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World War Blue
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| World War Blue | |
 Cover of the first manga volume | |
| 蒼い世界の中心で (Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de) | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy[1] |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Anastasia Shestakova |
| Illustrated by | Crimson |
| Published by | Red Road |
| English publisher | |
| Imprint | Micro Magazine Comics |
| Original run | 2007 – 2012 |
| Volumes | 9 (doujin edition) 10 (complete edition) |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by | Tetsuya Yanagisawa |
| Produced by | Crimson (executive) Uchiyama Shigeo Takahashi Kōta Sekido Kimoto? |
| Written by | Crimson Takao Fusō[2] |
| Music by | Tomohiko Kishimoto |
| Studio | 5th Avenue |
| Licensed by | |
| Original network | Tokyo MX, AT-X, TV Saitama |
| English network | |
| Original run | October 20, 2012 – April 4, 2013 |
| Episodes | 3 |
World War Blue (Japanese: 蒼い世界の中心で, Hepburn: Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de; lit. In the Center of the Blue World) is a Japanese fantasy manga series written by Anastasia Shestakova and illustrated by Crimson. The series is a re-imagining of the console wars between Sega and Nintendo featuring characters inspired by video games. An anime adaptation by 5th Avenue began airing in Japan on October 20, 2012.
Plot
[edit]A parody of the console wars, the series tells the story of two nations, the Segua Kingdom and Ninteldo Empire, locked in a struggle for dominance over the land of Consume. After years of war, the Segua Kingdom is on the defensive until a boy named Gear appears boasting of his incredible speed and powers, but what he does not know is that another person out there is more powerful than he is.
Characters
[edit]All of the characters are inspired by characters from various video game franchises.
Consume continent
[edit]Segua Kingdom
[edit]- Gear (ギア, Gia)
- Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Izumi Kitta (young) (Japanese); Matt Shipman, Cheryl Li (young) (English)[3]
- A young man from Marcthree Village who possesses incredible speed. When he was young, his father left him to fight in the war; following the death of his friend Til, he too joins the Segua Army in order to get revenge against the Ninteldo Empire. His father is shown to be General Alex, Segua's strongest killer. He is based on the title character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series and named after the Game Gear console.[4]
- Nel (ネル, Neru)
- Voiced by: Suzuko Mimori (Japanese); Cait Page (English)[3]
- A young girl with pointy ears who is Gear's childhood friend. After her parents were killed in the Marcthree massacre, she was taken in by Gear and Til. She thinks of Gear as her older brother. Nel is based on Nei from Phantasy Star II.[4]
- Til (ティル, Tiru)
- Voiced by: Kōki Uchiyama (Japanese); Clifford Chapin[5] (English)
- Gear's best friend who was killed by Ninteldo soldiers, prompting Gear to get revenge. He is based on Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog series.[4]
- Opal (オパール, Opāru)
- Voiced by: Izumi Kitta (Japanese); Brittany Lauda (English)[3]
- An archer who is the second strongest in the Segua Special Forces. She prides herself on never missing with her arrows. She starts to fall in love with Gear after he shows her his true nature and strength. Opal is based on Opa-Opa from the Fantasy Zone series.[4]
- Ramses (ラムセス, Ramusesu)
- Voiced by: Yukiko Monden (Japanese); Theresa Buchheister (English)[3]
- The lieutenant general of the Segua Army. She is based on the Columns game.[4]
- Alex (アレックス, Arekkusu)
- Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama (Japanese); Michael Liscio, Jr. (English)
- Gear's father, and general of the Segua Army who is considered the strongest killer. He is based on the title character from the Alex Kidd series.[4]
- Stella (ステラ, Sutera)
- Voiced by: Kyoko Higami (Japanese); Erica Schroeder (English)
- Gear's mother, and General Alex's wife.
- Satanna Itsuna Segua (サターナ・イツナ・セグア)
- The 5th queen of Segua Kingdom.
- Sakira (サキラ)
- Satanna's royal guard captain.
- Gadra? (ガドラ)
- The former king of Segua Kingdom, and Satanna's father.
