Bastard‼ Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy Hindi Subbed [24/24] | Bastard!! Ankoku no Hakaishin (ONA) Hindi Sub
BASTARD!!: Ankoku no Hakaishin (ONA)
BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-Synopsis
In a postapocalyptic world of heavy metal fantasy, the only thing able to save humans from orcs, lizard men, and other monsters is something even MORE evil. Sealed within a 14-year-old boy, the chaotic wizard Dark Schneider is unleashed to fight four mighty generals and their plot to resurrect the evil god Anslasax. (Source: Viz Media) Note: The first 13 episodes were released worldwide on Netflix on June 30, 2022, while the remaining 11 episodes released on September 15, 2022.
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Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy Season 1: A Chaotic Symphony of Nostalgia and Excess
Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy Season 1, Netflix’s 2022 adaptation of Kazushi Hagiwara’s 1988 manga, is a 24-episode plunge into a post-apocalyptic world where heavy metal riffs, unapologetic machismo, and dark sorcery collide. This anime is a time capsule of late ’80s and early ’90s excess, blending Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy with the raw energy of glam metal. It’s a polarizing beast—equal parts thrilling and troubling, a relic of its era that refuses to conform to modern sensibilities. This review dissects its narrative, themes, and execution, offering a fresh lens on why Bastard!! is both a flawed masterpiece and a cultural artifact.
A World of Ruin and Rock
Set in a ravaged future where the god Anthrasax once obliterated civilization, Bastard!! follows the kingdom of Metallicana under siege by the Dark Rebel Army and its Four Heavenly Kings. The only hope lies in resurrecting Dark Schneider (voiced by Kyle McCarley in English, Kishō Taniyama in Japanese), a hedonistic sorcerer sealed within the body of a teenager, Lucien. To awaken him, High Priest Geo Noto Soto (D.C. Douglas) relies on his daughter, Tia Noto Yoko (Erin Yvette), whose kiss unlocks Schneider’s power. What unfolds is a saga of explosive battles, betrayals, and Schneider’s quest to either save or doom the world, all while chasing his own desires.
The narrative thrives on its pulpy roots, drawing heavily from the ’80s heavy metal subculture. Spells like “Black Sabbath” and kingdoms named after Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are not subtle nods—they’re a screaming love letter to the era’s music scene. This isn’t just world-building; it’s a deliberate aesthetic that revels in its absurdity. The show’s pacing, handled by Liden Films under director Takaharu Ozaki, is relentless, with episodes 1–13 dropping in June 2022 and 14–24 in September, maintaining a breakneck rhythm that mirrors the chaos of its protagonist.
Dark Schneider: Anti-Hero or Anti-Everything?
Dark Schneider is the pulsating heart of Bastard!!, a character who embodies the show’s ethos: unapologetic, flawed, and larger than life. He’s a wizard-warrior with godlike power, a penchant for womanizing, and a moral compass that spins like a roulette wheel. Schneider’s duality—trapped in Lucien’s body yet driven by his own destructive impulses—creates a fascinating tension. Is he a savior or a tyrant? The show doesn’t rush to answer, letting his actions (and frequent slaps from Yoko) speak louder than exposition.
Critics have noted Schneider’s complexity as an anti-hero. His charisma, voiced with swagger by McCarley, carries the series through its weaker moments, but his blatant misogyny and the show’s gratuitous fan service are divisive. Female characters like Yoko and Arshes Nei are often reduced to objects of desire or damsels, a product of the manga’s ’80s origins that feels jarring today. Yet, there’s an argument that this rawness is intentional—a snapshot of a time when hyper-masculinity and sexual bravado were celebrated in certain subcultures. The show doesn’t sanitize this; it leans in, for better or worse.
Visuals and Sound: A Sensory Assault
Liden Films delivers a visual feast that captures the manga’s gritty yet vibrant style. The animation, while not flawless, excels in its depiction of apocalyptic landscapes and pyrotechnic spell battles. Character designs by Sayaka Ono are faithful to Hagiwara’s exaggerated, muscular aesthetic, with Schneider’s flowing hair and leather-clad enemies evoking a rockstar vibe. However, some fight scenes lack fluidity, relying on static flexing and dialogue over dynamic choreography, a critique echoed in user reviews on IMDb.
The soundtrack, composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, is a standout, with the opening theme “Bloody Power Fame” by Coldrain and the ending “Blessless” by Tielle setting a pulse-pounding tone. The music doesn’t just complement the action—it’s a character in itself, amplifying the heavy metal ethos with every guitar riff. The English dub, while solid, pales against the Japanese version, where the voice acting carries a raw intensity that elevates the spells and banter.
Strengths: A Nostalgic Power Chord
Bastard!! excels as a love letter to its source material and the era it represents. Its unapologetic tone—described by reviewer Kate Sánchez as “absurd, loud, and pure unbridled sexy chaos energy”—resonates with fans of retro anime like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The show’s humor, often fourth-wall-breaking, adds levity to its grim stakes, while Schneider’s unpredictable nature keeps the plot engaging. Moments of genuine emotion, like Arshes Nei’s tragic backstory, add surprising depth, proving the series isn’t just mindless spectacle.
The cultural references are a treasure trove for metalheads. Spells named after Megadeth and Black Sabbath, alongside kingdoms like Iron Maiden, create a playful subtext that rewards attentive viewers. For those who grew up on ’80s anime imports or D&D campaigns, Bastard!! feels like a reunion with a long-lost friend—warts and all.
Flaws: A Jarring Time Capsule
The series’ fidelity to its source material is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel. The rampant objectification of women and Schneider’s toxic behavior are hard to stomach for modern audiences. Critics like Adam Lock have called out the “shameless fan service” that borders on soft pornography, while James Hanton labels it “vulgar” at its best. These elements, rooted in the manga’s ’80s context, clash with today’s expectations of nuanced representation. The show’s refusal to adapt or critique these aspects makes it feel dated, even alienating.
Pacing issues also emerge in the second half (episodes 14–24). The cliffhanger ending leaves more questions than answers, and Netflix’s release model—splitting the season with minimal promotion—dampens momentum, as noted by reviewer David King. Some plot holes and inconsistent fight choreography further strain the narrative, with battles often devolving into posturing rather than substance.
A Cultural Artifact, Not a Universal Classic
Bastard!! Season 1 is not for everyone. Its target audience—fans of dark fantasy, heavy metal, and retro anime—will find it a thrilling ride, but others may recoil at its excesses. It’s a product of a specific time and subculture, unapologetically raw and defiantly unpolished. Unlike polished modern anime, it doesn’t aim for universal appeal; it’s a niche love song to a bygone era.
The show’s greatest strength is its authenticity. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a chaotic, testosterone-fueled romp through a world where magic and metal reign supreme. For those who can embrace its flaws, it’s a nostalgic blast; for others, it’s a jarring reminder of how far anime has evolved. Either way, Bastard!! is a singular experience—one that screams louder than a guitar solo in a thunderstorm.
Score: 7.5/10 – A wild, flawed ride that’s as captivating as it is controversial, best enjoyed by those who vibe with its retro soul.
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