Buzz
2021 marked a brilliant success for fantasy anime on Funimation. Here are the most iconic anime titles on this streaming platform.
Not only did 2021 witness the return of many classic films, but also a plethora of new anime with unique concepts debuted. Among them, the fantasy anime genre perhaps achieved the most dazzling success with continuous hit masterpieces on the most famous anime streaming platform today, Funimation.
5. Black Cover (Season 4)
Prior to its release, Season 4 of Black Cover garnered much attention, as fans were highly satisfied with the previous three seasons. This anime revolves around Asta and Yuno, two orphaned children who join the Magic Knights squad while striving to claim the title of Wizard King. Season 4 witnesses the characters training diligently to defeat the Dark Triad, a group of manipulated mages, who are controlling the Spade Kingdom through the power of fear. However, in carrying out this mission, they uncover some uncomfortable truths about demons, their plans, and origins.
4. The Case Study of Vanitas
Studio BONES poured their heart into creating visually stunning anime series that exceeded imagination. The gothic steampunk-style series The Case Study of Vanitas is perhaps one of the studio's finest productions in the past year. Set in 19th-century Paris, Vanitas follows Noé Archiviste - a person attacked by a deranged vampire. In his final moments, a mysterious individual appeared and saved Noé from the creature before treating him.
The mysterious figure goes by the name Vanitas, claiming to possess the book that Noé seeks: the Book of Vanitas. He tells Noé that he can cure the entire population of vampires afflicted with that madness, but Noé is hesitant to trust such a mysterious gentleman.
3. Ranking of Kings
One of the most talked-about anime recently, Ranking of Kings has been praised for its positive portrayal of disability. Based on the manga by Sosuke Toka and produced by the legendary Wit Studio, the series tells the story of Prince Bojji, who is unlike any other prince as he cannot hear or speak - he also cannot wield a sword, leading everyone to call him a useless prince.
However, Bojji refuses to let this hinder him and sets out to become the best prince. Bojji encounters a shadow creature named Kage, and the two form an unlikely friendship. Together, they undertake difficult tasks to further improve themselves and prove their abilities.
2. Banished From The Hero’s Party, I Decided To Live A Quiet Life In The Countryside
A fantastic deviation from traditional fantasy anime, the story revolves around Red, who was once part of the expedition team that defeated the wrathful Demon Lord. However, after being betrayed by a member of the group, Red decides to leave and open a small pharmacy in a town near the border. Yet, while living a peaceful life, Red realizes that this is not what he was seeking when a former comrade visits the shop. With stunning visuals from Wolfsbane and Studio Flad, the anime has garnered the love of many adventure fantasy enthusiasts.
1. Jobless Reincarnation: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
The isekai genre faces fierce competition, but Jobless Reincarnation stands out among its peers thanks to its high-quality script and visuals produced by Studio Bind. The story follows a 34-year-old Japanese NEET who becomes homeless, then dies while trying to save someone from a truck accident. He gets a chance to start over when reincarnated into a magical world as the boy Rudeus Greyrat and embarks on an adventure with the determination to correct the mistakes of his past life.
