Review of Dies irae
"O time, for thou art fair beyond measure. I wish upon your unending star — guide me to heights unknown! Come, gather and bear witness to my opera, now in the making. Its script is the height of cliché, I am forced to admit. And yet… Its actors are of the finest fold; beyond exquisite. Thus, I believe you will find it enthralling." This story is, as if, a person sat down and thought of every spectacular "rule of cool" trope they could sink into a single script! But, despite the weird-sounding story and the bad anime adaptation, "Dies irae" is a very interesting narrative! It wasso interesting, in fact, that despite the aching eyesore of an anime, I started reading the visual novel last year!
⚠️ This review will be spoiler-free ⚠️
—Story/Characters
I would say that this series is the ※Light-version of TYPE-MOON's Fate/stay night. It falls somewhere between the lines of Fate/Zero and something like ※Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa. Originally named after a Gregorian chant meant to invoke death, it is a chimerical mishmash of arcane magic, history, and utter absurdity — though, you could also describe the Fate franchise similarly. The adaptation of the story splutters and fumbles on a lot of narrative cues, but it's clear that the original story script had a lot of thought put into it.
※Light is a visual novel company. "Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa" is another speculative fiction piece about Shogunate-era human swords and mecha battles, produced by the famous visual novel studio, Nitroplus.
Takashi Masada's style of writing in the story is very similar to that of Gen ※Urobuchi (real name: "Gen Ikubo"). I have mentioned the philosophical study and dynamics between Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi in "Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica" briefly in my other reviews: Madoka is innocent because she is bereft of human desire, whereas Homura is corrupted and sinful because she is overwrought with it. Well, the character of Marie is more of an equilibrium of the two. Like, Saya from "Saya no Uta" — Marie is pure, because she kills without intent. With how similar some of the plot devices are, I would have sworn that "Takashi Masada" is one of Gen Urobuchi's pseudonyms!
※The characters for Urobuchi (虚淵) literally mean "imaginary"
The story often harkens to Nietzschean philosophy, for there is an apparent absence of a God, as two factions of highly skilled sorcerers fight for dominion over reality, the main character ("Ren Fujii") even has the power of Zarathustra, named after Friedrich Nietzsche's famous novel, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"! While the concept and the modus operandi on each side of the conflict has a fleshed out reason for wanting to gain control of the corporeal expanse of human civilization, some of the naming seems like purposefully démodé verbage to invoke a sense of coolness and false intellect. The bare bones summarization of this plot, is this: good guys fighting an immortal Nazi brigade, overcoming past traumas and a falling-out with a friend, and a large cast of bishōjo characters that have their own respective strengths, because, of course!
That's more or less what it comes down to.
The depiction of the Nazi characters in this story are very similar to the Millennium organization in "Hellsing Ultimate" — these guys are bloodthirsty, hedonistic freaks, that prioritize scientific research and authoritarianism, over the lives of the population at large! And it's up to the lone wolf, Ren Fujii, and his contract with the soul of Maguerite Breuilh (the ethereal sword) to protect his friends and all of Tokyo, from a firestorm of genocide.
The first episode ("Episode 0") is absolutely awful, I wouldn't say to completely skip it, but I would ignore the bad quality and give the show a three episode test, before deciding to drop it. It has a "Divergence Eve"-level of bad in the first episode, if you've read my review on that. It's full of choppy animation and makes references to things that aren't supposed to be revealed until later down the line, so it's incredibly confusing and hard to comprehend, from the very start.
—Technical
Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅
Susumu Kudō (director), notable works:
* Baby☆Love
* Chance Triangle Session ✅
* Cheburashka Arere?
* Dear Boys
* Hachigatsu no Cinderella Nine (TV)
* Honō no Mirage
* K ✅
* Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
* Koisuru Tenshi Angelique: Kagayaki no Ashita
* Kōkaku Kidōtai Arise: Ghost in the Shell — Border: 4 Ghost Stands Alone
* Magic Kaito 1412
* Mardock Scramble
* Minami Kamakura Kōkō Joshi Jitenshabu
* Sakura Taisen: Gōka Kenran
※Bonus: Mr. Kudō is slated to direct the "Tokyo Babylon" remake: "Tokyo Babylon 2021"!
Commentary: While the directing and sloppy choreography in "Dies irae" is often hard to watch, like his prior feats with "Chance Triangle Session" and "K" — the story does eventually come together in the end. So, I wouldn't say that Mr. Kudō is the worst director ever. Like, I've stated in my previous visual novel adaptation reviews, I think it's impossible to fit an 8+ hour (often even 10+ hour) story in a single cour series! Please! Give some levity to the staff and make these adaptations at least twenty-six episodes, or something! Compared to ChäoS;HEAd, and some of the other visual novel adaptations that I have reviewed, I would say that this one is a little bit easier to comprehend! Its failures are in the pacing and exposition, but I would much rather have a story move at a hurried pace, than move languidly and have the plot be fractured by the lack of clarity.
