Although Attack on Titan has concluded its anime season, fans of its dark fantasy and antihero-centric story have something new to look forward to next year. Your spiritual successor, Übel Blattis ready to make his long-awaited debut on the small screen. Judging by the teaser trailer, this anime promises to be as exciting as Hajime Isayama's iconic masterpiece.
As announced in official Übel Blatt websiteThe anime directed by Takashi Naoya is based on the critically acclaimed Etorouji Shiono manga of the same name, which ran from 2004 to 2019. Notably, the series is being produced through an unconventional partnership: renowned fantasy anime studio Satelight is collaborating with video game developer Stable Entertainment to bring this story to life. This adaptation has been highly anticipated by fans for over a decade. In truth, Anime Network News reported that it was once considered one of the greatest stories because it never received an anime adaptation. Übel Blatt will premiere on January 10, 2025 in Japan and will be available the next day on Amazon Prime worldwide.
Attack on Titan and Übel Blatt explore the same emotions to tell different stories
A flawed hero for some, a heartless villain for others
Übel Blatt focuses on the story of Ascherit, one of the greatest swordsmen in the kingdom. Years before the events of the story, the king summoned Ascherit and 13 other elite warriors to embark on a mission to defeat Wischtech, a threat that has plunged the nation into war. During the dangerous journey, three warriors died on the way to the border and seven more deserted after reaching it.
Despite this, Ascherit and three loyal companions successfully completed their mission. However, on the way home, the group was ambushed by the seven deserters, who then falsely claimed the victory as their own. Ascherit survived the betrayal and swore revenge. Now, with a new name — Köinzell — and a transformed appearance, he seeks to bring justice to the seven who betrayed him and his comrades.
Although the stories may not seem similar at first glance, Attack on Titan and Übel Blatt are strikingly similar in their themes, tone, style, and emotional resonance. First, they both embrace the dark fantasy genre, taking place in dark, bleak environments where despair and anguish are ever-present in the community. Secondly, each story brings elements of the supernatural – such as monsters, magic and the occult – enhancing the supernatural atmosphere.
Third, its protagonists stand out as morally complex antiheroes, far removed from the upstanding and idealistic characters often found in more traditional stories. Attack on Titan Eren is one of anime and manga's greatest antiheroes, and all appearances suggest that Köinzell will follow suit. These characters have no qualms about using questionable methods to achieve their goals, pursuing them with unwavering determination and a “by any means necessary” mentality.
Attack on Titan and Übel Blatt prove that revenge can distort the healthiest ideas
Perhaps the most striking similarity between Attack on Titan and Übel Blatresides in the actions of its protagonists. While Attack on Titan excelled in many areas, it was particularly masterful in portraying Eren Yeager's descent into a genocidal anti-hero. This narrative powerfully demonstrates how radicalization – fueled by Eren's personal understanding of the truth behind the Titans – can corrupt idealism into extremism. Of course, this transformation is profoundly impacted by a devastatingly violent event: the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan.
Köinzell's motivations bear striking similarities to Eren's in Attack on Titan. Both characters are driven by a violent and traumatic event: the betrayal of Köinzell by seven comrades, who claimed the rewards and praise intended for him and his fallen allies. This moving act fuels Köinzell's quest for revenge, mirroring Eren's intense effort to eradicate the Titans after his own devastating loss.
However, much like Eren, Köinzell's personal quest for revenge gradually turns into a willingness to use or kill anyone, with little regard for the consequences, as long as it brings him closer to eliminating the traitors. Just like Eren in Attack on Titanmany will be able to see Köinzell's extremist turn Übel Blatt as a necessary response, given the immense power the seven traitors have accumulated over the years - and how most of the public believes their story. However, it is portrayed as deeply tragic.
These elements, and more, are featured in the latest video trailers teasing the upcoming series. The trailers offer glimpses of Ascherit's treacherous betrayal, highlighting the intense desire for revenge it would spark in anyone who suffered a similar fate. We also witness Ascherit's transformation into Koinzell, emphasizing his exceptional abilities and unwavering determination to achieve his goals. The forces of evil that stand in their way are formidable, and the traitors have apparently acquired legendary abilities. Therefore, how Attack on TitanEren, Koinzell may need to cross the line into darkness to finally succeed Übel Blatt.
Übel Blatt will be available to view worldwide on Amazon Prime on January 11, 2025.
Sources: Ubel Blatt, Anime Network News