Blue Exorcist

Synopsis

Setting

The world of Blue Exorcist consists of two dimensions, attached to each other as a mirror and its reflection. The first is the material world where humans live, , and the other is , the world of demons, which is ruled by Satan. Originally, a journey between the worlds, or even a contact between them, was impossible, however, any demon is able to pass to the dimension of Assiah through the possession of a living being in it. Even so, demons have historically wandered among humans unnoticed, visible only to people who have had contact with demons before.

In contrast, there are Exorcists, people who train to destroy demons who act in a damaging manner in Assiah. With more than two thousand years of existence, this group has several branches all over the world being secretly under the command of the Vatican itself and acting in a clandestine manner.

Plot

The story revolves around Rin Okumura, who, along with his younger twin Yukio Okumura, was raised by Father Shiro Fujimoto, an Exorcist. One day, Rin learns that he and Yukio are the sons of Satan. Witnessing Shiro dying to protect him, Rin draws the demon-slaying sword Kurikara, which restrains his demonic powers. From that moment on, Rin not only gains demonic features like fangs and a tail, but also the power to ignite into blue flames that destroy almost anything he touches.

Rin wishes to become an Exorcist like his guardian to become stronger and to defeat Satan. He enrolls at the prestigious True Cross Academy, an exorcist cram school, which is actually the Japanese branch of the True Cross Order, an international organization dedicated to protect Assiah from Gehenna. Much to his surprise, Rin finds that Yukio is already a veteran Exorcist and is one of his teachers. Thus begins Rin's journey to become an Exorcist, accompanied by his brother and his fellow students who quickly become his close friends.

Production

Kazue Kato took inspiration from Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm (2005), as she tried to work the angle of brothers fighting against monsters into a story. She eventually decided on making the story about demons and exorcists, thus conceiving Blue Exorcist. Due to exorcists being the main idea of the story, the manga features a lot of Biblical references. In an interview with Anime News Network, Kato said: "I should not run away from these references if I'm working in the Exorcist genre."

In 2016, Kato stated, "I think there might be four more arcs. I have a rough storyline complete for the ending, but I haven’t figured out all of the details. I have a few things where I’m not sure what to decide to do." In July 2021, Kato announced that the manga would enter on an eight-month hiatus to work on a six-chapter manga mini-series adaptation of Fuyumi Ono's Eizen Karukaya Kaiitan. The manga resumed publication one month later than planned, on May 2, 2022.

Media

Manga

Blue Exorcist is written and illustrated by Kazue Kato. A prototype one-shot, titled Miyamauguisu House Case, was published in Shueisha's Jump Square on August 4, 2008. Blue Exorcist has been serialized in Jump Square since April 4, 2009. Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual ja volumes. The first volume was released on August 4, 2009. As of December 4, 2025, 33 volumes have been published.

The series has been licensed by Viz Media for release in North America, with the first volume released under the Shōnen Jump Advance imprint on April 5, 2011. 28 volumes have been released as of November 14, 2023.

Spin-off

A spin-off series written by Kato and illustrated by Minoru Sasaki, focused on Rin's brother, Yukio, titled Salaryman Exorcist: The Sorrows of Yukio Okumura, started in Jump SQ.19 on April 19, 2013. After the magazine ceased publication on February 19, 2015, the series was transferred to Jump Square, starting on April 4 of that same year. The series finished on April 3, 2020. Its chapters were collected in four ja volumes, released from February 4, 2015, to June 4, 2020.

Anime

An anime adaption for the manga was announced in November 2010 on Shueisha's Jump Square official website. The anime was produced by A-1 Pictures with Hitoshi Okamura as the producer. Originally, the series was scheduled to air on April 10, 2011, on MBS; however, due to the March 11 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami the series' broadcast was delayed a week later on April 17; the series was broadcast for 25 episodes until October 2 of that same year. The opening theme for the first 12 episodes is "Core Pride" by Uverworld, while the opening theme from episode 13 onwards is "In My World" by Rookiez is Punk'd. The ending theme for the first 12 episodes is "Take Off" by South Korean boy band 2PM, while the ending theme from episode 13 through episode 25 is "Wired Life" by Meisa Kuroki. An original video animation (OVA), titled Kuro Runs Away From Home, was included with the series' fifth DVD release on October 26, 2011.

Aniplex of America announced they would simulcast the series in North America through video sites Hulu, Crunchyroll, Anime News Network and Netflix starting on April 20, 2011. Aniplex of America released the series on four DVDs from October 18, 2011, to June 29, 2012; the Kuro Runs Away From Home OVA was included with the series' "DVD Complete 1st Season" box set on July 9, 2013. The series began broadcasting in the United States and Canada on Viz Media's online network, Neon Alley, on October 2, 2012. It was broadcast on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block from February 23 to August 10, 2014; the series was rebroadcast on the same programming block starting on November 3, 2024. Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia, streaming it for a limited time on its YouTube channel until February 29, 2024.

