Seikoku no Dragonar

Dragonar Academy

Characters

Eco

MAIN

Ash Blake

MAIN

Rebecca Randall

MAIN

Silvia Lautreamont

MAIN

Cosette Shelley

SUPPORTING

Navi

SUPPORTING

Primrose Shelley

SUPPORTING

Veronica Lautreamont

SUPPORTING

Maximillian Russell

SUPPORTING

Lucca Sarlinen

SUPPORTING

Angela Cornwell

SUPPORTING

Anya

SUPPORTING

Milgauss

SUPPORTING

Jessica Valentine

SUPPORTING

Raymond Kirkland

SUPPORTING

Dragonar Academy Season 1: A Fiery, Flawed Flight Through a Dragon-Ridden World

In the sprawling landscape of anime, where magic schools and fantastical creatures are as common as cherry blossoms, Dragonar Academy (or Seikoku no Dragonar) swoops in with a premise that’s equal parts audacious and absurd: a fantasy world where students bond with dragons, but one boy’s dragon hatches as a sassy, human-shaped girl. Airing from April to June 2014, this 12-episode adaptation of Shiki Mizuchi’s light novel series, animated by C-Station, is a wild ride that’s as memorable for its untapped potential as it is for its unabashed embrace of ecchi tropes. Let’s dive into what makes Season 1 of Dragonar Academy a unique, if imperfect, gem in the anime canon.

A World Where Dragons Choose Their Masters

Set in the fictional Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, the series introduces us to a world where dragons are not just mythical beasts but partners implanted into select humans, known as Breeders, who bear a star-shaped “seikoku” mark. These students train to become Dragonars, mastering the art of riding and taming their dragon “Par.” It’s a concept brimming with possibilities: political intrigue between dragon-riding nations, the emotional complexities of human-dragon bonds, and high-stakes battles atop soaring beasts. The show’s lore, with its mix of magic and pseudo-steampunk technology, hints at a rich tapestry—think How to Train Your Dragon meets Harry Potter, with a dash of Game of Thrones’ courtly scheming.

At the heart of this world is Ash Blake, a first-year student dubbed the “number one problem child.” Despite his oversized seikoku, which marks him as a potential dragon master, Ash is a laughingstock because his Par has never awakened. That changes when, during a dragon race against the haughty Princess Silvia Lautreamont, his dragon finally emerges—not as a majestic beast, but as Eco, a pink-haired, sharp-tongued girl who declares she’s the master and Ash her servant. This role reversal sets the tone for a series that’s as much about defying expectations as it is about indulging in anime clichés.

The Charm of Chaos: Ash and Eco’s Dynamic

What makes Dragonar Academy stand out is the chemistry between Ash and Eco. Ash, voiced by Kōji Takahashi (Japanese) and Aaron Dismuke (English), is a likable underdog: brash, kind-hearted, and burdened by a mysterious past. His unique ability to ride any dragon, a power that’s both a blessing and a curse, adds depth to his character. Eco, meanwhile, is a delightful paradox—a dragon with the body of a human girl, the ego of a queen, and the emotional maturity of a toddler. Her insistence on being the dominant partner leads to hilarious exchanges, like when she demands Ash feed her crepes or when she gets flustered by her own draconic instincts.

Their relationship is the show’s beating heart, blending comedy, tension, and a touch of forbidden romance. Eco’s human form raises questions about identity and power dynamics: Is she truly a dragon? Can she control her immense power? And why does she look like a cute anime girl? These mysteries, coupled with Ash’s quest to prove himself, give the series a narrative spine that’s more compelling than its surface-level fan service suggests.

A Cast of Colorful (If Tropish) Characters

The supporting cast adds flavor to the mix, though most lean heavily into anime archetypes. Princess Silvia, voiced by Ayane Sakura, starts as a tsundere noble but grows into a fierce Dragonar with a soft spot for Ash. Her arc, culminating in a bold declaration of love, is a highlight, though it sparks a rivalry with Eco that’s equal parts amusing and predictable. Rebecca Randall, the student council president and an Arch Dragonar, exudes cool confidence and teases Ash to stir jealousy among his admirers. Then there’s Lucca Saarinen, an eccentric prodigy with dragon troubles, and Anya, a Zepharos Empire spy whose loyalty wavers after Ash saves her life.

