Anime fans worldwide were treated to a major reveal at this year’s Anime Expo as Crunchyroll announced that Daemons of the Shadow Realm, the latest manga by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, is officially getting an anime adaptation. The news was shared during Crunchyroll’s industry panel and was accompanied by a teaser trailer and visual that immediately ignited excitement across the global anime community.
The adaptation marks a powerful reunion between Arakawa and Studio Bones, the studio behind the iconic Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Bones will be overseeing production, with animation being handled by its in house team, Bones Film. This collaboration is especially meaningful for longtime fans of Arakawa’s storytelling, as the two created one of the most beloved anime series of all time. Now, they are teaming up again for a project that blends dark mythology, intense sibling bonds, and supernatural mysteries.
At the heart of the new series is a deeply atmospheric fantasy story involving twin siblings navigating a world filled with daemonic forces, spiritual legacies, and otherworldly powers. Arakawa’s signature style of combining emotional depth with action driven plotlines is evident throughout the manga, which has already captivated readers in Japan and abroad.
The anime will be directed by Masahiro Ando, widely known for Sword of the Stranger, a film praised for its kinetic animation and cinematic storytelling. Joining Ando is an impressive lineup of talent. Noboru Takagi will oversee the series composition, bringing his experience from series like Golden Kamuy and Durarara. Nobuhiro Arai, known for his sharp and expressive designs, will adapt Arakawa’s artwork for animation. Music for the series will be composed by Kenichiro Suehiro, whose haunting and dramatic scores have defined titles like Re:Zero and Vinland Saga.
Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream Daemons of the Shadow Realm globally, covering North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, the Indian subcontinent, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. This wide release ensures that fans from around the world can join the journey from day one.
Hiromu Arakawa originally launched the manga in Monthly Shonen Gangan in December 2021 under Square Enix. The story quickly gained popularity for its powerful worldbuilding, distinct character dynamics, and dark undertones. As of March 2025, nine volumes have been published in Japan. The English edition, licensed by Square Enix Manga and Books, saw its first volume released in April 2023.
This upcoming anime marks a major moment for both Arakawa and Studio Bones. For fans who have longed for the return of that same energy that made Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a global hit, Daemons of the Shadow Realm offers a chance to experience something equally intense, mysterious, and emotionally gripping.
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