Shinmai Maou no Testament

The Testament of Sister New Devil

Aired Date:2015-01-08

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:63/100

Genres:Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance

Season:1

Total Episodes:12

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:Funimation

Source:LIGHT_NOVEL

Format:TV

Director:Hisashi Saitou

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Crunchyroll

Synopsis

When a pair of sexy girls, Maria and Mio, come to live with high school student Basara Toujou, his life changes forever. The two girls have a secret that they don’t keep for long—Maria is a succubus, and Mio is a future Demon Lord. But Basara has a secret of his own—he’s the last descendant from a clan of demon-fighting heroes. To make things even more complicated, the girls force Basara into a master-servant contract, and Basara ends up becoming their master! What happens when you put a succubus, a demoness, and a demon-fighting hero under the same roof? They form a bond that will help them to take on anything! (Source: Funimation)

Trailer

Characters

Basara Toujou MAIN

Mio Naruse MAIN

Yuki Nonaka MAIN

Maria Naruse MAIN

Jin Toujou SUPPORTING

Sakaki Chika SUPPORTING

Shella SUPPORTING

Kurumi Nonaka SUPPORTING

Zest SUPPORTING

Chisato Hasegawa SUPPORTING

The Testament of Sister New Devil Season 1: A Bold Blend of Ecchi, Action, and Supernatural Drama

The Testament of Sister New Devil (Japanese: Shinmai Maō no Tesutamento), a 2015 anime adapted from Tetsuto Uesu’s light novel series, dives headfirst into a provocative mix of ecchi, action, and supernatural intrigue. Season 1, produced by Production IMS and directed by Hisashi Saito, premiered on January 7, 2015, and ran for 12 episodes, captivating audiences with its blend of high-stakes battles, complex relationships, and unabashed fan service. This article explores the key elements of Season 1, from its plot and characters to its themes and reception, while avoiding spoilers for those yet to experience the series.

Plot Overview

The story centers on Basara Tojo, a first-year high school student at Hijirigasaka Academy, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his father, Jin, announces his remarriage. Basara suddenly finds himself with two step-sisters, Mio Naruse and Maria Naruse, who move into his home. However, what seems like a typical family setup quickly unravels into a supernatural saga. The sisters harbor a secret: Mio is the daughter of the former Demon Lord, and Maria is her succubus guardian. Basara, too, has a hidden past, tied to a clan of heroes sworn to oppose demons.

When circumstances force Basara to protect Mio from threats tied to her demonic heritage, he forms a magical master-servant pact with her, inadvertently setting the stage for a series of intense battles and risqué scenarios. The narrative follows Basara’s efforts to safeguard his new family while navigating the tensions between the hero and demon clans, all against a backdrop of magical contracts and emotional stakes.

Characters: A Dynamic Ensemble

The strength of Season 1 lies in its colorful cast, each bringing distinct personalities and motivations to the story:

• Basara Tojo: The protagonist, a skilled fighter from the hero clan, wields the cursed sword Brynhildr. Despite his strength, Basara is compassionate, determined to protect those he cares about, even at great personal cost.
• Mio Naruse: The fiery redhead and heir to the Demon Lord’s power, Mio is strong-willed yet vulnerable, grappling with her dangerous legacy.
• Maria Naruse: A mischievous succubus, Maria’s playful antics often lead to the show’s signature ecchi moments, but her loyalty to Mio adds depth to her character.
• Yuki Nonaka: A childhood friend of Basara and a member of the hero clan, Yuki’s calm demeanor hides her fierce combat skills and complex feelings for Basara.
• Jin Tojo: Basara’s enigmatic father, whose actions set the story in motion, hinting at a deeper connection to the supernatural world.

The interplay between these characters, especially the evolving bonds between Basara, Mio, and Maria, drives much of the emotional and comedic weight of the series.

Themes and Style

The Testament of Sister New Devil Season 1 is unapologetically bold, blending genres to create a unique viewing experience. At its core, the show explores themes of family, loyalty, and trust. Basara’s commitment to protecting Mio and Maria, despite their opposing backgrounds, underscores the idea that family transcends blood ties. The master-servant pact, with its aphrodisiac-like effects, adds a layer of complexity, forcing characters to confront their desires and vulnerabilities.

The series leans heavily into the ecchi genre, with frequent suggestive scenes and fan service, often orchestrated by Maria’s succubus nature. While this has drawn criticism for overshadowing the plot, it’s a deliberate stylistic choice that caters to fans of the genre. The action sequences, animated with vibrant flair by Production IMS, showcase magical battles and swordplay, balancing the lighter moments with high-stakes confrontations. Yasuharu Takanashi’s background music, paired with the opening theme “Blade of Hope” by sweet ARMS and the ending theme “Still Sis” by Kaori Sadohara, enhances the show’s dynamic tone.

Production and Release

Produced by Production IMS, Season 1 adapts the first three volumes of Uesu’s light novels, with Takao Yoshioka handling the series composition. The anime aired on Tokyo MX from January 7 to March 25, 2015, and was streamed globally by Crunchyroll, with Funimation handling the English dub and home video release. Anime Limited distributed the series in the UK, though it faced a ban in China due to its explicit content, as noted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture in June 2015.

The Blu-ray and DVD compilations were released in Japan between March and August 2015, with six volumes containing the 12 episodes and additional content. A notable OVA episode, released on June 22, 2015, bridges the first and second seasons, adding context to the ongoing story.

Reception and Impact

Season 1 garnered a mixed but passionate response. Fans of ecchi and action-packed anime, particularly those who enjoy series like High School DxD, praised its blend of humor, combat, and provocative moments. Reviews on platforms like IMDb and Amazon highlight the show’s entertainment value, with one viewer noting it as “fun, silly, and worth a watch if you want to laugh”. The animation and fight scenes were often commended, though some criticized the heavy focus on fan service, arguing it detracted from character backstories and narrative depth. Others appreciated the show’s self-awareness, embracing its over-the-top nature as part of its charm.

The series’ comparison to High School DxD is frequent, with debates on platforms like Reddit about which show handles its ecchi and action elements better. Some viewers found The Testament’s simpler lore and character-driven humor more engaging, while others preferred DxD’s deeper world-building. Despite mixed reviews, the show’s popularity led to a second season, The Testament of Sister New Devil BURST, and multiple OVAs, cementing its place in the ecchi anime niche.

Where to Watch

Season 1 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, with options to purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. For the best experience, fans recommend the uncensored version to fully appreciate the show’s intended aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

The Testament of Sister New Devil Season 1 is a wild ride that doesn’t shy away from its identity as an ecchi-driven supernatural drama. While its heavy reliance on fan service may not appeal to everyone, the show balances its risqué moments with heartfelt character dynamics and thrilling action. For fans of the genre, it’s a guilty pleasure that delivers on both laughs and excitement. Whether you’re drawn to Basara’s heroic resolve or Maria’s playful antics, Season 1 sets the stage for a larger story that continues to unfold in subsequent seasons and OVAs.

If you’re new to the series, dive in with an open mind, and don’t forget to check out the OVA for additional context before moving to Season 2. For more details or to start watching, visit Crunchyroll or explore the Blu-ray collections on Amazon.