Thunderbolt Fantasy (Thunderbolt Fantasy -東離劍遊紀-, Sandāboruto Fantajī: Tōriken Yūki, lit.Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East) is a Japanese-Taiwanese glove puppetry television series created and written by Gen Urobuchi and produced as a collaboration between Japanese companies Nitroplus and Good Smile Company and Taiwanese puppet production company Pili International Multimedia.[2] The series began airing in Japan starting July 8, 2016 and is being simulcast by Bahamut[3] and iQiyi Taiwan[lower-alpha 1] in Taiwan, bilibili in Mainland China, and Crunchyroll[4] in the United States. It has two official languages: the Taiwanese Min-Nan version aired in Taiwan, and the Japanese version aired outside Taiwan.[5] A manga adaptation illustrated by Yui Sakuma began serialization in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine on July 21, 2016.[6] A second adaption, told from the perspective of Dān Fěi, and illustrated by Kairi Shimotsuki, began serialization in Akita Shoten's Champion Crossonline magazine on September 27, 2016.[7] A side novel that focuses on the pasts of Lǐn Xuě Yā, Xíng Hài, and Shā Wú Shēng was released on April 7, 2017.[8] A second season aired in 2018 under the title of Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Seekers.[9] A third season is currently in development.[10] It was set to premiere in 2020 but has been delayed to next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
Set in an Eastern fantasy setting, Dān Fěi and her brother, guardians of a sword known as the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, are pursued by the evil Xuán Guǐ Zōng clan, who seek to obtain the sword for their master, Miè Tiān Hái. While her brother is defeated, Fěi, who possesses the sword's crossguard, escapes and finds herself in the care of the wandering swordsman, Shāng Bù Huàn, and a mysterious man named Lǐn Xuě Yā, who become her protectors from the pursuing Xuán Guǐ Zōng clan.
Characters
※ Character names are presented in the format of Chinese Personal Name (Chinese Characters Japanese Romanization, English Translation) / Chinese Art name (Chinese Characters Japanese Romanization, English Translation). Chinese personal names and their Japanese romanizations are presented with the character's surname appearing first, followed by their given name.
Main characters
Shāng Bù Huàn (殤不患, Shō Fu Kan, Unconcerned with Dying Young) /Rèn Wú Fēng (刃無鋒, Jin Muhō, Edgeless Blade)
Principal Puppeteer: Jia-Chang Hong, Substitute Puppeteer: Jia-Shen Liao
The main protagonist of this series, Shāng Bù Huàn is an enigmatic wandering swordsman. He appears to be cynical towards others, but is compassionate at heart. His inadvertent encounter with Lǐn Xuě Yā had him engulfed within the feud of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng pursuing Dān Fěi's crossguard of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, and reluctantly joins the journey with Lǐn Xuě Yā and Dān Fěi to retrieve the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn. Hails from Xī Yōu. In season 2, he is pursued by villains from his past over his possession of the Mó Jiàn Mù Lù (魔剣目録, Maken Mokuroku, Sorcerous Sword Index), a scroll that contains a series of magical swords.
Lǐn Xuě Yā (凜雪鴉, Rin Setsu A, Austere Snow Crow) /Lüè Fēng Qiè Chén (掠風竊塵, Ryō Fū Setsujin, Thief of the Wind Dust[lower-alpha 2])
A major protagonist, also known under the alias as Guǐ Niǎo (鬼鳥, Kichō, Phantom Bird). Lǐn Xuě Yā is a beautiful young man filled with immense mystery. Erudite and adept at the art of strategy, he is shown to be graceful and composed. According to Shòu Yún Xiāo, Lǐn Xuě Yā has used several aliases to conceal his identity. He is considered a master manipulator and thief, and has even been called a villain.
Voiced by: Mai Nakahara (JP), Wei-De Deng (Min-Nan)
One of the Seal Guardians hailing from the Sword Forging Shrine in charge of guarding the Tiān Xíng Jiàn. Dān Fěi takes pride in her heritage as a Seal Guardian, which makes her quite stubborn and tense when it comes to issues regarding the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, but she's also shown to be fairly naïve due to being inexperienced with the world outside of her shrine.
The elder brother of Dān Fěi, he is also a Seal Guardian who guards the Tiān Xíng Jiàn along with his sister. Dān Héng is responsible for guarding the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, while Dān Fěi protects the crossguard of the sword. Dān Héng lost his life at the hands of Miè Tiān Hái when the Xuán Guǐ Zōng invaded their shrine.
Shòu Yún Xiāo (狩雲霄, Shu Un Shō, Sky Hunter) /Ruì Yǎn Chuān Yáng (鋭眼穿楊, Ei Gan Sen Yō, Keen-eyed Sharpshooter[lower-alpha 4])
An old acquaintance of Lǐn Xuě Yā, Shòu Yún Xiāo is an archer who made a name for himself for his exceptional marksmanship. He regards Juǎn Cán Yún as his sworn younger brother. He joins the quest of retrieving the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn at Lǐn Xuě Yā's request.
Juǎn Cán Yún (捲殘雲, Ken San Un, To Furl Scattered Clouds) /Hán Hè (寒赫, Kan Kaku, Prominent Coldness[lower-alpha 5])
The sworn brother of Shòu Yún Xiāo, and a skilled spear wielder. Juǎn Cán Yún looks up to Shòu Yún Xiāo with admiration, and works hard to attain a reputation for himself using his skills. He tagged along with Yún Xiāo on the quest to retrieve the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn.
