Mirage of Blaze (2002) User Reviews

Awesome animation

[tymoth_scogan · 4 May 2005]

Hono no shinkiro... ahem, Mirage of Blaze (for those of us who don't speak Japanese) is an incredible anime... The drawing and dubbing is done extremely well for an anime that really does not have as much popularity as the major named ones that come to the US. It's painfully short considering that it's based off of the works of Kuwabara Mizuna which total to more than 30 and is still barely trickling down to an end to date. However, this 13 episode anime does have the basic components seen in the graphic novels; the characters are well developed and the plot is more intricate than most animes considering it goes well into the history of japan and the wars of the past. It does contain some hints of BL, shounen-ai, or simply put homosexuality, but nothing too overt and no major action is taken on those feelings and none are shown in the anime (whether you consider that good or bad). It's a pleaser for both shounen-ai fans and non-shounen-ai fans. The anime ends quite abruptly with many questions left unanswered and many conflicts un-resolved, but this ending only leaves the viewer wanting to see more (though it is difficult to find any works of the Kuwabara Mizuna since nothing has been translated to English).

Very Fascinating

[ResserV · 10/10 · 17 August 2006]

Although I'm not a big fan of anime, Mirage of Blaze was somewhat different to me I think it was because of the historical fantasy mixed with modern times and the thought of Japanese warlords being reincarnated and such was intriguing to me. I really loved this, I usually watch movies and anime that have an interesting plot or story, I'm not one for non-stop action and violence and definitely not girls *I'm female*.

I am not into cheesy soap-opera romance, the relationship between the two main characters were interesting because of their somewhat love-hate relationship *which I adore* or the fact that its difficult to portray it.It has homosexual tendencies if that bothers anyone.

On a negative note, I hated the fact that it was so quick, but Seki Toshihiko commented on Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge that they may continue it more. But all in all I recommend it.

I love it...

[crazyintexas2001 · 10/10 · 4 February 2007]

I had never heard anything about it or seen anything about it. I bought the boxed set (the deluxe edition of course!!) That was the first time I watched it. I love it and watch it all the time. My husband hates anime. He really got into it. He said this one isn't bad at all! I also love all the voices. Both Japanese and English.

I love the characters and everything they go through. The lives of the characters, their relationship with each other, how they all come together and develop a fascinating story. Mirage of Blaze has left me with feelings of happiness. I even love some of the bad guys!! Mirage of Blaze is fast paced and very exciting from the get go. Each episode grabs you and doesn't let go. I want more......

A thrilling and deeply touching series

[athlynne81 · 10/10 · 24 June 2013]

My very favorite anime; my only complaint is that it was way too short.

Takaya is a sullen and distant high school student whose world is turned upside-down when he meets a monk named Naoe, who informs him they are the reincarnations of samurai lords destined to protect Japan from other clans that have returned to possess the living. It starts out as your basic supernatural, high-school-adventure, then takes a hard turn into serious drama and angst around episode 7. I like the way it turned out, personally, but if you have a problem with yaoi (male/male relationships), you should probably avoid this one.

Based on a long series of light novels (that have sadly yet to be translated), Mirage of Blaze runs for 13 episodes and a 3-part OVA, and is outstanding for its excellent voice acting, beautiful imagery and truly compelling, heartbreaking story. You will lose your heart to these characters and sniffle when they leave you. My only caution is please, PLEASE, watch it in Japanese with subtitles. The English dub is AWFUL.