Dies Irae

A wise man once said: "There is no Tsukihime anime."

His august thought, pregnant with knowledge and brightness can fit any visual novel adaptation perfectly. To ruin a magnificent novel by an unspeakable, abominable, despicable, damned monstrosity of an adaptation is a grave sin one could say.
Great books don't make great movies, or series in this instance.

So I say: "There is no Dies Irae anime."



Really just read the VN, it's available on Steam, you won't regret spending those sixty hours reading it. It is a magnificent story filled with so much thought you won't be able to remove it from your thoughts (unless you don't ... like reading then I guess nothing can help at this point).
I am still hoping it will be remade, like what happened with DEEN's Fate.

I can get why people have a problem with this show. The pace is quite uneven, the story isn´t that coherent, much is not explained, and the clear haram vibe can be a turn off. I haven´t read/played the popular visual novel that the anime adaption is built on, so I can´t say if it´s a good adaption or not. However, I actually quite liked the show, its just demand that you are focused on the bits and pieces of information you get, and that you puzzle them together yourself. But before we dig into the actual review, some background information can be good.

Let´s first ... understand the title “Dies Irae”, the show actually makes more sense when you know the meaning of it.

“Dies Irae” is contrary to what many believe (me at the beginning as well), is not German, it´s Latin. Directly translated it means “Day of wrath”, and I found out when googling some, that it is a real psalm text about the absolute dooms day, which has an old catholic origin, and were translated to German in the 1700th. Dies Irae, is the day the world will be dissolved in ashes, much like the Vikings “Ragnarök”. Which basically telling you which direction this show will take.

Now when we cleared that out, let´s take a look at how “Dies Irae” were as a show.
The fractions of the show that let you in on the plot, weren´t that bad at all. An old society of super powerful mages, with some dark plans and a big end game, the origin of the main character Ren and his friends Kasumi and Shirou, the connection with the mages powers and human souls, and the techniques and incantations they use to preform magic, are all some interesting parts. But it´s just that, it´s just fractions of those bits throughout the show, which never were explored or explained to an extent that would have taking the show from “this is kind of cool” to “kind of really damn good” level.

As for the 0 episode, if you didn´t get it the first time, re-watch it after the 7th episode, it fits pretty good there, and the episode will make since.

The show has some of its focus on other parts, such as the harem part (yes, it´s very harem influenced, hence the several routes), surprisingly much slice of life, and some fights that felt kind of pointless in the beginning, besides present many of the villains as psycho sadistic assholes (with a few exceptions). Personal opinions aside, many of the characters are stereotypes with a twist, and used as such. For example, the childhood friend that wishes she now would be teenager MC´s girlfriend, MC´s rival male childhood friend, and a loli-looking tsundere senpai. But at the same time, I weren´t bored with them, they had enough importance in what´s was unfolding, and interesting enough personalities.

Some explanations of the circumstances and certain characters place in the story are provided during the watch, but they could´ve have focused much more on those parts to really make it interesting.

Besides that, I actually looked forward to watching a new episode each week. “Dies Irae” grow steadily on me, and had something that made me not only keep watching it, but looking forward to it. And that may been partly because of the plot development, it takes a little bit of a lift in the 7th episode, and partly because of the soundtrack. Some of the soundtrack is some real high-class pieces; German classic-music-orchestras, sometimes with some good opera. Which fitted the atmosphere of “Dies Irae” really well, with the German inspired uniforms, plot-base, and names. And after googling some more, I found out that the incantations the mages preform is individual, and are based on famous German literature and operas like Wagner and Goethe (the quote which is seen in every episode, just after the opening, is from Goethe´s two pieced tragedy). The rest isn´t too bad either, with some nice rock pieces fitting the darker theme. The opening "Kadenz" by Yui Sakakibara, is engaging and presents the mode and spirit of the show well. It´s a lot of characters and connections, which the visuals do a good job of displaying. With the highlight being the ending song, "Opera” by Phero☆Men. If not watch the show, just look that one up, it’s pretty great, it was the best part of the show according to me. The VA´s were well matched, with a nice sounding Japanese accent.

