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The SoulTaker
THE SOUL TAKER（ザソウルテイカー） 〜魂狩〜
(Za Sōru Teikā ~Tamashii Gari~)
Created byTatsunoko Production
Anime television series
Directed byAkiyuki Shinbo
Produced byKohei Kawase
Michiko Suzuki
Shoichi Yoshida
Written byMayori Sekijima
Music byKow Otani
StudioTatsunoko Production
Licensed byGeneon Universal Entertainment
Original networkWOWOW
English network
Original run April 4, 2001 – July 4, 2001
Episodes13
Original video animation
The SoulTaker: Komugi's Great Operation
Directed byAkio Watanabe (episode 1 & 2)
Toshiaki Tetsura (episode 3)
StudioTatsunoko Production
Released2001
Episodes3
Novel series
The SoulTaker ~Tamashii Gari~
Written byMasaki Wachi
Illustrated byAkio Watanabe
Katsumasa Ito
Gokan Rokukan
Published byMedia Factory
ImprintMF Bunko J
Original runDecember 25, 2003 – January 25, 2004
Volumes2
Spin-off

The SoulTaker (Japanese: THE SOUL TAKER 〜魂狩〜, Hepburn: Za Sōru Teikā ~Tamashii Gari~) is an anime series that focuses on seventeen-year-old Kyosuke Date who was killed by his mother Mio Date, and afterward gained the ability to turn into an incredibly powerful winged mutant known as "The SoulTaker" and that he has a long-lost twin sister named Runa, and that his past is all a lie.

The series was directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and was Tatsunoko's first anime to utilize digital animation as well as the first anime to be broadcast on high-definition television, and features a seven-episode spinoff OVA miniseries featuring the character Komugi titled Nurse Witch Komugi, albeit Shinbo did not return to direct the OVAs.

Plot

[edit]

After being stabbed in the chest by his mother, Kyosuke Date is resurrected to find out he has a twin sister named Runa, and the ability to transform into the amazingly strong, powerful and dangerous superhuman mutant known as the SoulTaker. As he seeks out his twin sister, he is being pursued by the strange mutant doctors and nurses of the hospital, led by his own father, Richard Vincent, as well as the evil Kirihara corporation, led by Yui Kirihara, who are also tracking down Runa for their own malevolent purposes.

Assisting him along the way are the mysterious Shiro Mibu and the nurse mutant girl Komugi Nakahara, who betrayed the Hospital out of strong romantic love for Kyosuke.

Characters

[edit]
Kyosuke Tokisaka Date (伊達 京介, Date Kyōsuke) Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese); Brad Swaile (English)
The main character. He is a mutant boy who is kind-hearted, generous, selfless, serious and determined. After being stabbed in the heart by his adoptive mother, Mio, he returns to life to find his long-lost twin sister, Runa. He has the mutant ability to transform into the tremendously strong and dangerous superhuman mutant known as "The SoulTaker". He can also communicate and resonate telepathically with Runa and the fragments of her spirit/soul called flickers.
In Nurse Witch Komugi, he appears as a seventeen-year-old star who helps his long-lost twin sister Runa who has mysteriously been released from his body and retains her five-year-old look.
Shiro Mibu (壬生 シロー, Mibu Shirō) Voiced by: Masaya Onosaka (Japanese); Trevor Devall (English)
The man who aligns himself with Kyosuke and Komugi against the Kirihara Corporation. It is later revealed that Shiro is Yui's younger brother.
Komugi Nakahara (中原 小麦, Nakahara Komugi) Voiced by: Haruko Momoi (Japanese); Jocelyne Loewen (English)
A nurse girl who betrayed the Hospital to help Kyosuke after she realizes that she has fallen for him. She is the main protagonist in the mini spin-off, Nurse Witch Komugi.
Maya Misaki (岬 真夜, Misaki Maya) Voiced by: Ikue Ōtani (Japanese); Kelly Sheridan (English)
Kyosuke's good friend and savior, who was soon kidnapped by the Kirihara Corporation to be experimented on to search for Runa Tokisaka. She was the very first Flicker to be created. She is restored to life when all of the Flickers leave Runa. She was the first SoulAnubis, before all the Flickers were absorbed into Runa.
Yui Kirihara (桐原 夕映, Kirihara Yui) Voiced by: Akiko Hiramatsu (Japanese); Lisa Ann Beley (English)
The CEO and head of the Kirihara Corporation, and one of the series' antagonists. She is killed by the Alien, who is later revealed to be five-year-old Runa herself. In Nurse Witch Komugi, she appears as a director of the company; her return unknown.
Dr. Richard Vincent (リチャード・ビンセント, Richādo Vinsento) Voiced by: Masashi Ebara (Japanese); Paul Dobson (English)
One of the main antagonists who is the late Tsubaki's husband, and the father of Kyosuke and Runa. He is also a mutant, with the ability to turn into the mutant SoulCrusher. He battles his son in the fifth episode, and reveals the truth about the Hospital and the Beta Applicon virus to Kyosuke. He ends up being destroyed by his own son in their second (and last) battle.
Oribia Carlaile (オリビア・カーライル, Oribia karrairu) Voiced by: Miki Itō (Japanese); Venus Terzo (English)
Dr. Kyoya (ドクトル凶也, Dokutoru Kyōya) Voiced by: Toshihiko Seki (Japanese); Brian Drummond (English)
The first mutant that Kyosuke faces in the premiere episode "The Crest of the Devil." Kyoya fights Kyosuke (now in his mutant form) but is eventually defeated when Kyosuke kills him with the Lightning Breaker.
Mio Date (伊達 水脈, Date Mio) Voiced by: Minami Takayama (Japanese); Ellen Kennedy (English)
Kyosuke's adoptive mother who had stabbed him in the heart in order to awaken his dormant abilities as a mutant, as the only way to have done so was to betray a loved one. She was a good friend of Tsubaki Tokisaka, who entrusted Mio to raise Tsubaki's son, as Tsubaki did want to involve him with her family's dark ambitions regarding her twin daughter and his own twin sister, Runa.
Tsubaki Tokisaka (時坂つばき, Tokisaka Tsubaki) Voiced by: Mako Hyōdō (Japanese); Nicole Oliver (English)
She is the wife of Richard Vincent and mother of fraternal twins Kyosuke and Runa. She was one of the Tokisaka Clan who used the extraterrestrial substance of the Beta Applicon to further their research in eradicating disease and the evolution of humankind. She was the first to be saved after her father, Daigo Tokisaka, had injected the alien anti-virus into her system. Five years later, she and her daughter were pursued by the members of the Kirihara Corporation. Knowing that she could no longer protect Runa, she had stabbed her in the chest in order for Runa to develop her inherent mutant abilities. The circumstances of her demise is unknown, though Runa had unconsciously created a Flicker that took on her appearance and memories. This motherly flicker appeared to Kyosuke in the seventh episode, "The Last of a Woman".
Runa Tokisaka (時逆 琉奈, Tokisaka Runa) Voiced by: Michiko Neya (Japanese); Brittney Irvin (English)
The main antagonist who is Kyosuke's fraternal twin sister and creator of the Flickers. She is accused of being the Devil. Although she appears to be five years old, she is actually seventeen years old. She appears as a five-year-old child when her Flickers are not in her body. When they were absorbed into her body, she transformed into a seventeen-year-old teenage girl, which is her true form and can turn into the mutant SoulAnubis. In the spinoff Nurse Witch Komugi, she is a five-year-old child star who works alongside her seventeen-year-old twin brother Kyosuke.

