Reign of the Seven Spellblades

“7 Anime That Put Reign of the Seven Spellblades to Shame”

Reign of the Seven Spellblades, the light novel turned anime, debuted in the summer of 2023, piquing the interest of many anime fans worldwide. Expectations were high with its dark fantasy setting and promise to utilize every genre in the anime industry's arsenal. However, despite adding three episodes above the usual 12-episode mark, Reign of the Seven Spellblades struggled to find its identity and ultimately failed to live up to its potential. Let's explore how this series fell short and recommend seven anime that better capture the essence of what Reign of the Seven Spellblades aimed to achieve.

Reign of the Seven Spellblades fell short of fan expectations in several ways

• Pacing issues: The anime struggled with pacing, covering too much content too quickly. This led to a feeling that the show was disorganized and unable to find its identity.

• Lack of depth: While the premise was interesting, the anime needed to dive deep into its themes and elements, keeping things superficial. This prevented viewers from becoming fully immersed in the world.

• Genre inconsistency: The show fluctuated between different genres (dark fantasy, slice of life, shounen), creating an identity crisis that made it difficult for viewers to connect with the story.

• Overwhelming plot: The anime introduced too many elements and concepts without adequately introducing characters or their surroundings, making it difficult for viewers to keep track of the story.

• Unfulfilled potential: Many viewers felt that the show had great ideas and impressive action sequences but failed to develop them fully, leaving arcs underdeveloped.

• Comparison to source material: Some light novel readers were disappointed with the adaptation, feeling that it didn't capture the depth and nuance of the original work.

• Slow start: Some viewers considered the first few episodes boring, which may have led to early drop-offs.

Despite these criticisms, some viewers found value in the series, praising its action sequences, world-building, and character interactions. However, the overall sentiment suggests that the anime struggled to live up to the high expectations set by its premise and source material. One of the good things about anime is that there is enough content that no viewer should ever have to get “one-itis.” For those who are unfamiliar with “one-itis,” it’s generally associated with a person's obsession with someone or something that they exclude any other alternative. Below are a few anime that incorporate similar themes and reinforce the lesson that it’s good to spin plates even when watching anime.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi)

• Plot: In a world where alchemy reigns supreme, two brothers search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to resurrect their mother.

• Production: Studio Bones, Director Yasuhiro Irie, 2009-2010, Action/Adventure/Fantasy, OP "Again" by Yui, ED "Ray of Light" by Shoko Nakagawa, based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa (2001-2010, serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan).

• Fandom Reaction: Widely regarded as a masterpiece, praised for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and emotional depth, it is considered one of the most remarkable anime series ever.

• Scores: MAL 9.11, AniList 89%

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica)

• Plot: In this dark twist on the magical girl genre, a group of middle school girls make contracts to become magical girls, unaware of the actual cost of their wishes.

• Production: Studio Shaft, Director Akiyuki Shinbo, 2011, Psychological/Drama/Thriller, OP "Connect" by ClariS, ED "Magia" by Kalafina, original anime.

• Fandom Reaction: The series is considered groundbreaking and influential, praised for its subversion of the magical girl genre, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes.

• Scores: MAL 8.37, AniList 82%

The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland)

• Plot: In an idyllic orphanage, three gifted children discover a horrifying secret and plan their escape to save everyone.

• Production: CloverWorks, Director Mamoru Kanbe, 2019, Mystery/Horror/Thriller, OP "Touch off" by UVERworld, ED "Zettai Zetsumei" by Cö shu Nie, based on the manga by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (2016-2020, serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump).

• Fandom Reaction: Season 1 was praised for its suspenseful storytelling, compelling characters, and unique premise. However, Season 2 faced criticism for its pacing and deviations from the source material.

• Scores: MAL 8.55, AniList 83%

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Plot: A high school student joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to combat cursed spirits and save his friends.

• Production: MAPPA, Director Sunghoo Park, 2020-2021, Action/Supernatural, OP "Kaikai Kitan" by Eve, ED "Lost in Paradise feat. AKLO" by ALI, based on the manga by Gege Akutami (2018-present, serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump).

• Fandom Reaction: Praised for its stunning animation, exciting action sequences, and charismatic characters. It quickly became one of the most popular and talked-about anime of recent years.

• Scores: MAL 8.69, AniList 85%

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu)

• Plot: A 34-year-old NEET is reincarnated into a fantasy world, determined to live his new life to the fullest and make the most of his second chance.

• Production: Studio Bind, Director Manabu Okamoto, 2021, Fantasy/Drama, OP "The Traveler's Song" by Yuiko Ohara, ED "Only" by Yuiko Ohara, based on the light novel series by Rifujin na Magonote (2012-2015, published by Media Factory).

• Fandom Reaction: Praised for its stunning visuals, world-building, and character development. However, some viewers found the protagonist's behavior and the series' handling of specific themes controversial.

• Scores: MAL 8.41, AniList 82%

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu)

• Plot: A hikikomori is transported to a fantasy world, where he gains the ability to turn back time upon death. He uses this power to protect his loved ones.

• Production: White Fox, Director Masaharu Watanabe, 2016-2021, Psychological/Fantasy/Thriller, OP "Redo" by Konomi Suzuki, ED "Memento" by Nonoc, based on the light novel series by Tappei Nagatsuki (2014-present, published by Media Factory).

• Fandom Reaction: The series was praised for its subversion of Isekai tropes, psychological depth, and compelling characters. Its exploration of trauma and personal growth resonated with many viewers.

• Scores: MAL 8.24, AniList 82%

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

• Plot: In Taisho-era Japan, a young man joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and find a cure for his demon-turned sister.

• Production: Ufotable, Director Haruo Sotozaki, 2019, Action/Historical/Supernatural, OP "Gurenge" by LiSA, ED "from the edge" by FictionJunction feat. LiSA, based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge (2016-2020, serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump).

• Fandom Reaction: Praised for its breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters. The series became a global phenomenon, breaking numerous records and garnering widespread acclaim.

• Scores: MAL 8.53, AniList 84%

While Reign of the Seven Spellblades struggled to deliver on its promising premise, these seven anime recommendations showcase the potential of dark fantasy, subverting genres, and compelling character-driven narratives. From the masterful storytelling of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to the genre-defying Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the global phenomenon Demon Slayer, these series demonstrate the power of anime to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences. Each recommendation offers a unique take on the themes and elements Reign of the Seven Spellblades aimed to explore, providing viewers with a more satisfying and engaging experience.

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