With April fast approaching, the lineup of spring anime draws closer each day. One of the most enticing anime of Spring 2021 is Shaman King. The reboot of the popular 90s anime has drawn eyes from series veterans and newcomers alike. The series follows Yoh Asakura on his journey be Shaman King.
As interest in the reboot increases, newcomers are clamoring to understand the hype behind the franchise. With such a rich history behind the manga, anime, and creator, there is plenty for fans of all backgrounds to discover. Here are just a few facts you may not have known about Shaman King.
10 The Creator Of Shaman King Is Hiroyuki Takei
Like many anime series, Shaman King started as a manga in 1998. It was released in Shonen Jump between the years of 1998 and 2004. After several years of success, the manga saw an anime adaptation. What many don't know is the author behind the phenomenon. The author is Hiroyuki Takei, a mangaka of over 20 years. As a child, he loved Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Hellboy, and American comic books. It's thanks to these mediums that he came to pursue a career in manga creation.
9 Shaman King First Aired In 2001
While Shaman King (2021) is returning to anime's foreground, this isn't the first time the series has adapted. The first anime adaptation of the popular manga started in 2001. It had 64 episodes and aired on Japan's Tokyo TV Network from July 2001 to September 2002. It was released alongside the manga, as it was incomplete at the time.
8 1998's Shaman King's Ending Didn't Align With The Manga
Because the original Shaman King (2001) anime aired while the manga was still ongoing, animators caught up to the source material rather quickly. When this happened, the animators created their own ending. Unfortunately, it doesn't align with Takei's vision. Studio Xebec decided to conclude the series to give their fans a sense of closure instead of waiting for the manga to finish.
7 The Reboot Aims To Be Faithful To Source Material
Over a decade after the original anime aired, Shaman King is back. One of the biggest differences this time is that the manga is actually finished, giving those in charge a chance to follow the source material faithfully.
Hopefully, after the feedback Shaman King (2001) received, the team behind the reboot understands what the fans are really after. They've said that they plan to follow the manga more closely this time around, but only time will tell how their adaptation pans out. The series outline exclaims that they will adapt all 35 manga volumes and animate the true conclusion of Shaman King.
6 Members Of The Original Cast Will Reprise Their Roles
Those who grew up with the original Shaman King (2001) are sure to remember the fantastic voice acting that accompanied the incredible animation. It's a cast that became synonymous with the product. It was so good that Takei made returning voice actors a condition of moving forward with the project. A large assortment of the original cast will make their return for the reboot, including Megumi Hayashibara, the singer behind the original opening theme and ending.
5 Netflix Will Distribute The Shaman King Reboot
There's less than a week until Shaman King (2021) airs in Japan, and viewers worldwide are ready. With the increased interest from western viewers in anime, it's unsurprising to see streaming services scooping up coveted series for exclusive rights. With Shaman King (2021,) Netflix has stepped in and acquired the rights, and the streaming powerhouse aims to air the anime later on in 2021.
4 This Reboot Has Been In Talks For Years
Hiroyuki Takei's Shaman King (2021) has been on a wild ride for the past few years. In February 2017, fans asked if there would ever be a reboot of Takei's magnum opus, to which he replied that it would only happen when a studio allowed the original voice actors to return.
Thankfully, many of the original cast is back, and because of the current studio's accommodations, Takei seems to be proud of the direction this reboot is taking. The final product looks to be a worthy successor to the artist's original vision from what has been shown in the trailers.
3 He Was First Known For His Work As An Assistant
Shaman King may be Takei's most popular work, but this was not his first foray into the manga and anime industry. His manga SD Hyakkaten was so well received that it helped him get a job as an assistant to Nobuhiro Watsuki, Rurouni Kenshin's creator. He was an assistant until his manga Butsu Zone joined the lineup of Weekly Shonen Jump. This was when his career as a mangaka truly began, and by working under seasoned writers, he was able to learn the trade tools first-hand.
2 The Reboot Is Animated By Studio Bridge
The studio behind this highly anticipated reboot is Studio Bridge. This studio, founded in 2007, has several well-known anime under its belt, including their most notable release, Fairy Tail. Regardless of how people feel about the story behind the animated series, Fairy Tail boasts impressive visuals and serves as an integral piece in Studio Bridge's growth. It seems they were the right choice for this reboot, as it is the most beautiful project they've churned out yet.
1 A New Omnibus Manga Set Is Releasing Alongside The Anime Reboot
Fans looking to pick up the manga that inspired this anime are in luck. The manga is releasing once more in the states with several Omnibus collections. Featuring new art by the author and improved translations, it's the definitive way to experience the Shaman King manga. Each Omnibus release collects three volumes in over 600 pages. The first edition was released this week and can be found at several online retailers. The following volumes are releasing periodically over the next few months, so collectors should keep an eye out for more information regarding these rereleases.