“The Asterisk War” light novel was first published in 2012 and spans five volumes. The story takes place in a futuristic world where individuals with supernatural abilities known as Genestella attend prestigious academies to hone their skills. Ayato Amagiri, the protagonist, transfers to Seidoukan Academy and is quickly recruited by student council president Claudia Enfield to compete in the Festa, a tournament to determine the strongest fighter at the school. Ayato is hesitant at first but agrees to participate when he learns that his sister, who disappeared years ago, is being held captive by the chairman of the academy.
Ayato’s path to victory is not an easy one, as he must navigate the politics and power struggles of the academy while also dealing with his growing feelings for Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld, a princess from a rival academy. Along the way, Ayato uncovers a larger conspiracy involving the Festa and the higher-ups at Seidoukan Academy. With the help of his friends, Ayato works to bring down the corrupt system and save his sister.
Summary of the TV Series Adaptation
In 2015, A-1 Pictures produced a 24-episode TV series adaptation of “The Asterisk War.” The series closely follows the plot of the light novel, with some alterations and additions to the story. The animation and fight scenes are well-done, and the voice acting is top-notch. The series also features an excellent soundtrack by Rasmus Faber, which we’ll explore later in this article.
One notable addition to the TV series is the introduction of the character Saya Sasamiya, a childhood friend of Ayato’s who is also a Genestella. Saya has a crush on Ayato and becomes a key player in the Festa tournament. Another significant change is the inclusion of a new antagonist, Dirk Eberwein, a powerful fighter from a rival academy who has a personal vendetta against Ayato.
Overall, the TV series is an enjoyable adaptation of the light novel and is worth watching for fans of the series.
Setting and Timeline of “The Asterisk War”
“The Asterisk War” takes place in a futuristic world where individuals with supernatural abilities known as Genestella attend prestigious academies to hone their skills. The story is set in the city of Rikka, Japan, which is divided into six different districts, each with its own academy. The main academy in the story is Seidoukan Academy, located in the Asterisk, the central district of Rikka.
The timeline of “The Asterisk War” is not explicitly stated in the series, but it is assumed to take place in the near future. The technology in the series is advanced, with holographic displays, flying cars, and other futuristic gadgets. The world of “The Asterisk War” feels both familiar and foreign, with a blend of modern and sci-fi elements.
Introduction to the Main Characters and Their Roles in the Story
Ayato Amagiri is the protagonist of “The Asterisk War.” He is a transfer student at Seidoukan Academy and is quickly recruited by Claudia Enfield to compete in the Festa tournament. Ayato is initially reserved but becomes more confident and assertive as the series progresses. He cares deeply for his friends and is determined to uncover the truth about his sister’s disappearance.
Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld is a princess from a rival academy, Lieseltania. She is initially skeptical of Ayato but eventually becomes his ally and love interest. Julis is a skilled fighter and strategist, and her goal is to win the Festa tournament to secure funding for her academy.
Saya Sasamiya is a childhood friend of Ayato’s and a fellow Genestella. She has a crush on Ayato and becomes a key player in the Festa tournament. Saya is kind-hearted and supportive of her friends, but she also has a fierce competitive streak.
Claudia Enfield is the student council president at Seidoukan Academy. She recruits Ayato to participate in the Festa tournament and serves as his mentor and ally. Claudia is intelligent and resourceful, and she is not afraid to bend the rules to achieve her goals.
Kirin Toudou is a first-year student at Seidoukan Academy and Julis’s partner in the Festa tournament. She is initially shy and reserved but becomes more confident as she grows closer to Julis and Ayato.
Guest Stars and Notable Appearances in the TV Series
In addition to the main cast, “The Asterisk War” TV series features several notable guest stars and appearances. One of the most significant is the character Ernesta Kuhne, a genius inventor who creates powerful weapons for the Festa tournament. Ernesta is voiced by Saori Hayami, a popular voice actress known for her roles in “Your Lie in April” and “Sword Art Online.”
Another notable appearance is from the character Haruka Amagiri, Ayato’s sister, who is voiced by Nao Toyama. Haruka’s storyline is a significant plot point in both the light novel and TV series, and Toyama’s performance brings a lot of emotion to the character.
Memorable Quotes from “The Asterisk War”
“The Asterisk War” features several memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the series. Here are a few of my favorites:
- “If you’re not prepared to face your opponent, you’ll never be able to defeat them.” – Ayato Amagiri
- “I want to change the world, even if it’s just a little bit.” – Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld
- “The only way to beat a cheating opponent is to cheat better than they do.” – Claudia Enfield
- “I can’t keep living in the past. I have to look to the future.” – Saya Sasamiya
Exploring the Soundtrack by Rasmus Faber
The soundtrack for “The Asterisk War” TV series was composed by Rasmus Faber, a Swedish musician known for his work in the video game and anime industries. Faber’s music for the series is a standout feature, with a mix of electronic and orchestral elements that perfectly capture the action and emotion of the story.
