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Arslan Senki

The Heroic Legend of Arslan (アルスラーン戦記 Arusurān Senki) is a fantasy novel series. The author, Yoshiki Tanaka, wrote the novel in 1986 and is still writing it as of 2008, with the current number of books at 14 novels. It was adapted into a manga, which caught up with the novel and then received an original ending, and ran from November 1991 to September 1996. It also received two anime film adaptations, and a four-part, unfinished anime OVA. In 2013, a second manga adaptation started serializing at Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, with illustrations by Hiromu Arakawa. An anime television series based on the Arakawa manga premiered on April 5, 2015 with a scheduled 25 episodes. [Tanaka sensei’s novels have no relation to the 1976 novel called Arslan written by M. J. Engh which is set in the present.]

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Boku no Kotoba Dewanai Kore wa Boku-tachi no Kotoba” by UVERworld
2. “Lapis Lazuli” by Eir Aoi

In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn’t seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father.

At the age of 14, Crown Prince Arslan goes to his first battle against neighboring nation Lusitania. Unbeknownst to them, the battle is rigged from the inside by the King’s most trusted retainer, leaving only heavy lost and bloodshed behind. However, it is Arslan’s destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom with the aid of his loyal servant Daryun (Arslan’s general) and Narsus, the tactician (wanna-be-painter).

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