Overlord is a Japanese light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama, illustrated by So-bin. Overlord is an English translation of the Japanese light novel (Japanese: オーバーロード). It started serialization in 2010, until Enterbrain was acquired. Since 30 July 2012, 14 volumes have been written. The author said he had intially scheduled 17 novels, but he could proceed with writing more if it gained ample popularity. From 26 November 2014, a manga adaptation from Satoshi, with art from Hugin Miyama, was started in the manga magazine Comp Ace, Kadokawa Shoten. In North America Yen Press is authorised for both light and manga novels, with the date of publication of 8 November 2016.
The Madhouse anime adaptation television series comprises of 3 seasons with 13 episodes per season, the first being broadcast between 7 July and 29 September 2015. On February 25, 2017, and March 11, 2017 in Japan, two anime films that capture the events of the first season have been released. The second season lasted from 9 January to 3 April 2018 and the first of the third season was on 10 July 2018 later the same year, after which the last episode was broadcast on 2 October 2018.Regarding the fourth season of this anime, at AnimagiC 2019 in Germany, the writer of the Anime series spoke about the prospect of making this season “extremely likely”.
Table of Contents
PLOT
In 2126, a Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game or DMMORPG named YGGDRASIL was introduced. Their unique player ability to communicate with the game is a major feature of the DMMORPG. The game servers are about to shut down after a good 12-year run. Ainz Ooal Gown, once a guild of 41 members and one of the best guilds in the game, remains within the game. Just four of the other participants remain today. The remaining 37 left the game and one of the member, a skeleton “Overlord” player named Momonga, is now playing as the leader of the guild. Only minutes prior to the shutdown, he invites the remaining members of the guild, but only one of the member appears for a brief period before departing. Saddled by that, he recognizes the fact that his friends care about their other lives and chooses to keep plugged into the server until the servers cease.
When the shutdown time comes, Momonga discovers that the game hasn’t gone away; now it seems that Nazarick and its numerous NPCs are being moved to a distant reality. Momonga is stuck inside the game in the form of his game avatar, leaving him unable to use simple game functions or even log out of the game. Momonga does not have another way to hear if someone from the real world is with him in this new world. Using Ainz Ooal Gown’s name, Momonga’s message to all other players, Momonga starts a trip around the world, attempting to sort it out while looking for someone or something that will help him solve this mystery while ensuring Nazarick’s safety. The fact that Ainz Ooal Gown does not exhibit any moral hardship of killing and other acts that are taboo in the real world tend to make adjustments to his behaviour by means of game mechanics. This is a tale of a creature’s psychology with an almost infinite influence beyond ethical consideration.
Everything that was in the game is present in the modern world. Stuff such as war, spells, quest, etc. The world’s inhabitants are the elite and the strongest, ranked in numbers at 10/0. Since Ainz was a clan chief, a farmers and an obsessive game player.
In all, he was maxed out wisely and almost smart with tools. In the past game, Ainz and his clan leaders created some of their own NPC’s, copying their habits and their style and behaviour, so it was just like them. Ainz soon grabbed his mind, and began plotting to take over the world.
Knowing that he is one of the most mighty entities in the game world, by separating the NPC in parts and collecting knowledge for him, he is attempting to collect information about this new world. However, he did not linger at the castle, since he still went to get information, put on a cloak and tried to remain unknown. Inside the game, he was a mighty magician, almost all his motions and the most notable magic of all, but he began to use melee moves because it was all too easy for him.
Ainz just decided to have some fun, because this was all new to him, he just goes everywhere to help small villagers and welcome any new quests. He is led by one of the battlemaids in Narberal castle who represents Ainz anywhere he goes. They also identified and entered a group to aid them with their quests when collecting information. The adversary was brought into the show but Ainz and his servants were extremely powerful in comparison. The first season, the anime seems very fast paced.
There is a lot of brutality, blood and gore in the battle scenes in the anime. It’s quite a harsh way to be put out, to put it simply. I didn’t expect that because I thought this series was going to be censored. The way the arcs were incorporated into the show was only bad, the more the arc switches, the greater the anime looks as a comedy rather than a mature genre.
More from the gaming world should have been clarified in terms of how the magic works and the different factions presented, etc, what happened right after the grandson of the alchemist was rescued, etc. Ainz Ooal Gown aimed for prestige, popularity, etc. But it did not make it possible because of the loose relation of arcs.
It makes it impossible for the show to incorporate a villain or adversary if Ainz is the over-powered guy he is. Since he might beat everyone, he tries to enjoy any challenge, and not finish it in a snap. It is not only Ainz who is overpowered, but also the Guardians. It was shown he is vulnerable to holy moves, as most rpgs and games do, but hardly anyone is strong enough till now for Ainz.
