Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger

Sirius the Jaeger

Characters

Yuliy Jirov

MAIN

Fallon

SUPPORTING

Ryouko Naoe

SUPPORTING

Willard

SUPPORTING

Dorothea

SUPPORTING

Klarwein

SUPPORTING

Yevgraf

SUPPORTING

Phillip

SUPPORTING

Agatha

SUPPORTING

Bishop

SUPPORTING

Hideomi Iba

SUPPORTING

Mikhail

SUPPORTING

Kershner

SUPPORTING

Sirius the Jaeger Season 1: A Visually Stunning Yet Flawed Vampire Tale

Sirius the Jaeger Season 1, a 2018 original anime by P.A. Works, dives into a dark fantasy world set in 1930s Imperial Japan, blending vampire lore, werewolf mythology, and historical intrigue. This 12-episode series follows Yuliy, a young werewolf, and his team of vampire hunters, the Jaegers, as they pursue a powerful artifact called the Ark of Sirius, coveted by vampires seeking global domination. While the show excels in its aesthetic and action, its narrative stumbles under the weight of underdeveloped characters and a rushed plot, making it a compelling yet imperfect addition to the vampire genre.

A Unique Setting with Untapped Potential

The series’ 1930s backdrop, rooted in a Japan transitioning from isolationism to global engagement, sets it apart from typical anime settings. The historical context—referencing Japan’s occupation of Manchuria and tensions in Sakhalin—adds a layer of geopolitical depth rarely seen in vampire stories. This grounding in a specific time and place, coupled with themes of xenophobia and cultural distrust, gives Sirius the Jaeger a fresh angle. For instance, the show subtly explores the fear of “outsiders” through Yuliy’s foreign origins and the vampires’ infiltration of Tokyo, reflecting real-world tensions of the era. However, the series only scratches the surface of these ideas, often prioritizing action over thematic exploration.

Visual and Auditory Excellence

P.A. Works delivers a masterclass in animation, with fluid fight sequences and meticulous attention to detail. The 1930s aesthetic—think smoky jazz clubs, period costumes, and shadowy cityscapes—creates an immersive atmosphere. Yuliy’s werewolf transformations and the vampires’ menacing designs, particularly the regal yet sinister Yevgraf, are visually striking. The action choreography, led by animator Masahiro Sato, is a highlight, with visceral sword fights and gunplay that feel both brutal and elegant. The soundtrack, while occasionally leaning on incongruous electronica, complements the tension with haunting melodies and pulsating battle themes. However, some criticize the score for lacking cohesion with the historical setting.

A Plot That Promises More Than It Delivers

The story follows Yuliy, a Sirius clan survivor whose village was massacred by vampires seeking the Ark of Sirius. His quest for revenge drives the narrative, complicated by his brother Mikhail’s transformation into a vampire assassin and a shocking betrayal by his mentor, Willard. The Ark, a mystical object of immense power, remains frustratingly vague—its purpose and abilities are never fully explained, leaving the central conflict feeling hollow. The series attempts to juggle multiple threads: Yuliy’s personal vendetta, the Jaegers’ mission, vampire politics, and a military subplot involving undead soldiers. Yet, with only 12 episodes, these elements feel cramped, and many plot points, like the military’s superhuman experiments, are introduced only to be abruptly discarded.

Characters: Lovable but Underdeveloped

Yuliy is a stoic yet emotionally layered protagonist, his werewolf heritage adding complexity to his struggle between vengeance and humanity. His dynamic with his vampire brother Mikhail is a narrative highlight, exploring themes of brotherhood and betrayal. However, the supporting cast—while initially promising—lacks depth. Characters like Dorothea, the mature sharpshooter, and Fallon, the jovial peacemaker, are charming but relegated to background roles. Ryoko, a civilian drawn into the conflict, feels particularly unnecessary, her arc fizzling out without impact. The villains, including Yevgraf, are visually compelling but lack clear motivations, with the show failing to flesh out their perspective beyond generic power-hungry tropes.

A Missed Opportunity for Depth

The series hints at profound themes—family, identity, and the cost of hatred—but doesn’t fully explore them. For example, the revelation that Willard orchestrated the massacre of Yuliy’s village raises questions about trust and redemption, but the emotional fallout is rushed, leaving Yuliy’s devastation underexplored. Similarly, the vampires’ pursuit of the Ark to cure a mysterious disease could have added moral ambiguity, but this plot point is barely addressed. The show’s pacing, cramming a sprawling narrative into 12 episodes, undermines its ability to develop these ideas, making it feel like a condensed version of a much larger story.

Strengths and Weaknesses in Balance

Strengths:

• Animation and Action: P.A. Works’ stunning visuals and dynamic fight scenes are a feast for the eyes, making every battle a highlight.
• Unique Setting: The 1930s Japan backdrop, infused with historical and cultural nuances, sets the series apart from generic vampire tales.
• Emotional Core: Yuliy’s personal journey and his fraught relationship with Mikhail provide moments of genuine emotional weight.

Weaknesses:

• Underdeveloped Plot: The Ark of Sirius remains a poorly defined MacGuffin, and subplots are introduced and abandoned too quickly.
• Shallow Characters: Beyond Yuliy and Mikhail, most characters lack depth or meaningful arcs, reducing their impact.
• Rushed Pacing: The 12-episode format feels insufficient, leading to a cluttered narrative that doesn’t fully explore its themes.

A Polarizing Reception

Viewer reactions are mixed. Some praise the series for its gorgeous animation and engaging action, with one IMDb reviewer calling it “the best anime ever” for its fast-paced fights and emotional balance. Others, however, find it forgettable, with a Reddit user describing it as “low-key trash” due to its bland storyline and lack of character development. On MyAnimeList, it holds a modest 6.72/10, reflecting its divisive nature—entertaining for some, underwhelming for others. Critics note that while the series doesn’t reinvent the vampire genre, its polished presentation and historical setting make it a worthwhile watch for action fans.

Final Verdict

Sirius the Jaeger Season 1 is a visually spectacular anime that thrives on its action and unique 1930s setting but falters in its storytelling. Its ambitious blend of vampire-werewolf conflict, historical drama, and personal vendettas is hindered by a rushed pace and underdeveloped characters, leaving much of its potential unrealized. For fans of action-heavy anime or vampire lore, it’s an entertaining ride with moments of brilliance, but those seeking a deeper narrative may find it lacking. The open-ended finale hints at a second season, which could redeem its shortcomings if given more room to breathe. For now, it’s a flawed gem—dazzling to watch but frustratingly incomplete.

Watch it for: Stunning animation, thrilling action, and a fresh historical setting.
Skip it if: You prioritize deep character development and a cohesive plot.