Voiced by: Sayaka Ohara (JP), Hsin-Ya Kuo (Min-Nan)
A powerful necromancer who dwells in the Night Devil Forest, and someone Lǐn Xuě Yā wishes to recruit to best the first obstacle of the Demon Spine Mountains. The other party members are wary of her because she is a demon, but Lǐn Xuě Yā assures them she can be trusted. However, Xíng Hài is shown to be hostile towards Lǐn Xuě Yā for unknown reasons.
Shā Wú Shēng (殺無生, Setsu Mu Shō, Eradicator of Life) /Míng Fèng Jué Shā (鳴鳳決殺, Mei Hō Kett Satsu, Screaming Phoenix Execution[lower-alpha 7])
A notorious and heartless killer, but also a swordsman whose skills are unparalleled. Due to some old enmity, he has set his eye on Lǐn Xuě Yā for revenge, and is obsessed with chasing Lǐn Xuě Yā down. When faced with a strong opponent, he cannot help but step forward in challenge. Thinks very highly of himself. Died after challenging Miè Tiān Hái to a duel.
The mentor of Lǐn Xuě Yā; the original owner of the Soul Echo Flute, he also taught Lǐn Xuě Yā how to create magic items. Died by the blade of Shā Wú Shēng, who then took the Soul Echo Flute.
Antagonists
Miè Tiān Hái (蔑天骸, Betsu Ten Gai, Skeleton Who Scorns the Heavens) /Sēn Luó Kū Gǔ (森羅枯骨, Shinra Kokotsu, Mass Array of Dry Bones.[lower-alpha 8])
Leader of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng, a group which utilizes the naturally defended mountain fortress, Seven Sins Tower, as its base of operations. He is arrogant and prideful, due to his skill with the sword, and possesses necromantic powers. He is also the foremost antagonist of the story. In order to seize the Tiān Xíng Jiàn protected by the Dān siblings, he uses every means possible to invade the Dān Family's sacred grounds.
Subordinate of Miè Tiān Hái. A Xuán Guǐ Zōng swordsman ordered to hunt down Dān Fěi. Died after confusing Shāng Bù Huàn with Dān Fěi due to the machinations of Lǐn Xuě Yā.
Subordinate of Miè Tiān Hái. Ambushed Shāng Bù Huàn after he helped Dān Fěi escape, but was driven off by Shòu Yún Xiāo. Died after attacking Shā Wú Shēng.
First appearing in Thunderbolt Fantasy: The Sword of Life and Death, he is a mysterious, red-haired, young man who carries a demonic talking Pipa named Líng Yá (聆牙 (Ryouga, Listening Fang), voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi). He returns in Season 2 following his old acquaintance, Shāng Bù Huàn, after the latter left him in Xī Yōu. Làng was originally designed as a mascot for T.M. Revolution to promote the franchise, but Urobochi grew fond of the character and later incorporated him in the franchise's main story. Làng Wū Yáo is the main character in the prequel movie Thunderbolt Fantasy - Bewitching Melody of the West.
A magistrate of Xī Yōu, he is tasked in finding Shāng Bù Huàn and retrieving the Sorcerous Sword Index. He is a cruel and cunning man who uses "justice" as a pretense to do villainous things.
Xiē Yīng Luò (蠍瓔珞, Katsueiraku, Scorpion Necklace)[12] / Shí Xīn Dú Jī (蝕心毒姫, Shokushin Dokki, Princess of Cruelty)
A nihilistic monk on a pilgrimage. When he encounters Xiē Yīng Luò, who threatens him with death, he questions her true motivations and goes as far as saving her from Shāng Bù Huàn and Làng Wū Yáo. Despite being a monk, Làng Wū Yáo has determined he is a character with evil intentions. His evil self is revealed when he takes the Seven Blasphemous Deaths and becomes its new master.
One of the weapons sealed within the Sorcerous Sword Index, it was released by Xiē Yīng Luò. Considered one of the most dangerous weapons because of its malevolent sentience. It has the ability to control the wielder and when unsheathed, those who see the sword is drawn to it in madness. The sword also draws blood from any person it cuts or kills, further increasing its power as well as its wielder's.
A gigantic dragon living within the Wasteland of Spirits. His wing was sliced off by Shāng Bù Huàn when the latter encountered him on his journey to Dong Li. He is said to have killed and devoured his own kind to survive in the wastelands.
She is Shāng Bù Huàn's partner in collecting swords across Xī Yōu and the first person to befriend Làng Wū Yáo. Like Wū Yáo, she is a musician who is also talented in the martial arts.
Làng Wū Yáo's mother who is blind. She is a former member of the Xī Yōu Imperial Court. Taking pride of her son's singing voice, she brutally trains him in singing and in combat until Wū Yáo fell ill. When Wū Yáo recovers, his pitch changed, sending Xún Yīn into a frenzy that led to her death by falling off a cliff.
Princess of Xī Yōu. She is cruel in that she has musicians perform for her while being attacked by her soldiers as part of her entertainment. After seeing Làng Wū Yáo's performance, he is made court virtuoso and is declared as her 'songstress' for life. She is enraged when Wū Yáo left to pursue Shāng Bù Huàn and Mù Tiān Mìng and later joining them.
A Seal Guardian from Season 2 who heads Xiān Zhèn Fortress, which houses and protects various magical weapons. Shāng Bù Huàn approached him for assistance in protecting the Sorcerous Sword Index until the fortress came under attack by first Xiē Yīng Luò, and later by Lóu Zhèn Jiè.