Overlord Anime Characters
There are alot of characters in this show, too many to mention, so we will be discussing the most important ones.
1. Ainz
It is difficult to gauge Ainz as he can be extremely greedy at times, only thinking about his growth, particularly when it comes to messing with his abilities. He’s still a really compassionate guy on the other side of the coin, caring about his NPC’s and allowing them to have fun and no get extremely burdened by work. Once you’ve won his love or faith, his allegiance will be unmatched. Far from the tyrant you would expect from his presence, he’s still open to other views than his own.
2. Sebas Tian
One way you might characterize Sebas as the leader of the Pleiades Six Stars is Battle Butler and he has a style so different from them. He has valiant tendencies in characters other than Cocytus that you don’t see. He won’t hesitate to help anyone out of his way, even though it might end up angering Ainz. He is compassionate to those who, as all of his relatives do, are hit by a situation and do not dislike mankind. He still thought that the strong were meant to defend the poor, making him the most likable Nazarite participant.
3. Cocytus
Cocytus is like an ancient-era samurai, bound completely by a code of honor. He provides a taste of fresh air in the same way as Aura does to the floor guardians, some of which are completely psychopathic. He is continually changing, becoming more assertive and able to face up to Ainz, something that very few are prepared to do. It is so important to the problems he has with inadequacy and how he thinks he can’t represent Ainz as well as others.
4. Albedo
Although she’s really clingy to Ainz, Albedo is one of his employer’s most likable NPCs. During talks, she isn’t scared to speak her mind, ready to criticize someone if she thinks their idea isn’t successful. Her thoughts also surpass even her masters in how cool and composed she can be, making her the chief council. Regrettably, she is also an incredibly jealous character, one who is vulnerable to snarling when she detects someone approaching Ainz. It’s impossible, though, not to fall as in love with anyone she is.
5. Aura Bella Fiora
The cheery dark elf who injects a requisite bit of cheerfulness among the gloomy floor guardians is difficult not to like. She’s packed with so much zest that, among others, she often seems out of place, which makes her such a great character. She also has her own objectives, trying to collect as many rare beasts as she can, though she is faithful to Ainz and can do just about anything for him. Despite being more than a little bossy to him, she is still very protective of her brother.
6. Demiurge
Two faces he wears with people. He may be a kind demon to those who dwell with him in Nazarick, who is compassionate to those in need of his care. Once he is in touch with an opponent, his mask fades, showing off a sadistic side that is unrivaled by everyone else in the film. He tortures people gleefully, sometimes doing so right in front of their mates. He gets a sick glee from their misery and suffering, going so far as trying to give his inmates hope before swallowing them up in sorrow.
7. Narberal Gamma
It’s going to be tough for a character with an immense disdain for humanity to be really likable. It’s not a disdain that she ever wants to conceal, wearing it proudly on her sleeve anytime she sees one. This hatred would not contribute to her indiscriminately murdering them, but the emotion is still simmering beneath her. Nonetheless, she is Ainz’s trusted confidant, one of many who followed him as he struggled to be a hero, displaying the restraint she had as she continuously battled the temptation to murder someone disrespectful to her master.
8. Shalltear Bloodfallen
That’s the only good qualities Shalltear has about her whether she’s true to Ainz and fair to those around her. The allegiance only extends to Ainz because she has killed her subordinates before because of their incompetence. As she will fly off the handle regularly over something she finds a disappointment, this lack of composure is her most pessimistic and irritating characteristic. Seeing too much blood as a vampire will even take her off to the deep end, ripping apart her victims.
9. Pandora’s Actor
The easiest way to describe Pandora’s Actor over the top is to describe the kind of guy who has no idea how to cut down, constantly taking it up to 11. It makes him an enjoyable character, particularly when he is gnashing about others. He still has no fear of calling for guidance on a mission or making his own ideas, which prove that he has more than just a backbone. That being said, his personality’s bombastic qualities can often make him a little distracting.
10. Mare Bello Fiore
Mare is a nervous wreck, a tower of cards, always on the brink of failure. As he is a wholly subservient character in a sea of powerful ones, this makes him an intriguing character. With the stutter he has in his voice and the cowardice he always has to be scolded by Ainz, his worries are always on display. His character’s biggest downside is that he’s so crippled by his nerves that he always fails to do it of his own, always wanting to be with his girlfriend.
Similar Anime Like Overlord
Now is your curiosity piqued? I’m showing anime such as Overlord to give you suggestions about what to add to your watch list, considering how amazing this show is.