Terminology

[edit]
  • Applicon Buster (アプリコンバスター, Apurikon Basuta) - A very deadly antidote that was created by Daigo Tokisaka for the sole purpose of destroying the Beta Applicon. It is powerful enough to be hurled like missiles to wipe out all mankind on Earth.
  • Beta Applicon (βアプリコン, Beta Apurikon) - A virus capable of turning humans into mutants by altering their DNA.
  • Flicker (フリッカー, Furikka) - These are fragments of Runa that she generates as well as being reflections of her existence.
  • Hospital (ホスピタル, Hosupitaru) - An organization founded by its director Richard Vincent and many surviving mutants to relieve those who were infected with the Beta Applicon.
  • Kirihara Corporation (桐原グループ, Kirihara Gurupu) - Originally a funeral business company, the Kirihara Corporation is a large global conglomerate. Armed with cutting-edge science and power, facilities and factories are set up around the world.

Production

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In 1996, studio J.C.Staff collaborated with and provided director Akiyuki Shinbo for Tatsunoko Productions' 1996 OVA New Hurricane Polymar at the request of the character designer, Yasuomi Umetsu; and succeeding the end of New Hurricane Polymar, Shinbo and Tatsunoko Productions started work on another project which was ultimately never produced.[1] Shinbo was then asked to direct the cutscenes for the Tatsunoko-produced video game Tatsunoko Fight (2000) and was then asked to direct an original series titled "Warhead", which eventually became "The SoulTaker."[1]

Directing the series, Shinbo admitted to being more focused on the series' aesthetic and visual presentation than the story itself, which he left the entirety of the organization of to frequent collaborator and writer Mayori Sekijima.[2] Character designer/chief animation director Akio Watanabe and visual director/mechanical designer Toshiaki Tetsura, also previous collaborators of Shinbo's, were invited to participate on the series as well.[1] Together, Shinbo and Tetsura experimented with a technique of using the former's cleaned-up and enlarged storyboards for the purpose of using them as background layouts (原図).[1]

The series found itself in various production troubles, most notably in that Tatsunoko Productions and the team were unable to find studios who were willing to take on outsourcing jobs for the series.[3] This set the series' production schedule back in the long run, and in total only three of the episodes were produced outside of Tatsunoko Productions: episodes 3 and 6, which were produced at Kyoto Animation; and episode 10, which was produced by Triangle Staff and Shaft. Shinbo lauded the studio's efforts, saying he was impressed with their quality.[3][4] Triangle Staff and Shaft's episode in particular had a rough production schedule due to episode director and storyboard artist Shintarou Inokawa's storyboards being very late, and Shinbo was surprised that Shaft (who was mainly in charge of producing the episode) was interested in handling it despite the tighter deadline.[5]

In a 2012 interview, Shinbo mentioned having interest in making a prequel or sequel series to The SoulTaker.[5]

Anime

[edit]

This thirteen episode-series produced by Tatsunoko Productions and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, premiered on the Japanese television network WOWOW on April 4, 2001, and ended exactly 3 months later on July 4, 2001. Two days after the last episode aired, North American anime licensor Geneon Entertainment USA licensed the series and released it on 4 volumes on DVD and VHS.[6] In 2004, Geneon had re-released the series under their Signature Series label.[7]

It originally aired in the United States on TechTV as part of Anime Unleashed, and later aired on G4 after the TechTV merger.[8]

The series' opening theme is "Soul Taker" by JAM Project while the ending theme is "Memory" by Shinji Kakijima.