I watched "Dies Irae" with the English dub, so I will list the Japanese seiyū, but comments will be on the performances of the English voice actors.
Good Seiyū Work = ✅
Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅
One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅
Preface: First of all, I want to say that the English cast of "Dies irae" did a great job, the anime adaptation is considered to be one of the worst visual novel adaptations of all time, but they somehow managed to still make it palatable and entertaining! My second point is that the fake German accents sounded very cringe-worthy, I'm sure that it's something that's hard to pull off. Heck, "Hellsing Ultimate" has one of the most commendable English dubs of all time and the Fürer's voice was still awkward to listen to. So, I don't blame any of the actors for that, especially if the cast of actors aren't accustomed to speaking German as their second language. I think, to this day, Tiffany Grant's performance as Asuka Soryū ("Neon Genesis Evangelion") was the only dub with a German accent, that I thought was actually good. I added this small segment, because I didn't want to have to write on every single commentary section for the Nazi characters: "the German accent could have been better."
Kōsuke Toriumi as Ren Fujii, notable roles:
* Rajendra, Arslan Senki (TV)
* Sakutarō Yashamaru, B-Project
* Ryūhei Aoi, Baby Steps
* Gennosuke Kōga, Basilisk
* Girge, Break Blade
* Azusa Asahina, Brothers Conflict
* Tarō Misaki, Captain Tsubasa
* Chopin, ClassicaLoid ✅
* Pierre Anō, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
* Rik Heisenberg, Di Gi Charat ✅ ✅
* Shū Sakamaki, Diabolik Lovers
* Valério Calvados, Dog Days
* Acnologia, Fairy Tail
* Archer ("Robin Hood"), Fate/Extra: Last Encore
* Ivan Konev, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu: Die Neue These ("The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis") ✅
* Kiyōmi Sakusa, Haikyū!! ✅
* Kibana ("Raihan"), Pokémon: Hakumei no Tsubasa ("Twilight Wings") ✅
* Hajime Saitō, Hakuōki ✅ ✅ ✅
* Himuro Saeki, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler")
* Zhāng Lìngyú, Hitori no Shita: The Outcast
* Kyōsuke Kanō, Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
* Guido Mista, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 5: Ōgon no Kaze ("JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind") ✅ ✅
* Haruhiko Usami, Junjō Romantica ✅ ✅
* Tatsumi Kyōdai Otōto ("Year of the Snake"), Jūni Taisen ✅ ✅
* Kō'ichi Azuma, Kimi to Boku.
* Bǐngwěi ("Ping Wei"), Kingdom
* Kuchiba, Kujira no Kora was Saijō no Utau ("Children of the Whales") ✅
* Kōsuke Wakamatsu, Kuroko no Basket ✅
* Sigma, Kyōkūgen Dasshutsu ADV: Zennin Shibō
* Shirusu Mochizuki, Makura no Danshi ("Pillow Boys")
* Otojirō Kawakami, Meiji Tokyo Renka
* Asemu Asuno, Kidō Senshi Gundam AGE
* Naze Turbine, Kidō Senshi Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ✅
* Uroko, Nagi no Asu kara ✅ ✅
* Kiba Inuzuka, Naruto ✅ ✅
* Kurotabō, Nurarihyon no Mago
* Gilbert Nightray, Pandora Hearts ✅
* Shintaro, Papuwa
* Heisuke Tōdō, Peace Maker Kurogane
* Junpei Iori, Persona 3
* Saizō, Pokémon XY
* Orledo, Pumpkin Scissors
* Shinya Miyasaka, Room Mate
* Ni Jianyi, Saiyūki Reload ✅
* Yasubee Morozumi, Sekai Seifuku: Bōryaku no Zvezda ✅
* Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Night Blood
* Hayate, Shin Shirayuki-hime Densetsu Prétear
* Satoru Watabe, Stand My Heroes: Piece of Truth
* Yuri Lowell, Tales of Vesperia ✅ ✅
* Kiyosumi Sengoku, Tennis no Ōji-sama ("Prince of Tennis")
* Yūji Kōsaka, To Heart 2 ✅ ✅
* Akira, Togainu no Chi
* Kyōya Date, Gekijōban Tokimeki Restaurant ☆☆☆ MIRACLE6
* Mikazuki Munechika, Tōken Ranbu ✅ ✅ ✅
* Shun Kazami, Towa no Quon
* Hot Shot, Transformers Superlink
* Hajime Mutsuki, Tsukipro
* Cecil Aijima, Uta no☆Prince-sama♪
* Shun Nanase, VitaminX Addiction
* Tanya Degurechaff, Yōjo Senki ✅ ✅
* Shunsuke Imaizumi, Yowamushi Petal ✅ ✅
Brandon McInnis as Ren Fujii, notable roles:
* Corteo, 91 Days
* Saku Otonomiya, Actors: Songs Connection
* Mirai Sasaki, Boku no Hero Academia ✅
* Saint-Germain, Code Realize ✅
* Sōnosuke Izayoi, Danganronpa 3
* Gen Asagiri, Dr. Stone
* Ganos, Dragon Ball Super
* Keita Amano, Gamers!