Development
In 2014, Urobuchi came across Pili's exhibition booth within a Taiwanese comic convention while he was invited as the convention's special guest. He was greatly impacted by their execution of the art form, prompting him to take home a full set of Pili's puppet show series to share with his associates within the Japanese ACG industry, and was eager to either plan an original story, or license a couple of series with Pili to dub into Japanese. The news of Urobuchi's interest in Taiwanese puppetry quickly made its way to Pili, which had a decent percentage of staff members who were, according to Nitroplus representative, Digitarou, "anime savvy, Urobuchi fans." Therefore, Pili International were also actively searching for ways to contact Urobuchi. Both parties contacted each other within a day's time frame asking if they wanted to create something fun together; after various discussions from both parties, they decided to create an original story that is, first and foremost, "a straight-forward narrative" easy for first-time puppetry viewers and the anime demographic to process and appreciate. Hence the birth of the Thunderbolt Fantasy Project.[14][15]
Media
Soundtrack
Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack
Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack (2016)
The soundtrack was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and released on August 24, 2016.[16] The music was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and the lyrics were written by Benjamin & mpi
Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack
No.
Title
Vocals
Length
1.
"thunderBOLTfantasy"
5:35
2.
"show-no-feel"
4:37
3.
"tanh1"
4:05
4.
"5in4"
5:46
5.
"tpfp1"
2:57
6.
"coldsnowcrow"
4:43
7.
"GKpeople"
4:11
8.
"⚡bolt-arr1"
4:07
9.
"from either way"
4:54
10.
"kill don't 生kill-FUe"
1:03
11.
"Kguy&kill don't 生kiLL"
5:35
12.
"thedead"
4:02
13.
"蔑、guy"
4:36
14.
"⚡bolt-arr2"
4:15
15.
"tfpf2"
2:39
16.
"devigod"
5:28
17.
"Darkest"
Mika Kobayashi
mpi
5:17
18.
"tfpf3"
2:42
Total length:
76:32
Television series
Thunderbolt Fantasy was first announced on February 5, 2016.[2] The series was created and written by Nitroplus' Gen Urobuchi, who used a full year to develop the script closely with Pili.[15] The voices were originally performed in Min-Nan Chinese based on the translated Japanese script for the puppetry performance and broadcast in Taiwan. The episodes were then dubbed into Mandarin Chinese and Japanese for their respective regions' broadcast, with the Japanese version licensed to simulcast outside of Asia by Crunchyroll starting July 8, 2016.[4][17] The opening theme is "Raimei" performed by T.M.Revolution. A sequel was announced at the end of the first season's final episode.[9]
For the second season, the opening theme and the ending theme are "His/Story" and "Roll The Dice", respectively, both performed by Takanori Nishikawa.
One stormy night, Dān Fěi and her brother Dān Héng, protectors of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, are pursued by the evil Xuán Guǐ Zōng clan. Although the clan's leader, Miè Tiān Hái, manages to kill Héng and retrieve the sword's hilt, Fěi manages to escape off a cliff. Meanwhile, a travelling swordsman named Shāng Bù Huàn comes across an umbrella covering a Buddha statue, where a peculiar man informs him that taking the umbrella will require him to do a good favor in return. As Bù Huàn returns on his journey, he encounters Fěi as she escapes from Xuán Guǐ Zōng members, prompting him to step in to protect her. After bringing Fěi back to the man he met earlier, Bù Huàn is confronted by the Xuán Guǐ Zōng's Cán Xiōng, who attacks Bù Huàn after the mysterious man sprays him with smoke making him believe he is actually Fěi. After Bù Huàn defeats him in battle, Xiōng severs his own head and sends it to Tiān Hái, who identifies the mysterious man as Lüè Fēng Qiè Chén.
2
"Attack of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng!" "Shūrai! Genkishu"(襲来! 玄鬼宗)
July15,2016(2016-07-15)
Fěi explains to Bù Huàn and the peculiar man, who calls himself Guǐ Niǎo, that the Xuán Guǐ Zōng need the crossguard she is carrying to draw the Tiān Xíng Jiàn from its sealed pedestal. Not wanting to get involved any further, Bù Huàn takes his leave and goes into a town, where he learns that the Xuán Guǐ Zōng have labelled him as an enemy. He leaves town, passing by a stranger who warns him of an ambush further down the road. Exactly like the man warned him, the Xuán Guǐ Zōng's Liè Mèi confronts Bù Huàn and her lackeys surround him. Just then, Bù Huàn is joined by a warrior named Juǎn Cán Yún, along with the stranger from earlier, Shòu Yún Xiāo, who defeat Mèi's soldiers and force her to retreat.
3
"The Woman in Night Devil Forest" "Yama no Mori no Onna"(夜魔の森の女)
July22,2016(2016-07-22)
Yún Xiāo and Cán Yún are revealed to be allies summoned by Guǐ Niǎo to join Fěi and a reluctant Bù Huàn as they journey to the Seven Sins Tower in the Demon Spine Mountains where the Xuán Guǐ Zōng dwell. Guǐ Niǎo explains that in order to get past the barrier surrounding the mountains and reach the tower, they must overcome three different obstacles, one of which requires the assistance of a demon necromancer named Xíng Hài, who resides in the Night Devil Forest. The next day, the group heads into the forest to seek out Hài, who believes them to be trespassers and attacks them with an army of zombies, which Fěi and Cán Yún fend off while the other three press forward.
4
"The Whereabouts of the Soul Echo Flute" "Kaireiteki no Yukue"(迴靈笛のゆくえ)
July29,2016(2016-07-29)
Guǐ Niǎo uses fire to draw Hài out of hiding, managing to persuade her to join his party after bringing up the Tiān Xíng Jiàn. Meanwhile, Lián Qí, Guǐ Niǎo's master who possesses the Soul Echo Flute needed to make it through the labyrinth leading to the Demon Spine Mountain, is attacked and killed by the Screaming Phoenix Killer, Shā Wú Shēng. He steals the flute and awaits Guǐ Niǎo's arrival. Wú Shēng tries to provoke Guǐ Niǎo into fighting, but he refuses to do so. Instead, Yún Xiāo and Cán Yún attempt to fight against Wú Shēng but are both easily outmatched, prompting Guǐ Niǎo to call a retreat.