Film

Main article: Blue Exorcist: The Movie{{!}}''Blue Exorcist: The Movie''

An anime film, Blue Exorcist: The Movie, was released on December 28, 2012, in Japan. The English dub cast reprised their roles for the movie.

''Kyoto Saga''

Main article: Blue Exorcist season 2{{!}}''Blue Exorcist'' season 2

In June 2016, a second season, titled Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, was announced and aired from January 7 to March 25, 2017. Koichi Hatsumi directed the sequel, while Toshiya Ōno wrote the scripts, Keigo Sasaki designed the characters, and Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto composed the soundtrack. A-1 Pictures returned to produce the animation. The opening theme is "Itteki no Eikyō" by Uverworld, while the ending theme is "Kono Te de" by Rin Akatsuki. The series has been licensed by Aniplex of America in North America, and Muse Communication in Southeast Asia, streaming it for a limited time on its YouTube channel until February 29, 2024.

Kyoto Saga premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on May 18, 2025.

''Shimane Illuminati Saga''

Main article: Blue Exorcist season 3{{!}}''Blue Exorcist'' season 3

In December 2022, it was announced that the anime would receive a new television series adaptation. It was later revealed to be a third season, titled Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, which adapted volumes 10–15 of the original manga. The sequel was produced by Studio VOLN and directed by Daisuke Yoshida, with scripts written by Toshiya Ōno, character designs handled by Yurie Oohigashi, and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto. It aired from January 7 to March 24, 2024, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme is "Eye's Sentry" by Uverworld, while the ending theme is "Gakkyū Nisshi" by Mulasaki-Ima. Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia.

Shimane Illuminati Saga premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on August 24, 2025.

''Beyond the Snow'' / ''The Blue Night'' Sagas

Main article: Blue Exorcist season 4{{!}}''Blue Exorcist'' season 4

In March 2024, at the AnimeJapan 2024 event, a fourth season was announced. In July 2024, it was announced that the staff from the Shimane Illuminati Saga will return for the season and that the season will run for two cours; the first one, subtitled Beyond the Snow Saga, aired from October 6 to December 22, 2024, and the second one, subtitled The Blue Night Saga, aired from January 5 to March 23, 2025. For Beyond the Snow Saga, the opening theme is "Re Rescue", performed by Reol, and the ending theme is "Tsurara", performed by . For The Blue Night Saga, the opening theme is "Tsūkaku", performed by Amazarashi, and the ending theme is "Overlap", performed by Shiyui. Muse Communication licensed Beyond the Snow Saga in Southeast Asia.

The fourth season premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on November 9, 2025.

Light novels

Four light novels written by Aya Yajima, with illustrations provided by Kazue Kato, have been released by Shueisha under their Jump J-Books imprint. The first light novel, titled Blue Exorcist: Weekend Hero, was released on September 2, 2011. The second novel, Blue Exorcist: Home Sweet Home, was released on December 4, 2012. It focuses on past events, such as Rin, Yukio, Ryuji, Renzo, and Konekomaru's childhoods, as well as Juzo Shima and Mamushi Hojo's time as students at True Cross Academy. The third novel, titled Blue Exorcist: Bloody Fairytale, was released on March 4, 2014. The fourth novel, titled Blue Exorcist: Spy Game, was released on March 3, 2017.

Video games

A visual novel for PlayStation Portable, Ao no Exorcist: Genkoku no Labyrinth was released on April 26, 2012, by Bandai Namco Games.

A smartphone game, Blue Exorcist: Damned Chord was originally announced in December 2018; however in November 2020, it was announced that the game was canceled.

A 3D action RPG, Alterna Vvelt: Blue Exorcist Another Story was announced at Jump Festa 2024. It was released on smartphones on June 25, 2025, with a PC version to come later.

Other media

A stage play based on the series, titled Live Act Ao no Exorcist: Mashin no Rakuin, ran for nine performances at the Nippon Seinenkan hall in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward from May 11–17, 2012. Satoshi Owada directed and wrote scripts for the play. Main characters Rin and Yukio Okumura were portrayed by Ryou Kimura and Kimito Totani respectively.

Reception

Manga

By November 2016, Blue Exorcist had over 15 million copies in circulation. By December 2022, the manga had over 25 million copies in circulation. The manga has been popular in Japan with the seventh volume receiving first print run of one million copies becoming the first Jump Square manga to reach such milestone. The release of the anime also drastically increased the manga's sales to the point that Shueisha decided to increase the print run for the seventh volume.