* Yūto Suō, Hyakuren no Haō to Seiyaku no Valkyria
* August von Earlshide, Kenja no Majo
* Samon Gokū, Nanbaka
* Yūta Hibiki, SSSS. Gridman
* Atsushi Tōshirō, Tōken Ranbu
Commentary: I'm probably going to mention this a lot, but I don't listen to many modern anime English voice tracks, so I haven't heard many of Mr. McInnis' roles. I did think his work as Ren Fujii was passable as a visual novel protagonist though, not that memorable, but not terrible either.
Yui Sakakibara as Marie, notable roles:
* Ayase Kishimoto, ChäoS;HEAd ✅
* Haruhi Kamisaka, Happiness!
* Priecia, Prism Ark
* Mikanagi Ibuki, Prism Magical: Prism Generations!
* Niina Nikage, Saishū Shiken Kujira
* Nono Nekomiya, Yotsunoha
Jad Saxton as Marie, notable roles:
* Natsu Iwaishimizu, 7 Seeds
* Matome Mayonaka, Akiba's Trip
* Illustrious, Azur Lane
* Sena Kashiwazaki, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai
* Jean Rowe, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
* Kikko Hoshino, Concrete Revolutio: Chōjin Gensō
* Ruruka Andō, Danganronpa 3
* Miku Izayoi, Date A Live
* Nona, Death Parade
* Mira Yurizaki, Dimension W
* Haru, Dōkyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue. ("My Roommate is a Cat")
* Tamaki Kotatsu, Enen no Shōbōtai ("Fire Force")
* Elena Peoples, Eureka Seven AO
* Charlés, Fairy Tail ✅ ✅
* Masako Hara, Ghost Hunt
* Merry, Hai to Gensō no Grimgar
* Reki, Hidan no Aria
* Koneko Tōjō, High School DxD
* Kirie Motoba, Himōto! Umaru-chan
* Linnea, Hyakuren no Haō to Seiyaku no Valkyria
* Rem Galeu, Isekai Maō to Shōkan Shōjo no Dorei Majutsu ("How Not to Summon a Demon Lord")
* Lashara Aasu XXVIII, Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari ("Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar")
* Rinne Ohara, Island
* Sally, Itai no wa Iya nano de Bōgyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu.
* Misaki Sakurada, Jōkamachi no Dandelion ("Castle Town Dandelion")
* Chika Fujiwara, Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai ("Kaguya-sama: Love is War")
* Suzuna Ayusawa, Kaichō wa Maid-sama
* Naka, Kantai Collection ("KanColle")
* Tsukumo, Karneval (TV) ✅
* Kanna Kamui, Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon
* Sakura, Konohana Kitan
* Haruna, Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?
* Logikoma, Kōkaku Kidōtai ("Ghost in the Shell") —Arise series
* Fam Fan Fan, Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam
* Akatsuki, Log Horizon ✅ ✅
* Chika Takami, Love Live! Sunshine!!
* Mana Asuha, Luck & Logic
* Ludmila Lourie, Maden no Ō to Vanadis
* Celia Ōtsuka, Maken-Ki!
* Hana Morenos, Michiko to Hatchin ✅ ✅
* Otone Fujishiro, Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku (TV)
* Ruru, Musaigen no Phantom World
* Momiji Mochizuki, New Game!!
* Hakase Shinonome, Nichijō
* Shio Ogura, Nobunagun
* Ringo Kinoshita, Nōrin
* Robin Nico and Nojiko, One Piece ✅ ✅
* Yuki, Ōkami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki
* Kei Tiesto, Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars
* Guri, Renai Bōkun ("Love Tyrant")
* Ai Hibiki, Rolling☆Girls
* Shizuno Urushibara, Seiken Tsukai no World Break
* Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS
* Megumi Tadakoro, Shokugeki no Sōma ("Food Wars")
* Un, Show By Rock!!
* Astaroth, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai
* Rumiho Akiha, Steins;Gate ✅ ✅ ✅
* Perrine H. Clostermann, Strike Witches
* Komoe Tsukuyomi, Toaru Majutsu no Index
* Yume Tsubakuro, Toji no Miko ✅ ✅
* Yoriko Kosaka, Tokyo Ghoul
* Akita Tōshirō, Tōken Ranbu
* Sora, Trinity Seven
* Momoka Sagara, Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
* Lisa Mishima, Zankyō no Terror
Commentary: Ms. Saxton has a really pleasant-sounding voice, with that said, her performance as Marie was very cute and charming! I would compare it to her roles as Hana Morenos ("Michiko to Hatchin") and Akatsuki ("Log Horizon")! Very sweet and innocent-sounding!
