Thunderbolt Fantasy

Thunderbolt Fantasy
Also known as Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels from the East
Genre Puppetry, Wuxia, Period drama, Action
Written by Gen Urobuchi (Nitro+)
Directed by
  • Chris Huang
  • Jia-Shiang Wang (Pili International Multimedia)
Opening theme Raimei
Composer(s) Hiroyuki Sawano
Country of origin Taiwan, Japan
Original language(s) Japanese, Taiwanese Hokkien, Mandarin
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 13 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Liang-Xun Huang (Pili International Multimedia)
Digitarou (Nitro+)
Aki Takanori (Good Smile Company)
Producer(s) Hao-Ming Tseng (Pili International Multimedia)
Cinematography Pili International Multimedia[1]
Running time 23 min.
Production company(s) Pili International Multimedia
Release
Original network AT-X
Tokyo MX
Nippon BS Broadcasting Corporation
Original release July 8 (2016-07-08) – September 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
External links
Thunderbolt Fantasy
Thunderbolt Fantasy
Manga
Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki
Written by Gen Urobuchi
Illustrated by Yui Sakuma
Published by Kodansha
Demographic Seinen
Magazine Weekly Morning
Original run July 21, 2016 – present
Manga
Thunderbolt Fantasy: Otome Genyūki
Written by Kairi Shimotsuki
Published by Akita Shoten
Demographic Seinen
Magazine Champion Cross
Original run September 27, 2016 – present
東離劍遊紀
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese 東離劍遊紀
Simplified Chinese 东离剑游纪
Literal meaning Sword Travels from the East
Japanese name
Kanji 東離劍遊紀

Thunderbolt Fantasy (Thunderbolt Fantasy -東離劍遊紀- Sandāboruto Fantajī: Tōriken Yūki, lit. "Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels from 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 iQiyi Taiwan,[lower-alpha 1] and Crunchyroll[3] under 3 official languages: Taiwanese Min-Nan aired in Taiwan, Mandarin Chinese aired in China, and Japanese aired in Japan.[4] A manga adaptation illustrated by Yui Sakuma began serialization in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine on July 21, 2016.[5] A second adaption, told from the perspective of Dān Fěi, and illustrated by Kairi Shimotsuki, began serialization in Akita Shoten's Champion Cross online magazine on September 27, 2016.[6] A sequel to the television series is currently in production.[7]

Plot

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 Given Name (Chinese Characters Japanese Romanization, English Translation) / Chinese Art name (Chinese Characters Japanese Romanization, English Translation)

Main Characters

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])
Principal Puppeteer: Shen-En Wu[lower-alpha 3]
Voiced by: Kousuke Toriumi (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Taiwanese Min-Nan)
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. His true motives are unclear.
  • Soliloquy: 幽夜匿形不謂隱，明光伏影是迷觀。虛實由來如一紙，誰識幻中吾真顏？ – Subterfuge is not always about lurking in the darkness, some shadows remain hidden in the light. A hair's breadth separates truth from lies, and none will gaze beyond the illusion to see my true face.
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
Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
  • Soliloquy: 狂風驟雨催紙傘，遊人浪跡步不休。天地滂沱如何渡，蓑衣褪盡任濁流。 – Though sudden storms and fierce winds press against my umbrella, this wandering traveler does not stop. As to how I cross the torrential waves of the world, I simply change my cloak and endure these turbid waters.
Dān Fěi (丹翡 Tan Hi, Vermillion Kingfisher)
Principal Puppeteer: Jia-Shen Liao
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.
  • Soliloquy: 膺懷丹心承天命，身負恩仇江湖行；裂棄柔絲綺羅絹，付盡情夢仗寒兵。 – Adhering to the values of the Dān, I bear my fate: traveling the earth, seeking honor and revenge. Stripping away my meekness as a woman, I shall battle the heartless at the price of my hopes and dreams.

