The Heroic Legend of Arslan (TV series)

Music

The music was composed by Taro Iwashiro who had many opportunities to work in neighboring Asian countries, and encounters with people who have different ideologies, religions, and values have become commonplace. This led has make to make a soundtrack that conveys the idea of mutual respect and compassion and furher making it resonate with the modern world. The opening "Boku no Kotoba Dewanai Kore wa Boku-tachi no Kotoba" was made by Uverworld who wanted to compose a theme about struggling. Eir Aoi made the ending theme "Lapis Lazuli" (ラピスラズリ, Rapisu Razuri) with the idea of a passionate line.^[7][8][9] The second opening theme is "Uzu to Uzu" (渦と渦; "Swirl and Swirl"), performed by Nico Touches the Walls, while the second ending theme is "One Light", performed by Kalafina.^[10]

Casting

Arslan's voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi described the anime as a "classic" war story that everyone can enjoy, finding the multiple characters fascinating and was honored to play the voice of the lead. Daryun's voice actor Yoshimasa Hosoya read the original manga before recording, and got the impression that it was a very solid and interesting work. As for the script script, Hosoya got the feeling that they were trying to create the anime while following the texture and worldview of the original manga but still found it calmer when compared common anime. Voicing Narsus, Daisuke Namikawa called the anime a historically significant work, and was very honored to be involved. Nanikawa said that while the story begins with "adversity" for Arslan and his companions, but the cast members are also facing tough situations. When he received the offer, he was very excited. But when I actually started working on the series composition, I put those feelings aside for a while and proceeded very cleverly. ^[3]

Kenn researched the manga when cast and was charmed by his character Gieve, another individual who becomes vital in protecting the prince. Abe found the voice actors convincing to fit into the work. Hosoya and Nanikawa labeled their characters as Arslan's parents due to how the oversee the young lead whereas Elam was envisioned as a relatable cahracter. Kobayashi said that his character is a prince who deserves the word "ordinary" but still special because of his companions' loyalty. Finding the original work so excellent, the cast worked with the director to create an anime version of The Heroic Legend of Arslan that is unique to animation, aiming to preserve its charm to the fullest while also making it more exciting and interesting when it becomes an anime.^[3] Maaya Sakamoto voiced Farangis whom he found beautiful due to her appearance and stylish personality. Yuki Kaji voiced the antagonistic Silver Mask whom he referred to as a man with his own sense of justice rather than a common villain.^[7]

Release

The series aired from April 5 to September 27, 2015, on MBS's Nichi-5 [ja] timeslot and other Japan News Network stations.^[2][11] The 25 episodes were collected in a total of 8 DVD volumes.^[12] An original animation DVD (OAD) was bundled with the manga's fifth limited edition volume, released on May 9, 2016.^[13]

In North America, Funimation announced its license for the series in April 2015,^[14] and began a broadcast dub in June of the same year.^[15] It was collected in two DVD and blu-ray volumes.^[16] In the United Kingdom, the series was licensed by Anime Limited in 2015 but only digitally.^[17]

Popularity

The series was popular in Japan often being one biggest rated anime on a weekly basis.^[27][28] Similarly, the home media release was popular in Japanese rankings.^[29][30] Producer Daisuke Tsuchida noted response to the TV series was also positive. He believes the staff that managed to accomplish did this are Arakawa for creating an interesting manga as well director Noriyuki Abe who is skilled at directing anime based on shonen manga. The work of character designer Shingo Ogiso was also praised by the producer for making realistic designs which icreases the appeal of Arakawa's designs.^[31] The positive reception to the first season led the staff to quickly produce a sequel, The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance.^[32]

Critical response

The first season was praised by Theron Martin of Anime News Network, who graded the series as B. Martin described The Heroic Legend of Arslan as a cross between Yona of the Dawn and Guin Saga, noting that while the main character is often less interesting than the supporting cast, it remains an epic fantasy story without romantic subplots and with strong thematic discussions among the cast, including on religion. The English cast received general praise, though Aaron Dismuke's performance as Arslan drew mixed reactions from the writer.^[33] Chris Beveridge of The Fandom Post called Arslan a character disconnected from the world, with a predictable narrative role based on the premise of his relationship with his father, the king. The reviewer also stated that the handling of multiple supporting characters is one of the anime's strongest points, and that the antagonists receive distinct characterization as well.^[34]

The narrative handling also drew negative responses. Anime UK News's writer IncendiaryLemon was more critical of the first season, citing padding following the first five episodes involving multiple fights between the major characters. The writer found Arslan the most likable character in the series due to his kindheartedness, which makes the viewer root for him, but felt that the rest of the cast, except Gieve, were less entertaining.^[35] Mitch Jay of Rice Digital agreed with the pacing of the first season being slow but still praised the production values. However, the reviewer felt the anime changes notably when the narrative provides a major revelation about the main character, giving the series and its lead potential for a shift in writing.^[36] Nevertheless, Martin preferred the second half more because of how Arslan's work as leader has been completed leading to interesting scenes with the supporting character Etoile that unnitentionally provide more wisdom on the protagonist. While other supporting cahracters like the antagonistic Silver Mask and organizations seen were also the subject of positive comments, Martin noticed these episodes heavily focus on theme of what is a proper ruler and what weaknesses the title character still suffers to lead the series on his own as he also is overshadowed by his underlings.^[37]

When it comes to production values, Rice Digital praised the visuals given to the setting and multiple character designs even if the latter are recycled. Nevertheless, he praised the music and multiple voice actors for the English dub.^[36] Martin agreed about the animation and character designs but believed it is more aimed towards a female audience since they designers rely on the bishonen archetype of male characters with handsome faces. He also positively compared the CG animation to the anime Utawarerumono and found the Persia specifically well done.^[33] Despite also praising the animation, Beveridge criticized the lack of proper balance when contrasting scene set during daylight and night time.^[34] Incendiary Lemon acclaimed the first fights between Pars and Lusitania as one of the best parts from the first episodes due to the appeal of armies of soldiers fighting with a mix of two types of animation.^[35] Martin claimed that the animation did not shy away from showing too much blood in combat as well as fanservice in the form of the skimpy design from Farangi.^[37]

Response in Iran

By October 2015, the TV series had become popular in Iran, where it became one of the most recommended anime of the year. Since downloading episodes in Iran takes significant resources, viewers seek to learn about series first on fan websites, and Arslan was reviewed positively, drawing comparisons to Hollywood films like Prince of Persia, 300 and Alexander. However, there were mixed responses about whether other countries should make an Iran-like anime, and there was criticism of the skimpy design of Farangis for not fitting with Iranian civilization. Other negative backlash involved the animators' perceived attempt to trick the female audience as a result of different moralities.^[38]