Jun'ichi Suwabe as Reinhard Tristan Eugen Heydrich, notable roles:
* Frau, 07-Ghost
* Groshuler, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
* Jae-ha, Akatsuki no Yona ✅ ✅
* Briareos, Appleseed Alpha
* Shinta Fukuda, Bakuman. ✅ ✅
* Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Bleach ✅ ✅
* Shōta Aizawa ("Eraserhead"), Boku no Hero Academia ✅ ✅
* Kaname Asahina, Brothers Conflict
* Sakunosuke Oda, Bungō Stray Dogs ✅ ✅
* Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Bungō to Alchemist: Shinpan no Haguruma
* Nobuto Nakajō, Bus Gamer
* Narihira Ariwara no, Chōyaku Hyakuninisshu: Uta Koi. ✅
* Hiroshi Inaba, Cuticle Tantei Inaba
* Jūzō Sakakura, Danganronpa 3 ✅
* Tetsuo Takahashi, Demi-chan wa Kataritai
* Yamato Hōtsuin, Devil Survivor 2 the Animation
* Gio, Dragonaut: The Resonance
* Ein, DT Eightron
* Nagisa Ran, Ensemble Stars ✅ ✅
* Freed Justine, Fairy Tail ✅
* Saber ("Siegfried"), Fate/Apocrypha ✅
* Archer ("Emiya"), Fate/stay night ✅ ✅ ✅
* Tseng, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children ✅
* Greed, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅ ✅
* Katana, Gad Guard ✅ ✅ ✅
* Worick Arcangelo, Gangsta.
* Yōji Itami, Gate ✅
* Paul von Oberstein, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu: Die Neue These ("The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis") ✅ ✅
* Laurent Thierry, Great Pretender
* Jugan Meinstron, Gundam: G no Reconguista ✅
* Zhào Míngchéng, Hanasakeru Seishōnen ✅
* Takashi Komuro, Highschool of the Dead ✅
* Tenshu, Isekai Shokudō
* Leone Abbacchio, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 5: Ōgon no Kaze ("JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind") ✅ ✅
* Cháng Lín Jùn, Kingdom
* Daiki Aomine, Kuroko's Basketball ✅ ✅ ✅
* Undertaker, Kuroshitsuji ("Black Butler") ✅ ✅ ✅
* Maguro Kurokami, Medaka Box ✅
* Yukiya Minabe, Meganebu!
* Shirogane, Monochrome Factor
* Raikō Shimizu, Nabari no Ō
* Jūzō Inui, No Guns Life
* Rick Thunderbolt, Oban Star-Racers
* Hayato Narita, Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai
* Kyōsuke Kuga, Prince of Stride: Alternative
* Ren Nekoyashiki, Rental Magica
* Kyōsui Tougoku, Rokuhōdō Yotsuiro Biyori
* Eden Orion, Saint Seiya Omega ✅ ✅
* Kuroto Nakano, Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san
* Friagne, Shakugan no Shana ✅ ✅
* Sadahiro Mibu, Shikabane Hime
* Akira Hayama, Shokugeki no Sōma ("Food Wars") ✅ ✅
* Dandy, Space☆Dandy ✅
* Emmerson T. Kenny, Star Ocean: Anamnesis
* Itsuki Ōtori, Starmyu
* Balrog ("Vega"), Street Fighter IV: Aratanaru Kizuna ✅ ✅
* Seiran Shinano, Suteki Tantei Labyrinth
* Bercōli Synthesis One, Sword Art Online ✅ ✅
* Keigo Atobe, Tennis no Ōji-sama ("Prince of Tennis")
* Sengo Muramasa, Tōken Ranbu ✅ ✅ ✅
* Cain Nightroad, Trinity Blood ✅ ✅
* Yaichirō Shimogamo, Uchōten Kazoku ("The Eccentric Family") ✅ ✅ ✅
* Vulgar Hummer, Uchū Senkan Tiramisù ✅
* Ren Jingūji, Uta no☆Prince-sama♪
* Akatsuki Kain, Vampire Knight
* Robert Nicholas, Vatican Kiseki Chōsakan
* Fūma Monō, X ✅ ✅
* Masaki Jōgasaki, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅ ✅
* Nise Jōgasaki, Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome
* Doctor Kiriko, Young Black Jack ✅ ✅
* Tōji Kanzaki, Yowamushi Petal
* Life Sexy, Yuri Kuma Arashi ✅ ✅
* Victor Nikiforov, Yuri!! on Ice ✅ ✅
* Andy Hinomiya, Zettai Karen Children
Dave Trosko as Reinhard Tristan Eugen Heydrich, notable roles:
* Ronaldo, 91 Days
* Tomoya Seo, Ansatsu Kyōshitsu ("Assassination Classroom")
* Hizashi Yamada, Boku no Hero Academia ✅
* Soramaru Kumō, Donten ni Warau ("Laughing Under the Clouds")
* Spain, Hetalia Axis Powers
* Kaminaga, Joker Game
* Saku Hagita, Orange
* Guren Ichinose, Owari no Seraph
Commentary: I can't say that I was the biggest fan of Mr. Trosko as Reinhard Tristan Eugen Heydrich, his portrayal of the big-bad came off a more of a "simp" than an all-powerful, denizen of evil. So, a pretty mediocre performance, but when matched against the legendary Mr. Suwabe, any casting choice would look weak by comparison.
