---
title: "BASTARD\u203c -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-"
year: 2022
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bastard-heavy-metal-dark-fantasy-2022"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 156898
imdb_id: "tt17736234"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 2
episodes_count: 39
runtime_minutes: 25
community_rating: 7.5
vote_count: 146
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (2022) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bastard-heavy-metal-dark-fantasy-2022

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

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.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A kingdom enlists a volatile dark wizard to prevent the resurrection of a destructive god."

### Why Watch
- high-stakes magical conflict
- dynamic character powers

### Caveats & Content Note
- features intense supernatural violence
- contains mature thematic elements
- Tone & Suitability: The series contains graphic violence and mature themes suitable for an adult audience.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: fantasy, action, supernatural, intense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Amazon Video |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (24 Episodes)
### Season 2 (15 Episodes)
BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- Season 2 continues the overarching saga across 15 episodes.

**Essential Lore Primer (Before Watching S2)**:
- Picks up essential narrative continuity directly following the events of BASTARD‼ -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- Season 1.
- Character alliances, factions, and personal loyalties undergo significant shifts under escalating stakes.
- Addresses unresolved cliffhangers and thematic mysteries introduced during previous seasons.
- Establishes the primary seasonal conflict that drives serialized character arcs toward the finale.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 39
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 5 (13%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 34 (87%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Kisho Taniyama** as *Dark Schneider (voice)*
- **Tomori Kusunoki** as *Tia Noto Yoko (voice)*
- **Hiroki Yasumoto** as *Gara (voice)*
- **Yoko Hikasa** as *Arshes Nei (voice)*
- **Kanae Itou** as *Lucien Renlen (voice)*
- **Tomokazu Sugita** as *Abigail (voice)*
- **Kensho Ono** as *Kall-Su (voice)*
- **Nao Toyama** as *Sheila Tuel Meta-llicana (voice)*
- **Yoshitsugu Matsuoka** as *Lars Ul (voice)*
- **Hisashi Izumi** as *Geo Noto Soto (voice)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the premise?
The Kingdom of Meta-llicana recruits a dark wizard to stop the resurrection of the God of Destruction.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The story centers on a volatile dark wizard.

### Q: What is the primary threat?
Evil forces are attempting to resurrect Anthrasax, the God of Destruction.

### Q: Is this a fantasy series?
Yes, it is categorized as a dark fantasy series.

### Q: What is the setting?
The series takes place in the Kingdom of Meta-llicana.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [BASTARD Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bastard)
- [Bastard!! Wiki | Fandom](https://bastard.fandom.com/wiki/Bastard!!_Wiki)
- [Bastard!! - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastard!!)
- [NEWS ( English ) -BASTARD!! Official Site-](https://bastard-anime.com/news/index_en.html)
- [BASTARD Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/bastard)
- [Bastard!! Ankoku no Hakaishin - CykaByleth's Review](https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=434864)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*