Thunderbolt Fantasy

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 (Taiwanese 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. 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])

Principal Puppeteer: Shen-En Wu[lower-alpha 3]

Voiced by: Kōsuke Toriumi (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (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.

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.

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.

Juǎn Cán Yún (捲殘雲, Ken San Un, To Furl Scattered Clouds) / Hán Hè (寒赫, Kan Kaku, Prominent Coldness[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.

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.

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])

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.

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.

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])

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.

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.

Làng Wū Yáo (浪巫謠, Rōfu Yō, Wandering Shaman Bard)[12] / Xián Gē Duàn Xié (弦歌斷邪, Genka Danja, Song That Dooms Evil)

Voiced by: Takanori Nishikawa (JP)

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.

Xiào Kuáng Juàn (嘯狂狷, Shō Kyō Ken, Roaring Maniac[lower-alpha 9])[12] / Zhuī Mìng Líng Hú (追命靈狐, Tsuimei Reiko, Hunting Fox)

Voiced by: Tarusuke Shingaki (JP), Huei-Fung Huang (Min-Nan)

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)

Voiced by: Ayahi Takagaki (JP)

An assassin sent to hunt down Shāng Bù Huàn and retrieve the Sorcerous Sword Index, she is a master of deception, dark magic and poisoning.

Huò Shì Míng Huáng (禍世螟蝗, Kasei Meikou, Plague of Moths and Locusts)

Voiced by: Shō Hayami (JP)

Xiē Yīng Luò's master, he is the leader of an evil organization seeking the Sorcerous Sword Index.

Lóu Zhèn Jiè (婁震戒, Ro Shinkai, Shockwave) / Dì Kōng (諦空, Tei Kuu, Absolute Emptiness)

Voiced by: Akira Ishida (JP), Huang Zhen-Ji (Min-Nan)

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.

Qī Shā Tiān Líng (七殺天凌, Nanasatsu Tenryou, Seven Blasphemous Deaths)

Voiced by: Aoi Yūki (JP)

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.

Mò Wáng (歿王, Botsu Ou, Death King)

Voiced by: Kenta Miyake (JP)

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.

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 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.

The second season premiered in October 2018.[12]

The third season will premiere in April 2021.

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.

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]

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.