No.TitleDirected by [a]Written by [a]Storyboarded by [a]Original release dateU.S. air date
1"The Crest of the Devil"
Transliteration: "Akuma no Monshou-hen" (Japanese: 悪魔の紋章 篇)		Shintarou InokawaMasashi Kubota [ja]Akiyuki ShinboApril 4, 2001 (2001-04-04)June 25, 2003[9]
One day, something bad happened. A mother named Mio killed her son named Kyosuke Date by stabbing him the heart. Is this the end for him? Or is it the start of a new adventure?
2"The World is an Illusion"
Transliteration: "Utsushi Yo wa Yume-hen" (Japanese: うつし世は夢 篇)		Shintarou InokawaKenichi Araki [ja]Akiyuki Shinbo[b]April 11, 2001 (2001-04-11)June 26, 2003[10]
Kyosuke asks his newfound friend Shiro why his mother Mio killed him but he doesn't know. Meanwhile, the Kirihara Corporation captures Maya so that they can undergo experiments on her. At the same time, Kyosuke dreams about Maya's struggles and sees an amusement park. He runs off and heads to the amusement park. Can Kyosuke save Maya? And what new enemies are awaiting his arrival in the amusement park?
3"The Skull and the Maiden"
Transliteration: "Dokuro to Shoujo-hen" (Japanese: 髑髏と少女 篇)		Yasuhiro TakemotoMasashi KubotaYasuhiro TakemotoApril 18, 2001 (2001-04-18)June 27, 2003[11]
A girl is being chased by mysterious people. Meanwhile, Kyosuke heads to the church to look at his mother's diary. At the church his eyes begin to bleed and the girl from earlier claims that she is his twin sister Runa. Is this girl really his long-lost twin sister or is it a trap set up by the Kirihara Corporation?
4"The Slithering Darkness"
Transliteration: "Ugomeku Yami-hen" (Japanese: 蠢く闇 篇)		Matsuo AsamiSumio Uetake [ja]Susumu KudouApril 25, 2001 (2001-04-25)July 1, 2003[12]
A boarding house in the middle of a forest is the home for another Flicker named Sayaka Tachibana. Outside, Kyosuke and Shiro observe the boarding house. Later, the houses' nurse says that she will help them. Is this nurse really going to help them? Or is she a minion of Dr. Narukami?
5"Beyond the Human Realm"
Transliteration: "Jingai Makyou-hen" (Japanese: 人外魔境 篇)		Kenji Nakamura[c]Masashi KubotaKeiichi Sato
Akiyuki Shinbo[b][d]		May 2, 2001 (2001-05-02)July 2, 2003[13]
Kyosuke decides to infiltrate the Kirihara Corporation's base so that he can save a Flicker named Kasumi. Meanwhile, Shiro heads to the core of the base with the intentions of destroying the Flicker Searcher. Kasumi and Kyosuke were attacked and separated from each other. Kyosuke goes into a room where the director of the Hospital, Dr. Richard Vincent, awaits him. He transforms into the winged mutant "SoulCrusher". In a heated battle, he reveals that he is Kyosuke's father and that he was betrayed by Tsubaki Tokisaka, his own wife, to the Beta Applicon Project even before she gave birth to his children- Kyosuke and Runa.
6"The Malevolent Stratosphere Castle"
Transliteration: "Seisouken Majou-hen" (Japanese: 成層圏魔城 篇)		Yasuhiro TakemotoMayori Sekijma [ja]Yasuhiro TakemotoMay 9, 2001 (2001-05-09)July 3, 2003[14]
The battle against the SoulCrusher might be over but more danger awaits Kyosuke. After losing a wing in his last battle, he is plummeting down to Earth until he was teleported inside a floating fortress. There he meets a Flicker named Megumi who he starts to trust and actually like. Also in the fortress is a mutant named Zabo but he is in a state of suspended animation. Later, Megumi finally reveals her true form and expresses her intense anger towards Kyosuke. Can Kyosuke defeat her?
7"The Last of a Woman"
Transliteration: "Nyonin Hate-hen" (Japanese: 女人果 篇)		Kiyoshi Fukumoto [ja]Kenichi ArakiYuuji Kawahara [ja]May 16, 2001 (2001-05-16)July 4, 2003[15]
On the riverside, Shiro, Komugi, and Kyosuke perform a riverside ritual were they put candles on boats in memory of their deceased loved ones. But a mysterious woman appears that says that she is Kyosuke's birth mother, Tsubaki Tokisaka. She explains that Megumi is wrong about the things she said. However, several Hospital mutants appear but Kyosuke manages to defeat them while getting injured in the process. He later wakes up with his parents there for a visit. Can all of this be real?
8"Mask of Hell"
Transliteration: "Jigoku no Kamen-hen" (Japanese: 地獄の仮面 篇)		Shintarou Inokawa[e]Sumio UetakeShirou Fukatake[f]May 23, 2001 (2001-05-23)July 8, 2003[16]
Shiro reveals to Kyosuke that his older sister, Yui, is the actual leader of the Kirahara Corporation. Shiro says that his power-mad elder sister wants the Flickers so that she could finally find Runa. Also, Shiro tells Kyosuke that he could have saved his mother but decided not to because only the mental trauma that he experience was the only thing that could awaken his own dormant abilities as the "SoulTaker" mutant. Meanwhile, Komugi is about to fight Yui's new monster she calls the "SoulAnubis".
9"Phantom of a Beautiful Dead Woman"
Transliteration: "Shibijin no Gen'ei-Hen" (Japanese: 死美人の幻影 篇)		Yoshio SuzukiMayori SekijimaMasahiro Hosoda [ja]May 30, 2001 (2001-05-30)July 9, 2003[17]
