Introduction of “Drifters”
Drifters is a captivating anime series that blends historical figures, fantasy elements, and intense battles. Kouta Hirano, who created Hellsing, developed Drifters to transport viewers to an exciting adventure in a different world. In this realm famous warriors from various eras battle each other to stay alive and gain control. Hoods Drifters Studio brought the series to life, while NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan oversaw its production. The show debuted in October 2016 and grabbed people’s interest. Fans and critics applauded its fresh concept striking visuals, and layered storytelling.
The story begins with Shimazu Toyohisa, a renowned samurai. He gets deadly injuries in the Battle of Sekigahara and finds himself in a strange corridor with many doors. Here, he encounters Murasaki, a mysterious figure who sends him through one of the doors into an odd new world. In this realm, Toyohisa meets other historical characters such as Oda Nobunaga and Nasu no Yoichi, who have also been brought to this place to fight as “Drifters.” They need to join forces to deal with the challenges of this new world and face off against other formidable historical figures called the “Ends,” who aim to destroy the world.
Themes
War and Strategy:
- Drifters explores the inner workings of war showcasing intricate battle strategies and the clever tactics of actual historical figures. The series highlights the significance of effective leadership and cooperation, and how wars can transform entire societies.
Cultural Clash:
- The show looks at how individuals from various eras and backgrounds interact depicting both their conflicts and collaborations. This theme adds depth to character relationships and gives the narrative more layers.
Heroism and Sacrifice:
- The Drifters’ adventure involves courageous actions and selflessness. Each character brings their unique concept of duty and honor to the fight often putting their lives at risk for the greater good.
Good vs. Evil:
- The clash between the Drifters and the Ends illustrates the timeless struggle of good against evil. The Ends driven by their dark pasts and ambitions, pose a significant threat to the world, while the Drifters seek to protect and liberate it.
Story of “Drifters”
Drifters tells the tale of historical warriors transported to a fantasy realm where they must rely on their unique skills and knowledge to survive. Shimazu Toyohisa wounded in his own time, finds himself in this new world. He encounters fellow “Drifters” like Oda Nobunaga, the famous warlord, and Nasu no Yoichi, a skilled archer from the Genpei War. Despite their differences, they join forces to combat the “Ends,” a group of powerful historical figures with sinister intentions.
As Toyohisa and his buddies travel through this strange world, they run into various races, like humans, elves, dwarves, and hobbits, who are under the Ends’ control. The Drifters pool their battle smarts and fighting chops, and begin to unite these different groups to tackle their common foe. The show explores themes of leadership, friendship, and culture clashes from different eras, while showcasing intense and eye-popping battle scenes.
Main Characters
- Shimazu Toyohisa: A brave and ethical samurai from the late Sengoku era, Toyohisa heads up the story as its main character. His strong sense of duty and excellent combat skills make him stand out as a natural leader among the Drifters.
- Oda Nobunaga: The famous warlord who played a key role in unifying Japan during the Sengoku period. Known for his smart tactics and brutal methods, Nobunaga becomes a crucial player in the Drifters’ fight against the Ends.
- Nasu no Yoichi: A famous archer from the Genpei War, Yoichi has matchless archery skills and keeps his cool, which brings balance to the team. His loyalty and precision make him key to the Drifters.
- Hannibal Barca: The Carthaginian leader known for his smart tactics in the Second Punic War. Even in his later years, Hannibal’s battle plans have a big impact on the Drifters’ fights.
- Scipio Africanus: A Roman general and Hannibal’s enemy, Scipio’s keen mind for battle and his rivalry with Hannibal add depth to the group’s relationships.
Background Information of “Drifters”
Creator and Studio:
- Creator: Kouta Hirano also known for his work on the manga and anime series Hellsing.
- Director: Kenichi Suzuki, who has directed popular shows like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Cells at Work!.
- Studio: Hoods Drifters Studio, a joint effort between Hoods Entertainment and Drifters Production Committee.
Source Material:
- Drifters originates from the manga of the same name by Kouta Hirano, which began publication in Shonen Gahosha’s Young King Ours magazine in 2009.
Release Dates:
- The anime adaptation premiered on October 7, 2016, and concluded on December 23, 2016. Fans are eager for a second season, which has been approved but hasn’t been released yet.
Episodes:
- Season one contains 12 episodes, along with some additional OVA episodes that continue the narrative.
Genre:
- This series combines action, adventure, history, fantasy, and seinen elements.
Visuals and Animation of “Drifters”
Animation Quality:
- Drifters distinguishes itself through its dynamic and fluid animation during battle sequences. The show conveys the intensity and grit of combat featuring detailed character appearances and vibrant settings.
Character Design:
- The character designs in Drifters catch the eye and look unique showing the diverse origins and eras of the historical figures. Each character springs to life with attention to historical accuracy and a distinct visual flair.
Setting and Atmosphere:
- The world of Drifters has rich detail blending elements of medieval fantasy with historical references. The environments appear lush and varied, from sprawling battlefields to ancient castles adding to the story’s grand feel.
Sound and Music of “Drifters”
Opening and Ending Themes:
- The show starts with “Gospel of the Throttle (Kyouhon REMIX ver.)” by Minutes Til Midnight, a song that gets viewers excited for the upcoming episode. To end each episode, Maon Kurosaki’s “Vermillion” leaves a spooky final impression.
Background Music:
- Yasushi Ishii and Hayato Matsuo joined forces to create the Drifters soundtrack. They combined orchestral sounds with rock to produce music that captivates and immerses the audience. Their compositions support the key scenes in the show and help set the appropriate atmosphere.
Voice Acting:
- The Drifters voice cast delivers strong performances that bring depth and personality to their characters. Key voice actors include Yuichi Nakamura (Shimazu Toyohisa), Naoya Uchida (Oda Nobunaga), and Mitsuki Saiga (Nasu no Yoichi), who capture the essence of their historical counterparts.
Review
Critics have praised Drifters for its unique concept engaging story, and high-quality animation. The show mixes historical accuracy with fantasy elements, which results in a distinctive and captivating narrative. The characters have substance, and their interactions create both suspense and humor. The action scenes are exceptional showing off the animators’ skill and attention to detail.
Fans and critics appreciate how the show delves into darker subjects and complex ethical dilemmas. Placing historical characters in a fantasy world adds thrill and originality helping Drifters distinguish itself from numerous other anime series. Overall, Drifters is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys action, fantasy, and historical drama.