Critics have praised the Blue Exorcist manga, with Comic Book Bin reviewer Leroy Douresseaux feeling the first volume had potential, enjoying the comedy in the work and the characters and their interactions, recommending it to teen readers. Danica Davidson from Otaku USA felt that while the series employs disturbing storytelling, Rin's heroic traits despite being Satan's son make the plot more appealing to the readers. Kato's artwork has been praised by Anime News Networks Carlo Santos for the way each character has distinct traits while background images are well designed. Deb Aoki of About.com praised Kato's art and the series' "multi-dimensional world that melds European architecture, Japanese culture, modern technology and Tim Burton-esque whimsy", also stating that it is a "multicultural mishmash" of Harry Potter, Cirque du Soleil, Blade Runner and Alice in Wonderland, but she called the action scenes "a bit chaotic, and sometimes hard to follow".

Anime

Carl Kimlinger from Anime News Network emphasized how the execution was well-performed, resulting in entertaining episodes, especially its fight scenes, which were noted to be one of the anime's strongest points, and described it as "Great action, fun characters, and an occasional tug at the heart as well; every episode without fail is a blast". Sandra Scholes of Active Anime noted similarities to other series like Trinity Blood, Fullmetal Alchemist and Bleach, but wrote that the story and characters have "plenty of their own to tantalize us to watch."