Kyosuke arrives to help Komugi and while doing so, The SoulAnubis sees his cross and turns Kyosuke back into his human form. Kyosuke recognizes the face and it was Maya. Then Yui explains that she combined Flickers to create this new beast including Shiro's beloved sweetheart and girlfriend, Saki. Meanwhile, Richard Vincent spots Komugi and starts to heal her.
10"Sacrifice for Nothingness"
Transliteration: "Kyomu e no Kumotsu-hen" (Japanese: 虚無への供物 篇)		Shintarou InokawaSumio UetakeShintarou InokawaJune 13, 2001 (2001-06-13)July 10, 2003[18]
Runa's signal has been lost and a strange underwater entity has told Yui to cut off their ties with the aliens. Meanwhile, Kyosuke decides to fight his father, Richard Vincent, but Komugi tries to talk him out of it. He later encounters the Director of the Hospital, who transforms into the SoulCrusher and the two engage in a violent battle to the death.
11"Demon on a Deserted Island"
Transliteration: "Kotou no Oni-hen" (Japanese: 孤島の鬼 篇)		Minoru OoharaKenichi ArakiJunichi Sakata [ja]June 20, 2001 (2001-06-20)July 11, 2003[19]
As Kyosuke and Komugi travel to Colony Eight, located on the moon to finally learn the truth, the Flicker girls (made up of Megumi, Kasumi, Asuka and Sayaka) await them to annihilate Kyosuke. After easily defeating them, he goes to the center of Colony Eight and finds a floating brain that turns out to be his maternal grandfather, Daigo Tokisaka, the man who caused the Beta Applicon Project seventeen years ago. He explains how he attempted to use the Beta Applicon given to him by a male alien to eradicate all disease and illness from all humankind. By injecting his own daughter, Tsubaki, who had been fatally ill the mysterious substance had miraculously saved her, which resulted in her giving birth to Richard Vincent's children; fraternal twins Kyosuke and Runa.
12"Madonna in Black"
Transliteration: "Kokui no Seibo-hen" (Japanese: 黒衣の聖母 篇)		Hiroshi Matsuzono[g]Masashi KubotaKazunori Mizuno [ja]June 27, 2001 (2001-06-27)July 15, 2003[20]
On the moon, Runa herself appears as a five-year-old child in front of her long-lost twin brother and the doctor. After absorbing all of the flickers back into her body, Runa takes on her true form as a seventeen-year old teenager. The doctor intends to kill Runa once and for all by using the mysterious Applicon Buster that helped give birth to Kyosuke and Runa to begin with. Runa, however, spreads the Applicon Buster into the atmosphere towards Earth, much to Kyosuke's shock. The doctor is destroyed by Kyosuke reluctantly taking the soul and spirit of his adoptive mother, Mio, as the two were connected by sharing the same spirit and soul. Having been freed, Runa runs to Kyosuke and lovingly hugs him, happy to be reunited with her twin brother at last. But Kyosuke is worried about the new and improved Beta Applicon Buster being unleashed upon Earth and asks Runa why she would do such a thing. Nearby, Shiro wonders what choice Kyosuke will ultimately make: Will he save Runa or will he kill his own twin sister to spare all humanity?
13"The Last Inferno"
Transliteration: "Shoujo Jigoku-hen" (Japanese: 少女地獄 変)		Akiyuki Shinbo[h]Mayori SekijimaAkiyuki ShinboJuly 4, 2001 (2001-07-04)July 16, 2003[21]
Kyosuke and Runa are still trapped in a virtual world of Runa's own creation of their home on Earth, being with their parents, Richard and Tsubaki, and living their lives together as a family. Kyosuke breaks out of the virtual world, much to Runa's anger, and intends to battle her to make her stop. Runa gives her twin brother one last warning: join her or be destroyed along with the humans. Kyosuke refuses his twin sister's offer. The two fraternal twins take on their mutant forms and do battle in a church-like place. As they are battling, Kyosuke tries to convince Runa that they are indeed human beings, regardless of their physical appearances and abilities. Runa furiously ignores Kyosuke, as she strongly believes that all humans are devils because her own mother, Tsubaki, had tried to kill her by stabbing her in the chest twelve years ago. Kyosuke uses his newfound abilities to experience the pain young Runa had felt when their mother had stabbed her. He then explains to Runa that he had understood what their mother was feeling: She was not trying to kill Runa, but had stabbed her so that she could "live." By giving her daughter a traumatic blow, she had intended to give Runa an incredibly strong ability to protect herself. A horrified and disbelieving Runa tells Kyosuke how she does not want to die. Her fear and terror of death causes the flickers to exit her body and Runa becomes a five-year-old child once again. Now that everything is over, Kyosuke reassures Runa that they can finally leave the past behind them and have hopes for their future. He then absorbs his own twin sister into his body to keep her safe from any harm under his brotherly protection.

