BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- 2022

Overview

BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- is a 2022 animated television series adapted from the long-running Japanese manga of the same name. The show falls within the dark fantasy genre and incorporates heavy metal themes throughout its presentation. The story is set in a fictional world where the Kingdom of Meta-llicana faces an existential threat from the impending resurrection of Anthrasax, a destructive deity linked to a past cataclysm. To counter this danger, the kingdom seeks the aid of a volatile and morally ambiguous dark wizard. The series was made available globally via streaming platform Netflix upon its release. It originates from the manga published in Weekly Shonen Jump, which has achieved significant commercial success. The title itself references both the nature of its protagonist and the narrative's dark thematic elements. The show's presentation emphasizes its mature tone through stylized animation and musical choices that align with its heavy metal influences. As a narrative-driven fantasy series, it explores themes of power, conflict and survival within a morally complex setting.