A special
livestream on Monday revealed the first full promotional video for the animated
adaptation of MAO, the supernatural manga created by the
legendary Rumiko Takahashi. The production committee confirmed that
the series in charge of the Sunrise studio will premiere
on April 4 and will be broadcast for two consecutive cours,
which guarantees half an uninterrupted year on screen.
Along with
the reveal of the first promotional poster, the video served to publicize the
musical themes of this new installment. The boy group Kis-My-Ft2 (known
for their work in Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez Deluxe-hen) will
perform the opening theme titled "HEARTLOUD." For her part, the
singer TRUE will give voice to the closing track, which is
called "Juai" (Cursed Love).
MAO
Details
In the
director's chair we find Teruo Satou, who previously worked in the
author's universe directing Hanyou no Yashahime: Sengoku Otogizoushi.
The composition of the series falls to Yuuko Kakihara (Urusei
Yatsura 2022). The character designs and the lead animation direction are
the responsibility of Yoshihito Hishinuma, another veteran who
already knows the creator's visual style thanks to his participation in the
original adaptation of InuYasha. The soundtrack is being composed
by Shuu Kanematsu (Hametsu no Oukoku).
What is
the story about?
The main
plot follows Nanoka, a young woman who accidentally travels back in
time to the Taisho era in the early 20th century. In this world, she is rescued
from the jaws of a grotesque yokai by a distant exorcist
named Mao. Upon returning to the present, the girl discovers that
she has acquired incredible abilities, motivating her to go back to the past in
search of answers. Things get complicated when she becomes embroiled in the
exorcist's investigation of a series of gruesome murders.
During this
process, Nanoka discovers that Mao and his sword are under the curse of a cat
demon named Byoki, dooming anyone else who attempts to wield the
weapon. However, when the exorcist's life is in real danger, she does not
hesitate to take up the blade to defend him.
About
the original work
The manga
is the most recent creation of Rumiko Takahashi, an institution in
the industry that has signed historical classics such as Urusei Yatsura, Maison
Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha and RIN-NE. The
serialization of this supernatural story began in May 2019 within the pages
of Weekly Shounen Sunday magazine. The Shogakukan publishing
house keeps the publication active, launching its twenty-seventh compilation
volume only on February 18.