Notes

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References

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The SoulTaker

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from Grokipedia
The SoulTaker (Japanese: The SoulTaker Tamashii-gari, ソウルテイカー 魂狩り) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Tatsunoko Production and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, consisting of 13 episodes that originally aired from April 4 to July 4, 2001, on TV Tokyo. The story centers on Kyosuke Date, a 17-year-old boy who is stabbed in the heart by his dying mother, Mio, and buried alive, only to be rescued by a mysterious girl named Maya Misaki. Revived with regenerative abilities and the power to transform into a monstrous entity called the SoulTaker—a winged, clawed being capable of extracting souls—he embarks on a quest to find his long-lost twin sister, Runa, while evading pursuit from the shadowy Kirihara Corporation and unraveling the conspiracy surrounding his family's involvement in genetic experiments. The series blends elements of action, horror, and science fiction, featuring graphic violence, gothic aesthetics, and themes of identity, betrayal, and supernatural transformation. Produced during a period when Tatsunoko was expanding into darker, more experimental , The SoulTaker features series composition by Mayori Sekijima and character design by Akio Watanabe. It features an opening theme performed by the supergroup and ending themes by voice actors Yasuo Asami and Shinji Kakijima, contributing to its intense, atmospheric tone. The anime received a North American DVD release by Geneon Entertainment in , distributed in four volumes, though it has been noted for its niche appeal due to its mature content and convoluted plot twists.

Synopsis

Plot

The plot of The SoulTaker centers on Kyosuke Date, a teenager who returns home one evening to discover his mother dying from stab wounds. In her final moments, she stabs Kyosuke in the chest and urges him to find his long-lost sister, Runa, before succumbing to her injuries. Buried alive by unknown assailants, Kyosuke is rescued by a mysterious girl who also claims to be named Runa. As he recovers, Kyosuke learns that the world is ravaged by an extraterrestrial virus known as Beta Applicon, originating from a failed colony on the , which mutates s into monstrous creatures called SoulTakers—powerful, alien-like beings with regenerative abilities. Kyosuke discovers that his own DNA has adapted to the virus, granting him the ability to transform into a SoulTaker form whenever he suffers fatal injuries, allowing him to heal and gain superhuman strength. This power draws the attention of the Kirihara Corporation, a powerful organization led by the ambitious CEO Yui Kirihara, who kidnapped the real Runa years earlier as part of experiments to harness the Beta Applicon virus for domination. Accompanied by allies such as Shiro Mibu, Komugi Nakahara, and various "Flicker Girls"—fragments of Runa's splintered soul—Kyosuke embarks on a perilous journey across a dystopian Earth to rescue his sister, uncover the truth about his family's past, and thwart the Kirihara Corporation's plans to harness the Beta Applicon virus for domination. Throughout the 13-episode series, the narrative unfolds as a mix of mystery, action, and horror, with Kyosuke confronting rival SoulTakers, corporate assassins, and his own fragmented memories. The story explores the origins of the virus, the ethical horrors of genetic experimentation, and the bonds of family, culminating in intense battles that reveal deeper connections between Kyosuke, Runa, and the SoulTaker phenomenon.

Themes and Motifs

The SoulTaker explores profound themes of identity and self-discovery, centered on protagonist Kyōsuke Date's resurrection after being murdered by his mother, which leaves him grappling with fragmented memories and his dual nature as both human and monstrous entity. This internal conflict is exacerbated by revelations about his origins and connections to artificial beings known as Flickers, highlighting questions of authenticity and existence in a conspiratorial world dominated by organizations like the Kirihara Corporation. The narrative draws parallels to psychological turmoil, using Kyōsuke's journey to symbolize the search for truth amid deception and loss. A central motif is transformation, manifested in Kyōsuke's ability to become the SoulTaker—a winged, demonic figure that embodies rage and power—serving as a visual and thematic representation of suppressed emotions and the blurred line between victim and aggressor. This recurs throughout the series, underscoring the dark hero archetype, where the protagonist's abilities stem from trauma rather than heroism, reflecting director Akiyuki Shinbo's intent to craft an original story around a brooding, conflicted lead. Suffering is another key theme, intertwined with motifs of persecution, as Flickers face extermination, mirroring broader existential pain and the cost of defying oppressive systems. Religious symbolism, particularly Christian , permeates the series as a motif for redemption and torment, with frequently appearing as emblems of sacrifice and the cross of suffering evoking Christ-like burdens borne by characters. and ethereal visuals further evoke spiritual undertones, contrasting the sci-fi elements to probe themes of versus human agency in a post-apocalyptic setting. These elements amplify the motif of mystery, where opaque conspiracies and hallucinatory sequences reflect psychological disorientation, challenging viewers to unravel layers of meaning alongside the .