Ninteldo Empire
[edit]- Marcus (マルクス, Marukusu)
- Voiced by: Atsushi Ono (Japanese); Mike Pollock (English)[6]
- The moustached general and emperor of the Ninteldo Empire, who helped it gain control of 90% of Consume. He is occasionally seen riding a green dinosaur named Yozu. Marcus is based on the title character from the Mario series.[4]
- Zelig (ゼリグ, Zerigu)
- Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Japanese); Chris Niosi (English)[6]
- One of the top soldiers of the Ninteldo Empire. He is based on Link from The Legend of Zelda series.
- Guliji (グリージ, Guriji)
- Voiced by: Sho Karino (Japanese); Mike Pollock (English)[6]
- Marcus' younger brother, the prince of the Ninteldo Empire and a commander in the Ninteldo Army. Guliji is based on Luigi from the Mario series.[4]
- Fae (ファーエ, Fāe)/Miss Reset (ミス・リセット, Misu・Resetto)
- Voiced by: Yuri Hirata (Japanese); Amanda Lee (English)[6]
- She is based on the Fire Emblem series.
- Masa (マーサ, Māsa)
- He is based on the Mother series.
- Karvai (カーヴァイ, Kavai)
- Voiced by: Nami Miyanaga (Japanese); Kira Buckland (English)[6]
- She is based on the title character from the Kirby series.
- Saroid (サーロイド, Sāroido)
- She is based on Samus Aran from the Metroid series.
- Foster (フォスタ, Fosuta)
- He is based on Fox McCloud from the Star Fox series.
- Doll Digorg? (ドル・ディゴルグ)
- The original Ninteldo general who possesses extraordinary strength. He is based on the title character from the Donkey Kong series.
- Digorg? Jr. (ディゴルグ・ジュニア)
Kusamura
[edit]It is a region south of Ninteldo, where a family of 151 siblings lives.
- Pirika (ピリカ, Pirika)
- She is based on Pikachu from the Pokémon series.
- You (ユゥ, Yuu)
- Lead daughter of the 151 siblings.
Illegal pirates
[edit]- Fake Digorg? (偽ディゴルグ)
- Fake Digorg? Jr. (偽ディゴルグ・ジュニア)
- Fake Dash (偽ダッシュ)
Slovia
[edit]- Crystal (クリスタル＝エフェレフ)
- Voiced by: Kyoko Narumi (Japanese); Michaela Laws (English)
- The supreme queen of the Slovia Kingdom. She is based on the crystals from the Final Fantasy series.
- Garland (カーランド＝エフェレフ)
Babido Republic
[edit]- Kichou Kazuo (キチョウ＝カズオ)
- Bakudou Shiroko (バクドウ＝シロコ)
Decolian
[edit]- Asimov East (アシモフ・イースト)
- Akagi East (アカギ・イースト)
- Hercule (ハーキュリー)
- Blocks (ブロックス)
Tatoland/Tatrand
[edit]- Bays (ヴァイズ・ブル, Baizu Buru)
- Voiced by: Kouta Ōshita (Japanese); Jake Paque (English)
- A strong warrior of Tatrand. He is based on Bub and Bob from the Bubble Bobble series.
- E-vazer? (イ・ベイザー)
- The legendary invader that had invaded Consume continent.
Puzzle magical academy/Puzzle Academy
[edit]It is a school located at southwest end of the Consume continent.
Other continent
[edit]It is a continent north of Consume continent.
Rug Federation
[edit]It is a land with extremely cold weather. The currency is ruble.
- Tejirov (テジロフ, Tejirof)
- Voiced by: Hiro Shimono (Japanese); Y. Chang (English)[3]
- A mercenary from the island of Lorgue who was once Ramses' upperclassman at the Puzzle Academy. He is able to produce magical barriers and has a tendency to make various dirty jokes. He is based on the Tetris game.[4]
Media
[edit]Manga
[edit]The original manga by Anastasia Shestakova and illustrated by Crimson began release on Red Road's mobile service from 2007. Nine tankōbon volumes have been released as of 2012. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the series for release in North America. The first volume was released in Summer of 2013.[7]
Complete version was published by Micro Magazine.
