Mpaper – Drifters is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Kouta Hirano (creator of Hellsing). The story follows historical warriors from various eras who are mysteriously transported to a parallel world at the moment of their deaths. In this new realm, they are enlisted in a war between two supernatural factions: the “Drifters” and the “Ends.”
Plot:
The anime begins with the famous samurai Toyohisa Shimazu being mortally wounded in battle, only to be transported to a strange corridor and then into a new world filled with elves, dragons, and magic. He joins forces with other legendary warriors like Oda Nobunaga and Nasu no Yoichi to fight the “Ends,” evil counterparts including Jeanne d’Arc and Anastasia Romanova who aim to destroy humanity.
Strengths:
- Unique Concept: The premise of bringing real historical figures into a fantasy war setting is highly original and offers plenty of dramatic potential.
- Stylized Violence: The action is intense and visceral, with graphic fight scenes that are both thrilling and brutal.
- Strong Visual Design: The animation style is gritty, with bold outlines and expressive character designs that match the dark tone of the story.
- Historical Easter Eggs: Fans of history will enjoy seeing how different characters from various cultures and eras interact.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: At times, the narrative rushes through key plot points, leaving some characters underdeveloped.
- Lack of Closure: Season 1 ends without a clear resolution, and fans have been waiting for a continuation for years.
- Over-the-Top Humor: Some scenes shift suddenly into crude or slapstick comedy, which can feel jarring compared to the serious tone.
Final Verdict:
Drifters is a bold and bloody anime that combines history and fantasy in an exciting way. While it suffers from some tonal imbalance and an incomplete story, it’s a must-watch for fans of action-packed, mature anime with a historical twist.