Blade (2011)
Marvel's iconic Daywalker comes to anime in this dark, action-driven series produced by Madhouse, set against the shadowy underworld of Southeast Asia.
Blade - Series Information
- Original Title: ブレイド
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 1, 2011 (United States - TV-14), July 1, 2011 (Brazil - 14), July 1, 2011 (Spain - NR)
- Networks: ANIMAX
- Alternative Titles: Marvel Anime: Blade (US), BLADE ブレイド (JP)
- Production Companies: Madhouse, Sony Pictures, Marvel Animation
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America
Blade - Plot
Legendary half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter Blade is tracking Deacon Frost, a very powerful and influential vampire who killed his mother and who heads Existence, a secretive vampire organization that operates in Southeast Asia.
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Blade - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Akio Otsuka
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Tsutomu Isobe
- Osamu Saka
Writers
- Warren Ellis
- Kenta Fukasaku
Executive Producers
- Masao Takiyama
- Eric S. Rollman
- Jeph Loeb
- Alan Fine
- Dan Buckley
Blade - FAQs
Is the Blade anime connected to the Marvel films?
The 2011 Blade anime is part of the Marvel Anime initiative, a collaboration between Marvel Entertainment and Madhouse studio. It shares the same core character and mythology as the films but tells an entirely original story set in Southeast Asia, independent of the Wesley Snipes movie continuity.
Who voices Blade in the 2011 anime series?
Akio Otsuka brings Blade to life in the Japanese version, delivering a deep, commanding performance that suits the Daywalker's brooding intensity. The English dub features Harold Perrineau in the role. Maaya Sakamoto, Tsutomu Isobe, and Osamu Saka round out the principal voice cast.
How many episodes does Blade (2011) have?
The series runs for 12 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 25 minutes. It aired on ANIMAX starting July 1, 2011, and tells a complete, self-contained story following Blade's hunt for Deacon Frost through Southeast Asia.
Where can you watch the Blade anime series?
The Blade anime is currently available to purchase on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. It is not available on major subscription streaming platforms at this time, so buying the series digitally is the most accessible way to watch it.
Is Blade (2011) based on a comic book?
The series draws directly from Marvel Comics' Blade character, created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan in 1973. While the anime reimagines the character in an original story, it preserves his core identity as a half-vampire vampire hunter with all the powers of a vampire and none of the weaknesses.
Who wrote the Blade anime series?
The series was written by Warren Ellis and Kenta Fukasaku. Warren Ellis, known for his acclaimed work on Marvel comics including Thunderbolts and Nextwave, served as the primary scriptwriter for the Marvel Anime line, bringing a sharp, cinematic sensibility to the Blade storyline.
What is the content rating for Blade (2011)?
Blade (2011) carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series features vampire violence, dark themes, and action sequences consistent with the mature tone of the Blade franchise.
What are similar anime shows to Blade (2011)?
Fans of Blade's dark supernatural action tend to enjoy Castlevania: Nocturne, which shares its gothic vampire-hunting atmosphere, and Devil May Cry for its stylish demon-slaying energy. The Vampire Dies in No Time offers a lighter take on vampire mythology, while Fate/strange Fake delivers complex supernatural battles.
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