Rage of Bahamut is a Japanese anime television series produced by MAPPA that is based on the Rage of Bahamut game, which was created by Cygames and published by DeNA. The series was directed by Keiichi Sato (Inuyashiki, Gantz:O) and written by Keiichi Hasegawa (The Big O), featuring character designs by Naoyuki Onda (Berserk Movies, Ergo Proxy) and music by Yoshihiro Ike (Kuroko no Basket, Ergo Proxy). The first season, titled Rage of Bahamut: Genesis, aired between October 6, 2014 and December 29, 2014 for 12 episodes.
In the past, humans, demons and gods fought together against the mythical creature called Bahamut, a creature strongenough that even gods and demons were terrified. However, in eons-long fight, gods and demons were able to achieve a tragic victory by sacrificing the rulers of gods and demons; thanks to their sacrifice the two keys were created to seal the monstrosity: the demon key and the god key. At the present day, the three fractions are not that close anymore and are trying to seize superiority. One day, a mysterious woman steals the part of the god’s key; balance is disrupted. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis focuses on a group of very unlikely heroes to save the world from its imminent destruction.
Now this is some awesome game adaption, you will not see that often. Rage of Bahamut is a phone card battle game developed by Cygames and published by DeNA Co. The game was released January 1, 2012 on Android and April 12, 2012 on iOS. Instead of adapting the game mechanics, the developers only used the setting and made an absolutely new world that has nothing to do with the card game. And the result of that is pretty good, Shingeki no Bahamut Genesis is an epic western-like tale about gods, demons and mortals, who are trying to survive, enjoy the life and protect what is important for them. Judging the first and the second seasons and a possible 3rd season, which should air somewhere in the future, the storyline does its work well. Almost every single detail for understanding of the Bahamut universe is explained, with a few little exceptions, but overall, the series has one of the most interesting plots you will ever seen. This is what you call epic, because the series focuses on the Christian, Norse and Celtic mythologies. Indeed, many things were made up, but this is what makes this anime that interesting and unique. A completely new setting, with its brand-new story.
I do always try to defend the point of view that a good storyline is much more important than animation, there is no need to do it for this series. Although, the series aired in 2014, even in 2019 it has one awesome animation. Just check the opening scene, it is quite rare to see that the OP scene has as good animation as the whole series. On top of that, when you make an anime about gods and demons, you need some awesome animation. Demons need to be terrifying and gods need to look majestic; and MAPPA did manage to create some first class animation. The scene in the first episode, when Bahamut is sealed, scenes, when Kaisar chaises Favaro, magic, action scenes, character design-- everything is just top notch.
Another huge accomplishment of this series is it OST and voice acting. Music wise, there are so many different genres and what is important about that is that it actually works pretty well. Choral music, rock music, piano pieces, guitar tunes, some pop, and many many more. Each and every piece perfectly fits the tone of the episode and helps you to dive in the universe of Shingeki no Bahamut Genesis. This is just one epic soundtrack. Dub wise, it is somewhat difficult to say, which dub is better, I would say that the Japanese dub is slightly better, but it is absolutely fine to watch it in English, it is quite good, too!
Character wise, the anime’s cast is not that big, but it feels somewhat different. There four protagonists: Favaro Leone, Amira, Rita and Kaisar Lidfard. Favaro Leone is, probably, named after Sergio Leone, if you know who he is, if not, does not matter. He looks like a very roguish individual, who only thinks about himself and tries to enjoy the life as much as possible, but he is actually a very caring person that has his own understanding of justice. Amira is a mysterious woman that is being chased by both gods and demons. She, for some reason, wants to reach Helheim and asks Favaro for help. Kaisar Lidfard is a bounty hunter, who, for some reason, wants to settle a score with Favaro. And finally Rita the final 4th party member. With that being said, although, I cannot describe the characters for the sake of spoilers, but I must say that Rage of Bahamut has some great cast. They all are different, have their back stories, never annoying, or boring and are all very interesting to observe. What is more, even supporting characters, as well as the villains are quite interesting to follow. They all have their reasons and it makes sense, which is quite rare.
Overall, Rage of Bahamut Genesis is worth your attention, because it offers an absolutely unique setting, with a very unique world, with a very interesting story, some eye-candy animation, superb OST, and multidimensional characters. For me, this is one of the best action series, which can be called epic. Make sure to check the second season.
10/10.