5
"The Sword Devil, Shā Wú Shēng" "Kenki, Setsu Mu Shō"(剣鬼, 殺無生)
August5,2016(2016-08-05)
After the group returns to their inn, they talk about confronting the Screaming Phoenix Killer. Cán Yún is determined to fight Wú Shēng in a duel the next morning, because he considers himself expendable and because, if he wins, then he would make a name for himself. Xíng Hài offers her help in the form of spells. Guǐ Niǎo, however, feels that confrontation should only be used as a last resort. Bù Huàn gets tired of the talk and decides to head off on his own. He goes to the Devilwood Flower Garden himself and asks Wú Shēng to hand over the Soul Echo Flute. Wú Shēng refuses and they prepare to battle, but Guǐ Niǎo defuses the situation and asks Wú Shēng the favor of becoming the performer of the Soul Echo Flute; in exchange, Guǐ Niǎo propositions Wú Shēng his head once they have reached the summit of the Demon Spine Mountains. Wú Shēng agrees. Meanwhile, Miè Tiān Hái suspects that Guǐ Niǎo's group will head to him.
6
"Seven Comrades" "Nananin Dōshū"(七人同舟)
August12,2016(2016-08-12)
Bù Huàn is worried that the group cannot work together, as everyone is suspicious of each other. However, he still accompanies them as they ride a boat to the Demon Spine Mountains. Upon arrival to shore, the group encounters the Xuán Guǐ Zōng, led by Liè Mèi and Diāo Mìng. Cán Yún is motivated by Wú Shēng to attack and takes care of the "cannon fodder," while Hài and Yún Xiāo work together to raise the dead created by Cán Yún. Wú Shēng finally attacks after all the soldiers have been taken care of, killing Liè Mèi. Suddenly, Miè Tiān Hái shows up.
7
"Demon Spine Mountains" "Masekizan"(魔脊山)
August19,2016(2016-08-19)
After Miè Tiān Hái shows up, he mocks the group then immediately leaves, along with the rest of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng. The group then arrives at the Demon Spine Mountains, and rest a night before heading in. Dān Fěi is up practicing, when Cán Yún shows up and gives her a few pointers, though angering her in the process. She storms off and the group enters the mountains the next day, encountering the Valley of the Dead, the first trial. Xíng Hài is called upon to put the dead to sleep, but fails a few times; Fěi protects the group with her Hù Yìn Shī skills, except for Bù Huàn who has to fight the dead. Hài finally succeeds in singing the correct tune and the group moves on, arriving at the second trial, the Valley of the Doll. A golem guardian stands there motionless, and Bù Huàn activates it, allowing Yún Xiāo to fire at its weak point. Yún Xiāo misses twice, though, so Bù Huàn takes matters into his own hands and climbs the golem, stabbing the charm himself and deactivating the golem. He then falls off, but is saved by Yún Xiāo's arrow, which pierces through his clothing and nails him to the arm of the now-deactivated golem. The group then moves onto the final trial, the Labyrinth of Darkness. Bù Huàn, however, declares his departure before they can continue.
8
"The Enigmatic Gale" "Ryō Fū Setsujin"(掠風竊塵)
August26,2016(2016-08-26)
After Bù Huàn storms off, Fěi admonishes the groups and runs after him. Guǐ Niǎo also follows her. The remaining four comrades decide to pass through the Labyrinth of Darkness using the Soul Echo Flute. Guǐ Niǎo and Fěi find Bù Huàn spying on some Xuán Guǐ Zōng soldiers, who are trying to catch more demon birds. The three of them ambush the Xuán Guǐ Zōng and use a bone-whistle to call the demon birds and ride them to the Seven Sins Tower. Once they arrive, they find Tiān Hái waiting for them. Fěi immediately attacks him, seeking vengeance for her brother and to obtain the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn. However, Guǐ Niǎo sprays Fěi with smoke, causing her to attack Bù Huàn instead. Diāo Mìng then knocks out Fěi and arrests Bù Huàn. They are then thrown into cages, where they are found by the other four. Yún Xiāo reveals Guǐ Niǎo's other name, Enigmatic Gale (Lüè Fēng Qiè Chén), while Fěi reveals his real name, Lǐn Xuě Yā.
9
"The Essence of a Sword" "Ken no Shinzui"(剣の神髄)
September2,2016(2016-09-02)
Yún Xiāo and Xíng Hài reveal that their letters from Lǐn Xuě Yā asked them to swindle Fěi of her crossguard. Wú Shēng affirms this with the letter he stole from Xuě Yā's teacher, Lián Qí. Cán Yún is shaken up by this turn of events, but still follows the other three as they leave Bù Huàn and Fěi in their cells. Wú Shēng returns to the Tower, though, seeking Xuě Yā's head as promised. Meanwhile, Xuě Yā and Miè Tiān Hái are having a discussion about the Tiān Xíng Jiàn. Wú Shēng interrupts this discussion, though, and before going after Xuě Yā, challenges Tiān Hái to a duel. Tiān Hái slays Wú Shēng, and explains his swordsmanship to Xuě Yā. While this happens, Bù Huàn breaks out of his cell.
