#The Ancient Magus’ Bride Anime to Conjure Up Original 3-Part OAD Series

The newly formed anime studio Studio Kafka announced today that the popular manga series The Ancient Magus’ Bride, written and illustrated by Kore Yamazaki, will be getting a three-part original animation DVD (OAD) series. Titled The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Nishi no Shonen to Seiran no Kishi, the series will be an original story based on Yamazaki’s manga, and will come bundled with volumes 16 through 18 of the manga series, with volume 16 scheduled to be released on September 10, 2021.

Newly released visual for the three-part OAD series:

To celebrate the announcement, Studio Kafka has released a brand new promotional video for the series featuring new animation and newly recorded lines from the returning cast members:

Studio Kafka will be taking over the production of The Ancient Magus’ Bride from WIT Studio with Kazuaki Terasawa (Overlord II and III episode director) in the director’s chair, with Aya Takaha returning to write the scripts from TV anime alongside newcomer Yoko Yonaiyama (Umamusume: Pretty Derby), and Hirotaka Kato returning to do the character designs. Other staff members include:

• Chief Animation Director: Kohei Tokuoka
• Color Design: Yuko Kobari
• Art Director: Seiki Tamura
• Director of Photography: Mayo Suzuki
• CGI Director: Katsuaki Miyaji
• Editing: Daisuke Imai
• Music: Junichi Matsumoto
• Music Production: Flying Dog
• Sound Director: Shouji Hata
• Sound Effects: Noriko Izumo 
• Sound Production: Sound Team Don Juan 
• Animation Production: Studio Kafka
• Production: The Ancient Magus’ Bride OAD Production Committee

Studio Kafka was established to produce the new The Ancient Magus’ Bride OAD series in partnership with production company Twin Engine, which has previously overseen BURN THE WITCH and Pokémon: Twilight Wings. Vinland Saga character designer Takahiko Abiru, who also directed the animation on a couple of episodes of The Ancient Magus’ Bride TV anime, and the previously mentioned Kazuaki Terasawa, are helping lead the studio.

Koichi Naruse, who has previously worked in production at WIT Studio and MAPPA, and worked closely with Terasawa, is the representative director of the studio, and commented about its founding:

“We established Studio Kafka in order to take on the challenge of creating the next chapter of The Ancient Magus’ Bride anime, a new OAD series. We’ll make the most of the synergy between us and the Twin Engine Group to create high-quality animation. After the production of the TV anime series, we’ll deliver a The Ancient Magus’ Bride anime that will be even more enjoyable for the fans, so please look forward to it!”

Also to commemorate the news, various staff members and creators involved with the franchise drew celebratory illustrations for the announcement:

Original Creator Kore Yamazaki

Director Kazuaki Terasawa

Character Designer Hirotaka Kato

Chief Animation Director Kohei Tokuoka

The story of the original three-part OAD follows Gabriel, an ordinary boy who just moved from London and was bored with his surrounding, until one day, he saw a wisp of purple smoke from the window of his house. At that time, he hurriedly chased the smoke, looking for any kind of freedom and fun. Though they should not, the world of boys and wizards soon intersect…

Meanwhile, in the middle of an uncommon regular day, where Elias is helping Chise prepare to head to the college, Spriggen arrives at the mansion on a seemingly creepy horse with a grim message, “the appearance of the ghost hunting corps. this time is very odd”.

The voice of Chise, Atsumi Tanezaki, commented on the announcement, saying:

“A new Magus’ Bride anime project is in the works: ‘The Ancient Magus’ Bride.’ You can watch the world of Magus’ Bride again in animation. I’m so happy. 

I’m so pleased to be able to share the series with those who feel the same way about it and those who have been waiting for it. I will continue to approach it with the same level of dedication and care as I have previously. Thank you so much for your support.

Please look forward to the OADs while enjoying the original story and the new promotional video!”

With the voice of Elias, Ryota Takeuchi, commenting:

“It’s been three years since the TV series…, and I’m so happy to be playing Elias again! A new story, new characters… How will Chise and Elias grow as they interact with these new people? What will they feel? As a performer, I’m really looking forward to the recording sessions! 

In interviews and events in the past, I’ve discussed how Elias and I have separated and he lives one without me. As I voice him again, I would like to think deeply and act with him in my heart! 

To those of you who are about to experience Magus’ Bride, and to the fans, please look forward to it!”

The first The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Nishi no Shonen to Seiran no Kishi OAD is scheduled to be released on September 10 bundled with a special edition of volume 16 of the manga series. The other two OAD’s are set to be released at a future time bundled with later volumes of the series. 

You can watch the first OAD series and TV anime series of The Ancient Magus’ Bride right here on Crunchyroll!

Source: Supplied Press Releases

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Daryl Harding is a Japan Correspondent for Crunchyroll News. He also runs a YouTube channel about Japan stuff called TheDoctorDazza, tweets at @DoctorDazza, and posts photos of his travels on Instagram.