- Volume list (doujin edition)
| No. | Title | Original release date | English release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | World War Blue Vol. 1 (Console Wars: Prepare to do Battle!) Onsoku no Dobunezumi (音速のドブネズミ) | July 30, 2007[8] 978-4-90427707-2 | 2013-07-02 978-1-937867-96-6 |
| 2 | World War Blue Vol. 2 (First Quest: Test Your Might!) Zetto Zōn (Ｚゾーン) | October 4, 2007[9] 978-4-90427708-9 | 2013-08-06 978-1-937867-97-3 |
| 3 | World War Blue Vol. 3 (A Trap is Sprung: Escape or Die!) Gurīso Hiru (グリーソヒル) | December 30, 2007[10] 978-4-90427709-6 | 2013-11-05 978-1-626920-05-7 |
| 4 | World War Blue Vol. 4 () Shainingu ando Dakunesu (シャィ二ング&ダクネス) | July 10, 2008[11] 978-4-90427710-2 | 2014-02-18 978-1-626920-05-7 |
| 5 | World War Blue Vol. 5 (Change of Allegiance: Shifting Sides) Kami no Ochimono (神の落ちモノ) | December 25, 2008[12] 978-4-90427711-9 | 2014-04-15 978-1-626920-13-2 |
| 6 | World War Blue Vol. 6 (GAMES WITHIN GAMES) - (-) | March 23, 2009[13] 978-4-90427712-6 | 2014-07-15 978-1-626920-59-0 |
| 7 | World War Blue Vol. 7 (Crossroads: Choose Your Path!) - (-) | March 23, 2009[14] 978-4-90427713-3 | 2014-09-23 978-1-626920-66-8 |
| 8 | World War Blue Vol. 8 (UNEXPECTED ALLIANCES) - (-) | June 30, 2009[15] 978-4-90427714-0 | 2015-05-26 978-1-626920-97-2 |
| 9 | - (-) | December 12, 2009[16] 978-4-90427722-5 | - |
- Volume list (complete edition)
| No. | Title | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 1) | 2010-05-28 | 978-4-89637338-7 |
| 2 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 2) | 2010-05-28 | 978-4-89637339-4 |
| 3 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 3) | 2010-08-30 | 978-4-89637343-1 |
| 4 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 4) | 2010-03-03 | 978-4-89637359-2 |
| 5 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 5) | 2010-03-03 | 978-4-89637360-8 |
| 6 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 6) | 2011-06-26 | 978-4-89637366-0 |
| 7 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 7) | 2011-11-27 | 978-4-89637377-6 |
| 8 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 8) | 2012-03-25 | 978-4-89637386-8 |
| 9 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 9) | 2012-03-30 | 978-4-89637417-9 |
| 10 | - - (蒼い世界の中心で 完全版 10) | 2012-04-30 | 978-4-89637421-6 |
Anime
[edit]An anime adaptation was produced by 5th Avenue. The first episode was aired on Tokyo MX from October 20, 2012[1][17][18][19] and was also simulcast by Crunchyroll.[20] Episode 2 aired on December 27, 2012, and episode 3 aired on April 4, 2013.[21] On September 11, 2016, Media Blasters announced that they would dub and distribute the series. On January 11, 2017, Toku announced that it will premiere the World War Blue anime series in February.[22][23] Later that month, was announced to begin on February 6.[24]
The opening theme is "Retrospective World" by Hiro Shimono and Nobuhiko Okamoto whilst the ending theme is "0 and 1's Flowers" (0と1の花, Zero to Ichi no Hana) by Izumi Kitta and Suzuko Mimori.