10
"A Thief's Pride" "Tōzoku no Kyōji"(盗賊の矜恃)
September9,2016(2016-09-09)
After Bù Huàn exits his cell, he sees Wú Shēng fighting through endless streams of Xuán Guǐ Zōng fodder. Bù Huàn picks up a sword from a dead soldier and continues searching the Seven Sins Tower for Lǐn Xuě Yā. He then spots Xuě Yā and Diāo Mìng, and hides. Bù Huàn confronts Xuě Yā after Diāo Mìng leaves. Xuě Yā then explains his plan to Bù Huàn, and explains that both Yún Xiāo and Xíng Hài are villains that would take the Tiān Xíng Jiàn for themselves. All Xuě Yā wants to do is make Miè Tiān Hái despair. Xuě Yā also reveals the hiding place of the crossguard—the Limitless Temple. Bù Huàn then meets with Fěi and tells her the plan and to stay in the cell. Meanwhile, Xuě Yā sets up a deal with Tiān Hái. Afterwards, Xuě Yā meets with Bù Huàn again and gives him a hood that changes his appearance to that of Xuě Yā. They then begin to carry out Xuě Yā's plan. At the same time, Cán Yún breaks Fěi out of her cell.
11
"A Proud Life" "Hokori Takaki Inochi"(誇り高き命)
September16,2016(2016-09-16)
Bù Huàn, disguised as Xuě Yā, meets with Tiān Hái, who becomes very suspicious, and together with the Xuán Guǐ Zōng, ride their demon birds to the Limitless Temple. As this happens, Xuě Yā discovers that Yún Xiāo and Xíng Hài also met with Tiān Hái. He then goes to unlock the safe containing the hilt of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, transforming his pipe into chopsticks. Erstwhile, after Bù Huàn receives the gold agreed upon for the crossguard of the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, he is questioned by Tiān Hái and Diāo Mìng, who have already seen through his disguise. Bù Huàn then acts as bait to allow Xuě Yā to finish his part. However, Tiān Hái had kept the hilt on him the entire time. Meanwhile, Cán Yún and Fěi also head to the Limitless Temple by way of a Spirit Tree. There, they find the crossguard before the others arrive. They were followed by Yún Xiāo and Hài, though, and are forced to fight. Yún Xiāo and Hài obtain the crossguard and force Cán Yún and Fěi to retreat. Xuě Yā, alone again, sets up a trap.
12
"A Blade That Doesn't Cut" "Kirezaru yaiba"(切れざる刃)
September23,2016(2016-09-23)
After escaping from the Xuán Guǐ Zōng, Bù Huàn happens upon Cán Yún and Fěi. He learns Yún Xiāo and Hài stole the crossguard and intend to sell it to Tiān Hái. Cán Yún also titles Bù Huàn the "Edgeless Sword." Suddenly, Diāo Mìng and the Xuán Guǐ Zōng show up and attack the three of them. Bù Huàn shows his true colors and fights with a wooden branch. After killing Diāo Mìng and the Xuán Guǐ Zōng, Bù Huàn explains his philosophy as the three of them head to the Duàn Jiàn Cí. Meanwhile, Yún Xiāo and Hài meet with Tiān Hái at the Duàn Jiàn Cí. After removing the sword from the pedestal, Yāo Tú Lí is revealed, the lost demon god. Hài then kills Yún Xiāo for trying to prevent the awakening of the demon god. Xuě Yā confronts Tiān Hái outside the Duàn Jiàn Cí after Hài leaves.
13
"A New Duty" "Aratanaru Shimei"(新たなる使命)
September30,2016(2016-09-30)
Xuě Yā duels Tiān Hái, with Xuě Yā crushing Tiān Hái's spirit. Because of this, Tiān Hái destroys the Tiān Xíng Jiàn, releasing Yāo Tú Lí from the binding. Bù Huàn, Cán Yún, and Fěi find Xuě Yā after this happens, and Bù Huàn decides to face Yāo Tú Lí. He defeats the demon god by channeling the power of one of the thirty-six swords he collected from his travels, and banishes the demon god to the far reaches of space, ending the threat once and for all. He leaves the sword in the care of Cán Yún and Fěi, and departs, but not before receiving a parting gift from Xuě Yā.
Shāng Bù Huàn enters the Xiān Zhèn Fortress to meet Bó Yáng Hóu to surrender the Sorcerous Sword Index and place it under the fortress's protection. Despite the letter of introduction by the Seal Guardian Dān Fěi, Bó Yáng Hóu was suspicious of Bù Huàn's intentions, but accepts the Index, nonetheless. Bù Huàn reunites with his old partner, Làng Wū Yáo and his talking Pipa Líng Yá, who informs Shāng that Huò Shì Míng Huáng has sent the assassin Xiē Yīng Luò to retrieve the Index. Bù Huàn hurriedly returns to the fortress as it falls under attack by Yīng Luò.
With Wū Yáo's help, Bù Huàn managed to repel Xiē Yīng Luò, but not before ripping and taking a portion of the Index with her. Meanwhile, Xiào Kuáng Juàn, a magistrate of Xī Yōu, enters Dōng Li on official business to hunt down and capture Shāng Bù Huàn, now deemed a fugitive. Assisting him is Lǐn Xuě Yā, who poses as a Dōng Li inspector and assuming his alias as Guǐ Niǎo.
2
15
"The Stolen Sorcerous Blades" "Ubawareta maken"(奪われた魔剣)
October8,2018(2018-10-08)
Lǐn Xuě Yā & Xiào Kuáng Juàn visit the Xiān Zhèn Fortress to speak with Bó Yáng Hóu, who is recovering from the poison applied to him by Xiē Yīng Luò. Both Xuě Yā and Kuáng Juàn use the information to further incriminate Shāng Bù Huàn, citing he and Xiē are conspiring to steal the magical weapons from the fortress.