I liked the art and animation. The character design seemed to be somewhat similar to Kouta Hirano´s works (the man behind Hellsing), with their specific hair styles, eye and face shapes, long limbs and bodies, gloves and uniforms with Nazi-Germen design. Which is in my opinion isn´t a bad thing, I´m a big fan of his work. To see the similar style in another show, was just a plus. The animation, by studio A.C.G.T, is absolutely decent, it often looks pretty good. Nice colours, backgrounds, effects for the super natural/magic parts, and the fight scenes were fluid and interesting enough.

So, to round things up, I actually did enjoy most of my time with “Dies Irae”.
Especially after I looked up some information, that gave the show the platform it needed. Some will be explained throughout this first 11 episodes, and since the show is scheduled for at least 6 more episodes (ONA), it has the opportunity to grow in that department, and give the show a solid feeling. The soundtrack, opening, and ending were worth the time on its own, I´m still a bit surprised about how good they were. And the Kouta Hirano inspired art were a clear plus as well. I will definitively check out the visual novel it based on, I haven´t had the craving for a game in a while, but Dies definitively awoke up that feeling a bit.

This show is a disaster. This isn't something I say lightly. On a basic level Dies Irae is a complete and utter failure on almost every possible level. And knowing that (at the time of this review) there are still web exclusive episodes left is a harrowing thought.

I have not read the visual novel, in fact I was dared to watch this show, having not read it. As somebody who hasn't read the VN Dies Irae is baffling. Characters teleport around, change powers and appearances, and have momentary appearances in the show for seconds before randomly becoming important later. Of course, this is because much ... of the VN content has been cut out, this is an adaptation of the final route. (Although strangely there is anime original content too.)

Even still, Dies Irae's "plot" manages to be simultaneously simple and overly complex, with lots of extra, needless characters with unknown motivations. Even a cursory flashback isn't afforded to those who aren't already intimately familiar. And with good VN adaptations out there, it isn't good enough these days.

But even looking beyond my own ignorance of the source material, this anime is a mess. The animation quality ranges from mid-budget 2005 harem show to local YouTube animator getting his hands on a CGI program. Characters are consistent in them being completely off model, the CGI is laughable and jarring, and the show can't even afford some frames for the fight scenes. For an action show there is a severe lack of action.

The characters are very rarely explained, the vast majority of the important backstory for them being cut from the show in favour of more CGI skeletons. The main character is incredibly boring, and his friends and allies even more so. The enemy side shows a little more personality, but there's so many of them that you'll quickly forget names and faces. They rotate out every other episode meaning none of them have much impact and even fewer do anything of significance to the narrative.

Any momentary enjoyment that you might feel from the over dramatic presentation and bad German will quickly be removed as the show bores you to death with long episodes consisting entirely of exposition, that fail to actually explain anything. Be warned, the chuuni appeal does not last for long.

The sound sucks, with some really phoned in voice performances from everybody involved.

Avoid this dud.

To be honest I personally love the anime so far. Some people complain how the anime doesn't make any sense but I understand perfectly.

Story:8 The anime is about a war happening and having two sides fight each other. A dude with a sister goes to bed every night dreaming about a person dying. But wakes up to find out that a man is actually dying every day. To me the anime is very interesting if you actually understand what's going on and I'll let you watch the rest to find out what happens.

Art:8 People have their own anime art styles so this is going ... to be in my own opinion. I really like the art in this anime and how everything looks in it. It's my kind of art style and that's another reason why I personally like this anime. But that's on me though because like I said we all have our own art style preferences.

Sound:8 Not really much I can say. The sound in the anime is really good. All the all the weapons so sound look and realistic and it really gets you into the anime. The music really does make the anime a lot more interesting.

Character:8 All characters have their own personality. Some are mad funny and make you laugh and some are serous. All the characters are so strong, and confident. Not scared to fight any opponent and even though their are two sides of the war, some characters become somewhat close to each other. Overall I think the characters are perfect.

Enjoyment:8 If you fully understand the anime you'll really enjoy it. Just take the time to process what's going on and you'll see how amazing the anime is. A anime where you get to see a lot of action and amazing battles.