Allies

Dān Héng (丹衡 Tan Kō, Vermillion Balance)
Voiced by: Daisuke Hirakawa (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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])
Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
  • Soliloquy: 雙目不能視物，隻眼能望千里。凝吾眸光成箭，奪人不避之命。 – As there are those who see nothing with both eyes, there are those who can see vast distances with one. My gaze is the path of an arrow, piercing those who fail to turn away.
Juǎn Cán Yún (捲殘雲 Ken San Un, To Furl Scattered Clouds) / Hán Hè (寒赫 Kan Kaku, Frozen Wonder[lower-alpha 5])
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
  • Soliloquy: 人笑良圖若華胥，吾志凌雲意堅行。不與浮榮競朝夕，無憾黃沙染身時。 – People may ridicule my noble ideals as fantasy and naïve, but with determination and effort I shall reach my soaring ambitions. I will have no regrets disdaining fleeting glory even when my hour comes.
Xíng Hài (刑亥 Kei Gai, Final Punishment) / Qì Xiāo (泣宵 Kyū Shō, Weeping Night[lower-alpha 6])
Principal Puppeteer: Jia-Shen Liao
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.
  • Soliloquy: 妖歌吟，鴆花蜜，鎮亡夜之魂，惑永寐之軀。生人樂舞，屍亦婆娑。幽冥絕麗之界，不聞人語，唯識月光。 – The song of the demon is like poisonous honey, soothing the souls of the night and seducing the bodies of eternal sleep. Just as the living dance with delight, so too do the undead sway with grace. For those who live within the exquisiteness of the netherworld, none can grasp human language, only that of the moonlight.
Shā Wú Shēng (殺無生 Setsu Mu Shō, Eradicator of Life) / Míng Fèng Jué Shā (鳴鳳決殺 Mei Hō Kett Satsu, Roaring Phoenix Execution[lower-alpha 7])
Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
  • Soliloquy: 今朝啼鳥訴生死，眾生執迷；江湖宿命無人悟，一劍終末。 – Although ravens now bring news of life and death, people still persist uncertainly; since none can truly fathom fate, I shall end it with one strike of my blade.
Lián Qí (廉耆 Ren Ki, Honorable Sage)
Voiced by: Kazuhiro Yamaji (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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, Bones of Creation[lower-alpha 8])
Principal Puppeteer: Jia-Shen Liao
Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
  • Soliloquy: 萬物之生，死亡之序。奉吾則功上枯骨，逆吾則劍下亡魂。寒刃之前，唯此二道。 – All life is a prelude to death. To serve me until you are a corpse, or to be cut down and become one. You have only two options before my blade.
Cán Xiōng (殘凶 Zan Kyō, Vicious)
Principal Puppeteer: Jia-Shen Liao
Voiced by: Hiroki Yasumoto (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
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.
Liè Mèi (獵魅 Ryō Mi, Charming Huntress)
Principal Puppeteer: Shen-En Wu
Voiced by: Haruka Tomatsu (JP), Hsin-Ya Kuo (Min-Nan)
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.
Diāo Mìng (凋命 Chō Mei, Withered Life)
Voiced by: Tōru Ōkawa (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
Subordinate of Miè Tiān Hái. Killed by Shāng Bù Huàn after trying to capture him along with Dān Fěi and Juǎn Cán Yún.

Others

Narration
Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)

Keywords

※ Terminologies are formatted in Chinese Romanization (Chinese Characters Japanese Romanization, English Translation)

Worldview Terminology

※ In English alphabetical order.