Episode list
[edit]| # | Title | Original airdate | English airdate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Hard Wars of Consume" "Konshūmu Tairiku Hādo Sensō" (コンシューム大陸厳しい戦争) | October 20, 2012 | February 6, 2017 | |
|
In the continent of Consume, two nations, the Segua Kingdom and the Ninteldo Empire, are at war with each other, with Ninteldo ruling over 90% of the continent due to the strength of their leader, General Marcus. In the Segua Kingdom, a boy named Gear travels with his childhood friend, Nel, to the capital, seeking to join the Segua Army in order to avenge the death of his best friend Til at the hands of Ninteldo. Segua's vice-general, Ramses, tests Gear by pitting him against 50 of her soldiers, which he defeats instantly with his amazing speed. Impressed by his strength, Ramses enlists Gear in the special forces, alongside an archer named Opal, and tasks them with the mission of rescuing their strongest warrior, General Alex, who is being held prisoner in the Ninteldo-allied country of Tatrand. Later that night, Gear is called out by Opal, who doesn't approve of him and challenges him to a fight for his right to stay in the army. Gear wins instantly with a direct attack, earning her praise after he explains how he admires those who aim to go forward. The next morning, Ramses introduces the third special forces member, a somewhat perverted mercenary named Tejirov, who decides to train Gear for the operation, his barriers winning against Gear's speed. | ||||
| 2 | "Killer" "Kirā" (キラー) | January 3, 2013 | February 13, 2017 | |
|
Tejirov trains Gear, Opal and Nel to use their "Killer" abilities, special skills possessed by only a small fraction of people in Consume. Ramses and Tejirov discuss the possibility that Gear is the son of General Alex. Gear asks Tejirov about other Killers especially the strongest ones. The group start their mission to rescue General Alex from Hope Fortress. While on their way, they find a wounded Segua scout who asks to be "absorbed". Tejirof and Opal explain that Killers can absorb the life forces of others, gaining their strength, but that there are limits to how many one can absorb (Gear can absorb two). They are interrupted by the appearance of the Vaiz, one of Tatrand's Killers. Tejirov cages him in a wall of light so they can escape. Once inside the fortress, Opal plays decoy so the others can get past D. Fisher, another Tatrand Killer. Tejirov, Gear and Nel reach General Alex's cell, where Gear finds out that he is his father. | ||||
| 3 | "Lost Star & KID" "Rosutosutā to kiddo" (ロストスター&KID) | April 4, 2013 | February 20, 2017 | |
|
General Alex is too wounded to be saved. Tejirov tells Gear that he must instead absorb Alex. He refuses at first, but Alex says he has no choice and forces Gear to touch him. Before he is absorbed, he tells Gear the story of his mother, the only killer Alex considered to be his equal, whom he had to absorb after they were so badly wounded in combat that they could only survive if one of them absorbed the other. Opal is left unable to move after her battle with D. Fisher and is nearly killed by Vaiz's brother Voiz, but it rescued by a newly energized Gear, who joins the siege on the fortress. Tejirov leaves to prevent Bays from interfering with Gear, leaving Opal in Nel's care, but Vaiz surrenders, remarking that the battle is already lost. In the end, Segua takes Hope Fortress, and Gear is given the nickname of "Blue Sonic", becoming infamous throughout both the Ninteldo empires and their allied countries. | ||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de Fantasy Manga Gets Anime". Anime News Network. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
- ^ "スタッフ&キャスト" [Staff and Cast]. Micro Magazine. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Media Blasters Reveals English Dub Cast for World War Blue Anime". Anime News Network. November 19, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Høgset, Stig. "Aoi Sekai no Chushin de". THEM Anime Reviews.
- ^ "Media Blasters Announces Additional World War Blue English Dub Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "Media Blasters Reveals More English Dub Cast for World War Blue Anime". Anime News Network. December 5, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
- ^ "Seven Seas Declares World War Blue". Animenewsnetwork.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ^ Volume 1 Release Date. ASIN 4904277074.
- ^ Volume 2 Release Date. ASIN 4904277082.
- ^ Volume 3 Release Date. ASIN 4904277090.
- ^ Volume 4 Release Date. ASIN 4904277104.
- ^ Volume 5 Release Date. ASIN 4904277112.
- ^ Volume 6 Release Date. ASIN 4904277120.
- ^ Volume 7 Release Date. ASIN 4904277139.
- ^ Volume 8 Release Date. ASIN 4904277147.
- ^ Volume 9 Release Date. ASIN 4904277228.
- ^ "Nobuhiko Okamoto Leads Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de Cast". Anime News Network. 2012-08-11. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
- ^ "クリムゾン原作「蒼い世界の中心で」TVアニメは今秋開始". natalie.mu (in Japanese). 2012-08-10. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
- ^ "Aoi Sekai Slated for October 20 Broadcast". Anime News Network. 2012-09-12. Retrieved 2012-09-13.
- ^ "Crunchyroll to Stream Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de Anime". Anime News Network. 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
- ^ アニメーションシリーズ. 蒼い世界の中心で (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-09-20. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
- ^ "World War Blue Anime Premieres on TOKU This Month". Anime News Network. 2017-01-11. Retrieved 2017-01-11.
