Übel Blatt

Übel Blatt

Characters

Koinzell

MAIN

Ato Kusharundo

SUPPORTING

Peepi

SUPPORTING

Ergnach

SUPPORTING

Kalkris

SUPPORTING

Ikfes

SUPPORTING

Daisoujou

SUPPORTING

Fargo

SUPPORTING

Altea

SUPPORTING

Darisite

SUPPORTING

Geranpen

SUPPORTING

Rozen

SUPPORTING

Rangzatz

SUPPORTING

Elseria Rahnclave

SUPPORTING

Zeffi

SUPPORTING

Wied

SUPPORTING

Sugiura Shiori

BACKGROUND

Rascheb

BACKGROUND

Chouchou

BACKGROUND

Zeffi no Chichi

BACKGROUND

Zeffi no Haha

BACKGROUND

Übel Blatt Season 1: A Dark Fantasy Epic of Revenge and Redemption

Übel Blatt Season 1, which premiered on January 11, 2025, has carved a distinct niche in the Winter 2025 anime lineup with its gritty, action-packed narrative and morally complex characters. Adapted from Etorouji Shiono’s dark fantasy manga, serialized from 2004 to 2019, this 12-episode series by Satelight and Staple Entertainment dives into a medieval-inspired world of betrayal, vengeance, and supernatural intrigue. Available on Amazon Prime Video with English subtitles, Übel Blatt has sparked both admiration and debate among fans for its intense storytelling and controversial adaptation choices.

A Tale of Betrayal and Vengeance

Set in the fantastical empire of Szaalenden, Übel Blatt follows Köinzell, a half-elf swordsman voiced by Yuya Hirose, who was once Ascheriit, a revered Blatt Meister (Blade Master). Twenty years ago, Ascheriit was one of fourteen warriors tasked by the Emperor to defeat the evil nation of Wischtech, known for its dark magic and formidable weapons. Only seven returned, claiming heroism after branding four of their comrades, including Ascheriit, as traitors and executing them. The truth, however, is far darker: the “Seven Heroes” betrayed their allies to steal the glory. Resurrected as Köinzell, Ascheriit wields the mysterious Black Sword and embarks on a relentless quest for revenge against the false heroes.

Season 1 traces Köinzell’s journey as he infiltrates corrupt strongholds, confronts powerful enemies, and gathers allies like Peepi, an orphaned elven girl voiced by Hana Tachibana, and Altea, a key companion. The narrative unfolds across a series of intense encounters, from battling corrupt monks in an underground monastery at the border city of Rielde-Velem to facing the Seven Heroes’ amassed power. Each episode builds on Köinzell’s quest, blending visceral swordplay with moments of emotional weight, such as his confrontation with Schtemwölech, a former comrade turned monstrous through Wischtechian rituals.

Strengths: Action, Animation, and Atmosphere

Übel Blatt excels in delivering a stylish, violent, and atmospheric dark fantasy. The animation, praised for its quality, brings Shiono’s intricate art to life with dynamic fight sequences and a moody aesthetic. The Black Sword’s unleashed power under moonlit skies and Köinzell’s clashes with magical artillery like the Dragon’s Maw create visually striking moments. The opening theme, “Zainin” by GARNiDELiA, and the ending theme, “Stella” by Hana Tachibana, enhance the series’ intense tone. Fans on X have highlighted scenes like Köinzell’s moonlit declaration in Episode 1 as particularly memorable for their beauty and impact.

The series’ strength lies in its straightforward revenge narrative, which avoids overcomplicating the plot with unnecessary subversions. Köinzell is a compelling protagonist—his childlike appearance belies his lethal skill and tormented past, making him a tragic yet driven figure. The show’s pacing keeps viewers engaged, with each episode escalating the stakes, from infiltrating monasteries to inspiring rebellions in the Free City of Jullas-Abllas.

Controversies: Censorship and Adaptation Choices

Despite its strengths, Übel Blatt Season 1 has faced criticism for its adaptation choices. The manga is notorious for its graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and dark themes, often compared to Berserk for its brutal medieval setting. However, the anime significantly tones down these elements, omitting scenes of nudity, sexual encounters (such as Köinzell and Altea’s intimate moment), and the manga’s graphic prologue detailing Ascheriit’s betrayal. This prologue, crucial for understanding Köinzell’s motivations, is relegated to the opening sequence, a decision that some fans argue weakens the narrative’s emotional depth.

The censorship has polarized audiences. Some appreciate the more accessible, shōnen-like tone, which broadens the show’s appeal, while others feel it betrays the manga’s raw intensity. Producer Yuki Watanabe, in an interview with AnimeTV, stated that these changes were made in consultation with Shiono, likely to avoid controversy over sexualized young characters and graphic content. However, this has led to accusations that the anime lacks the dystopian edge that made the manga a cult classic.

The show’s IMDb rating of 5.6 as of February 15, 2025, contrasts sharply with higher episode ratings (ranging from 7.0 to 8.1), suggesting a discrepancy between overall perception and individual episode reception. Fans have speculated that the low overall rating may reflect disappointment with the toned-down adaptation or the unfinished season, with three episodes remaining at the time of the cited review.

Standout Moments and Themes

Season 1 shines in its exploration of justice and betrayal. Köinzell’s encounters with figures like Schtemwölech, who conducts vile experiments on demihuman girls, and Barestar, a paranoid lord commanding a floating castle, highlight the corruption of power. The series also delves into moral ambiguity—characters like Geranpen face dilemmas between loyalty and truth, while Elsaria, the Elector’s daughter, shifts allegiance after witnessing Köinzell’s heroism. These moments add depth to the otherwise straightforward revenge plot.

The season finale, “Neues Schwert” (New Sword), aired on March 29, 2025, and concludes the first arc with Köinzell vowing to pursue the remaining six heroes. While the season ends on a cliffhanger, it sets the stage for potential future seasons, especially with the ongoing Übel Blatt II: Knights of the Fallen King manga sequel.

Reception and Future Prospects

Übel Blatt Season 1 has garnered a mixed but passionate response. On platforms like MyAnimeList, fans praise its dark fantasy roots and Köinzell’s quest, while others lament the softened adaptation. The UK Anime Network called it “solid and well-produced” but noted that the omission of edgier manga content might disappoint hardcore fans. The series ranks moderately on streaming charts, sitting at 5418 on JustWatch as of June 23, 2025, indicating steady but not overwhelming popularity.

With the manga’s sequel serialized since February 2024 and the story’s rich potential, fans are hopeful for a second season that might embrace more of the source material’s intensity. For now, Übel Blatt Season 1 stands as an engaging, if tamer, introduction to Köinzell’s vengeful odyssey, appealing to fans of dark fantasy who enjoy tales of retribution and redemption.

Where to Watch

Übel Blatt Season 1 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video with English subtitles, airing worldwide shortly after its Japanese broadcast on Tokyo MX and other networks. As of now, Crunchyroll and other platforms have not announced plans to stream the series.

For those seeking a gritty anime with intense action and a compelling anti-hero, Übel Blatt Season 1 delivers, though manga purists may want to temper expectations. As Köinzell’s blade cuts through his enemies, the series leaves viewers eager for what lies ahead in his quest for justice.

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