Seraph of the End

終わりのセラフ、終結的熾天使、종말의 세라프、Owari no Seraph、Owari no Seraph

Release date: April 4, 2015
Episodes: 12
Work Categories: Anime
Country: No Set

Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series written by Takaya Kagami, illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto, and storyboards by Daisuke Furuya. First serialized in Jump SQ magazine in October 2012, it rapidly gained popularity for its post-apocalyptic world plagued by vampires and supernatural threats. The story centers on Yuuichirou Hyakuya, a boy driven by vengeance against vampires after his “family” is slaughtered. The franchise encompasses manga, light novels, a TV anime, drama CDs, four-panel spin-offs, and games. With its rich world-building, layered characters like Shinoa Hiiragi, Mikaela Hyakuya, and Guren Ichinose, Seraph of the End stands out as a multi-platform hit, boasting over 15 million copies in circulation as of 2022. ## Background of Creation Seraph of the End marked Takaya Kagami’s debut as a manga original story author. Looking to captivate shonen audiences, Jump SQ’s editors paired Kagami with artist Yamato Yamamoto. The concept: a world devastated by a mysterious virus, where remaining children serve as blood cattle for vampires. Kagami also authored parallel light novels set eight years before the manga, further exploring the universe’s tragedy and intrigue. A cross-publisher collaboration enabled the manga to run at Shueisha while the light novels were released through Kodansha, an unusual but fruitful arrangement. ## Worldbuilding The world as we know it collapsed when a deadly virus wiped out most adults. In the chaos, vampires emerged from the shadows and enslaved surviving children as sources of blood. Below ruined cities are elaborate vampire societies, such as Sanguinem, ruled by powerful vampire nobles like Krul Tepes and Ferid Bathory. Human resistance is spearheaded by the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, led by families like the Hiragi, Sangu, Kimizuki, and Ichinose. They utilize cursed gear—demonic weapons powered by “cursed” spirits (oni). Parallel to the manga, the prequel light novels paint a picture of magical organizations, ancient curses, and the seeds of humanity’s destruction planted by shadowy institutions like the Hyakuya Sect and Hiragi family. Overarching everything is the forbidden project “Seraph of the End,” humanity’s horrifying attempt to create godlike weapons—at an unspeakable cost. ## Plot After the world falls to a plague, young Yuuichirou Hyakuya, Mikaela Hyakuya, and their adoptive siblings are abducted by vampires. Attempting escape from Sanguinem’s underground, only Yuuichirou successfully reaches the surface—thinking Mikaela dead. Driven by revenge, Yuuichirou joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army and meets steadfast Yoichi Saotome, prickly Shihou Kimizuki, the bold Mitsuba Sanguu, and ever-mischievous leader Shinoa Hiiragi. Yuuichirou discovers his battles are not just against vampires, but entwined with secret military experiments and the Seraph of the End project, which ravages the boundary between life, death, and monstrous transcendence. Shocking truths unfold: Mikaela survived—transformed into a vampire nobleman. Both sides, human and vampire, pull the heroes into ever bigger conspiracies, where allegiances, identity, and the meaning of family are tested. Eventually, the story builds to major arcs: the battle of Nagoya, the secret experiments of the Imperial Army, the demonic pacts fueling cursed gear, and world-shaking revelations about the Seraph of the End and its angelic “trumpeters.” ## Terminology Explanation - **Seraph of the End**: Codename for horrific experiments aiming to create superhuman weapons using children—nicknamed “trumpeters.” Power comes at the cost of the subject’s humanity. - **Cursed Gear**: Supernatural weapons forged by binding a demon (oni) within a physical object. Users risk losing themselves to the demon’s will. - **Imperial Demon Army**: The main human resistance, ruled by the Hiragi family, structured around military and noble clans. - **Vampire Progenitors**: Ranks among vampires, with “First Progenitor” (the True Ancestor) at the top, followed by the likes of Krul Tepes, Lest Karr, and others. - **Hyakuya Sect**: A mysterious, cult-like organization responsible for orphan “experiments” and triggers of the apocalypse. - **Trumpeters**: Referencing the Book of Revelation, these are children chosen to wield the Seraph of the End’s devastating angelic power. - **Yoichi’s Moon Demon**, **Shinoa’s Scythe (Four Great Demons)**: Examples of specific Cursed Gear, linked to character’s personal struggles and backstories. ## Media The series includes: - The original manga (Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign), serialized since 2012, with over 30 volumes. - A prequel light novel series (Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen) and its manga adaptation. - Side novels such as “Seraph of the End: The Story of Vampire Mikaela”. - The comedic 4-panel manga "Serapuchi!". - A 24-episode anime adaptation split into two cours (seasons) airing in 2015, animated by WIT STUDIO. - Drama CDs and a PlayStation Vita game released in 2015. - A stage musical adaptation in 2016. ## Production Background The manga was meticulously outlined by Kagami before serialization, allowing for tight coordination with the anime. Yamato Yamamoto’s distinctive art style became a hallmark of the series—with its stylish uniforms and weaponry. Extensive collaboration between editor, author, and anime staff ensured brand consistency. Music composition featured Hiroyuki Sawano’s dramatic, memorable score, propelling the anime’s intense battles and emotional climaxes. ## Theme Song Notable theme songs boosting the anime’s popularity include: - “X.U.” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Gemie (Season 1 OP) - “scaPEGoat” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Yosh (Season 1 ED) - “Two souls -toward the truth-” by fripSide (Season 2 OP) - “Orarion” by Yanagi Nagi (Season 2 ED) Sawano’s score and these songs were praised for their energy, emotional impact, and signature musical motifs. ## Impact and Reception Seraph of the End quickly achieved best-seller status, with the manga, anime, and novels each attracting devoted fans. As of 2022, the series has sold more than 15 million copies. The anime received praise for its dramatic soundtrack, striking visuals, complex characters, and fast-paced story. The series' blend of supernatural action, post-apocalyptic horror, and the deeply human struggles for family and identity have cemented its status as a notable dark fantasy franchise. ## Others Seraph of the End has been featured in various crossover campaigns, including merchandise collaborations, special cafe events, large-scale train station advertisements, and thematic exhibitions. The official website, anime portal, and game site offer further content and updates for fans interested in exploring more of the universe.