Action shonen anime have evolved significantly over the past decade. Modern touchstones include the debut of Demon Slayer and the emergent dominance of MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen. As fans await the next major updates for their favorite supernatural franchises, many are turning to alternative series that capture a similar intensity. Enter Clevatess, the dark fantasy anime adapted by Studio Lay-duce from Yūji Iwahara’s popular LINE Manga series. It has quickly emerged as a recommended watch for anyone seeking powerful beings, brutal battles, and complex character dynamics.
Introduced as part of Crunchyroll’s Summer lineup, the series features two full seasons of visceral storytelling. It trades the urban occult setting of Jujutsu Kaisen for a grim medieval aesthetic. Its uncompromising narrative and breathtaking action choreography provide an ideal fix for dark fantasy enthusiasts.
A Bleak World Governed by Dark Beasts
The story takes place on the bleak continent of Edthea. Here, various humanoid races exist entirely under the influence of four powerful Lords of Dark Beasts. The narrative kicks off when a group of twelve would-be heroes attempts to assassinate the titular being, Clevatess, using magical weapons known as Regalia. Clevatess slaughters them all effortlessly. He then turns his wrath against the Kingdom of Hiden, whose ruler ordered the assassination attempt.
Laying waste to the kingdom, Clevatess spares a small infant he cannot bring himself to kill. He names the child Luna. The cosmic being decides to help raise her as an experiment to test whether humanity deserves another opportunity to survive instead of facing total annihilation.
Fascinating Parallels to Jujutsu Kaisen
Beyond the shared appetite for high-stakes action and brutal body horror, Clevatess features intriguing parallels that naturally draw in Jujutsu Kaisen fans:
- Voice Acting Connections: Veteran voice actor Yuichi Nakamura lends his talents to both series. He voices Clevatess as well as the beloved Jujutsu Kaisen sorcerer Satoru Gojo.
- Mismatched Duos: The bond between Clevatess (in his human-like form known as Klen) and the resurrected hero Alicia serves as an inverse parallel to the dynamic between Yuji Itadori and Ryomen Sukuna. Rather than a malicious spirit trapped inside a human host, Clevatess binds Alicia to him using his blood-like Dark Ichor. This fosters a tacit mentor-mentee relationship.
- Institutional Elements: Just as Jujutsu Kaisen features Jujutsu High, the second season of Clevatess introduces the Solsein Academy. This appeals to fans who love academy-style training grounds.
Where Does Clevatess Fit in the Dark Fantasy Landscape?
Clevatess draws heavy inspiration from classic dark fantasy pillars like Kentaro Miura’s Berserk and epic tropes reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings. Still, it maintains its own distinct identity. It blends philosophical questions about human nature with relentless, bone-crunching combat.
Studio Lay-duce has recently wrapped up Season 2. A third season has not yet been officially announced. Because of this, fans might face a wait similar to the gaps between installments of other major modern anime. However, for viewers looking to bridge the gap during hiatuses for titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, Clevatess offers an uncompromising, visually stunning journey through a fragmented fantasy continent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clevatess
What is Clevatess about?
Clevatess follows an immensely powerful Lord of Dark Beasts who destroys a human kingdom after an assassination attempt. He adopts an orphaned infant named Luna and resurrects a slain warrior named Alicia to test whether humanity is worth saving.
Who created Clevatess?
Clevatess is adapted from the LINE Manga series created by Yūji Iwahara. The anime adaptation is produced by Studio Lay-duce.
Where can I watch the Clevatess anime?
The anime series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, having launched its second season during the summer anime slate.
How does Clevatess compare to Jujutsu Kaisen?
While Jujutsu Kaisen takes place in a modern urban occult setting, Clevatess is set in a medieval fantasy world. Both series share elements of visceral body horror, high-stakes combat, complex character bonds, and incredible sound design.
Will there be a Clevatess Season 3?
As of right now, Studio Lay-duce has not officially confirmed a third season. Fans may have to wait for additional manga chapters to be published before the anime has enough source material to continue.
