Gunjou no Magmell

Ultramarine Magmell

Aired: 2019-04-07

Status: FINISHED

Ratings: 58/100

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Tags: Work, Super Power, Episodic, Shounen, Male Protagonist, Bullying, Kaiju, Environmental

Total Episodes: 13

Duration: 24 min

Studio: bilibili

Source: MANGA

Format: TV

Season: SPRING

Release Year: 2019

Season No: 1

Director: Hayato Date

Watch:Official Site, Twitter, Netflix

Synopsis

The fantasy series takes place in a world where a new continent named Magmell suddenly appears in the ocean, and a new age of exploration begins. Explorers venture to the island to find previously unknown lifeforms and resources, but experience one disaster after another. The manga follows the mysterious young men who make a living as relief workers who aid the explorers. (Source: Anime News Network)

Trailer

Characters

Inyou

MAIN

Zero

MAIN

Knuris

SUPPORTING

Elin

SUPPORTING

Stein

SUPPORTING

Burton

SUPPORTING

Shuuin

SUPPORTING

Verena Stellaria

SUPPORTING

Toto

SUPPORTING

Emilia

SUPPORTING

Stua

SUPPORTING

Number Six

SUPPORTING

Narrator

SUPPORTING

Chester

SUPPORTING

Kriks

SUPPORTING

DJ Zee

SUPPORTING

Deysam

SUPPORTING

Baby Fat

SUPPORTING

Taden

SUPPORTING

Rubert

SUPPORTING

Ultramarine Magmell Season 1: A Bold Adventure into an Uncharted World

Ultramarine Magmell (also known as Gunjō no Magmell), a 2019 anime series, bursts onto the screen with a premise brimming with potential. Adapted from the Chinese manhua by Dainenbyo, this 13-episode season, produced by Studio Signpost (formerly Pierrot+), aired in Japan from April 7 to June 30, 2019, before landing on Netflix worldwide on October 10, 2019. Combining fantasy, action, and adventure, the series introduces viewers to a mysterious new continent, Magmell, and follows the exploits of a young rescuer-for-hire named Inyo and his assistant, Zero. While the show dazzles with its unique setting and vibrant visuals, it struggles to fully capitalize on its ambitious ideas, resulting in a mixed but intriguing experience.

The Premise: A New Age of Exploration

Set in a world transformed by the sudden emergence of a new continent in the Pacific Ocean, Ultramarine Magmell taps into humanity’s age-old fascination with the unknown. Magmell is a land of wonders—exotic creatures, rare resources, and uncharted mysteries—but also one of peril, where adventurers face deadly pitfalls and unknown creatures. To support these explorers, specialized professionals called “Anglers” brave Magmell’s dangers to provide rescue and assistance. The story centers on Inyo, a highly skilled Angler with unique “Lachter” powers, and his plucky assistant, Zero, as they undertake perilous missions to save clients and unravel the secrets of this enigmatic land.

The concept is inherently gripping: a frontier teeming with possibilities, where every expedition could yield riches or disaster. The series draws inspiration from the Celtic myth of Mag Mell, an otherworldly paradise, which lends a mystical undertone to the continent’s allure. However, while the premise promises a grand adventure, the execution often leans into episodic storytelling, which can feel disjointed.

Plot and Characters: Potential Meets Pitfalls

Season 1 follows Inyo and Zero through a series of standalone adventures, each showcasing Magmell’s bizarre ecosystem and the duo’s resourcefulness. Episodes range from rescuing a store owner seeking riches (Episode 5: Father Den-Den and Magmell) to Zero’s quest for a fruit to grow taller (Episode 9: Zero’s Great Adventure). The episodic structure highlights Magmell’s diversity—each episode introduces new creatures, environments, or challenges—but it also hampers narrative cohesion. A larger overarching plot only emerges in the final episodes, with the introduction of a villain and hints at deeper mysteries surrounding Inyo’s past and Magmell’s origins.

Inyo, voiced by Kengo Kawanishi, is a confident, quick-witted protagonist whose Lachter abilities—unique powers tied to Magmell—set him apart. Zero, voiced by Mao Ichimichi (M・A・O), is his loyal but insecure assistant, grappling with her childish appearance and a mysterious past tied to her former master, Shuin (Toshiyuki Morikawa). Supporting characters like Emilia (Hibiku Yamamura) add emotional depth, though many remain underdeveloped due to the show’s focus on action over character exploration. Critics and fans note that while the characters have potential, their development feels stunted, with flat arcs and missed opportunities for deeper connections.

Visuals and Sound: A Mixed Bag with Highlights

Visually, Ultramarine Magmell shines in its action sequences and depiction of Magmell’s otherworldly landscapes. The art direction, led by character designer Akiharu Ishii, brings vibrant, creative designs to the creatures and environments, avoiding overused shonen tropes. However, the animation quality can be inconsistent, with some episodes criticized for lackluster visuals that fail to match the premise’s grandeur.

The soundtrack, composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, is a standout, blending traditional Chinese musical elements with epic orchestral scores to enhance the sense of adventure. The opening theme, “Dash&Daaash!!” by Fudanjuku, is energetic and sets an exciting tone, while A Flood of Circle’s ending theme, “The Key,” adds an emotional layer. These elements give the series a unique flavor, even when the narrative falters.

Reception: A Polarizing Adventure

Ultramarine Magmell Season 1 has divided audiences and critics. On platforms like MyAnimeList, it holds a modest score of 6.08, reflecting mixed feelings. Fans praise its creative premise and early episodes for their noir-inspired tone and engaging mysteries, but many criticize its shift to a comedic, episodic format and a rushed finale that fails to resolve key plot points. IMDb reviews range from calling it a “masterpiece” with “great character development” to dismissing it as a “mediocre offering” with “disjointed, no-ending episodes.” Rotten Tomatoes lacks critic reviews but notes its availability on Netflix, while some audience feedback highlights its untapped potential.

The series’ biggest critique is its failure to maintain a consistent storyline. After a promising start, it leans heavily on filler-like episodes, with a villain introduced and defeated abruptly in the final episodes. This lack of focus, combined with animation inconsistencies, left many viewers wanting more. Yet, its unique setting and flashes of brilliance keep it watchable, especially for fans of adventure and fantasy anime.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Journey

Ultramarine Magmell Season 1 is a bold swing that doesn’t fully connect. Its premise—a mysterious continent ripe for exploration—is a fantastic hook, and the dynamic between Inyo and Zero offers moments of charm. The music and occasional visual flair elevate the experience, but the lack of a cohesive narrative and underdeveloped characters hold it back from greatness. With only 13 episodes, it feels like a teaser for a larger story that never fully materializes.

For anime fans craving a fresh take on the adventure genre, Ultramarine Magmell is worth a watch for its creative energy and unique worldbuilding. However, those seeking a tightly woven plot or deep character arcs may find it lacking. As of 2025, there’s no confirmation of a second season, and with the manhua on hiatus since 2019, the series remains in limbo. Still, its potential lingers, making it a flawed but fascinating addition to Netflix’s anime catalog.

Where to Watch: Stream Ultramarine Magmell Season 1 on Netflix.
Rating: 6/10 – A promising adventure that stumbles but still captivates with its bold ideas.

Sources: Information compiled from MyAnimeList, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Anime News Network, and Arcadia Pod.