Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova (2013)
A gripping military sci-fi anime where humanity's last hope sails aboard a rogue enemy submarine against an unstoppable spectral fleet.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova - Series Information
- Original Title: 蒼き鋼のアルペジオ -アルス・ノヴァ-
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 8, 2013 (United States - TV-14), October 8, 2013 (Canada - 14+), October 8, 2013 (Germany - 12), October 8, 2013 (Australia - M)
- Networks: MBS
- Production Companies: Sanzigen
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 苍蓝钢铁战舰 (CN), 蒼き鋼のアルペジオ (JP), Arpeggio of Blue Steel (FR), 蒼藍鋼鐵戰艦 -ARS NOVA- (HK), Арпеджио вороненой стали (RU)
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova - Plot
By 2039, global warming had caused sea levels to rise and large amount of territory to be lost. As though in response, a mysterious group of warships clad in mist, "the Fleet of Mist," appeared in every corner of the ocean, and began attacking human ships. In spite of humanity mustering all their strength, they were utterly defeated by the Mist's overwhelming force. All of humanity's trade routes were blockaded by the Fleet of Mist, their political economy was destroyed, and the human race was steadily beaten down. Seven years later, the Fleet of Mist's submarine I-401 appears before cadet Gunzo Chihaya. The humanoid life form that pilots the sub, who should be their enemy, is instead offering her services to mankind.
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Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kazuyuki Okitsu
- Mai Fuchigami
- Minami Tsuda
- Shinobu Matsumoto
- Eiji Miyashita
- Nao Toyama
- Saki Fujita
- Manami Numakura
- Atsushi Ono
- Hibiku Yamamura
Writers
- Makoto Uezu
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova - FAQs
Where can you stream Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova?
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering the series as part of their flat-rate subscription plans. It is one of the more accessible older anime titles still readily available on major Western streaming platforms.
Is Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova based on a manga?
Yes, the series is adapted from the manga Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio by Ark Performance, serialized in Young King OURs. The anime takes creative liberties with the source material, particularly in character development and certain plot directions, making it a somewhat distinct experience from the manga.
Who are the main voice actors in the series?
The principal cast includes Kazuyuki Okitsu as Gunzou Chihaya, Mai Fuchigami as Iona, Minami Tsuda as Iori Watanuki, Manami Numakura as Takao, Nao Toyama as Shizuka Hazumi, Saki Fujita as Hyouga, and Hibiku Yamamura as Haruna, among others.
What is Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova about?
Set in a near-future 2039, the series follows naval cadet Gunzou Chihaya after a mysterious enemy submarine and its humanoid pilot, Iona, defect to his side. Together they navigate a world where a powerful spectral fleet has severed humanity's global trade routes, blending military sci-fi with questions of identity and free will.
How many episodes does Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova have?
The main series consists of 12 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes long. In addition, there are 32 special episodes collected under Season 0, which include recap content, shorts, and supplementary material expanding on the world and characters introduced in the main run.
What is the content rating for this anime series?
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series features naval combat, themes of war and survival, and some intense action sequences, but avoids graphic violence or explicit content.
How was Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova received by critics?
The series earned generally positive reviews from anime critics and audiences, praised for its striking full-CG animation by Sanzigen and its compelling blend of military strategy and character drama. Some critics noted the compressed adaptation left certain manga storylines underdeveloped, but the overall reception was favorable.
What genre is Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova?
The series spans Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, and Adventure genres. It is primarily a military science fiction anime with strong action sequences centered on naval warfare, while incorporating fantasy elements through the sentient warships and their humanoid Mental Models.
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