One of the most memorable tracks from the series is “Brand-new World,” the opening theme song. The song is performed by Shiena Nishizawa, a Japanese singer known for her high-energy pop-rock style. The lyrics of the song are uplifting and inspiring, making it a perfect fit for the series.
Cosplay Guide: How to Dress Like Ayato Amagiri and Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld
For fans looking to cosplay as their favorite “The Asterisk War” characters, here are some tips on how to dress like Ayato and Julis:
Ayato Amagiri:
- Black blazer with gold trim
- White dress shirt
- Red tie
- Black pants
- Black shoes
- Optional: carry a sword prop
Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld:
- Red and white school uniform
- Black thigh-high boots
- Red and white hair accessories
- Optional: carry a rapier prop
YÅ« Miyazaki: A Biography and a List of His 5 Best Works
YÅ« Miyazaki is the author of “The Asterisk War” light novel series. He began his career as a writer in 2004 and has since become a prolific creator in the light novel and manga industries. Here is a brief biography of Miyazaki and a list of his five best works:
- “The Asterisk War”
- “EiyÅ« KyÅshitsu” (Classroom for Heroes)
- “Gakusen Toshi Asterisk Gaiden: Queenveil no Tsubasa” (The Asterisk War Side Story: The Wings of Queenveil)
- “Kimi no Na wa. Another Side: Earthbound”
- “Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry” (Chivalry of a Failed Knight)
A-1 Pictures: A Look at 5 Other Media Produced by the Studio
A-1 Pictures is the studio behind the “The Asterisk War” TV series adaptation. The studio has produced several other popular anime series over the years. Here are five other media produced by A-1 Pictures that are worth checking out:
- “Sword Art Online”
- “Blue Exorcist”
- “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”
- “Your Lie in April”
- “Fairy Tail”
10 Recommended Movies, TV Shows, and Books Similar to “The Asterisk War”
If you enjoyed “The Asterisk War,” here are ten other movies, TV shows, and books that you might like:
- “My Hero Academia”
- “Chivalry of a Failed Knight”
- “A Certain Magical Index”
- “No Game No Life”
- “Fate/stay night”
- “Soul Eater”
- “RWBY”
- “Akame ga Kill!”
- “Code Geass”
- “Attack on Titan”
Book Club Discussion Questions for “The Asterisk War” Light Novel
For book clubs looking to discuss “The Asterisk War” light novel, here are some discussion questions to consider:
- What did you think of Ayato as a protagonist? Did you find him relatable?
- What did you think of the Festa tournament storyline? Was it engaging?
- What did you think of the world-building in the novel? Did you find the futuristic setting believable?
- What did you think of the relationship between Ayato and Julis? Did you think it was well-developed?
- What did you think of the twist at the end of the novel? Did it surprise you?
Parent Guide: Is “The Asterisk War” Suitable for Children?
“The Asterisk War” is rated TV-14 for violence and suggestive themes. The series features several fight scenes with blood and injuries, as well as occasional sexual innuendo and partial nudity. The series may not be suitable for young children, but older teens and adults should have no issues with the content.
Intriguing Tidbits and Behind-the-Scenes Information
- “The Asterisk War” light novel series has sold over 1 million copies in Japan.
- The character designs for “The Asterisk War” were done by Tetsuya Kawakami, who also worked on the character designs for “The Familiar of Zero” and “Crest of the Stars.”
- The voice actor for Ayato Amagiri, Atsushi Tamaru, also provided the voice for the character Mikoshiba in the popular anime series “Free!”
- The Festa tournament in “The Asterisk War” is similar in structure to the Holy Grail War in the “Fate/stay night” series.
- The series has inspired several spin-off manga series and a video game adaptation.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for “The Asterisk War” Fans
For fans looking to buy “The Asterisk War” merchandise, here are some options to consider:
- Light novel series box set
- Blu-ray or DVD box set of the TV series
- Soundtrack CD by Rasmus Faber
- Ayato or Julis figurine
- “The Asterisk War” artbook
- T-shirt or hoodie featuring characters from the series
Conclusion
“The Asterisk War” is an engaging and entertaining series that combines action, romance, and sci-fi elements. Whether you’re a fan of the light novel or the TV series adaptation, there’s plenty to love about this story. I hope this article has provided a comprehensive summary of the series and given you some ideas for further exploration. Happy reading and watching!