- Log Horizon
- Ixion Saga DT
- Sword Art Online
- No Game No Life
- Btooom!
- Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
- Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka?
1. Log Horizon
A fantasy realm focused on a game that is massively popular. An uber-cool, ingenious, and solid main character. A convincing tale full of fascinating hijinks and spectacular scenes. All of that and more, Log Horizon has. It had to be on the list of all the parallels this series has to Overlord.
This anime is spectacular. With the same theme and genre, it’s unlike any other film. Rather than brute strength and force, it relies more on strategies and fights of wits and skill. Instead of only the action and the normal elements that you see in a shounen broadcast, it concentrates more on the political and economic facets of a game-like setting. Given all these reasons, you need to try this show out because it is very amazing.
2. Ixion Saga DT
This series takes place in a fantasy world focused on games, but it has a much simpler tale and a lot of comic relief. I am introducing the Ixion Saga DT now!
Kon plays a game that is set in Alma’s world. But now he gets transported into the gaming world with strange things happening around him! He gets to fly in a wild group of wacky participants as an extra bonus.
This anime is pretty much a collection of comedies. However, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a good plot. Ixion Saga DT is amusing as well as nice! This is incredibly entertaining and very wacky. You wouldn’t regret offering a shot at this show.
3. Sword Art Online
Another clear rival arrives here! Sword Art Online (SAO) was able to draw a stunning story with the gaming universe at the core of the storyline. It’s so amazing, that the sheer grandeur of this anime is not even disputed by the thousands of players at Aincrad.
Held as one of the most famous names, SAO brandishes its sword in a dramatic and action-packed manner. This sample should feature on the potential sighting list.
4. No Game No Life
We only have a straightforward and unquestionable entry on the list whether it is only fiction or a gaming anime we were talking about. No Game No Life! There is No Game No Life!
The bland universe and the world of Disboard are being asked to abandon two geniuses nicknamed Hikikomory and N.E.E.T. gamers named Shiro and Zuru, regarded collectively as Blank. It is a place where all decisions and games are ruled!
This show has the facets of fantasy and gaming from other entries, but it’s very special. I might say that this is a suggested anime on the list if I were to overcome the gaps in background elements.
5. Btooom!
Now we have the bomb-packed action anime known as BTOOOM in a much more gritty atmosphere and story! Yes, everything here is about bombs and explosives.
Btooom plays the lead character, Ryouta Sakamoto! It’s an online game where all kinds of bombs and explosions are the key arsenal of a player! It was just a game at first, which he was deeply addicted to. It’ll become his true nightmare later on! He gets thrown onto an isolated island along with a few others where he gets to play his favorite game in real life, much to the dismay of everyone!
This series is unusual in bringing the mechanics of a game into the real world and setting them up. This brings up the implication that fantasy realms could be more than just imaginary goods. So, if you want more action but you like less elements of fantasy, Btooom! For you, it’s the right performance!
6. Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
In Japan, a dimensional portal opens up and all manner of supernatural beings flood in to threaten to invade the cities around them. Sounds really awesome, but risky, huh? That today’s Universe is far more advanced than any ancient fantasy universe is a positive thing. In the past, they may have had numbers, but we have technology and weapons now! And that sums up the Gate pretty much: Jietai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri as a whole.
Our characters here are sent to retaliate by attacking the invading planet! This series is sort of a futuristic anime inversion with related storylines. In summer 2015, this show also came out in the same season as Overlord.
7. Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka?
Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka is also known as Is it Wrong to Try in a Dungeon to Pick Up Girls? Doesn’t sound like a serious show, doesn’t it? In terms of storyline and characterization, it actually doesn’t disappoint! It also has a very magnificent atmosphere.
In an environment that has elements from a film, this anime is cast. It has a dungeon, characters with particular work grades, characters working as NPCs, and more! In an adventure game, it simply takes all the features you can find and places them in a more realistic light. And that is what makes it an extra special exhibition. This anime is custom-made for fantasy game enthusiasts.
Questions & Answers
Will there be a Season 4 of Overlord? Yes, of course, there will be a season 4 of Overlord, and the production house of the anime series has said that it will definitely release in 2021. So stay tuned a sequel of your favorite series is going to be launched anytime this year.
Conclusion for Source Material There is currently enough source material for another one-cour anime for Overlord in 2021. The series is still ongoing, so that’s a big plus for a sequel chance as well.
Albedo
The first 3 for making decisions based on their morals, the forth for jealousy and the last for self sacrifice. Albedo is ploting to betray Ainz greatest objective and kill the other supreme beings which Ainz would surely wont forgive like he forgave all the other NPCs who have commited mistakes or disobey him.