Later, Yīng Luò attacks a town using The Night of Mourning – a sword from the Index that turns its victims into puppets for the wielder to control, and uses them to attack Bù Huàn and Làng Wū Yáo. Bù Huàn is then struck by Yīng Luò's poison and is then overwhelmed by her puppets.
3
16
"Princess of Cruelty" "Shokushin Dokki"(蝕心毒姫)
October15,2018(2018-10-15)
Bù Huàn and Wū Yáo flee from Yīng Luò, just before Xiào Kuáng Juàn enters the scene. Yīng Luò too, is forced to flee when Kuáng Juàn and his men show no remorse in killing the puppets. After finding a safe area, Bù Huàn tells Wū Yáo that the Seven Blasphemous Deaths was the second sword Yīng Luò has stolen. Neither Bù Huàn nor Wū Yáo can remove the poison from the former until Lǐn Xuě Yā arrives to meet them.
Meanwhile, a monk by the name of Dì Kōng is summoned into Xiān Zhèn Fortress to help heal the ailing Bó Yáng Hóu. Kōng asks if there is a point to save an elderly person, and after hearing answers from the Seal Guardians, heals him.
4
17
"Close Foes" "Shinkin Tekijin"(親近敵人)
October22,2018(2018-10-22)
Xuě Yā and Wū Yáo travel to the Wasteland of Spirits (where the danger of the area has been reduced thanks to Bù Huàn's exploits), to retrieve the ingredients for the antidote for Bù Huàn's poison. Kuáng Juàn summons Yīng Luò and proposes a temporary alliance to hunt down Bù Huàn, to which Yīng Luò accepts. When Yīng Luò returns to her hideout, she encounters Dì Kōng and attacks him. Unconvinced of her reasons to kill him, Kōng easily avoids Yīng Luò's attacks and questions her true motivations before leaving.
5
18
"Hellfire Valley" "Gyōka no Tani"(業火の谷)
October29,2018(2018-10-29)
Xuě Yā and Wū Yáo proceed into Hellfire Valley, the domain of the dragon Mò Wáng, for the latter's horn needed for the antidote. The duo successfully defeats the dragon and obtain the horn, but Wū Yáo attacks Wū Yáo shortly after, citing Lǐn as an untrusting individual. Wū Yáo escapes and gives Wū Yáo the final instructions on preparing the antidote.
Meanwhile, Xiē and Xiào are close to finding Bù Huàn's location. Due to the poison, Bù Huàn is unable to flee far enough and Yīng Luò and Kuáng Juàn caught up with him. Bù Huàn is forced to fight Kuáng Juàn's men until Wū Yáo arrives with the antidote.
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19
"A Poisoner's Pride" "Dokushu no Hokori"(毒手の誇り)
November5,2018(2018-11-05)
Xiào Kuáng Juàn betrays Xiē Yīng Luò by taking the Night of Mourning for himself after she is defeated by the rejuvenated Shāng Bù Huàn, forcing her to flee. Lǐn Xuě Yā arrives and convinces Kuáng Juàn to retreat as well.
Later, in their pursuit of Xiē, Bù Huàn and Làng Wū Yáo encounter Dì Kōng, who earlier rescued Yīng Luò and took her to her hideout to recover. Kōng questions Bù Huàn on seeking out Yīng Luò. Suspecting the monk is of an evil nature, Wū Yáo attacks Kōng, but was stopped by Bù Huàn.
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20
"Bewitched Whispering" "Yōki no Sasayaki"(妖姫の囁き)
November12,2018(2018-11-12)
At Yīng Luò's hideout, Kōng further questions her true motivations, including her loyalty to Huò Shì Míng Huáng, putting her in a state of doubt. In their secret meeting, Bù Huàn confirms to Xuě Yā that he is a fugitive for stealing all the mystic swords and placing them into the Sorcerous Sword Index, citing that the Xī Yōu government were using them in their campaign of conquest. Later, as Yīng Luò thinks of her next course of action, she is surrounded by Kuáng Juàn and his men. In desperation, she unsheathes the Seven Blasphemous Deaths, causing Kuáng Juàn and his men to fall into the sword's charms and fight each other. This vulnerability leaves them open for Yīng Luò to strike them down and for the sword to feed on their blood. Bù Huàn and Wū Yáo arrive to find themselves the latest target of Yīng Luò's newfound bloodlust.
8
21
"The Song That Dooms Evil" (弦歌斷邪)
November19,2018(2018-11-19)
Bù Huàn is badly wounded by Yīng Luò, but was ordered by the Seven Blasphemous Deaths to not kill him, instead make him suffer by killing more innocent victims by her blade. Yīng Luò leaves while Xuě Yā takes an exhausted Kuáng Juàn, unaware that the latter has discovered the former's true identity.
Yīng Luò later attacks a town and kills many of the local populace, but was stopped by Wū Yáo, who found a way to counter the charms of the Seven Blasphemous Deaths. Kuáng Juàn and Xuě Yā, now working together, arrive to allow Yīng Luò to escape as part of Kuáng Juàn's plan to use her and the sword as a counter against Bù Huàn.
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"The Path of the Strong"
November26,2018(2018-11-26)
The Seven Blasphemous Deaths lambasts Yīng Luò for failing to defeat Wū Yáo, and orders her to offer her blood to the sword as punishment. Frustrated, Yīng Luò frees herself from the sword and leaves. As she wanders, she encounters Shāng Bù Huàn and the two engage in a duel, with Bù Huàn victorious. Bù Huàn spares her and tells her that one can also gain strength through defeat before leaving. Learning of this, Yīng Luò gains her resolve and is about to start a new outlook in life when she finds Dì Kōng, now using his given name Lóu Zhèn Jiè, as the new wielder of the Seven Blasphemous Deaths, and becomes his first victim.
