Underrated Magical Girl Anime Returns After Nearly a Decade

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha is a cherished franchise within the magical girl genre, yet it has remained relatively obscure to international audiences. Despite its engaging narrative and captivating action sequences, the series has struggled to gain traction outside of Japan, especially given the absence of new content since the 2018 film, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Detonation.

After nearly a decade of dormancy, exciting developments are on the horizon for the Nanoha franchise. A recently aired TV-edited version of two recap films from the 2010s has paved the way for a much-anticipated new project. Scheduled for release in 2025, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha EXCEEDS: Gun Blaze Vengeance marks the first fresh installment in years, and it promises to return both longtime fans and newcomers to the magical realm of Nanoha.

Everything We Know About Nanoha’s New Anime

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha EXCEEDS: Gun Blaze Vengeance’s Story Explained

The details surrounding the plot of the new Nanoha series are still unfolding. It has been noted that Nanoha is now 13 years old. According to the established timeline, this narrative takes place within the ten-year gap between Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s and Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Strikers, a time period that has remained largely unexplored until now.

This timeframe is especially significant due to its proximity to a pivotal incident in Nanoha’s past, where she faced near-death at the hands of drones controlled by Jail Scaglietti—the antagonist of Strikers. With the new anime delving into this tense chapter of her life, it is expected to approach the emotional aftermath of that traumatic experience, potentially offering a deeper narrative than Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Strikers.

Should Nanoha Fans Watch The Anime Or The Movies Before Watching The New Nanoha Anime?

The poster for Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Detonation

As anticipation builds for the upcoming series, many fans are left wondering about the best way to prepare for Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha EXCEEDS: Gun Blaze Vengeance. Although the first two films primarily serve as recaps of the anime, they possess significant differences in plot and character development. Furthermore, the latest films, Reflection and Detonation, follow a different continuity, complicating the viewing order for newcomers.

The relationship between the anime and the films adds another layer of complexity. The initial two films function as fictional retellings within the series’ universe, while Reflection and Detonation follow suit, serving as recounted adventures for Nanoha and Fate. Given these intricacies, it remains uncertain whether fans should begin with the original anime or the newer films, leading many to hope for clarity before the 2025 premiere.

Why A New Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Anime Is So Exciting

Despite these continuity dilemmas, the excitement surrounding the return of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha cannot be overstated. The new series promises to delve deeper into the relationship between Nanoha and Fate, creating an opportunity for the creators to establish their bond more definitively. Celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary, this series could beautifully encapsulate one of its most beloved elements.

Moreover, fans can anticipate the visual and narrative quality that has steadily improved across the previous installments. Given its history of enhancing action sequences and character development, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha EXCEEDS: Gun Blaze Vengeance is poised to become a standout entry in the franchise, heralding a new era for this magical series.

Source: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha’s official YouTube channel.

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