What is Bastard!! All About?#
Bastard!! is a high-energy blend of adventure, fantasy, and supernatural elements, centered around a world devastated by the God of Destruction, Anthrasax. After modern civilization was destroyed in a mere seven days, Anthrasax was sealed away. Hundreds of years later, the powerful sorcerer Dark Schneider attempted to seize control of the world, only to be sealed within the body of a baby named Rushe Ren Ren.
Fifteen years later, former comrades of Schneider attempt to unseal Anthrasax to reshape the world. To protect the Kingdom of Metallicana, a girl named Yoko releases Dark Schneider from Rushe. While Schneider fights his old allies, he isn’t necessarily doing it for the sake of goodness—he is driven by his desire to protect Yoko and his own love for “destructive fun.”
If you’re looking to dive into this world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to experience the chaos for yourself.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether Bastard!! is “finished” depends on which version you are watching. The series has seen multiple adaptations over the decades, including a classic run in the early 90s and a modern reimagining starting in 2022.
For those watching the modern BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- series, there are currently two major installments: the initial 13-episode streaming release and the second season, Hell’s Requiem, which consists of 15 episodes. While these provide an epic scale of conflict and supernatural battles, viewers seeking a definitive conclusion to the entire narrative may find that the anime serves as an adaptation of the original source material.
To get the full story and ensure you haven’t missed any details of Schneider’s journey, we highly recommend picking up the Bastard!! manga.
Who Should Watch Bastard!!?#
This series is best suited for fans of “heavy metal” aesthetics and dark fantasy. If you enjoy stories featuring omnipotent gods, powerful sorcery, and protagonists who are more interested in mayhem than heroism, this is the show for you. Its primary appeal lies in its grand scale, supernatural combat, and the arrogant yet charismatic nature of Dark Schneider.
Beyond the screen, fans of the series can find various collectibles to celebrate the destructive god of darkness by browsing Bastard!! merchandise.
Recommended Watch Order#
Because Bastard!! has multiple versions, the order in which you watch depends on your goals. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual breakdown of these connections.
The Release Order#
If you want to experience the franchise as it evolved over time:
- The original Bastard!! anime (1992-1993).
- BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (2022).
- BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-: Hell’s Requiem (2023).
The Modern Experience#
For those who prefer modern animation and a streamlined introduction to the story:
- BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-
- BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-: Hell’s Requiem
The Completionist Path#
For those who want every scrap of lore and story:
- Start with the modern anime series and its sequel, Hell’s Requiem.
- Watch the 1992 anime for a historical look at the adaptation.
- Read the original manga to ensure you have the complete narrative arc.
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Quick Facts for Viewers#
- Season 2 Details: Hell’s Requiem debuted on July 31, 2023, and consists of 15 episodes.
- Availability: The modern series has been streamed worldwide via Netflix, with specific regional updates such as the Season 2 stream in India.
- Physical Media: For collectors, Sentai has released the Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy series on home video, with Collector’s Blu-rays continuing to hit the market.
Bastard!! • manga • 1988 to 1989 (Shonen Jump 1st Serialization, 1988 No.14 to 1989 No.36)
└─(adaptation)→ Bastard!! • anime • 1992-08-25 to 1993-06-25
└─(adaptation)→ BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- • anime • 2022-06-30 (episodes 1-13 streaming on Netflix worldwide)
└─(sequel)→ BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-: Hell's Requiem • anime • 2023-07-31