Characters

Protagonists

The primary protagonist of The SoulTaker is Kyōsuke Date, a young man who is fatally stabbed by his adoptive mother, Mio Date, in the series' opening scene and subsequently buried alive in a cathedral. Rescued by a mysterious girl, Kyōsuke awakens with regenerative abilities and the power to transform into a superhuman mutant known as the SoulTaker, a form characterized by demonic features and enhanced combat prowess stemming from experimental genetic modifications by his parents. Throughout the narrative, he embarks on a quest to uncover the reasons behind his mother's actions, locate his missing twin sister Runa, and protect fragmented souls called "Flickers" that represent pieces of his sister's essence, all while evading pursuit from the antagonistic Kirihara Corporation. Kyōsuke's arc explores themes of identity and familial trauma, as his transformations are both a curse and a tool for survival, driven by guilt over his perceived role in his family's downfall. Komugi Nakahara serves as a key supporting and ally to Kyōsuke, portrayed as a young mutant nurse employed by the enigmatic Hospital organization. Initially aligned with her employers, Komugi defects to aid Kyōsuke after encountering him, utilizing her abilities—often manifested through cosplay-like disguises—and medical expertise to provide healing and tactical support during confrontations. Her character adds levity and resourcefulness to the story, with a backstory tied to the same viral experiments that affect other mutants, including a fascination with medical equipment that underscores her deranged yet loyal personality. Komugi's involvement deepens in later episodes, where she helps track Runa's Flickers and confronts corporate threats, solidifying her role as Kyōsuke's romantic interest and steadfast companion. Shiro Mibu functions as another central protagonist, acting as a resourceful ally with advanced weaponry and a personal vendetta against the Kirihara Corporation. Revealed to be the younger brother of Yui Kirihara, the corporation's leader, Shiro joins Kyōsuke early in the series to assist in dismantling the organization's experiments on mutants like the SoulTaker. His arc involves balancing loyalty to Kyōsuke with his own quest for revenge, providing combat support and intel on the antagonists' operations, including encounters with figures like the dying Mio, whose final wishes influence his decisions. Shiro's pragmatic demeanor contrasts with Kyōsuke's emotional turmoil, making him a stabilizing force in their alliance against genetic manipulation and soul-harvesting schemes.

Antagonists and Supporting Characters

The primary antagonists in The SoulTaker revolve around the Kirihara Group, a corrupt mega-corporation that operates a hospital filled with mutants and seeks to harness the powers of the titular SoulTaker for their own ends. Yui Kirihara, voiced by Akiko Hiramatsu, leads the organization as its ruthless executive, overseeing experiments and pursuits against Kyosuke Date. Other key antagonists include Richard Vincent, voiced by Masashi Ebara, a formidable operative who directly confronts the protagonist with advanced abilities. The group's mutants, such as Dr. Kyoya (voiced by Toshihiko Seki) and Zabo (voiced by Rikiya Koyama), serve as episodic threats, embodying the organization's unethical scientific pursuits. Supporting characters provide crucial aid to Kyosuke in his quest to uncover his past and confront the Kirihara Group's threats. Shiro Mibu, voiced by , acts as a resourceful ally, supplying weapons and tactical support driven by his own grudge against the antagonists. Komugi Nakahara, a mutant nurse voiced by Halko Momoi, joins the effort with her unique abilities, adding a quirky yet capable dynamic to the group. Maya Misaki, voiced by , offers emotional and practical assistance as a young companion. Runa Tokisaka, Kyosuke's long-lost sister voiced by Michiko Neya, plays a pivotal supporting role, representing the personal stakes of his journey amid the larger conflict. Additional supporters like Asuka Sakurai (voiced by ) and Megumi Akiba (voiced by Atsuko Enomoto) contribute to the narrative through their connections to Kyosuke, helping navigate the dangers posed by the antagonists. These characters collectively highlight themes of alliance and survival against institutional oppression.

Worldbuilding and Terminology

Setting

The SoulTaker is set in a dystopian near-future characterized by urban landscapes and advanced technology amid societal threats from a and potential alien encounters. This environment blends with supernatural elements, where genetic and transformations are prevalent due to experimental interventions and infections. The narrative explores a world ravaged by the "Nameless Disease" , featuring ruined cities, isolated cathedrals, and hidden facilities that underscore themes of decay and rebirth. A key institution shaping this world is the Kirihara Group, a multinational conglomerate conducting genetic research and modifications. The group's operations involve creating mutants and pursuing soul-related phenomena, contributing to the story's atmosphere of corporate conspiracy and ethical transgression in a fractured society. Armed agents and experimental labs operated by the Kirihara Group patrol and control parts of this world, heightening the sense of pervasive surveillance and danger. Supernatural aspects are integral to the setting, including "flickers"—fragmented essences that manifest as ethereal entities—and the titular SoulTaker form, a monstrous transformation granting regenerative powers and monstrous abilities. These elements intersect with sci-fi motifs like viral threats and alien-like outer influences, evoking a where human bridge the physical world and otherworldly abysses. The visual style employs psychedelic colors, static religious (such as crosses and apocalyptic imagery), and trippy distortions to convey a chaotic, dreamlike reality.