A required spell for a Hù Yìn Shī to learn. Casting the ward erects a protective barrier which repels all that is considered impure. The intended purpose of the spell is to protect the spell-caster, but while casting, the disadvantage is that no other actions can be taken. In order to broaden the effective range of the spell, it is necessary for the caster to have others to assist them.
The skeleton birds that the Xuán Guǐ Zōng (Gen Ki Shu) use for transportation.
The birthplace of Dān Héng (Tan Kō) and Dān Fěi (Tan Hi) and also the temple where the Tiān Xíng Jiàn (Tengyōken) is enshrined.
The inn where Shā Wú Shēng is staying.
The cursed wasteland that separates the countries, Xī Yōu (Seiyū) and Dōng Lí (Tōri). Rumor has it that no one has ever successfully crossed this wilderness since the War of the Fading Dusk.
The snack Shā Wú Shēng had in episode 5. Chinese snacks usually consist of watermelon, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. He was eating watermelon seeds.
Guardians responsible for protecting the Shén Huì Mó Xiè (Shinkai Makai).
A magical flute. By listening to the echoes of the sound it produces, one can always follow the right path. However, it may not sound pleasant as an actual instrument.
The civil service examination system of Imperial China. Used to select and hire candidates to work for the state bureaucracy. According to Miè Tiān Hái, Lǐn Xuě Yā was taking the examination for the Jinshi (進士) Degree the second time he met Xuě Yā.
Location of the Seven Sins Tower. The region rests on the border between the Human Realm and the Demon Realm. Also called the Land of the Afterlife, most ordinary people do not dare to even cross half a step into the mountains, let alone traverse it.
The Tower was originally built by a very powerful mage as his dwelling, though now acts as the base for Miè Tiān Hái (Bestu Ten Gai).
The name of the war which the armies of the Demon Realm invaded the Human Realm and attempted to destroy all of humanity.
The type of food Shāng Bù Huàn (Shō Fu Kan) bought in episode 2. Seen again in episode 3 and episode 10.
The countless weapons forged by the guidance of the immortals when humanity sought their help during the War of the Fading Dusk.
The most dangerous and powerful weapon among the Shén Huì Mó Xiè (Shinkai Makai). In order to seal its power, its hilt and crossguard were separated into two pieces.
The place where Guǐ Niǎo was going to meet Lián Qí for the Soul Echo Flute.
The names of two of the countries on the continent. Once belonging to a single nation, they have since been separated into two due to the War of the Fading Dusk. For two hundred years, no contact between the two countries has occurred. The story takes place in Dōng Lí.
One of the Divine weapons in Shāng Bù Huàn's possession. This strange, magical blade was forged by a bladesmith visiting from the shores of another star. Only someone with extraordinary qi mastery can control the sword. Shāng Bù Huàn uses this sword to seal away the awakened demon, Yāo Tú Lí, and eventually places the sword under the care of Dān Fěi and Juǎn Cán Yún.
The evil group led by Miè Tiān Hái (Bestu Ten Gai).
Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)
One of the strongest demons from the time of the War of the Fading Dusk. Legend says that it was repelled by the Dān Clan's sword techniques using the Tiān Xíng Jiàn.

Skills

※ In order of appearance.