Kuáng Juàn reveals to Xuě Yā his pursuit of Shāng Bù Huàn was a front to his modus operandi: the smuggling and selling of stolen goods from Xī Yōu to Dōng Li. Kuáng Juàn proposes that Xuě Yā join him by selling the swords Xuě Yā stole from the Xuán Guǐ Zōng clan to Xī Yōu and both reap its profits. Xuě Yā accepts.
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23
"Demonic Swords/Holy Swords"
December3,2018(2018-12-03)
Bù Huàn meets up with Wū Yáo, who just finished making a grave for Yīng Luò. Bù Huàn is chastised for his compassion for others, which led to everything that is going on so far, before Wū Yáo sets off to face Lóu Zhèn Jiè alone.
Xuě Yā sabotages Kuáng Juàn's smuggling operation by switching the swords to be sold instead at their country of origin, revealing them as stolen goods to buyers and pinning Xiào as the culprit. In panic, Kuáng Juàn attacks the buyers and the local lawmen as he flees.
Meanwhile, to show his devotion to the Seven Blasphemous Deaths, Zhèn Jiè attacks Xiān Zhèn Fortress, destroying any magic swords within the fortress and slaughtering everyone in his way. Bó Yáng Hóu escapes carrying the three remaining swords from the fortress in his possession. While amazed by Zhèn Jiè's sword skills, the Seven Blasphemous Deaths worry that he may be a danger even to itself.
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"The Dignity of Evil"
December10,2018(2018-12-10)
Bù Huàn asks his friend Juǎn Cán Yún to hold onto the Sorcerous Sword Index while he goes after the released swords and their wielders. Kuáng Juàn confronts Xuě Yā over the botched operation and Xuě Yā denies his involvement. Rather than be enraged over the incident, Kuáng Juàn sees it as a relief and abandons the entire operation, opting instead to make a fresh start by creating his own army using the Night of Mourning. Disgusted by Kuáng Juàn's reaction, Xuě Yā leaves him.
Zhèn Jiè sets out to find the escaped swords from Xiān Zhèn Fortress and encounters Wū Yáo. During the battle, Zhèn Jiè exploits Wū Yáo's sense of hearing to avoid the sword's charms and detect his location and wounds him. But before he could land the killing blow, Zhèn Jiè falls into Xuě Yā's trap and is taken away by a Demon Bird. Xuě Yā informs Wū Yáo that Kuáng Juàn is out to attack the Dōng Li government. Despite his injures, Wū Yáo goes off to face Kuáng Juàn.
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"The Hunting Fox"
December17,2018(2018-12-17)
Lóu Zhèn Jiè ends up in the Wasteland of Spirits and reveals to the Seven Blasphemous Deaths that he was never under the sword's control, wielding it instead of his own free will because he is enamored by its beauty. He intends to die in the wastelands to ensure no one else wields the sword, much to the latter's objections. Mò Wáng appears and attacks Lóu Zhèn Jiè.
Làng Wū Yáo finds Xiào Kuáng Juàn and the two engage in a battle. Kuáng Juàn tricks Wū Yáo to wield the Night of Mourning, allowing the former to attack and kill the civilians that were turned into puppets, with the latter unable to protect them and leaving himself open to Kuáng Juàn's attacks. Shāng Bù Huàn arrives and takes the Night of Mourning and uses it to command the puppets to attack Kuáng Juàn. Kuáng Juàn is shocked by Bù Huàn's ability to command as he is badly beaten by the puppets and flees.
Bù Huàn later restores the civilians back to normal and he, Wū Yáo and Lǐn Xuě Yā begin their pursuit of Kuáng Juàn. Meanwhile, Zhèn Jiè easily kills Mò Wáng. Desperate to not be forever lost in the wastelands, the Seven Blasphemous Deaths convinces Zhèn Jiè to seek and kill the only remaining threat to it – Shāng Bù Huàn.
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"A Bizarre, Bloodstained Ballad"
December24,2018(2018-12-24)
Bù Huàn, Xuě Yā, and Wū Yáo find a hanged Kuáng Juàn with a note, indicating he was killed by Zhèn Jiè, who challenges Bù Huàn to a duel. Bù Huàn accepts and meets Zhèn Jiè in the wastelands where they begin their battle. To avoid being charmed by the Seven Blasphemous Deaths, Bù Huàn allows himself to be turned into a puppet by the Night of Mourning, with Xuě Yā as its wielder. Zhèn Jiè is overwhelmed and asks the sword for its help, but the latter is conflicted in either helping Zhèn Jiè and be its last wielder or allowing Bù Huàn to win and have it trapped in the Index once again. The sword tells Zhèn Jiè to attack Xuě Yā, but realized too late. The Night of Mourning was an illusion set up by Xuě Yā and the real one was now in the hands of Wū Yáo. Wū Yáo restores Bù Huàn and the trio separates Zhèn Jiè from the Seven Blasphemous Deaths. Bù Huàn begins to seal the sword, but Zhèn Jiè reaches out and grabs it, creating a shockwave that cuts off his arm and sending him into the deep abyss, falling to his death with the sword in hand.