- ^ "Premieres are coming to TOKU in February!". TOKU on Youtube. Retrieved 2017-01-27.
- ^ "World War Blue Anime Premieres on TOKU on February 6". Anime News Network. 2017-02-05. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
External links
[edit]- Official (doujin series) website (in Japanese)
- Micro Magazine (complete edition) website (in Japanese)
- Micro Magazine (TV series) website (in Japanese)
- Seven Seas Entertainment page
- World War Blue (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- World War Blue (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- original story verification blog (in Japanese)
World War Blue
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Synopsis
Overall premise
World War Blue, known in Japanese as Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de, is a fantasy anime series that serves as a satirical parody of the historic console wars between Sega and Nintendo during the 1990s.[1] The narrative unfolds in a fictional world where the Segua Kingdom, representing Sega, and the Ninteldo Empire, representing Nintendo, engage in a prolonged conflict for dominance.[1] This rivalry is reimagined as an epic war on the continent of Consume, a resource-scarce land where the two powers vie endlessly for control, mirroring the competitive struggles of the video game industry.[4] At the heart of the story is the central conflict over territorial and resource supremacy in Consume, which has escalated into a devastating war threatening the annihilation of the weaker Segua Kingdom.[1] The Ninteldo Empire, under the leadership of its formidable emperor, has nearly conquered the continent, leaving Segua on the verge of collapse.[4] Into this dire situation enters the protagonist, Gear, a swift and agile young warrior driven by a personal vendetta following the loss of his brother.[4] Motivated by themes of revenge and the quest for heroism, Gear enlists in Segua's Special Forces, leveraging his exceptional speed to become a pivotal figure in turning the tide of battle.[4] The series distinguishes itself through a world meticulously constructed around video game mechanics and subcultures, transforming elements like magical academies and pirate factions into allegories for various gaming genres and communities.[1] These features infuse the narrative with layers of meta-commentary on the gaming world, blending high-stakes warfare with humorous nods to industry history and player experiences.[1]Key plot arcs
The anime adaptation of World War Blue covers the initial arc of the story, focusing on the Segua Kingdom's desperate defensive struggles against the Ninteldo Empire's aggressive invasion on the continent of Consume. This begins with a border skirmish in which Ninteldo forces attack the village of Marcthree, leading to the death of Til and prompting Gear's enlistment in the Segua army after he defeats the attackers.[5] The arc establishes the imbalance of power, with Segua on the brink of collapse as Ninteldo dominates most of the continent, forcing Gear into early missions that highlight the kingdom's precarious position.[6] Gear's growing prowess turns isolated defensive stands into coordinated counteroffensives amid escalating territorial losses. The adaptation corresponds to the first three volumes of the manga.[7]Setting
Consume continent
The Consume continent forms the central geographical and political stage for the ongoing conflict in the World War Blue manga, portrayed as a resource-abundant region fractured by rival powers vying for dominance.[6] This setup mirrors the territorial struggles of the video game market, with its kingdoms and empires representing satirical takes on industry competition.[8] Prominent locations on the continent include Marcthree Village, a rural settlement within the Segua Kingdom's territory; the Segua capital, equipped with robust defensive fortresses to withstand invasions; and the expansive imperial strongholds maintained by the Ninteldo Empire, which exerts control over the majority of the landmass.[6] Additionally, the Puzzle Academy stands as a key institution at the continent's southwestern edge.[9] The continent's terrain features expansive plains ideal for large-scale confrontations, mystical areas infused with magical elements proximate to sites like the Puzzle Academy, and surrounding seas plagued by pirate activities that complicate naval movements.[9] Politically, Consume is defined by the intense rivalry between the Segua Kingdom, positioned as a beleaguered defender, and the Ninteldo Empire, the aggressive expansionist force dominating much of the territory.[6] Neutral or peripherally allied regions, such as the Slovia kingdom and the Babido Republic, add layers to the continent's fragmented landscape without directly engaging in the core antagonism.[10]Adjacent continents and factions
