Magi: Sinbad no Bouken OVA

Aired Date:2014-05-16

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:76/100

Genres:Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Season:1

Total Episodes:5

Duration:25 min/ep

Studio:Lay-duce

Source:MANGA

Format:OVA

Director:

Review:N/A/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter

Synopsis

The story takes place 30 years before the events of Magi. In this age will focus on the journey that Sinbad have to make to become king and many adventure more. (Source: Anime News Network)

Trailer

Characters

Sinbad MAIN

Drakon MAIN

Valefor SUPPORTING

Falan SUPPORTING

Yunan SUPPORTING

Vittel SUPPORTING

Hinahoho SUPPORTING

Serendine SUPPORTING

Ja'far SUPPORTING

Narrator SUPPORTING

Yo, anime adventurers and fantasy fiends! Strap in for a wild ride through the high seas and perilous dungeons, because Magi: Adventure of Sinbad is the shonen epic that’ll set your heart ablaze! This 2016 gem from Lay-duce, streaming on Netflix (though it left in July 2021, so check Crunchyroll or Blu-ray!), is a 13-episode prequel to Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, spinning the origin story of the legendary Sinbad, the High King of the Seven Seas. Adapted from Shinobu Ohtaka and Yoshifumi Ohtera’s manga, it’s a whirlwind of action, heart, and charisma that hooked me hard. As a diehard fan, I’m here to gush about why this Arabian Nights-inspired saga is a must-watch for anyone craving adventure with soul. Let’s sail into the magic!

A Hero’s Dawn: Sinbad’s Epic Beginnings

Picture a scrappy kid in the war-torn Parthevia Empire, born to a grizzled ex-soldier, Badr, and his gentle wife, Esra. That’s young Sinbad, voiced with fiery charm by Daisuke Ono (Matthew Mercer in the English dub—yes, that Levi voice!). Episode 1 hits like a thunderbolt: Sinbad’s born under a surge of rukh, mystical energy crowning him the “Child of Destiny.” But life’s no fairy tale—his dad’s dragged into war, leaving Sinbad to care for his sick mom in Tison Village. When a mysterious Magi named Yunan (Akira Ishida) shows up, Sinbad’s world flips. Guided to conquer the deadly Dungeon Baal, where no one’s survived, 14-year-old Sinbad dives in, sword in hand, to change his fate. This isn’t just a quest—it’s the spark that ignites a legend, and I was cheering every step!

The story, covering manga chapters 1-32, follows Sinbad’s rise from a poor kid to a dungeon-conquering hero. By episode 6, he’s tackling Valefor, snagging his second Djinn, and building the first Sindria Kingdom. It’s a rollercoaster—heartbreak, like losing his parents early, fuels his dream to end war. The mix of One Thousand and One Nights vibes—think Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor—with dungeons, Djinn powers, and political intrigue? Pure genius. I’m obsessed with how it sets up Magi’s world, 30 years later, where Sinbad’s a suave king mentoring Alibaba and Aladdin. Every episode feels like a new port, brimming with danger and heart!

Fights That Sparkle Like Djinn Magic

Holy rukh, the battles are electric! Sinbad’s swordplay and Magoi Manipulation—channeling magical energy—pop off the screen. Episode 1’s Baal showdown, with lightning-crackling Djinn powers, had me yelling—those VFX are chef’s kiss! Lay-duce’s animation, while occasionally uneven (some CGI crowds look wonky), shines in action. Sinbad’s Valefor fight in episode 5, blending strategy and raw grit, is shonen gold—think Hunter x Hunter tactics with Fate flair. His half-fallen state, wielding both white and black Magoi, adds edge; he’s no pure hero, and I love that grit. The fights aren’t just flashy—they’re Sinbad proving he’s worthy of the rukh’s love, guiding him through storms and battles like a cosmic GPS. Fans on X call it “breathtakingly awesome,” and I’m right there with ‘em!

Characters: A Crew Worth Sailing For

Sinbad’s the star, and man, does he shine! His ponytail, thicc eyebrows, and cocky grin scream “born to lead,” but his heart—shaped by loss and a vow to build a better world—steals the show. Ono’s voice oozes charm, making every speech epic. His crew? Straight fire! Drakon (Takahiro Sakurai), a Parthevian noble turned dragon-man, starts as a rival but becomes a loyal general—his arc slaps. Ja’far (Takahiro Sakurai), a pint-sized assassin with a big attitude, and Hinahoho (Keiji Fujiwara), a beefy Imuchakk warrior, bring humor and heart. My fave’s Masrur (Yoshimasa Hosoya), the stoic Fanalis kid Sinbad frees from slavery—his quiet strength in episode 8 gut-punched me. Yunan’s cryptic Magi vibes and Esra’s dying wish for Sinbad to see the world add emotional heft. This crew’s chemistry—forged through dungeons and dreams—is why I’m ride-or-die for them!

Vibes and Sound: A Magical Voyage

Lay-duce nails the Arabian Nights aesthetic—sandy ports, lush forests, and glowing dungeons burst with color. The animation’s vibrant, though budget constraints show in static shots (Reddit fans griped about this). The opening, “Spotlight” by Penguin Research, is a banger that pumps you up, while Fujifabric’s “Polaris” closing track hits the feels, perfect for Sinbad’s bittersweet journey. The score, by Tomohiko Nakayama, weaves Middle Eastern flutes with epic orchestral swells—episode 3’s sea storm had me chills! Voice acting’s top-tier; Mercer’s Sinbad in the dub is smooth as silk, and Sakurai’s dual roles as Drakon and Ja’far flex his range. It’s a sensory feast that pulls you into Sinbad’s world.

The Catch: Why Only 13 Episodes?!

Here’s my only beef: 13 episodes ain’t enough! Covering just Baal and Valefor, it stops short of Sinbad’s full rise (manga’s 19 volumes go way further, to chapter 182). Fans on Reddit lament the rushed ending—Barbarossa and Serendine’s arcs feel unresolved, and we barely see all seven Djinn. I wanted more of the Eight Generals, like Yamraiha’s magic-school days or Drakon’s dragon transformation. The OVA’s five episodes (bundled with manga volumes 3-7) cover some gaps, but the TV series, aired April 23 to July 2016 after a Kumamoto earthquake delay, feels like a teaser for a bigger tale. Still, it’s a tight ride—MyAnimeList gives it a 7.4/10, and I’m with the fans calling it a “fun spectacle” despite pacing gripes.

Why It’s a Fan’s Treasure

Magi: Adventure of Sinbad is shonen done right—epic quests, deep bonds, and a hero who’s flawed yet magnetic. Sinbad’s journey from a starry-eyed kid to a morally complex king hits every note: action, loss, and ambition. It’s a love letter to Magi fans, showing how Sindria’s legend began, and a standalone banger for newbies. Compared to Magi’s sprawling cast, this keeps it focused, letting Sinbad’s charisma carry the show (sorry, Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow, Sinbad’s got you beat!). Stream it if you can find it, or grab Shogakukan Asia’s English manga (volumes 1-4 are gold, though shipping’s steep). I’m giving it a 9/10—short but dazzling, like a Djinn’s spark. Sail with Sinbad, anime crew, and tell me: which dungeon’s your fave? Let’s rave about this adventure

Hope this fan-fueled article lights up your love for Magi: Adventure of Sinbad! I poured in the hype, from epic fights to Sinbad’s charm, with nods to fan buzz and manga roots. Want more on the Djinn, the crew, or Magi connections? Hit me up! What’s your take on this high-seas saga?