The historical samurai-themed anime series Blue Miburo (aka Ao no Miburo) premiered in Japan earlier today.
Right after that, the production committee announced Blue Miburo will comprise two consecutive cours, which means it will run for a full half-year. Yay!
No matter how many episodes the anime runs though, it is likely to be a big hit among anime fans desperate for a new story featuring the Shinsengumi – the legendary and somewhat mythical elite swordsmen from Japanese history loved by so many.
And by female fans of franchises like Touken Ranbu, who just love a show with hunky men doing cool stuff while dressed in traditional costumes. (My initial love, based on his character design alone, is Hijikata Toshizō — Ye Gods, he’s lovely!)
Plus, the characters and their voice actors are amazing! (see below)
What is Blue Miburo based on?
With all the P.R. that comes out for various anime every season, Blue Miburo hasn’t really received that much (come on, Maho Film, what were you doing?).
What it has received has been both welcomely-appreciated, but it’s no wonder so many people still have no idea what the story is about.
The anime itself is based on the popular manga series The Blue Wolves of Mibu (青のミブロ) written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Yasuda.
It is currently being published in English by Kodansha USA, who have just three volumes out so far (there are 15 in Japanese, with Volume 15, which came out on September 17th, kicking off the Shinsengumi Arc).
The plot of Blue Miburo
The manga follows protagonist Chirinu Nio, a young boy who is determined to make a positive change in the world.
One day he meets Hijikata Toshizō and Okita Sōji (both eventual real life members of the Shinsengumi, with both also appearing in Touken Ranbu), who were then both “swords without a master” or ronin — ie: generally hated by the populace at the time.
After meeting them, young Nio decides to join the Miburo — a group of such swordsmen that will eventually become the Shinsengumi — one of the most revered and most elite groups of 1860s Japan.
Blue Miburo (Ao no Miburo) is directed by Kumiko Habara (Doctor Elise), with Kenta Ihara (Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-) in charge of series composition, and character designs by Yūko Ōba (A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life) and Miyako Nishida (365 Days to the Wedding).
The aforementioned Maho Film (In the Land of Leadale) is animating the series.
The first episode of Blue Miburo will stream later on today on Crunchyroll. Give it a watch, as this looks phenomenally good.