The continent adjacent to Consume, known as the Rug Federation, serves as a neutral superpower characterized by its harsh, cold climate and use of the ruble as currency. This federation occasionally provides aid or interference in the ongoing conflict on Consume, reflecting its role as a parody of third-party game developers who supply technology and resources to multiple sides without full allegiance.[11][6] Within the Consume continent, several peripheral factions operate independently of the primary Segua Kingdom and Ninteldo Empire belligerents. The Illegal Pirates function as rogue operatives engaged in smuggling advanced technology and magical artifacts across borders, disrupting supply lines and engaging in opportunistic raids. Decolian operates as a shadowy informant network, gathering intelligence and brokering secrets among the warring parties for its own gain. Further south, the tribal lands of Tatoland and Tatrand ally loosely with the Ninteldo Empire, employing puzzle-based defenses and warriors skilled in unconventional tactics to protect their territories.[6][1] These factions contribute to broader global tensions by maintaining fragile balances outside the central warzone. The Puzzle Magical Academy, located southwest of Consume, acts as a neutral training hub where individuals from all sides, including the Rug Federation, hone magical and strategic skills, fostering limited cross-faction exchanges amid escalating inter-continental rivalries. Magical barriers and guarded trade routes between continents prevent outright invasions, sustaining a tense equilibrium that influences the Consume conflict indirectly.[6]Characters
Segua Kingdom members
The Segua Kingdom's key members form the core of its defense against the invading Ninteldo Empire, consisting of young protagonists driven by personal loss and seasoned military leaders focused on strategic resistance. These characters emphasize themes of camaraderie, revenge, and ingenuity in the kingdom's struggle for survival on the Consume continent.[1] Gear serves as the primary protagonist, a speed-based fighter motivated by revenge for the death of his best friend Til, employing super speed and evasion tactics to outmaneuver enemies in combat. His abilities draw from wind-based martial arts, allowing rapid assaults and homing attacks that turn the tide in defensive battles. Gear is the son of General Alex and is explicitly based on Sonic from the Sonic the Hedgehog series.[12][13] Nel acts as Gear's childhood friend and a vital support mage, characterized by her pointy ears and role as a healer who restores allies during intense skirmishes while offering emotional grounding to the group amid the war's hardships. Her timid yet intelligent nature complements the team's frontline efforts, and she is based on Nei from Phantasy Star II.[12] Til, though deceased early in the narrative, profoundly influences the protagonists as Gear and Nel's best friend, appearing in brief flashbacks that highlight his inventive technical skills in crafting gadgets and machinery for the kingdom's forces. His death at the hands of Ninteldo troops catalyzes the main characters' enlistment, and Til is based on Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog series.[12] Opal functions as an elite archer renowned for her perfect accuracy, specializing in aerial reconnaissance to scout enemy positions and deliver precise long-range strikes that support ground operations. Her overconfident demeanor adds levity to the team, and she is based on Opa-Opa from the Fantasy Zone series.[12] Ramses and General Alex represent the kingdom's military leadership, with Ramses as a calm, protective lieutenant trained in puzzle-based magic for tactical disruptions and Alex as Gear's father and former general excelling in hand-to-hand combat and overall strategy. Ramses, with her long pink hair, prioritizes her soldiers' welfare in command decisions and is based on the puzzle game Columns, while Alex's legacy as Segua's strongest warrior underscores themes of familial duty.[12]Ninteldo Empire members
The Ninteldo Empire's hierarchy is dominated by aggressive military leaders who drive the faction's conquests across the Consume continent, employing a blend of brute force and strategic prowess to enforce imperial dominance. At the apex stands Emperor Marcus, the primary antagonist and ruler of the empire, portrayed as a towering figure with dark brown hair, a prominent mustache, and an "M"-shaped mark on his forehead, clad in chest armor and a flowing red cape. Renowned for his superhuman strength, Marcus commands invasions with devastating jumping attacks that can shatter entire ships upon impact, reflecting his role as a frontline commander who leads charges against Segua Kingdom forces.