Key Terminology

In The SoulTaker, the titular "SoulTaker" refers to the form that protagonist Kyosuke Date assumes when severely injured or under extreme duress, characterized by an invincible, winged demonic appearance that grants enhanced strength and regenerative abilities. This transformation is a byproduct of experimental procedures conducted on his parents, awakening latent powers through trauma such as or near-death experiences. "Flickers" are artificial human-like beings created by Runa Date, Kyosuke's true sister, as manifestations or duplicates of her and identity, often appearing as young women who aid or mislead the in his search for answers. These entities are central to the narrative's exploration of identity and reality, serving as targets for antagonistic forces due to their unstable, illusory nature. The series features "mutants" as individuals altered through scientific experimentation or infection with the "Nameless Disease" virus, resulting in grotesque physical changes and specialized abilities, such as super-speed or . Most mutants are affiliated with antagonistic groups, embodying themes of human experimentation and monstrosity. The "Kirihara Group" is a powerful corporate organization that pursues Flickers and for containment or elimination, dubbing Kyosuke's form as the "SoulTaker" and driving much of the conflict through their relentless agents. Opposing the Kirihara Group is the "Hospital Organization," a shadowy medical faction led by Kyosuke's father, Richard Vincent, comprising doctors and nurses who wield oversized surgical weapons like scalpels and needles in combat, representing a perversion of into . "SoulAnubis" denotes a formidable antagonist entity, an advanced creation formed from combined flickers surpassing the SoulTaker in power and associated with Runa Date, introducing escalated threats through its god-like abilities and role in disrupting the story's power dynamics.

Production

Development

The SoulTaker was developed as an original series by , with production handled by a committee including Pioneer LDC and . Directed by , the project featured series composition by Mayori Sekijima and scripts from a team of writers: Kenichi Araki (episodes 2, 7, 11), Masashi Kubota (episodes 1, 3, 5, 12), Mayori Sekijima (episodes 6, 9, 13), and Sumio Uetake (episodes 4, 8, 10). Character designs were provided by Akio Watanabe, while Kō Ōtani composed the music. Producers included Kohei Kawase for Pioneer LDC, Michiko Suzuki for , and Shoichi Yoshida for . The series represented a technical advancement for Tatsunoko, incorporating digital animation methods through key animation by studios such as Tatsunoko Digital Room (episodes 11-13) and others like and Vega Entertainment. This marked Tatsunoko's initial foray into fully digital production workflows. Animation production was overseen by , with additional support from Tokyo Animation Center, Uni Animation, and ZOO Corporation. Aired on from April 4 to July 4, 2001, The SoulTaker was produced in 16:9 format and became the first series broadcast in high-definition, shortly after the December 2000 launch of digital in . Shinbo's direction emphasized experimental visual techniques, including dynamic camera angles and stylized scene transitions, to enhance the sci-fi horror elements.

Animation and Style

The SoulTaker features animation produced by , marking it as the first series broadcast in 16:9 high-definition format on Japanese television, debuting on just four months after the introduction of digital satellite broadcasting in 2000. Directed by , the series showcases an early iteration of his signature style, characterized by surreal visuals, rapid cuts, and experimental editing techniques that foreshadow his later work with Studio Shaft. The art direction employs a trippy aesthetic with bold, contrasting colors—often vibrant hues juxtaposed against harsh blacks and dark tones—to evoke a sense of disorientation and symbolism, particularly in the opening which mirrors the protagonist's confused . Backgrounds frequently utilize static images with religious motifs that scroll across the screen, enhancing the gothic and metaphorical atmosphere while occasionally giving a sense of economy in production. Character designs, credited to Akio Watanabe, stand out for their memorable and distinctive appearances, blending horror elements with dynamic poses that support the series' action sequences. Animation quality is generally regarded as solid and energetic for a television production, with explosive action scenes and innovative use of light and shadow that break conventional coloring patterns to create depth and confusion across bidimensional planes. Varied camera angles and creative scene compositions contribute to a visual flair, making sequences like cemetery confrontations visually striking and immersive. While some viewers note the style's intensity can feel overwhelming or inconsistent in brightness, it effectively amplifies the narrative's themes of identity and monstrosity.

Release and Distribution

Broadcast

The SoulTaker premiered in on the cable network on April 4, 2001, airing weekly on Wednesdays in a 30-minute time slot until its conclusion on July 4, 2001, comprising 13 episodes in total. The series marked a technical milestone as the first broadcast in 16:9 high-definition format, debuting four months after the introduction of digital satellite broadcasting in . Internationally, the series received its North American television debut on TechTV's Anime Unleashed programming block, with the premiere airing on June 24, 2003; episodes were edited to fit the network's timeslot, occasionally removing brief footage. Following the 2004 merger of TechTV and G4, reruns continued on G4TechTV in the United States and G4 Canada. In Europe, it aired on MCM in France starting August 28, 2004, and all episodes were broadcast on VOX in Germany beginning December 9, 2006.

Home Media and Licensing

In , The SoulTaker was first released on by Pioneer LDC in 2001, with individual DVD volumes released starting July 25, 2001, for Volume 1, featuring a 1.78:1 and 2.0 audio. A limited edition DVD followed in 2004 under Geneon Entertainment, compiling all 13 episodes in Region 2 format with a runtime of 325 minutes and 16:9 presentation. This box set saw a priced-down reissue on September 18, 2009, maintaining the original features without additional content. Internationally, Geneon Entertainment USA (formerly Pioneer Entertainment) acquired the North American license shortly after the series' Japanese broadcast concluded on July 4, 2001, announcing it at 2001. The series debuted in Region 1 on DVD and across four volumes in 2002, with Volume 1 (Monster Within) releasing February 26 at a suggested retail price of $29.98, featuring English dubs, , anamorphic video, and extras like an and booklet. Subsequent volumes followed quarterly: Flickering Faith on April 16, Blood Betrayal on June 11, and The Truth on August 13, each with 75-minute runtimes and a 16+ rating. editions were also issued in tandem, though now . In 2004, Geneon re-released the series under its Signature Series label, starting with Volume 1 on June 8 at $19.98, adding holographic foil covers but retaining core features; the full set completed by December 14. Distribution in was handled by Siren Visual, providing localized access without a separate . Geneon's North American has since expired, rendering releases discontinued and unavailable through major retailers as of 2020, with fans relying on secondhand markets for . No Blu-ray editions or digital streaming s have been announced.