Honestly I'd give the story a higher rate if they just made it a little bit more clear for some people so they can really understand it. Anime starts off a bit confusing but the more you get into it the more you'll understand and you'll see how entertaining the anime is. So far, I really enjoy it because I understand what's going on in the anime.

I'm proud to tell everybody that this anime has a potential to become a masterpiece, people complained about it for being too short or cutting important points in the VN, but the most common thing people said about the anime are sentences like: "What did just Happened ?" "What did I just Watched", etc...

However "in my case" I'm not confused at all, the story is easy to understand, and I'm not even joking... I could only advise people to read the description/sypnosis first especially before watching and not skipping the important EP 0. This anime is one of the most unique I've ever watched... It ... combines almost all of my favourite topics: World War 2, the French Revolution - History for short..., Philosophy, Magick, Life and Death, the Round Table, Norse Mythology, etc. It contains some intriguing elements, it is also important to analyse the subtitles/character's words in order not to get lost...

Also people should understand that, this anime was made, with the help of FUNDRAISING, so we should be able to understand why the anime was made that way. The art of the anime translates the overall budget as you can see, there some parts that are not smooth (in terms of frames) but still this does not mean the anime should be labelled as one of the worse...

Story +300/10 - Its unique on its own, the theme and atmosphere is very serious, it has a dark tone at almost all the time, etc.

Art: 9/10 - As stated above, there are some parts where frames are not much smooth, but this will never be the case for me... it's still great...

Sound: +250/10 - The Opening Song matched the anime well, BG Sounds may at often times not amuse the audience, well that being said we can't please everybody... but for me they still done a great job.

Character: +500/10 - Even though there's not much backstory shown, most of the characters are unique on its own...

Enjoyment: 100/10 - I said it before and I'll say it again... the enjoyment this anime gives is just fine and great, one of the most unique anime shows I ever watched but of course not the best but absolutely not the worse.

Overall 10,000/10 Its quite easy to understand (I haven't even played the VN mind you...), has a unique way of storytelling, all I can say is they had done a great job for this anime... If only the studio have enough budget, this will be one of the Greatest Anime Ever Made... I still hope for that time to come....

Note: This is my first time writing a review on MAL, I apologised for my bad grammars... ^__^ just stating my opinion...

So this is strange to me. I loved the 00 episode so much it instantly became one of my favorites but the rest seems so rushed that they managed to create an anime with basically no depth to the characters or story lines.

This is the kind of anime that usually rates the highest for me and it has such an amazing potential but everything turned out a little off the mark and while I do enjoy it they should have made it at least a 24 episode show and added more background instead of rushing the living hell out of it.

Overall, Dies Irae is not an anime for everyone. Looking through comments before watching the show created doubt and gave me the feeling of searching for the imperfections in the anime.

Beginning with the story, it is very complex. There are many different stories from different perspectives of characters that are followed and all intertwine with each other, however, it all surprisingly fits together. I have watched close to mid 200s, maybe even 300 series and it required quite a bit of attention to detail to fully understand the show. If you can follow along with stories well, and create sense out of it, then I ... definitely recommend this show. If anything, I wouldn't recommend comparing this anime to others due to its diversity.

Both the art and sound were very good. Battles were enjoyable to watch, and sounds fit in perfectly with the art.

Character development through the show is on the higher end. I enjoyed how more and more is known about the characters as the anime progressed. The main characters all had great development and the explanation of the characters by Kraft explained a lot. There were unnecessary development of side characters, which did add some confusion to the overall story, but it did help in understanding intentions.

To sum things up, Dies Irae is a really controversial anime in the way that it touches on Nazi topics and is very complex in itself. Do not let the low rating of the anime discourage you to watch it though. If you want to see if this is a good anime for you, I'd recommend watching around 3 to 5 episodes, not including episode 0. Really hoping for a second season for this anime to see what happens after the ending and just to see what happens with everything in general.

Dies Irae is actually not as confusing as everyone says. In fact, I find it very smart. Many things are not directly told but if you have watched enough anime you will be able to grasp the situation of what is going on.

