sultry smuggler with a deep past and romantic feelings toward Köinzell. As their fates become intertwined, the anime sets the stage for a journey filled with betrayal, vengeance, and personal growth.

The production quality of Übel Blatt stands out. Yuya Hirose’s portrayal of Köinzell brings emotional depth to the character, capturing both his pain and resilience. Hina Tachibana’s performance as Peepii balances the intense plot with warmth and energy, offering some relief amid the dark themes of the story. The soundtrack complements the visuals, enhancing the emotional and action-driven sequences, creating an immersive experience for viewers.

As a newcomer to the manga, the preview episode allowed me to approach the story with fresh eyes. While the pacing felt slightly rushed, it quickly established the world, characters, and Köinzell’s personal quest for revenge. It left me eager to see how the rest of his journey unfolds. The opening chapter of this epic tale creates a foundation of suspense and intrigue, with rich character development and an engaging premise that will keep viewers hooked.

During the event, producer Yuki Watanabe and voice actor Yuya Hirose joined us virtually from Japan, expressing their excitement about adapting a 20-year-old manga for today’s audiences. They discussed the manga’s success in France, where it ranked among the top 15 best-selling titles in 2008, and how the Asian audience might react to the anime adaptation. Although they couldn’t attend AFA Singapore 2024 in person, they both shared their hopes to visit Singapore next year, especially to explore attractions like Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi.

Übel Blatt will officially debut in Japan on January 11, 2025, with a global release via Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans around the world to experience this dark and thrilling adventure.

In the meantime, if you’re interested to learn more about the highly anticipated anime, be sure to visit the official website here!