Hitomi Nabatame as Rea Himuro, notable roles:
* Nanao Ise, Bleach
* Noi, Blue Dragon: Tenkai no Shichi Ryū
* Kanade Sakurai, Candy Boy ✅
* Kiri Kikyō, Canvas 2: Niji-iro no Sketch
* Sena Aoi, ChäoS;HEAd ✅ ✅ ✅
* Mana Aida, Dokidoki! PreCure ✅
* Bazett Fraga McRemitz, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
* Kanade Yūki, Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku
* Kei Kishimoto, Gantz ✅
* Erika Itsumi, Girls und Panzer ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kanade Jinguji, Gokujō Seitokai
* Yukiji Katsura, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler")
* Raynare, High School DxD ✅
* Sphene, Hōseki no Kuni ✅ ✅
* Nobue Itō, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅ ✅
* Unchō Kan'u, Ikkitōsen ✅
* Eriko Takahashi, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Momoko Orizuka, Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō
* Sonken Chūbō, Kōtetsu Sangokushi
* Rokumon, Kyōkai no Rinne ("RIN-NE")
* Yuna Miyama, Maburaho
* Eriko Torii, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅ ✅
* Rina Tachibana, Mushi-Uta ✅
* Miki Onimaru, Muteki Kanban Musume
* Cryska Barchenowa, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅ ✅
* Niboshi, Nyamen
* Reiko Shirai, Ōyasan wa Shishunki!
* Saori Makishima, Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ✅ ✅
* Shizuru, Princess Connect! Re:Dive ✅
* Kagura, Prism Ark
* Hime Petit, Prism Magical: Prism Generations!
* Shizuka, Queen's Blade ✅
* Liru, Renkin 3-kyū Magical? Pokān
* Matsuri, Rocket Girls
* Mikoto Suō, School Rumble
* Uzume, Sekirei
* Margery Daw, Shakugan no Shana ✅ ✅
* Arcueid Brunestud, Shingetsutan Tsukihime ✅ ✅ ✅
* Akira Tōdō, Special A
* Shizuma Hanazono, Strawberry Panic ✅ ✅
* Fanatio Synthesis Two, Sword Art Online ✅
* Yuma Tonami, To Heart 2 ✅
* Eirin Yagokoro, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅ ✅
* Vivienne Ōtori, UG☆Ultimate Girls
* Minami Yūri, VitaminX Addiction
* Akane Ryūzōji, Walkure Romance
* Kazusa Tōma, White Album 2 ✅ ✅
* Ryoko Yakushiji, Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo
* Feena Fam Earthlight, Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love
* Misa Anehara, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō
Trina Nishimura as Rea Himuro, notable roles:
* Sakuya, .hack//Quantum
* Rachel, Baccano!
* Aiko Kudō, Baka to Test to Shōkanjū
* Sen Yarizui, Ben-To
* Kyōka Jirō, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ ✅ ✅
* Měilíng Lǐ ("Stéphanie"), Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen
* Luna Kozuki, Casshern Sins ✅
* Flora and Sophia, Claymore
* Ellen Mira Mathers, Date A Live
* Ganta Igarashi, Deadman Wonderland
* Ryoko Kakei, Dragonaut: The Resonance
* Kaaya, Druaga no Tō: The Aegis of Uruk
* Nadie, El Cazador de la Bruja
* Sherry Blendy, Fairy Tail
* Akito Sōma, Fruits Basket (2019)
* Lán Fán, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ✅ ✅
* Gina, Garo: The Vanishing Line
* Lán-Māo ("Ran-Mao"), Kuroshitsuji ("Black Butler")
* Sarah Kazuno, Love Live! Sunshine!!
* Chāo Língyīn ("Lingshen"), Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Chacha Akaza, Maken-Ki!
* Asuhi Imizu, Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku (TV)
* Naville, Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On
* Ako Tamaki, Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta?
* Nancy Lee, Ninja Slayer from Animation
* Mari Illustrious Makinami, Rebuild of Evangelion ✅ ✅
* Akira Takano, School Rumble
* Benitsubasa, Sekirei
* Yomi, Senran Kagura
* Mikasa Ackerman, Shingeki no Kyojin ✅ ✅
* Sohara Mitsuki, Sora no Otoshimono
* Mizune, Soul Eater ✅ ✅
* Kurise Makise, Steins;Gate ✅ ✅ ✅
* Francesca Lucchini, Strike Witches
* Hisca Aiheap, Tales of Vesperia
* Milly Thompson, Trigun: Badlands Rumble
* Chii, Tsubasa Chronicle
* Kasumi Shigure, Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
* Shiori Tsuzuki, Witchblade ✅ ✅
* Lia Dragonell, World Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokunin
* Arisu Sakayanagi, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsu e (TV)
* Aya Iseshima, Zettai Shōgeki: Platonic Heart
Commentary: Ms. Nishimura did a great job with the character, I think she was able to convey her subtle, erotic appeal and social demureness really well. Wonderful work!