Although the themes and genre are typical, the execution of these ideas are brought in a dark and sometimes gory atmosphere which supports it really well.

The characters are really unique and are over powered in their own ways which makes it really interesting to watch. However I agree with most people that there is not enough development and makes them see a ... lot like only supporting characters.

S0me scenes are kind of awkward especially with the soundtrack that is not always fitting, but nevertheless it was a good watch.

DESPERATELY WAITING FOR THE NEXT FEW EPISODES TO AIR IN JULY WHOS WITH ME

I discover Dies Irae with this anime, and I have only one thing to say: I was not disappointed. I take this anime as an introduction to my future reading of the work.

What to think of this Anime? I liked all the characters, each with its history, its characteristics, its personality and its background that I will enjoy discovering in the visual novel.

I do not understand why there is so much hate on this adaptation, especially since the producers have totally assumed to have great problems. If it starts on a crowfunding, how can you believe for a single second that the adaptation will be ... of high quality? On a Visual Novel which is very long and has several purposes? Instead of yelling like idiots no matter how, look at the bottom of the thing to understand the current situation. I think we have to see these episodes as a test, the next 6 ONA episodes will be there to deepen the story and I'm happy.

Overall, I am satisfied. Endearing characters, very good music, a perfectible animation but not ugly.

I think we criticize this anime very easily without understanding the difficulties behind, it sure changes the anime fan service nowadays with stories seen and reviews, and it does not bother the same people criticizing Dies Irae. .. and studios that do not have the means to produce good adaptations of Visual Novel do not take up the budget, publish a really bad adaptation, and for the case of Dies Irae, producers have to assume until end, we ask for money via a Crowfunding to at least please the fan and try to bring a new audience for the works of Light, and who is pointed at and criticized? It's them strangely, and I think it's stupid, yes I say that vulgarly, but it's really stupid for a studio that has at least produce to please the fan, to assume all the difficulties of production but despite all have done that to please the fan.

I can not wait for a second season.

._. -_- ._. -_- ._. -_- ._.

You know how long I trying to finish this anime and its only 11 episodes lololol

start ---------> A religious gear of complete uncertainty.

* When I finally completed the anime I never thought I can see "?" pop up out of nowhere. However I was enjoying the scattering of the plot that you can't piece together " lmao ". All my questions being left unanswered, O how I love being tortured by misleading and uncomprehend able plots. ... .

That was a joke!!!!!! how angering!!! The story is all over the place. Too much going on. Not enough conclusions.

* This could have been a really good anime. I kid you not, in the right hands, it would have gone far. It really did catch my attention from episode 6 But
I see now why this anime has such a low rating. Its confusing to say the least. So much potential wasted. It really is a frustrating anime. I was hoping to get some answers by the time the season finish but no such luck....

* The bloodshed in this was real nice. I have an unhealthy obsession with everything dark. smh


* I love the soundtrack troubling and mysterious.

* Characters are to far away, there is no connection between them and I. Its like you want to understand what they going through but u can't because of how far they are. I think is because of how pompous they are portrayed and it all leads back to the scattered plot.

I wasn't a fan of the art at all.....to weak and in my eyes a bit pretty. Probably something wrong with my eyes, who knows?

Did I enjoy it? hmmmmm
IDK
I don't think so but at the same time I think I had a partial liking to it.

Warning * watch at your own risk, possible emotional breakdown at the end. This may include questioning one's self : Why did I waste my time watching this, where is the ending or the beginning and so on *

Story: Fairly interesting, although incomplete by the last episode. It's not nearly as confusing as people are making it out to be, though I can understand thinking that it's confusing because all of the information simply isn't there. If anything will leave you scratching your head it's the last episode, which concludes "in the middle of the climax", as best as I can describe it. It's interesting enough and has some unique concepts, perhaps remnants of the critically acclaimed visual novel. Still, the way it is handled falls short of "good", and without the ONA this is clearly an unfinished production.

Art: Once again, fair. ... It's not a high budget production, and this shows in both the art and the voice acting, but it has its moments. Acceptable.