The trio return to the Xiān Zhèn Fortress with Juǎn Cán Yún and Dān Fěi, along with the Sorcerous Sword Index. The party realizes Bù Huàn has only captured Zhèn Jiè's severed arm, but both agree the latter met its fate along with the sword. Bó Yáng Hóu arrives to apologize to Bù Huàn for suspecting him, and asks him to add the three surviving swords from the fortress – all designed to be used in the event of a demon invasion, into the Index, and Bù Huàn as its protector. In the post-credits scene, learning of Xiē Yīng Luò's fate, Huò Shì Míng Huáng calls for an assault on Dōng Li when he is visited by Xíng Hài, who proposes an alliance with the demon realm for the invasion.
Season 3 (2021)
The third season will premiere in April 2021.
Season 1 Home video release
Japanese
The Japanese version released both DVD and Blu-Ray editions incorporating Traditional Chinese and Japanese subtitles, audio commentaries featuring the Japanese voice casts and Gen Urobuchi, along with an extra soundtrack disc from Hiroyuki Sawano.
Volume
Release Date
Episodes
Features
Volume 1
September 7, 2019
1–3
Original script booklet by Gen Urobuchi.
Audio commentaries feat. Gen Urobuchi, Kōsuke Toriumi, and Junichi Suwabe.
Volume 2
October 5, 2016
4–6
Original script booklet by Gen Urobuchi.
Audio commentaries feat. Gen Urobuchi, Rikiya Koyama, Kenichi Suzumura, and Sayaka Ohara.
Volume 3
November 2, 2016
7–9
Original script booklet by Gen Urobuchi.
Audio commentaries feat. Gen Urobuchi, Nobuyuki Hiyama, and Tomokazu Seki.
Volume 4
December 7, 2016
10–13
Original script booklet by Gen Urobuchi.
Extra Soundtrack Disc.
Audio commentaries feat. Gen Urobuchi, Mai Nakahara, Kenichi Suzumura, Kōsuke Toriumi, and Junichi Suwabe.
Taiwanese
Edition
Release Date
Episodes
Features
Weekly Episode Version
July 8 – September 30, 2016
01–13
(One episode per disc, sold separately)
Taiwanese audio and Traditional Chinese subtitles.
Behind-the-scenes production footage, along with interviews from various staff members.
One bookmark featuring one character per disc package, with episode 1 having an additional postcard.
Dual Language Box Set Version
December 2016
01-13
Taiwanese and Japanese audio.
Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and English Subtitles.
Same behind-the-scenes production footage and interviews as the Weekly DVD version; only combined.
Two random pages featuring excerpts of character backstories written by Gen Urobuchi per box set.
The Deluxe Edition features an additional small figurine, and poster of Shāng Bù Huàn; along with a postcard set.
Manga
Thunderbolt Fantasy
Two manga adaptations have been released in Japan, the first one under the same title as the television series, written by Urobuchi and illustrated by Yui Sakuma, which began serialization in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine on July 21, 2016.[6]
The second manga is a webmanga titled Thunderbolt Fantasy: Otome Genyūki (Eng.Thunderbolt Fantasy: A Maiden's Magical Journey) written by the Thunderbolt Fantasy Project. It is illustrated by Kairi Shimotsuki, creator of Brave 10 and Madness, and presents Dān Fěi's perspective of her journey.[23]Otome Genyūki began serialization under Akita Shoten's Champion Cross web magazine on September 27, 2016.[7] The final chapter was released on February 28, 2017.
The Thunderbolt Fantasy main website announced on December 28, 2016[25] that a side novel of the show was currently in progress.
On January 20, 2017, the Nitroplus website revealed the name of the novel to be Thunderbolt Fantasy Gaiden and that it would mainly focus on Lǐn Xuě Yā, Xíng Hài, and Shā Wú Shēng's pasts. It is written by Erika Mitsunori and Shotaro Teshirogi and illustrated by Shinov Mimori and Minamoto Satoshi, and supervised by Gen Urobuchi. The release date was April 7, 2017.[8]
Theatrical films
On March 25, 2017 at AnimeJapan 2017, it was announced that there would be an upcoming special project called Thunderbolt Fantasy: The Sword of Life and Death (Thunderbolt Fantasy: 生死一劍, Sandāboruto Fantajī: Seishi Ikken, Thunderbolt Fantasy: Shēng Sǐ Yī Jiàn). The special has two parts, akin to an omnibus format. Adapted from the "Setsumushō-hen" (Shā Wú Shēng Chapter) story from the side novel Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Kōki Gaiden, part one is a prequel about Shā Wú Shēng's past. Meanwhile, part two adapts a new story penned by Urobuchi starring Shāng Bù Huàn. This story takes place between season 1 and season 2.[26][27] While Nitroplus did not indicate what format the special would take form at the time (e.g. TV, film, web series, etc.), the release date for the special was originally set as November 2017.[28] However, Thunderbolt Fantasy Project later revealed the special would be aired as a theatrical motion picture film on December 2, 2017 in eight Japanese cinemas,[29] and December 8, 2017 in Taiwan.[30] The film was released on a physical disc on April 4, 2018.
The second movie, Thunderbolt Fantasy: Seiyū Genka (Thunderbolt Fantasy: Western Ballad), known in English as Thunderbolt Fantasy – Bewitching Melody of the West was released on October 25, 2019 in both Japan and Taiwan and on December 24 on Crunchyroll. The film is an origin story of the Làng Wū Yáo character from childhood to first joining the travels of Shāng Bù Huàn and takes place entirely before the first season. It also introduces the new character of Mù Tiān Mìng a female musician, sword fighter and companion of Shāng Bù Huàn. The film ends with a brief epilogue by Lǐn Xuě Yā teasing that the fate of Mù Tiān Mìng and why she was not with Shāng Bù Huàn when he arrived in Dōng Li would be explained in season 3.
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