Radiant has quickly gained recognition as a standout among the sea of seasonal anime adaptations. While it shares similarities with other shonen series, what sets it apart is the origin of its source material. Unlike most anime adaptations, Radiant originated in France, created by the talented French manga author, Tony Valente. As a lifelong fan of anime and manga, Valente drew inspiration from popular series like Naruto and One Piece, resulting in his own unique take on the shonen genre.

France has a rich tradition of graphic storytelling, with comics like The Adventures of Tintin gaining widespread popularity. In recent years, French-made manga, known as “manfra,” has emerged as a unique genre in its own right. Valente skillfully blends elements of the manga-centric style he admires with the traditional Franco-Belgian comic style, delivering a captivating visual experience.

Radiant has become a leading example of manfra, capturing the attention of Japan, the birthplace of anime. It holds the honor of being the first French manga to be adapted into an anime aired on Japanese television. With the first season completed and the second season currently airing, Radiant continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The story takes place in a fantasy world where monstrous creatures called Nemeses fall from the sky, terrorizing humanity. Those who survive an encounter with the Nemeses become cursed, gaining the ability to command magical power known as Fantasia. These cursed individuals, called sorcerers, face discrimination and ostracization from society. The series follows the journey of the protagonist, Seth, a fifteen-year-old sorcerer who dreams of defeating all the Nemeses and bringing peace between sorcerers and humans. Along the way, Seth forms friendships with unique characters and embarks on a quest to find Radiant, the legendary birthplace of the Nemeses.

In the first twelve episodes, Radiant introduces a likable cast of characters, led by the upbeat and relatable protagonist, Seth. Supporting characters like Melie and Alma bring depth and intrigue to the story, with potential for further development as the series progresses. While Radiant may not break new ground within the shonen genre in its early episodes, it effectively builds familiarity, setting the stage for future plot developments and confrontations with antagonists.

The animation of Radiant, handled by Studio Lerche, remains consistent and visually appealing. Although it may not fully capture the vibrant colors of the original manfra illustrations, the anime manages to convey the rich tones and emotions through expressive animation. The voice acting, both in the Japanese and English dubs, brings the eccentric characters to life, with standout performances from Aoi Yuki and Caitlin Glass as Melie.

The opening theme song, “Utopia” by 04 Limited Sazabys, delivers the high-energy vibe typical of shonen anime. While it doesn’t stand out from other similar songs, it effectively pumps up viewers for the adventure ahead. The closing theme song, “Radiant” by Polkadot Stingray, adds a fun and upbeat touch to the end of each episode, accompanied by charming paper-craft animation.

This box set contains the first 12 episodes of Radiant, along with special features like cast commentary, textless opening and closing songs, and interviews with the Japanese cast. These extras enhance the viewing experience and provide insights into the creative process behind the series.

Radiant is off to a promising start with its consistent animation and solid performances. The series explores interesting themes, particularly prejudice and discrimination against sorcerers. While the plot is still unfolding, there is potential for Radiant to stand out among other renowned shonen series, showcasing its unique charm and captivating storytelling.

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