Used by Dān Héng.
His signature move. Dān Héng fires freely manipulable energy swords formed with his qi into the air.
Used by Dān Héng and Dān Fěi.
An attack formed by multiple Flying Red Cloud Rushes. Due to the user needing to manipulate numerous flying qi blades simultaneously, it can be said that this attack is one that can fully demonstrate the skill level of the Hù Yìn Shī performing it.
Used by Miè Tiān Hái.
A finishing move which consists of a simultaneous release of sword energy, spiritual pressure and sorcery. Even if one is able to block the attack, one's lifespan will still be diminished, as the person's life force will be stolen from them.
Used by Cán Xiōng.
If an opponent meets the skill head on, Cán Xiōng will utilize brute force to strike the attacker. Conversely, if the enemy decides to evade, then Cán Xiōng would continuously, in quick succession, pursue and attack with all his might to box his opponent in. However, it is a "last resort"-type skill, as Cán Xiōng's defense level decreases greatly when using it.
Used by Shāng Bù Huàn.
The skill allows the user to evade an enemy's attack within an incredibly short distance, while also allowing them to release their qi and disrupt the enemy's attack. Although the technique may seem simple, it is actually quite advanced, as it demands considerable judgement and skill.
Used by Liè Mèi, Shā Wú Shēng and Miè Tiān Hái.
An advanced qinggong technique. It can convert the user's body into qi energy in order to allow teleportation or almost instantaneous travel. Not only is one required to have total control over one's body, the properties of the terrain can also greatly affect the effectiveness of the move. It is a skill that is hard to take advantage of without the proper and optimal conditions.
Used by Juǎn Cán Yún.
The skill is a propulsion of the accumulated force of momentum produced from the fierce and rapid convolution of the spear. Even though the skill has many weak points for an opponent to counter, it is very useful as an opening attack when met with an army of opponents.
Used by Dān Fěi.
A standard skill in a Hù Yìn Shī's arsenal. Allows the user to use positive and pure qi, even when in unfavorable conditions such as during the night, or in an environment filled with foul miasma.
Used by Juǎn Cán Yún.
A skill name Juǎn Cán Yún randomly calls out when he gets too carried away with himself.
Used by Dān Fěi.
This skill is produced by utilizing the spiritual energy of Dān Fěi's sword, the Radiant Jade Sword, to release positive qi. It can cause great damage to the undead or impure.
Used by Shā Wú Shēng.
Shā Wú Shēng releases countless fine qi energy and disguises their appearance as daggers. Then, at the same time using sleight of hand, Shā Wú Shēng will swiftly cast and hide the true attack among the daggers. It is a skill that interferes with the opponent's counterattack abilities, and helps Shā Wú Shēng create fatal flaws in the enemy's defense.
Used by Juǎn Cán Yún.
The user of this skill uses strong force to smash the ground, directly striking at the earth's dragon vein, creating a shock-wave in the area. Although to truly perform the attack, one would need to have a sense of the position of the dragon vein in the ground, but it is suspected that some very lucky heroes can manage to perform it with their randomly placed strikes.
Used by Liè Mèi.
A taboo skill which requires the user to launch oneself at the opponent. While doing so, the user will purposely allow one's meridians to run wild, thereby converting one's qi to act like a bomb. As long as the user has the will, despite an insurmountable difference in strength between oneself and the enemy, this technique allows the user the opportunity to take down the opponent along with oneself.
Used by Shā Wú Shēng.
A special technique which allows Shā Wú Shēng to absorb an opponent's fighting aura, and meld it with his own qi, adding to his power. The effectiveness of this skill can be further increased in a scrum of many enemies engaged in battle. Only those who can persist in the intention of killing others as naturally as breathing can truly master this technique.
Used by Juǎn Cán Yún.
The most powerful skill that Juǎn Cán Yún has mastered. Using breathing techniques, Juǎn Cán Yún fully utilizes the meridians in his entire body to draw the thunder qi in the surroundings into his dantian, converging their powers, and then releasing them all at once.
Used by Shòu Yún Xiāo.
Uses his qi to shoot images of himself at his enemy, forcing defensive maneuvers, which allows Shòu Yún Xiāo to counterattack.
Used by Dān Fěi.
The user releases all of the accumulated qi in their body in a single finishing blow. Due to the complete consumption of one's qi, it renders continued battle impossible. Thus, it is a risky move which is designed to end a fight. However, Dān Fěi does not use it to attack, but instead shoots it towards the air in order to open up a path of retreat. This is an unusual decision for a Hù Yìn Shī as they usually honour pride above all else.
Used by Diāo Mìng.
The user increases their qi circulation by manyfold, which allows for the qi to remain in one's body even after the heart has stopped beating. It is a unique skill which allows for continued battle even after the user has sustained a fatal injury, permitting the user to make 3 further moves towards a careless opponent who thinks they have killed the user.
Used by Shāng Bù Huàn.
The user uses an extremely precise thrust to the opponent's meridans in the torso in order to stop their internal qi flow. This causes the qi, now with nowhere to go, to explode, and completely destroys the opponent's body from the inside. This skill is highly effective against opponents who exercise intense qi manipulation.
Used by Miè Tiān Hái.
This secret sword technique was created by imagining the legendary Demon God as the opposing enemy. It is the strongest finishing move within the Demonic War Force techniques. The firm belief that "no human can overcome this move" has given Miè Tiān Hái his absolute arrogance.
Used by Lǐn Xuě Yā.
With this technique, the qi which is refined in the dantian does not produce heat, but instead cold. This "Heavenly Frost" technique significantly deviates from the usual principles of sword techniques, and as a result, the more skilled the opponent, the harder it is for them to see clearly through its changes.
Used by Shāng Bù Huàn.
The ultimate form of the Jié Huāng Jiàn sword. Allows for the opening of a link to the pit of "endless darkness" located somewhere in the edge of space. If one falls into this hole, one cannot escape no matter what. The gravitational power of this darkness will only affect those wounded by the Jié Huāng Jiàn, and its influence does not extend to anything else.