Novelization

A two-volume light novel adaptation of The SoulTaker was published by under its imprint. The series was written by Masayoshi Wachi, with illustrations provided by Akio Watanabe, Katsumasa Ito, and Gozō Rokufu. The first volume, subtitled Shōjo Jigoku-hen (少女地獄篇; "Girl Hell Arc"), was released on December 25, 2003, with ISBN 978-4-8401-1004-4. The second and final volume, Bintsuba no Akuma-hen (瓶詰の悪魔篇; "Jarred Demon Arc"), appeared on , 2004, under ISBN 978-4-8401-1023-5. This adapts the core narrative of the but expands on the protagonist's internal experiences, offering a more grounded depiction of his transformation.

Spin-offs and OVAs

The SoulTaker spawned several spin-off OVAs and specials centered on the supporting character Komugi Nakahara, transforming her from a dramatic figure in the original series into a comedic, parody-driven protagonist in a context. The flagship spin-off is , a five-episode OVA series produced by and , released between August 2002 and April 2004. This blends elements of tropes with direct references to The SoulTaker's narrative, following Komugi as an aspiring idol who becomes the "Magical Nurse" to combat the escaped virus king Ungrar and his minions, including rival Koyori. Directed by various staff including Yoshitomo Yonetani for later episodes, the series emphasizes humor, fanservice, and culture satire over the original's horror themes. A direct sequel OVA, Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte Z, extends the story with two 25-minute episodes released starting September 2004, animated by . It depicts Komugi's climactic battle against Koyori, who unleashes a global virus, resulting in Komugi's apparent defeat in a more absurd, high-stakes confrontation. Additionally, The SoulTaker: Tamashii-gari - Komugi Daisakusen serves as a three-episode DVD bonus special (each around 4 minutes), included with the Japanese home video release of the original series in 2001. These shorts humorously spotlight Komugi's antics within the SoulTaker universe, bridging the main story's tone with lighter, character-focused gags. These OVAs and specials expanded Komugi's role, leading to further iterations like the 2016 TV series Nurse Witch Komugi R, but the core spin-offs remain tied to the early 2000s productions that parodied and diverged from The SoulTaker's sci-fi horror roots.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its release, The SoulTaker garnered mixed , with reviewers frequently highlighting its striking visual while faulting the for its opacity and underdeveloped elements. critic Mike Crandol described the series as boasting "some of the boldest anime art design since Serial Experiments Lain," praising the use of striking colors, lighting, and surreal scene transitions that create an intriguing atmosphere. However, he criticized the plot for plunging viewers into chaos without adequate buildup, noting that "you know you're in trouble when your anime comes with a 12-page manual to help you understand the plot," and lamented the characters' lack of personality, which prevents emotional investment. Crandol ultimately viewed the show as stylish on the surface but lacking substance underneath, concluding that "Soul Taker may shine on the surface, but when you get down to it there's really not much to look at." In contrast, IGN reviewer David Smith offered a more favorable assessment, rating the series 8 out of 10 and emphasizing its entertainment value through visuals alone. He appreciated the high-quality that benefits from the short 13-episode , describing it as a "thoroughly entertaining series to just look at" with creative direction that avoids overly serious pretensions. Smith acknowledged the cryptic storytelling, particularly in early episodes, but found the gradual unfolding of Kyosuke's quest to save his sister engaging enough to sustain interest. Aggregate user scores mirrored this ambivalence, underscoring the series' polarizing nature. On , it holds an average rating of 6.32 out of 10 from 8,729 users as of November 2025, placing it in the lower mid-tier of rankings. Similarly, Anime News Network's user ratings average 6.13 out of 10 () from 620 votes as of November 2025, with a weighted mean of 6.04, reflecting a "decent" but not exceptional consensus among viewers who often cited the innovative style as a highlight amid narrative frustrations.

Cultural Impact

The SoulTaker played a significant role in the evolution of director Akiyuki Shinbo's career, marking a turning point where he began to develop the experimental visual style that would later characterize his work at Studio Shaft. Produced in 2001 by Tatsunoko Production, the series featured bold, baroque aesthetics—including stark contrasts of bright, desaturated colors against deep blacks, surreal compositions, and dynamic camera work—that distinguished it from contemporary anime and foreshadowed Shinbo's later innovations in titles like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the Monogatari series. Following The SoulTaker, Shinbo took a hiatus from major directing roles until 2004, when he joined Shaft as a creative supervisor, applying and refining the stylistic elements debuted in the series to elevate the studio's output. This influence contributed to Shaft's reputation for visually striking productions, with The SoulTaker's emphasis on symbolic imagery and non-traditional editing techniques becoming hallmarks of the "Shaft style" seen in high-impact works that reshaped modern anime visuals. The series also spawned the comedic spin-off OVA Nurse Witch Komugi-chan in 2002, which parodied tropes and culture while incorporating characters from The SoulTaker, extending its narrative universe and garnering a niche for its . This spin-off's legacy persisted with a 2016 television sequel, Nurse Witch Komugi-chan R, produced by , demonstrating sustained interest in the franchise's whimsical elements amid evolving traditions.

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