Ayaka Fukuhara as Kasumi Ayase, notable roles:
* Bismarck, Azur Lane ✅ ✅
* Veronica Thorne, Fairy Gone
* G11, Girls Frontline ✅ ✅
* Sayaka Igurashi, Kakegurui ✅
* Grea, Manaria Friends ✅ ✅ ✅
* Hotaru Rindō, Qualidea Code
* Anastasia Palma, Shin Sakura Taisen the Animation
* Rin Shibuya, The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls ✅ ✅ ✅
* Lugh, Trinity Seven
* Kogetsuhime, Yakusoku no Nanaya Matsuri
Madeleine Morris as Kasumi Ayase, notable roles:
* Madoka Aoyagi, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm ✅ ✅
* Javelin, Azur Lane
* Yui Kodai, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ ✅
* Hikari Karibuchi, Brave Witches ✅ ✅
* Hibiki Sakura, Dumbbell Nan Kilo Moteru?
* Sophia Hennes, Garo: Vanishing Line
* Frederica Greenhill, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu: Die Neue These ("The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis")
* Akari Mamiya, Hidan no Aria
* Mashiro Kyōbashi, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
* Midori Ōno, Hōkago Saikoro Club ✅ ✅ ✅
* Eru Chitanda, Hyōka
* Glebsklem, Isekai Maō to Shōkan Shōjo no Dorei Majutsu ("How Not to Summon a Demon Lord")
* Miko Iino, Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai ("Kaguya-sama: Love is War")
* Miyu, Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko: Everything Flows
* Yuika Koga, Kawaikereba Hentai demo Suki ni Natte Kuremasu ka? ("Hensuki: Are you willing to fall in love with a pervert, as long as she's a cutie?")
* Nami Nanase, Keijo!!!!!!!!
* Araiguma ("Common Raccoon"), Kemono Friends
* Fav, Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku
* Hotaru Hoshikawa, New Game!!
* Maria Totsuka, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai
* Arthur de Richemont, Ulysses: Jeanne d'Arc and the Alchemist Knight
Commentary: I haven't listened English track of many anime series that Ms. Morris has starred in, but I can say that from what I've heard, I'm a fan! Her portrayal of Kasumi Ayase, the average-childhood friend character, was so colorful, that it outshined many of her preternatural counterparts! I really loved her as Midori Ōno in "Hōkago Saikoro Club," too! Amazing voice actress!
Kei Mizusawa as Kei Sakurai, notable roles:
* Asako Kusakabe, Grisaia —series ✅
* Celia Cumani Aintree, Walkure Romance
Brittany Lauda as Kei Sakurai, notable roles:
* Doctor, Akudama Drive
* Opal Zalpha, Aoi Sekai no Chūshin de
* Ena Banshōya, Assault Lily: Bouquet
* Hammann, Azur Lane
* Kanata Shinozaki, Boku no Kanojo ga Majimesugiru Sho-bitch na Ken
* Ichigo, Darling in the FranXX ✅
* Liza, Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyōsōkyoku
* Kirara Hoshino, Dokyū Hentai HxEros
* Yuri Fujishiro, Double Decker! Doug & Kirill
* Yuzuriha Ogawa, Dr. Stone
* Plug Cryostat, Fight Ippatsu! Jūden-chan!!
* Ushikai Musume, Goblin Slayer
* Satoko Hōjō, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gō
* Liones Yelistratova, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
* Meidri, Ishuzoku Reviewers
* Riko, Made in Abyss ✅
* Mai Minakami, Nichijō
* Ui Wakana, Okusama ga Seitokaichō!
* Mirim, Queen's Blade: Rebellion
* Sara Kleis, Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars
* Rina Goltschmidt Tachibana, Rio: Rainbow Gate!
* Leviathan, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai
Commentary: I haven't seen any of her other series in full, I have only seen clips of the "Darling in the FranXX" and "Made in Abyss" dubs, but Ms. Lauda's performance as Kei Sakurai was very likable! I hope to see her in more dubs!
Risato Habuki as Riza Brenner, notable roles:
* None
Caitlin Glass as Riza Brenner, notable roles:
* Elena Lagusa, 91 Days
* Lilith Bristol, Absolute Duo
* Zessica Wong, Aquarion Evol
* London, Azur Lane
* Miria Harvent, Baccano!
* Mina Ashido, Boku no Hero Academia ✅
* 5pb, Chōjigen Game Neptune ("Hyperdimension Neptunia") ✅
* Deneve, Claymore
* Kyōko Kirigiri, Danganronpa
* Evergreen, Fairy Tail ✅
* Phryne, Fractale
* Miho Amakata, Free!
* Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing
* Winry Rockbell, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅ ✅ ✅
* Sera Mei, Get Ride! AMDriver
* Triela, Gunslinger Girl ✅ ✅
* Dhianeila Y Leisha Altoria Ol Yunos, Heroic Age ✅ ✅ ✅
* Claire Harvey, Hundred ✅ ✅ ✅
* Lithia Po Chiina, Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari ("Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar")
* Mildo, Jormungund ✅ ✅
* Sharyū ("Year of the Monkey"), Jūni Taisen
* Irene Adler, Kabukichō Sherlock
* Margay, Kemono Friends
* Sarasvati, Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?
* Hannah Anafeloz, Kuroshitsuji II ("Black Butler II")
* Maki Nishikino, Love Live!
* Eleonora Viltaria, Madan no Ō to Vanadis
* Chisame Hasegawa and Chachamaru Karakuri, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Minori Rokujō, Makne-Ki!
* Killer Queen, Mao-sama, Retry!
* Pepê Lima, Michiko to Hatchin ✅ ✅ ✅
* Hinata Hino, Mirai Nikki
* Yatorishino Igsem, Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyō no Alderamin
* Umika Ahagon, New Game!
* Jess Beckham, Nobunagun
* Wakadanna, Nōrin
* Vivi Nefertari, One Piece
* Haruhi Fujioka, Ōran Kōkō Host Club ✅ ✅
* Diancie, Pokémon
* Mélie, Radiant
* Judia, Ragnarök the Animation
* Maya Ibuki, Rebuild of Evangelion ✅ ✅ ✅
* Erica Fontaine, Sakura Taisen: École de Paris
* Yakumo Tsukamoto and Megumi Sagano, School Rumble
* Hanayo, Selector Infected WIXOSS
* Bel Peol, ※Shakugan no Shana
* Petra Ral, Shingeki no Kyojin
* Retoree, Show By Rock!!
* Nerine, Shuffle! ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kyōko Mogami, Skip Beat!
* Accela Warrick, Solty Rei
* Sara Werec, Sōkō no Strain
* Hiyono Yuizaki, Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna
* Cammy White and Eliza Masters, Street Fighter IV: Aratanaru Kizuna
* Eila Ilmatar Jūtilainen, Strike Witches
* Rose, Tales of Zestiria
* Hitomi Kanzaki, Tenkū no Escaflowne ✅ ✅
* Natsume Tsuchimikado, Tokyo Ravens
* Aoi, Witchblade ✅
* Mitsuko Yurizono, Yuri Kuma Arashi
* Saki Nikaidō, Zombieland Saga
※Seasons 2 and 3
Commentary: You can probably tell by the green checkmarks, so there's no reason to put a preamble to the statement — I'm a big fan of Ms. Glass' filmography! She has a very charismatic presence in any role that she's cast in! I have only played a little bit of the "Dies Irae" visual novel, but I'm sure that Ms. Glass has outshined her Japanese counterpart. Mostly, because the original seiyū has only starred in hardcore hentai roles! Her role as Riza Brenner was placid and sultry, like her roles as Nerine ("Shuffle!") and Claire Harvey ("Hundred"). Very talented and enigmatic as an actress!
Yuka Inokuchi as Rusalka Schwägelin, notable roles:
* Saya Saginomiya, Canvas 2
* Rin Kamishiro, Maburaho
* Zazie Rainyday, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Vanilla, Nekopara
Jeannie Tirado as Rusalka Schwägelin, notable roles:
* Iu Shindō, 100-man no Inochi no Ue ni Ore wa Tatteiru
* Carole, Carole & Tuesday ✅ ✅
* RyuZu, Clockwork Planet
* Leila Malcal, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
* Kokoro, Darling in the FranXX ✅
* Pan, Dragon Ball Super
* Koyuki Hinashi, Fūka
* Siluca Meletes, Grancrest Senki
* Yume, Hai to Gensō no Grimgar
* Lutz, Honzuki no Gekokujō: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen
* Teru Sakurada, Jōkamachi no Dandelion ("Castle Town Dandelion")
* Kaga, Kantai Collection ("KanColle")
* Adeltrud Olter, Knight's & Magic
* Riko Sakurauchi, Love Live! Sunshine!!
* Koito Minase, Musaigen no Phantom World
* Koala, One Piece
* Takako Chino, Orange
* Hakua Shiodome, Ore ga Ojō-sama Gakkō ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets♥Sareta Ken
* Katarina Claes, Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijō ni Tensei shiteshimatta... ("My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!")
* Chizuru Hishiro, ReLIFE
* Sortiliena Serlut, Sword Art Online
* Hiyori Jūjō, Toji no Miko ✅ ✅
* Satsuki Sasahara, Tsuredure Children
* Akira Yamamoto, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199
* Kae Serinuma, Watashi ga Motete Dōsunda
* Norman, Yakusoku no Neverland
* Mikoto Asuka, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV) ✅ ✅
* Viktoriya Ivanovna Serebryakova, Yōjo Senki
Commentary: Haven't heard many of Ms. Tirado's performances, but she came across as very likable, voicing the fiery, Rusalka Schwägelin! I hope to hear her voice in more future anime releases!