Notes

References

References

1. "The Official Website for Blue Exorcist". [[Viz Media]].
2. Komatsu, Mikikazu. (August 4, 2017). ""Blue Exorcist" 4th Stage Play "Shimane Illuminati Arc" Set for This Fall".
3. Aoki, Deb. (July 22, 2016). "Interview: Blue Exorcist Mangaka Kazue Kato".
4. (November 18, 2010). "Interview: Kazue Kato". Manga News.
5. Massari, Cristopher. (July 25, 2016). "Interview With AO NO EXORCIST/BLUE EXORCIST Creator Kazue Kato".
6. Pineda, Rafael. (July 2, 2021). "Blue Exorcist Manga Goes on Hiatus Until April, as Kazue Katō Draws Manga of Twelve Kingdoms Author's Horror Novel".
7. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (February 5, 2022). "Blue Exorcist Manga's Return from Hiatus Delayed to May".
8. link. Natasha, Inc. (May 2, 2022)
9. link. (August 4, 2008). ja. 【ジャンプスクエア】ジャンプSQ．9月号、8月4日発売!! […] ・加藤和恵 『深山鶯邸事件』
10. link. Natasha, Inc. (October 4, 2011)
11. Loo, Egan. (February 9, 2009). "Trigun's Nightow to End Kekkai Sensen Manga".
12. link. (April 4, 2009)
13. link. [[Shueisha]]
14. link. [[Shueisha]]
15. Browning, Jacob. (October 19, 2010). "News: Blue Exorcist Manga Listed by Viz's Distributor".
16. (November 15, 2010). "Viz Media Announces New Manga Acquisitions for Spring & Summer 2011".
17. "Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28". [[Viz Media]].
18. link. Natasha, Inc. (April 19, 2013)
19. link. Natasha, Inc. (February 19, 2015)
20. link. [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]
21. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (March 7, 2020). "Blue Exorcist Spinoff Manga Salaryman Futsumashi Ends in April".
22. link. Natasha, Inc. (February 4, 2015)
23. link. Natasha, Inc. (June 4, 2020)
24. Loo, Egan. (November 27, 2010). "News: Blue Exorcist Manga Gets TV Anime Green-Lit".
25. Loo, Egan. (March 19, 2011). "News: Anime/Manga Releases Delayed After Quake: Part III".
26. link. [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]. (December 16, 2023)
27. link. [[Oricon]]. (April 5, 2011)
28. link. Natasha, Inc. (March 9, 2011)
29. link. [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]]
30. Manry, Gia. (April 8, 2011). "Aniplex to Stream Blue Exorcist In U.S., Canada".
31. Loo, Egan. (July 1, 2011). "Aniplex of America Adds Madoka Magica, Blue Exorcist on Home Video".
32. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (June 26, 2012). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, June 24–30".
33. "Blue Exorcist DVD: Complete 1st Season".
34. Loo, Egan. (June 29, 2012). "Viz Media to Stream Dubbed Blue Exorcist on Neon Alley".
35. Loo, Egan. (February 19, 2014). "Toonami Posts Blue Exorcist Trailer for Weekend Premiere".
36. Hazra, Adriana. (October 18, 2024). "Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Blue Exorcist Anime to Air on Toonami".
37. (December 26, 2023). "🎬Limited-Time YouTube Upload Announcement🎬 《Blue Exorcist》 & 《Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga》". [[Muse Communication.
38. Loo, Egan. (September 30, 2011). "Blue Exorcist/Ao no Exorcist Anime Film Green-Lit".
39. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (June 13, 2013). "Aniplex USA to Screen Blue Exorcist Film in 6 U.S. Cities".
40. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (October 2, 2016). "Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc Anime Reveals January Premiere, More Cast".
41. (October 11, 2016). "Ao no Exorcist Kyoto Fujouou-hen Confirms January 2017 Air Date, Releases PV and Key Visual".
42. Green, Scott. (June 29, 2016). "2017 "Blue Exorcist" TV Anime Announcement Spotted".
43. Green, Scott. (June 30, 2016). "Different Writer/Director Team To Lead New "Blue Exorcist" TV Anime".
44. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (July 3, 2016). "New Blue Exorcist TV Anime's Returning Cast, New Staff, Plot, 2017 Premiere Revealed".
45. Sherman, Jennifer. (December 20, 2016). "Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Anime's TV Ads Preview Theme Songs".
46. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (October 15, 2016). "Aniplex USA Licenses Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Anime Series".
47. Mateo, Alex. (April 25, 2025). "Toonami to Air Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Anime".
48. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (December 18, 2022). "Blue Exorcist Gets New TV Anime Series".
49. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (September 10, 2023). "Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Anime Reveals Promo Video, Visual, January 2024 Debut".
50. link. (December 3, 2023)
51. link. Natasha, Inc. (October 28, 2023)
52. (December 3, 2023). "Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Anime's New Video Unveils Mulasaki-Ima's Ending Song, January 6 Debut".
53. Pineda, Rafael. (January 2, 2024). "Muse Asia Licenses My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Anime".
54. Mateo, Alex. (August 20, 2025). "Toonami to Air Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Anime".
55. Cayanan, Joanna. (March 24, 2024). "Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Anime Gets Sequel in October".
56. Cayanan, Joanna. (August 13, 2024). "Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga Anime's New Video Unveils October 5 Debut, Ending Song".
57. link. [[Tokyo MX]]
58. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (July 5, 2024). "New Blue Exorcist Anime Reveals Trailer, Visual, Half-Year Run".
59. link. Natasha, Inc. (December 22, 2024)
60. Loo, Egan. (December 21, 2024). "Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga Anime to Premiere on January 4".
61. link. [[Tokyo MX]]
62. link. Natasha, Inc. (July 6, 2024)
63. Mateo, Alex. (December 22, 2024). "Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga Anime Reveals Theme Song Artists in Video".
64. Pineda, Rafael. (August 22, 2024). "Muse Asia Licenses Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Anime".
65. Mateo, Alex. (October 27, 2025). "Toonami Adds Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga, Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2 Anime".
66. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (September 7, 2011). "Blue Exorcist's Latest Manga Book, 1st Novel Top Charts".
67. link. [[Shueisha]]
68. link. [[Shueisha]]
69. link. [[Shueisha]]
70. Loo, Egan. (March 13, 2012). "Blue Exorcist: Genkoku no Labyrinth PSP's 3rd Promo Streamed".
71. Pineda, Rafael Antonio. (November 18, 2020). "Blue Exorcist Smartphone Game Canceled, New Smartphone MMORPG Planned".
72. Hodgkins, Crystalyn. (December 16, 2023). "Alterna Welt: Blue Exorcist Gaiden Game Announced for iOS, Android, PC With Summer 2024 Release".
73. Cayanan, Joanna. (August 29, 2024). "Alterna Vvelt -Blue Exorcist Another Story- Smartphone Game Gets Delayed to 2025".
74. Mateo, Alex. (June 11, 2025). "Alterna Vvelt -Blue Exorcist Another Story- Smartphone Game's Trailer Reveals June 25 Release".
75. link. (June 25, 2025)
76. Sherman, Jennifer. (April 25, 2012). "Blue Exorcist Stage Play Cast Photographed in Costume".
77. Green, Scott. (November 26, 2016). "Leading Ladies Featured In Latest "Blue Exorcist -Kyoto Saga-" Promos".
78. Douresseaux, Leroy. (March 24, 2011). "Blue Exorcist: Volume 1". Toon Doctor.
79. Davidson, Danica. (May 13, 2011). "Blue Exorcist vol. 1". Sovereign Media.
80. Santos, Carlo. (December 11, 2011). "Blue Exorcist GN 5".
81. Aoki, Deb. "Blue Exorcist Volume 1".
82. Kimlinger, Carl. (June 3, 2011). "Blue Exorcist Episodes 1–6 Streaming".
83. Scholes, Sandra. (February 12, 2013). "Blue Exorcist Part 1".