[Fall 2017] Jûni Taisen – Zodiac War: The Zodiac War is on!

After the discovery of Black Clover yesterday, we will take you to a darker and bloodier universe today with Jûni Taisen – Zodiac War. Also available on Crunchyroll, this anime depicts the new Zodiac War, adapted from the light novel by Nisio Isin and Hikaru Nakamura. And this one is not going to be easy!

Jûni Taisen – Zodiac War

Original title: 十二大戦 – 12 Taisen

Alternate title: 12 War

Gender:  Fantasy, combat, action

Period: from October 3 to …

Platform: Crunchyroll

Number of episodes: ???

Studio: Graphinica (Hellsing Ultimate, Arslan Senki)

Director: Naoto Hosoda (Mirai Nikki, Shuffle!)

Chara Designer: Chikashi Kadekaru (Scared Rider Xechs)

Composer: Go Shiina (God Eater, Dimension W), Hiroyuki Sawano (Kill la Kill, Shingeki no Kyojin, Nanatsu no Taizai)

This anime is reserved for an informed audience.

Synopsis

Every twelve years, a great tournament sees the twelve most valiant warriors compete against each other, each represented by a sign of Chinese astrology. The stakes are high, because the winner's wish is granted, whatever it is! Manipulations, murders, these fighters are ready to do anything to eliminate their opponents, because only the last survivor will win.

Source: Crunchyroll

This review does not contain any revelations that may interfere with the viewing of the anime. Read with caution though.

Deadly Battle of the Zodiac

Every 12 years, on a single night, a bloody battle begins. That of the Zodiac. A fight in the middle of the city, where all shots are allowed to win. The warriors who participate are among the bravest, but also the strongest. Don't be coaxed by the sometimes kind image they convey. You would quickly be fooled. Each of the fighters represents one of the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac: ox, boar, rabbit, rooster, rat, snake, monkey, tiger, dragon, dog, horse and ram are all present. And no one would have missed the opportunity to shine!

A scenario that reminds us of other works that have already used the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac, with Fruits Basket in mind (when will there be a complete anime by the way?!) or Etotama. Although in both cases, there was no question of a Zodiac war, let alone fighting for survival.

Welcome to the launch of this new Zodiac War! You have 12 hours to collect the 12 diamonds and become the ultimate warrior! Don't forget… All shots are allowed! Alliances, strategies, traps… We don't know what our 12 warriors will fall on…

After seven generations, the wild boar becomes pig

12 years have passed since the last war when the wild boar had won. A new boar took his place, ready to proudly defend the colors of the former winner, but also to win. Another option is simply not possible for Inônoshishi, the new boar who has just spent 12 long years of suffering and repeated training. What other outcome than victory could suit him?

A proud and well-equipped character, Inônoshishi has a strong character and nothing will prevent her from achieving the goal she has set for herself. An obstacle in his way? Just destroy it. There is no room in his heart for the slightest kind of pity. Even less for failure. A character with a mind of steel that we discover over the course of this first episode that sets the scene and the rules of the Zodiac war.

This first episode also serves as an encounter with – almost – all the signs of the Chinese zodiac. Only the tiger remained in the shadows, is missing. Each obviously has attractions reminiscent of its sign, more or less important. Impossible to miss the amazing rabbit warrior or the elegant ox warrior. Other signs are more discreet, just letting us guess which warrior they represent. Characters who all seem to have an atypical and interesting story!

With this first episode centered on the boar, and the second that is announced on the side of the dog, we can imagine that an episode will be dedicated by sign. And that maybe, this anime will be held in 12 or 13 episodes. Hopefully we can discover more about some signs that intrigue us greatly! But let's admit that it is difficult to identify with a character, and that you will surely not have the time. And maybe not the urge after learning more about each of them. Only time will tell! 

An anime that will make hemoglobin flow!

Of course, Jûni Taisen – Zodiac War can not do without shedding blood, and this, from this opening episode. It is therefore reserved for an informed public. Because already, some violent scenes have been revealed, and it will certainly not stop there. Expect to see a few tens of liters of hemoglobin splashing your screen! We remind you, there must be only one living one.

On the animation side, we appreciate the work proposed by Graphinica for Jûni Taisen, fluid and detailed, which would almost make us want a night walk in the middle of a deserted city! The design of the characters is worked, but the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, not threatening enough for my taste (even if, on this point, we wait to see if it improves later). Personally, I expect a lot from the OST who will animate Jûni Taisen since they are two big names who have tackled it, none other than Sawano Hiroyuki and Go Shiina! We also appreciate the ending, "Keshin no Kemono (化身の獣)" performed by Do As Infinity.

It remains to be seen how this battle will evolve… And who will come out victorious!

And some of the competitors already seem very badly embarked to win this edition… Are you ready to start betting on the winner of this edition of the Zodiac War with us?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5f5TRg7Cvg