Sound: The voice acting is overall fairly weak, and the background music doesn't stand out in any particular way. Passable. The guillotine song is kind of cool.

Character: Eh. They're not extremely well developed and come off as pretty generic, but that's fine. Some of the bad guys are interesting.

Enjoyment/Overall: An alright anime. Not something I would recommend you go out of your way to watch, but not a total failure. I will watch the ONA to see if the story gets fleshed out more. There's plenty of better stuff to spend 11 episodes on, though. Be warned that the (Funi?) translation is pretty bad, and kind of ruins a couple of scenes with awkward lines and misunderstandings.

This is the first time I'm gonna write a review just to show up how salty am I.

Reading the plot was a good surprise: soviets, nazis, WWII, super powers, mystery and magic. Good enough to caught me up to watch it. Ok, 10 minutes of the 1º episode and I didn't understand what I saw. Too much bright, too much people who wasn't introduced, too much of nothing. The art was ok and the sound was good but I just don't even know what was happening! Where is the things I read on the plot? Dies Irea is a complete mess. The show is way ... too rushed and became so confusing. I don't know if I'm too old or anime was always like that. Dropped.

Dies Irae is absolutely one of my favorite typical dark fantasy visual novel, i got excited after hearing this one got anime adaptation... however, my hope got down so fast after watching the first episode.

(i'm going to avoid the spoiler)
Story 4/10:
Dies Irae has a great story, however.. the anime skip so much detail and feels like they just throw a pieces of puzzle at a random place, you could enjoy watching it more IF you played the VN, but if you didn't.... trust me, you can barely understand the story, or worse.. you can't understand it at all. Plot twist is one of its greatest ... asset(as a VN).. but the anime twisted the plot so much that you can't even see it.

Art 3/10:
Nothing to say, the Art looks poor for even for 2000's anime.

Sound 6/10:
The Voice Actor/Actress is good, they enlist a pretty good cast right here, all the theme used really fit its natural dark fantasy atmosphere. When the theme kicked in some of the fight scene(eventhough the animation are kinda poor), it feels intense and could give you a chill down your spine.

Character 6/10:
The "MAIN" Character is probably the lion part of the series, First.. you need to know that the anime is based on Marie Route, personally i think.. this route is where Ren got most character development. The anime really did a good job with Sakura and Marie, and shiro too, although some support character looks rather bland and need more screentime, but it's fair at least.

Enjoyment 3/10:
This probably isn't the case if you watch it several times, but for the first-timer, you probably couldn't enjoy it that much... this is a kind of anime that required you to watch it several times before you could solve the twist. For those who have played the VN, they probably will enjoy it more... But yah... still not some "jawdropping" material.

Here's the deal: This show is *MUCH* better than its rating. MUCH BETTER. However, that's not to say that the criticism it receives isn't also true.

I think the plot, animation and music are pretty great overall. The supernatural Nazis in modern-day Japan plot was interesting. And the metal rock music during much of the series is a fitting touch.

It is somewhat confusing, especially early on. But they do explain things further as the series continues.

I also think some of the dialogue/monologues are kind of cheesy and unnecessary. This is a plot-driven show; I have no time for your "feelings". So I fast forwarded through those ... scenes.

Some of the MC's relationships and power-ups feel a little unearned. They often happen quickly without much training or explanation.

You will need to also watch the 6-part OVA (separate MAL listing) in order to complete this series. I think this show is worth watching if the genre is something you're typically interested in.

This Anime had so much potential it actually hurt me. The nazi theme it has going was pretty cool but man the execution of the interchanging characters/story was essentially a cluster of confusion.

Too many things going on at the same time and many things not being explained. I feel hurt because I WANTED to like it more than I did I could see the great potential within this Anime. They creators don't explain the plot to the point where the viewer is not in total darkness.

All the characters seemed pretty interesting but yet again because they don't explain enough of where the story was going ... and how it got there you don't care as much as.

The music was pretty good at least.

Stay away from this one it's not worth it.

