Defense of the Ancients, abbreviated to DotA, has long been a popular multiplayer online video game franchise. DotA began as a mod for the popular video game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion, The Frozen Throne. The world of DotA has already been introduced to the people of Earth by the 2016 Travis Fimmel-led live-action adaptation Warcraft, in which the world is torn apart by a slew of magical creatures.
DotA: Dragon’s Blood is a DotA anime series that follows the story of a young Dragon Knight named Davion. The game’s adaptation is seamlessly integrated into the series, making it a treat for both gamers and anime fans alike. In our DOTA: Dragon’s Blood anime review, we’ll delve deeper into the details that make this series a must-see for Otaku.
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood Anime Review!
A Captivating World
The series depicts a world teeming with magical and divine beings. The various species, such as elves, orcs, humans, and, of course, dragons, are at the heart of the story. Divine beings such as the Dark Moon Goddess Selemene, the powerful elven mage Invoker, the ancient Eldwurms, and the demon Terrorblade join the party.
The audience is drawn in by more than just the magic and boastful titles. The world is rich in history, with different races’ and species’ traditions, beliefs, and cultures.
On the one hand, the series depicts the diversity of landscapes, the diversity of natural flora and fauna, and the diversity of people’s attire—whether the elite, the noble, or the common folk. On the other hand, it depicts the various emotions of each and every character, which makes the series extremely enjoyable in my opinion.
The Brave and Valiant Protagonist
Davion the Dragon Knight is unquestionably the series’ central character. The series introduces us to this brave and honest adolescent who is skilled in combat and delivers the dark kiss of death to all dragons and their kin. He is willing to go against all odds to make the world a better place.
Davion, unknowingly, ends up fusing his blood and consciousness with an ancient dragon, Slyrak the Ember Eldwurm. Davion is initially disgusted by his fate change, but he gradually learns the true nature of the world – the magic, the divine, and the darkness—all of it. Davion accepts his gift (or curse?) and embraces his true nature, that of a protector.
An Antagonist Shrouded in Mystery
The villain who remains unseen is the ideal centre for suspense. The demon Terrorblade is an excellent example. Terrorblade wishes to remake the world in his own image and needs the Eldwurm souls to do so.
He is, however, a prisoner in the prison dimension ‘Foulfell,’ and from there he plots and, at times, manipulates others by possessing the bodies of other creatures and striking deals if a more subtle touch is required. Interestingly, Davion and Terrorblade do meet in a way during the series, but the story is still unfolding.
Test of Faith
Viewers can see time and again in this world that people have an often unwavering fealty to their set of ideals and beliefs—be it some faction, religion, or the self. The dragon knights of Dragonhold, a group of people who dedicate their lives to the abolition of dragons and their like, are introduced in the first episode of the series.
There are two men in particular who are crucial to the plot of the series: our protagonist, Davion, and Kaden, the legendary knight and Davion’s teacher. We also see the army in the Nightsilver Woods, Selemene’s followers who are tested on occasion, tasked with apprehending the thief who stole a Lotus of Mene and returning it.
We see Luna, a Dark Moon Army officer, and, of course, Mirana, the Moon Princess. We also see Fymryn, a coriel’tauvi from the forest of Coedwei, who believes that one day Mene will return to this world and make things right.
The Mundane and The Divine
Among the many characters in the series are the followers of Selemene and Mene, the Crystal Maiden, the dragon knights, and the people of the Helio Imperium. We get to see not only the main characters, but also ordinary people going about their daily lives, thanks to these people.
It’s a nice nod to the details, and it adds to the sense of reality in the world. Then there’s the fantastic—the magical beings who inhabit this world. Selemene is preoccupied with maintaining her faith and increasing her power. The Eldwurms provide a sense of mystery while also understanding the nature of the world.
Then there’s the Invoker and Terrorblade, who mostly operate in the shadows and manipulate others to achieve their goals. The most mysterious character, however, is Mene, the previous Moon Goddess, whose death is still unknown to viewers.
Superb Animation
Studio Mir created the series in collaboration with Ashley Edward Miller, who is also the series’ creator and director. The series features fantastic artwork by Seoul artist Il Kwang Kim.
Though the form is simple, as is typical of anime, the detailing in the characters and the environment is extraordinary and captivating. The series’ intro section is particularly excellent and deserving of the audience’s attention.
Great Action Choreography
In fact, the series is an action-oriented anime. The story’s martial and magical elements allow for spectacular action sequences, often involving two or more characters.
Kwang II Kim has done a masterful job of depicting the transitions of the many forms of magic (the elemental forms) as well as the intricacies of the various martial forms such as sword-fighting, archery, and even bushman crafts.
A Musical Brilliance
To be honest, the trailer score had me hooked on this series. Dino Meneghin’s work is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The eerie and mysterious sound in the intro as it gradually transitions to the series’ dynamic themes is a masterful work that deserves special mention.
The series’ background scores are brilliant, and the specific theme music used for the various characters is simply superb.
Dragons! Dragons!
Yes! Dragons. Those who adore fantasy and mystique will be swept off their feet by these mighty beasts. To believe that their enchantment and awe have waned over time is a clear mistake.
The Eldwurms, the most ancient of the dragons, have a titanic presence in the series, with their own elemental and primordial powers. Aside from them, there are the usual draconic creatures roaming the material world. The series also includes a draconic kin—a somewhat central character!
The One Beyond Space and Time
There is, in fact, a character that can be easily missed right at the beginning of the series—the Narrator. The Narrator, or Oracle as some may refer to him, is unquestionably an entity that exists beyond the world’s boundaries.
We learn about the history of the universe from him, about the conflict between the Radiant and the Dire—the two fragments of the Primordial mind. The Narrator is the one who introduces us to the series’ antagonist, the demon Terrorblade.
THE REVIEW
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood
We’ve arrived at the scoring booth! The series is a stunningly written story set in a fantastic world. The artwork, animation, music, choreography, and overall world creation are all unique and superb. The series piques the interest of DotA players as well as anime fans. The mystery, the struggle of ordinary men against the unstoppable power of the magi and the divine, keep the series interesting. The sense of natural order is beautifully mature, with the occasional turn of events demonstrating that the light does not always necessarily triumph over the dark. However, the hint of the light’s ultimate victory teased at the end of the series makes it worthwhile to watch.
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