While the upcoming Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night movie isn’t my thing — I bailed on the main series during Alicization, and detest ‘retellings’ of any description — I have got to say I love the latest key visual. It’s beautiful.
The new Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night key visual features the three protagonists — Kirito, Asuna and new character Mito — with the top part of the graphic showing them armored up for battle, while the bottom half has their normal selves reflected in a pool of water.
The new anime film is a floor-by-floor retelling of Aincrad, the first arc of the first series.
It is told from the perspective of Asuna as she finds herself a month into the SAO game after 2,000 people have already died.
It is then she meets Kirito, a loner like herself.
Somewhere in the movie, Mito also joins the pair, although more about the not-seen-before character and her backstory has yet to be revealed.
We do know, however, that Mito is played by one of the best contemporary Japanese voice actresses, Inori Minase, *Hestia in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and Itsuki Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets) — and she doesn’t seem to go after roles that aren’t incredibly interesting.
Until we know more, check out the new Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night key visual featuring Mito, Kirito and Asuna above.
The film is being directed by Ayako Kawano (Yurikuma Arashi), with Kento Toya (SAO Alicization) in charge of character designs and Yasuyuki Kai (Sword Art Online) as action director.
Aria of a Starless Night is set to release in Japan on October 30th, with a release in the west soon afterwards.
The latest trailer for the film is below. Click on it for English subs.
Brit-American journalist based in Austria,. Former radio DJ at 97X WOXY, and Founder/CEO of Leo Sigh. I’ve covered K-drama, K-pop, anime, and manga news for over a decade.