So, I really don't know what's going on ten out of the episodes in, yet I'm enjoying it in its entirety. The characters are hard to keep track of but I know that I like them, the art is pretty phenomenal in the fact that it's so vast and crazy. Though, storywise every time I feel like I finally understand what's happening they throw some curveball out of left field at me like I'm in the writer's room and have express knowledge of backstory. This wouldn't be a problem if it served a plot device but so far it really hasn't. However, i ... still sat down and binged it so I'd say it's doing something right.

This anime doesn't make a lot of sense. You need to know that before u begin. They give u bits and pieces of the plot here and there but they're to few and far between. The story starts making a little sense late into the series but then abruptly ends. Although the last ep was very good in the action department. Actually that's how it is for most of this anime. The story doesn't make a lot of sense (until in the later episodes when u begin to understand a bit more), some characters are really fun and others are the bad kind of cliche, ... the art and sound is good and that makes the action very good.


This is based off of a Visual Novel that apparently has around 60 hours of gameplay so if u wanted to understand the story better and faster you'd have to check that out. Their are 6 more episodes in an OVA and a prequel ep but since they're separate in MAL I'll have to review these eleven episodes.


Overall the action is great and the story (when u start to understand it) is entertaining and actually has a couple twists and turns.
I found this revie

"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 was ... so 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: ★★☆☆☆

There are not many animes that look good on first sight and have interesting synopsis, but end up as something way worse than underwhelming or bad. It's just awful.

The plot was confusing and messy, however even these two words are not enough to describe how much of a trainwreck Dies Irae was to watch. Every episode generated more questions randomly popping out from newly introduced characters or themes, without of course answering most of stuff that had happened earlier.

Bad plot and chaotic writing could've been fixed a little by characters present in the show. Well, in this case they weren't. Characters are bland and act ... very often in edgy matter. Both protagonists and antagonists didn't feel realistic, relatable or even likeable.

Art style and effects? They were okayish. I had hopes to at least see good looking fights, but they were chaotic and not that good looking.
Character designs were nothing special.

Music and voice acting? Music wasn't bad, but felt to be used in random manner, as if creators thought "hey, let's put this classical music tune here, maybe it will fit what's going on on screen". Don't get me wrong, because there were moments where the music fit the visuals, but doe to chaotic plot I described earlier it's hard to tell whether most of scenes with classical music playing in the background actually fit the atmosphere.

Why such low score? I think this show deserves it. It might look good and have few moderately good looking scenes, but it can't compensate all those elements that simply were sad to look at.

Plot/Story: 6/10
The plot of "Dies irae" presents a challenge for viewers, even for seasoned veterans of the genre. It revolves around a group of characters whose lives are intertwined across generations due to the influence of gods. While the plot is interesting, it can be confusing and complex. The adaptation overall respects the franchise, but it may require some effort to fully grasp.

Animation/Design: 8/10
The animation in "Dies irae" is impressive, particularly after Episode 7. This is where the anime shines the most, especially in its intense and visually stunning fight scenes. Each encounter is a feast for the eyes, featuring expansive and destructive battlefields. The ... powers displayed by the characters are remarkable, thanks to the talented artists behind the show.

Characters: 5/10
The characters in "Dies irae" are relatively basic and predictable once the plot unfolds. While they are easy to define, their motives can remain unclear, making it challenging to fully understand why they are driven to their actions. Fortunately, by the end of the show, the characters' motivations become more apparent.

Audio/Soundtrack: 8/10
The soundtrack of "Dies irae" is a standout element, adding to the overall experience. The orchestral tracks used throughout the series fit well with the theme of the show. Despite relying on the same four tracks across all 17 episodes, the music is not tiresome and enhances the atmosphere effectively.

Honorable Mentions:
"Dies irae" showcases impressive designs reminiscent of Warhammer 40k, featuring large monsters and cathedrals.

Review Conclusion:
I recommend giving "Dies irae" a chance, but it requires patience as the show picks up its momentum later on. The late-game payoff is worth the investment. The ending may vary depending on individual preferences, so I won't spoil anything. If you're not fully engaged by Episode 9, it may be worth considering dropping the show.