The villains, led by the enigmatic Milgauss and the sinister Mordred, introduce a darker edge. Their schemes, involving necromantic dragons and political conspiracies, hint at a larger conflict that Season 1 only scratches the surface of. Unfortunately, the show’s 12-episode runtime doesn’t give these characters—or their dragons—enough room to breathe, leaving many arcs unresolved.

A Visual and Sonic Feast

C-Station’s animation is a mixed bag but shines in its dragon designs and action sequences. The dragons, from Silvia’s majestic Lancelot to Rebecca’s spear-wielding Cú Chulainn, are beautifully rendered, their scales glinting in the sunlight as they soar through the sky. Battle scenes, like the fight against a rogue Necromancia dragon, are thrilling, blending CGI and traditional animation to capture the scale of these creatures. However, character animation can feel stiff, and the show’s reliance on ecchi moments—think dissolving clothes and tentacle-like attacks—sometimes undercuts its more serious ambitions.

The soundtrack, composed by Takasugu Wakabayashi, is another standout, with sweeping orchestral pieces that elevate the fantasy setting. The opening theme, “Seiken Nante Iranai” by Yui Sakakibara, is a catchy banger that perfectly captures the show’s blend of heroism and cheekiness. The ending, “MOST Ijō no ‘MOSTEST’” by Eco, Silvia, and Rebecca’s voice actresses, is a playful ode to the harem dynamics.

Where It Soars—and Where It Stumbles

Dragonar Academy’s greatest strength is its world-building. The concept of a dragon-riding academy, coupled with the geopolitical tensions between nations like Lautreamont and Zepharos, offers a sandbox ripe for exploration. Episodes like the training camp arc, where Ash uncovers secrets about Lucca’s dragon, or the Continental Congress in Fontaine, where Milgauss’ plans unfold, showcase the show’s potential for epic storytelling.

Yet, it’s hard to ignore the series’ flaws. The heavy-handed fan service—Eco’s arousal from crepes, Oscar’s hidden bust, and countless upskirt shots—feels gratuitous, alienating viewers who crave substance over titillation. Critics on platforms like Reddit have echoed this sentiment, lamenting how ecchi tropes dilute a promising premise. The 12-episode format also rushes the plot, leaving major threads—like Eco’s true nature and Ash’s childhood trauma—dangling. As one reviewer noted, a 26-episode season could have fleshed out the lore and characters, making the series a fantasy powerhouse.

A Season That Leaves You Wanting More

By the finale, Dragonar Academy Season 1 feels like the first act of a grander saga. The masquerade ball, where Eco transforms into her dragon form and faces Mordred’s possession attempt, is a pulse-pounding climax that resolves little but teases much. Fans have clamored for a second season, but as of 2025, no confirmation has emerged, despite the light novel’s 20 volumes and manga’s 13 providing ample material. The show’s moderate popularity and C-Station’s shift to other projects make a continuation unlikely, leaving viewers to turn to the source material for closure.

Why It’s Unique

What sets Dragonar Academy apart is its fearless blend of high fantasy and lowbrow humor. It’s a show that dares to pair dragon-riding heroics with a dragon girl who gets drunk on herbs and a protagonist who’s both a chosen one and a perpetual underdog. It’s not Fullmetal Alchemist, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a love letter to fans of harem comedies, dragon lore, and school settings, delivered with just enough heart to make you forgive its excesses.

For those who enjoy High School DxD or Sky Wizards Academy, Dragonar Academy is a kindred spirit, offering a world where dragons are as much about spectacle as they are about relationships. If you can stomach the fan service and embrace the chaos, Season 1 is a 12-episode romp that’s as fun as it is frustrating—a dragon that never quite takes flight but leaves you dreaming of the skies it could have soared.

Where to Watch: Stream Dragonar Academy on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Prime Video, available in both sub and dub.

Recommendation: Dive in if you love dragons, harems, and fantasy with a side of silliness. Skip it if ecchi isn’t your thing or you demand a complete story. For the full experience, check out the light novels or manga to see where Ash and Eco’s journey leads.

Dragonar Academy Season 1 is a flawed but fascinating artifact of 2014’s anime scene—a show that’s less about taming dragons and more about taming its own wild ambitions. And in that struggle, it finds a spark of magic all its own.