Yūki Tamaki as Wolfgang Schreiber, notable roles:
* Coby Hansen, Transformers Galaxy Force
Mikaela Krantz as Wolfgang Schreiber, notable roles:
* Prinz Eugen, Azur Lane
* Keroberos, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen
* Suzune Kagami, Denpa Kyōshi (TV)
* Marsha, Drifters
* Tori Himemiya, Ensemble Stars
* Beth Vanderwood, Fairy Tail ✅
* Momiji Sōma, Fruits Basket (2019) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kintoki, Garo: Guren no Tsuki
* Yayoi Tachibana, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
* Emilia, Hōkago Saikoro Club ✅ ✅
* Emilie Crossfode, Hundred ✅ ✅ ✅
* Nemesis, Infinite Dendrogram
* Shokaku, Kantai Collection ("KanColle")
* Maya Sakashiro, Keijo!!!!!!!!
* Naoko Yamamoto, Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku
* Reiko Arisugawa, Ore ga Ojō-sama Gakkō ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets♥Sareta Ken
* Erina Shindō, Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu.
* Clementine, Overlord
* Horn Skuld, Owari no Seraph
* Saraka Tsukai, Seikaisuru Kado ("KADO: The Right Answer")
* Elena Arshavina, Seiken Tsukai no World Break
* Hyōka Fuwa, Shimoneta to Iu Gainen ga Sonzai Shinai Taikutsu na Sekai
* Logia, Show By Rock!!
* Misaki Shokuhō, Toaru Kagaku no Railgun
* Tōru Mutsuki, Tokyo Ghoul:re
* Kaoru Niimi, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199 ✅ ✅
* Urara Shiraishi, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV) ✅ ✅
Commentary: I thought Ms. Krantz really captured the psychotic, little boy vibe that Wolfgang Schreiber exudes! I really, really loved her as Momiji Sōma ("Fruits Basket (2019)") and Emilie Crossfode ("Hundred"), but it's also nice to see her branch out and play some of the more malevolent characters! Magnificent voice actress!
Takeshi Maeda as Shirō Yusa, notable roles:
* Shigeru Miyanomori, Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph
* Tatsuya Mizuno, Whistle!
Austin Tindle as Shirō Yusa, notable roles:
* Angelo Lagusa, 91 Days
* Jean Otus, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
* Obi, Akagami no Shirayuki-hime ✅ ✅
* Karma Akabane, Ansatsu Kyōshitsu ("Assassination Classroom")
* Yō Satō, Ben-To
* Neito Monoma, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ ✅
* Herlock Sholmès, Code: Realize ✅ ✅
* Kenji Kazama, D-Frag!
* Kiyotaka Ishimaru, Danganronpa
* Gorō, Darling in the FranXX ✅ ✅
* Natsuo Fuji, Domestic no Kanojo
* Sour, Dragon Ball Super
* Izumi Sena, Ensemble Stars
* Alzack Connell, Fairy Tail ✅
* Rin Matsuoka, Free!: Dive to the Future
* Shū Ōma, Guilty Crown ✅
* Tomu Kaneko, Hatsukoi Monster
* Seborga, Hetalia Axis Power
* Setsuna Sansenkai, Island
* Sō'ichi Tsujii, Junji Itō: Collection
* Joseph, Junketsu no Maria
* Yū Ishigami, Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai ("Kaguya-sama: Love is War")
* Totomaru Minowa, Kenka Banchō Otome: Girl Beats Boys
* Saneyasu Adachi, Kono Oto Tomare!
* Ayumu Aikawa, Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?
* Ruth, Mahōtsukai no Yome
* Torway Remion, Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyō no Alderamin
* Kōsaku Hata, Nōrin
* Makoto Sunakawa, Ore Monogatari!!
* Sōji Mitsuka — Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu.
* Riku Yagami, Prince of Stride: Alternative
* Kiyoshi Fujino, Prison School
* Senji Aino, Renai Bōkun ("Love Tyrant")
* Kunihito Kusanagi, Shangri-La
* Marco Bott, Shingeki no Kyojin
* Lunarre, Tales of Zestiria
* Accelerator, Toaru Majutsu no Index
* Ken Keneki, Tokyo Ghoul ✅ ✅
* Yoshio Kobayashi, Trickster: Edogawa Ranpo "Shōnen Tanteidan" yori
* Masafumi Akagi, Tsuredure Children
Commentary: Mr. Tindle did a really good job at making Shirō Yusa seem like a really big badass in the English dub! I would compare his performance to his roles as Obi ("Akagami no Shirayuki-hime") and Ken Keneki ("Tokyo Ghoul"). Great casting choice!
Conclusively, "Dies irae" is clearly a well-thought out story, some even consider it to be Light's magnum opus, but the anime adaptation flounders because there is just way too many vital plot points for it to be compressed into a short series, with only 11 episodes! There's just no way that you could properly adapt everything with such a small window of time! I think that the director and staff did the best that they could with the time constraints, the biggest improvement would have been to put more effort into some of the fight scenes, so I rate the "Dies irae" anime a 4/10!
Rating: ★★☆☆☆