Performance Notes

A form of poetic narration commonly found in all forms of Chinese opera. When a character makes his official entrance to a story, that character will recite aloud an introductory poem indicating their characteristics, motifs, philosophies, and/or personal goals. The Japanese dub noticeably leaves the Niàn Bái (Nenpaku) lines in Min-Nan Chinese, and releases the Japanese translations on Thunderbolt Fantasy's official website. Since the Japanese dub casts individual actors instead of the solo male actor tradition in Min-Nan Chinese, they treated the Niàn Bái as descriptive narration. Also, according to an interview with Urobuchi, in order to let the Japanese demographic gradually accept this form of art, Urobuchi decided not to place the Niàn Bái upon each character's introduction as traditionally used, but instead, place them within each character's highlighted moment, and "recite them [Niàn Bái] as if it's their leitmotif."[8]
The Niàn Bái has been processed for artistic effects for the Min-Nan version, while the Japanese version is left unprocessed to have the international audience appreciate the artistry's raw performance.
Due to the mechanism of the puppets, all puppets' left hands are designed to be their most expressive part. Hence, all puppets wield their weapons with their left hands, making them appear left-handed. Since puppeteers are mostly right-handed, the puppets are designed to fully occupy their right hands by supporting the puppets' full body weight, each of which weighs an average of 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds),[9] and control most of the puppets' internal mechanisms: including head tilts, eye blinks, mouth movements, and the puppets' right arms; while the puppeteers' left hands control the left hands of the puppets and their puppets' foot movements.

Staff

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.[10][15]

Media

Soundtrack

Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by Hiroyuki Sawano
Released August 24, 2016
Genre Soundtrack
Length 76:32
Label Aniplex
Producer
Hiroyuki Sawano Soundtrack albums chronology
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Original Soundtrack
(2016)		 Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack
(2016)

The soundtrack was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and released on August 24, 2016.[16]

All lyrics written by Benjamin & mpi; all music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. 

Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Yūki Original Soundtrack
No.TitleVocalsLength
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

TV 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 developed 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.[3][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.[7]

Season 1 (2016)

No. Official English title[lower-alpha 28]
Original Japanese title[18]		 Original airdate
1 "Code of Umbrellas"
"Amagasa no Giri" (雨傘の義理) 		July 8, 2016
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) 		July 15, 2016
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"
"Yoruma no Mori no Onna" (夜魔の森の女) 		July 22, 2016
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) 		July 29, 2016
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"
"Kenoni, Setsu Mu Shō" (剣鬼, 殺無生) 		August 5, 2016
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) 		August 12, 2016
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) 		August 19, 2016
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) 		August 26, 2016
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) 		September 2, 2016
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) 		September 9, 2016
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) 		September 16, 2016
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"
"Setsuwazaru Ha" (切わざる刃) 		September 23, 2016
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) 		September 30, 2016
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. 