[14] As the empire's top soldier and chief strategist, Zelig serves as the lead general, a combat genius whose mastery of swordsmanship makes him a formidable presence on the battlefield. With spiky golden hair tied in a ponytail, blue eyes, and a forest green tunic accented by a necklace bearing a Triforce-like emblem, Zelig wields a versatile sword capable of firing energy beams, allowing him to engage enemies at range or in close quarters while sidestepping with agile precision. His bloodthirsty demeanor, marked by sinister smiles and laughter during fights, underscores the empire's ruthless tactics, and his reputation as the "man who solves all mysteries" highlights his tactical acumen in unraveling Segua defenses. Zelig's abilities and appearance parody Link from The Legend of Zelda series, incorporating elements like beam-shooting weaponry and heroic yet twisted combat style.[15] Supporting the imperial leadership are a cadre of generals and officers who enforce conquest through hybrid tech-magic armaments, parodying Nintendo's diverse hardware and franchises to bolster the empire's war machine. Notable among them is Guliji, Marcus's younger brother and the empire's prince, who acts as a key commander with a serious disposition, often growing irritated by subordinates' antics but quick to anger when challenged on his height or capabilities; his role involves coordinating assaults alongside his brother, drawing from Luigi's archetype in the Mario series. Other officers include Saroid, a armored warrior evoking Samus Aran's power suit for advanced technological assaults, and Foster, a aerial tactician inspired by Fox McCloud's starfighter operations in Star Fox, integrating mechanical enhancements with magical infusions to overwhelm foes. These generals operate within a rigid hierarchy centered on loyalty to Marcus's vision of unchallenged supremacy, motivated by the promise of shared glory in subjugating rival factions like the Segua Kingdom, in stark contrast to the defensive camaraderie of their adversaries.[16][17][1]Other supporting characters
The Illegal Pirates are a rogue group operating outside the main factions, providing black-market aid and resources to various characters throughout the narrative, serving as a parody of unlicensed gaming practices in the video game industry.[18] A key member within the group functions as a comic relief informant, offering humorous yet pivotal intelligence during key plot developments.[18] Students and instructors at the Puzzle Academy represent neutral mages who train protagonists like Gear in magical and strategic skills, drawing inspiration from puzzle-based video games such as Tetris and Dr. Mario. For instance, Ramses, a supporting character and former upperclassman at the Puzzle Magic Academy, specializes in barrier magic and embodies elements of the Sega puzzle game Columns.[19] Representatives from Tatoland include tribal warriors equipped with unique enigma-solving abilities, who sporadically assist the Segua Kingdom in battles and quests without full allegiance.[20] Notable figures such as D. Fisher and Bays parody characters from Taito's arcade and puzzle-oriented games, contributing to cross-faction intrigue.[20] The Rug Federation envoy acts as a diplomatic neutral, subtly hinting at potential larger alliances amid the continental conflicts and reflecting the role of third-party publishers in the console wars parody.Production and themes
Development and inspirations
World War Blue was created by writer Anastasia Shestakova and artist Crimson, with the manga debuting in 2007 on Red Road's mobile phone service before being compiled into ten tankōbon volumes by Micro Magazine.[21][8] The series originated as a niche project that blended fantasy storytelling with parodic elements drawn from the intense rivalry of the 1990s video game console wars between Sega and Nintendo, reimagining corporate competition as an epic inter-kingdom conflict on the continent of Consume.[22][23] Shestakova and Crimson's collaboration emphasized thematic depth, portraying themes of rivalry and the clash between innovation and tradition through allegorical critiques of the gaming industry's cutthroat battles, while incorporating numerous homages to retro games and J-RPG tropes to appeal to enthusiasts of gaming history.[5] The development process highlighted the challenges of serializing a specialized parody in the manga market, contributing to its evolution into a complete ten-volume run that expanded on its initial concept.[21]Parodies and cultural references
