How Many Seasons of Blue Exorcist Are There? A Complete Guide
If you're diving into the world of anime, or perhaps revisiting an old favorite, you might be wondering about the total number of seasons for Blue Exorcist. This popular series has captivated fans with its blend of action, supernatural elements, and compelling characters. Let's break down the series' run so you can easily keep track.
Currently, Blue Exorcist has three official seasons.
Season 1: Blue Exorcist (2011)
The first season, simply titled Blue Exorcist, premiered in 2011. This is where the story truly begins, introducing us to Rin Okumura and his twin brother, Yukio. Rin discovers he is the son of Satan after a life-altering event. He resolves to become an exorcist to avenge his guardian and protect his friends, enrolling at True Cross Academy to learn the skills necessary to combat demons.
This season meticulously lays the foundation for the entire series. We get to know the main characters, understand the world's lore, and witness Rin's initial struggles with controlling his demonic powers. The storyline follows Rin's training and challenges as he navigates his dual identity and his relationships with his classmates and teachers. The animation style is vibrant, and the action sequences are well-choreographed, making it an engaging introduction to the series.
The season adapts the early arcs of the manga series, establishing the core narrative and introducing key antagonists. Viewers are quickly drawn into the world of exorcists, demons, and the ongoing battle between Assiah (the human world) and Gehenna (the demon world).
Season 2: Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (2017)
The second season, titled Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, aired in 2017. This season directly follows a specific arc from the manga, focusing on the events surrounding the Impure King and the Kyoto Branch of the True Cross Order.
Kyoto Saga takes a detour from the anime-original content introduced towards the end of the first season and aligns more closely with Kazue Kato's manga. This provided manga readers with a more faithful adaptation of the source material. The story centers around the theft of the Left Eye of the Impure King, a powerful demonic artifact stored within the Kyoto Branch. Rin and his fellow exorcist students are dispatched to Kyoto to assist in the investigation and recovery of the stolen eye.
This season explores the history and traditions of the Kyoto Branch, introducing new characters and expanding upon the existing lore of the Blue Exorcist universe. We delve deeper into the backstories of characters like Ryuji Suguro (Bon), Konekomaru Miwa, and Renzo Shima, uncovering their motivations and strengthening their bonds with Rin. The stakes are high, and the action is intense as the exorcists face formidable demonic opponents.
Season 3: Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga (2024)
The third and latest season, Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, premiered in January 2024. This season continues the story from where Kyoto Saga left off, adapting the Shimane Illuminati arc from the manga.
Shimane Illuminati Saga introduces a new layer of complexity to the series, focusing on a mysterious organization known as the Illuminati. This group seeks to bridge the gap between Assiah and Gehenna for their own purposes, posing a significant threat to the True Cross Order and the balance between the two worlds. Rin and his comrades must confront this new enemy while also dealing with personal challenges and internal conflicts.
The Shimane Illuminati Saga delve deeper into the science of demonology and introduces viewers to the morally ambiguous figures within the Illuminati. We see Rin struggle with his identity as Satan's son and his commitment to protecting humanity. His relationships with Yukio and his friends are tested as they face increasingly difficult situations.
What to Watch Next?
After catching up on the three seasons, you might be wondering what comes next. While there's no official announcement for a fourth season yet, the manga series is ongoing, providing plenty of material for future adaptations. If you're eager to know what happens next, you can always delve into the manga to continue the story.
In addition to the anime seasons, there is also a Blue Exorcist movie, titled Blue Exorcist: The Movie, which was released in 2012. This movie tells an original story that takes place between the first season and the Kyoto Saga, providing an additional adventure for fans to enjoy.
In Conclusion
To recap, there are currently three seasons of Blue Exorcist: the first self-titled season, Kyoto Saga, and Shimane Illuminati Saga. Each season brings its own unique challenges and developments for Rin and his friends, making it a captivating series to follow. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, there's plenty to enjoy in the world of Blue Exorcist. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world where demons and exorcists clash in an epic battle for the fate of humanity.