Manga

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.[5] The second manga is titled Thunderbolt Fantasy: Otome Genyūki written by the Thunderbolt Fantasy Project, and illustrated by Kairi Shimotsuki presenting Dān Fěi's perspective of her journey. Otome Genyūki began serialization under Akita Shoten's Champion Cross web magazine on September 27, 2016.[6]

Notes

  1. ↑ iQiyi Taiwan streams the Japanese dub version.
  2. ↑ "Enigmatic Gale" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  3. ↑ Wu passed away in the middle of production due to a disease, therefore he performed his assigned characters only for the first couple of episodes.
  4. ↑ "Sharp-Eyed Impaler" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  5. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Prominent Coldness."
  6. ↑ "Night's Lament" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  7. ↑ "Screaming Phoenix Killer" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  8. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Mass Array of Dry Bones."
  9. ↑ "Devilwood Flower Garden" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  10. ↑ "Wasteland of Spirits" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  11. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Divine Illusion of Sumeru: Desolate Calamity Sword."
  12. ↑ "Dan Blade Technique: Yang Sunrise" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  13. ↑ "Dry Bones, Blood Slash" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  14. ↑ "Tornado Clearing" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  15. ↑ "Dan Blade Technique: Flowering Night Judgement" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  16. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Killer Strike: Bird Submission to the Phoenix"
  17. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Coiling Dragon Cloud."
  18. ↑ "Withering Bone Organs" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  19. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Killer Strike: Crying Night of the Blackbird."
  20. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "The Roaring Thunder Shakes the Heavens."
  21. ↑ "Festering Bone Heart" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  22. ↑ "White Heavens: Lunar Crater Vapor" is Crunchyroll's translation.
  23. ↑ Crunchyroll's translation. Literally "Banishment to the Ancient Prison at the End."
  24. ↑ Known to perform as Lǐn Xuě Yā, Shāng Bù Huàn, Shā Wú Shēng, and Miè Tiān Hái in live performances.
  25. ↑ Taken from episode 13 credits.
  26. ↑ Shāng Bù Huàn, Miè Tiān Hái, Xíng Hài.
  27. ↑ Lǐn Xuě Yā, Dān Fěi, Dān Héng, Shòu Yún Xiāo, Juǎn Cán Yún.
  28. ↑ All English titles are taken from Crunchyroll.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Crunchyroll to Stream Japanese / Taiwanese Co-Production, "Thunderbolt Fantasy"!". Crunchyroll. July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Gen Urobuchi, Good Smile Company Launch Thunerbolt Fantasy Puppet TV Series". Anime News Network. 2016-02-05.
  3. 1 2 "Crunchyroll to Stream Gen Urobuchi's Puppet TV Series Thunderbolt Fantasy". Anime News Network. 2016-07-01.
  4. ↑ "布袋戲跨入日本！台日合作《東離劍遊紀》正式於台公開" (in Chinese). 2016-02-10. Retrieved 2016-07-09.
  5. 1 2 "Thunderbolt Fantasy Puppet Series Gets Manga by Complex Age's Yui Sakuma". Anime News Network. July 15, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Thunderbolt Fantasy 東離劍遊紀　乙女幻遊奇" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  7. 1 2 "Gen Urobuchi's Thunderbolt Fantasy Puppet Series Gets Sequel". Anime News Network. September 30, 2016. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  8. 1 2 "獨家專訪《東離劍遊紀》虛淵玄與製作團隊 深入窺看布袋戲的幕後世界" (in Chinese). 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2016-07-27.
  9. ↑ "Anime's hottest scriptwriter makes the move to puppet theater for his newest project 【Video】". 2016-02-08. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  10. 1 2 Thunderbolt Fantasy Episode 0: The Making.
  11. ↑ "Character Designer Draws "Thunderbolt Fantasy" Heroine". Crunchyroll. July 6, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  12. 1 2 Ichijinsha (2016-11-01). Akiba Culture Magazine: Febri Vol.38. Ichijinsha. p. 32.
  13. ↑ "Sword Flashing Action Abounds in New "Thunderbolt Fantasy" Trailer". Crunchyroll. June 10, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  14. ↑ "About Bigger Picture" (in Chinese).
  15. 1 2 Behind-the-scenes bonus interview, Episode 3, Min-Nan Chinese distribution version.
  16. ↑ "Thunderbolt Fantasy Touriken Yuuki Original Soundtrack". VGMdb.net. Aniplex. Aug 24, 2016. Retrieved 2016-11-18.
  17. ↑ "Thunderbolt Fantasy Preview". Anime News Network. July 8, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Story" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-07-08.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/22/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.