World War Blue heavily parodies the 1980s and 1990s console wars between Sega and Nintendo by reimagining them as an ongoing conflict between the underdog Segua Kingdom and the dominant Ninteldo Empire on the continent of Consume.[1] This setup mirrors Sega's real-world market challenges and Nintendo's prevailing influence during that era, with Segua depicted as struggling to maintain relevance against Ninteldo's expansive control.[9] Character designs serve as direct homages to classic video game icons, enhancing the satirical tone. The protagonist Gear, a fleet-footed warrior from Segua, alludes to Sonic the Hedgehog through his emphasis on speed and agility in combat.[1] Similarly, Ninteldo's stern emperor Marcus draws from Mario, incorporating motifs like plumbing tools in his arsenal and a dinosaur mount reminiscent of Yoshi. Zelig, a quest-oriented fighter, references Link from The Legend of Zelda with his exploratory adventures and sword-based prowess. Broader allusions include Nel, inspired by Nei from Phantasy Star II with her claw weapon and feline traits, and Opal, based on Opa-Opa from the Fantasy Zone series as a quirky aerial supporter.[4] The series incorporates cultural elements that poke fun at gaming subcultures and industry tropes. The Puzzle Academy satirizes edutainment and puzzle games, portraying it as a neutral institution training scholars in block-matching mechanics akin to Tetris.[9] The Illegal Pirates faction represents bootleg software and piracy culture, operating from shadowy islands and using unauthorized tech in skirmishes against both major powers. Battle sequences integrate video game mechanics, such as temporary power-ups and combo attacks, to highlight the formulaic nature of console-era gameplay while critiquing monopolistic practices through Ninteldo's aggressive expansionism.[24]Media adaptations
Manga
World War Blue (Japanese: Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de, lit. "In the Center of the Blue World") is a Japanese fantasy manga series written by Anastasia Shestakova and illustrated by Crimson.[8] The series began serialization in 2007 via Red Road's mobile platform and concluded in 2012.[25] It was initially released in nine tankōbon volumes, with a tenth volume issued as part of the complete edition by Micro Magazine.[25] Crimson's artwork features dynamic battle scenes that capture the high-energy conflicts between the Segua Kingdom and Ninteldo Empire, often incorporating exaggerated action and fantasy elements inspired by video game aesthetics.[26] Shestakova's writing blends sharp humor with dramatic tension, using witty dialogue to parody console wars while developing character-driven narratives.[27] Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the series for English release in North America, with the first volume published on July 2, 2013.[6] The publisher issued eight volumes in single editions through May 2015, covering the first eight of the original ten volumes, adapting the title as World War Blue and maintaining the original's satirical tone on historical video game rivalries.[4][25]Anime
The anime adaptation of World War Blue, titled Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de in Japanese, was produced by the studio 5th Avenue and directed by Tetsuya Yanagisawa.[1] It consists of three short episodes aired irregularly as TV specials between October 20, 2012, and April 4, 2013, on channels including Tokyo MX, AT-X, and TV Saitama.[1] The series adapts the early portions of the source manga, condensing the narrative to emphasize the central conflict in the land of Consume while highlighting key battles between the Segua Kingdom and Ninteldo Empire.[28] The Japanese voice cast features prominent seiyū, including Nobuhiko Okamoto as the protagonist Gear, Izumi Kitta as Opal, Hiro Shimono as Tezhilov, and Atsushi Ono as Marcus.[1] An English dub was produced by Media Blasters in 2016, with voice direction by Brittany Lauda and recording at Kocha Sound and Fever Dreams Sound Factory; notable roles include Matt Shipman as Gear and Mike Pollock as Marcus.[29] The dub premiered on the Toku channel in the United States on February 6, 2017, airing weekly thereafter.[30] Due to its limited episode count, the adaptation streamlines the manga's expansive world-building, centering on Gear's arrival and his role in turning the tide of war, with particular attention to dynamic animation in combat sequences that amplify the parody elements of console rivalries.[28] Distribution includes Blu-ray and DVD releases by Media Blasters in North America starting August 8, 2017, alongside streaming availability on platforms such as Crunchyroll.[28]Episode list
The anime adaptation of World War Blue consists of three episodes, released irregularly between 2012 and 2013.[1]| Title | Original airdate | English airdate | Plot summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hard Wars of Consume | October 20, 2012 | February 6, 2017 | Gear, a young recruit, joins the Segua Kingdom's forces following the death of his close friend Til in battle, marking the beginning of his involvement in the war against the Ninteldo Empire.[2][1] |
| Killer | December 27, 2012 | February 13, 2017 | The Segua Kingdom engages in its first major confrontation with Ninteldo Empire troops, testing Gear's abilities and highlighting the escalating conflict over the continent of Consume.[2][1] |
| Lost Star & KID | April 4, 2013 | February 20, 2017 | Gear faces off against a prominent Ninteldo antagonist in a high-stakes encounter, culminating in a tense cliffhanger that sets up further developments in the war.[2][1] |