Grimgar Ashes and Illusions was created by A-1 Pictures, also responsible for Fairy Tail and Sword Art Online. When Haruhiro and the others awaken, they are in the dark and have no memory of where they came from or how they got there. Grimgar, a world of fantasy, magic, hard times and special friendships.
The Story
Grimgar Ashes and Illusions is a world full of magic and monsters where surviving is not easy or for the feint of heart. Starting out, the option to become volunteer soldier trainees is given to the group. Enough silver is given to barely scrape by. Guild dues must be paid. Housing costs are to be paid if you want a roof over your head. Coppers are needed for food if you do not want to starve. Even gear and clothes cost coin. The group finds out early on just how difficult it is to survive. In order to make it you must fight. And you better catch on quickly in the art of combat if you want to live. They are constantly expanding on their skill set to stay one step ahead of their enemies, hoping not to end up in the grave like so many others before them.
Spoilers
When tragedy strikes in Grimgar it strikes hard and fast, is ruthless and unforgiving. The group leader, Manato, dies suddenly when everything seems to be falling into place for them. When the group is ambushed after resting in the old city, Manato is shot in the back with an arrow. They all make it out alive, yet Manato dies suddenly from blood loss and cannot heal himself. After Manato’s death, the group changes, morale goes down, and they start to fight with each other over little things. Haruhiro finally has had enough and steps up to bring the group together. No party is complete nor alive for long without a healer. Haruhiro decides to recruit Mary without Shihoru or Yume’s input, leaving the whole group feeling awkward and in a silent situation.
New healer, complete group, everything in order and ready to go. Cake walk right? Nope. Healer Mary has baggage and hates life and everyone in it, especially herself. Because of this the group cannot communicate effectively. She does not want to be there and she makes it ever so clear right from the start. Haruhiro struggles to get through to her, as well as make things work with the group as a unit. Haruhiro speaks to one of Mary’s former teammates. He learns of her past and finds out that she lost three friends to Death Spots in the mine. She hasn't been the same since, bouncing around from group to group never staying long. Haruhiro finally builds Mary’s self confidence enough to work as a team. They all become friends, and eventually face the very mine that she lost her former friends in.
Final Thoughts
Grimgar Ashes and Illusions is a more so realistic Isekai that aired when Isekai was not yet popular. At the time, in my opinion, it was overlooked by many and should be given a chance. It is definitely a work of art all in it’s own. I would like to see a second season, as I am a big fan of Isekai and fantasy. Now I really feel that Grimgar could have been so much more than where it was left. I would love to learn more about what the world could be. Maybe we will be blessed with a second season sometime? Wishful thinking? I hope not.
My take on this show is a must watch if you like Isekai, Fantasy, drama, or slice of life. I really enjoyed Grimgar Ashes and Illusions. I highly recommend watching it, especially if you have knocked Sword Art Online or Log Horizon off of your watch list. Both are a must in my opinion, btw!
Produced by: A-1 Pictures
Directed by: Ryosuke Nakamura
Aired: 01/11/16 - 03/28/16
Genre: Isekai, Slice of Life, Drama, Dark Fantasy
Setting: Forest, Mountains, Stone houses, Castles
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 12
Image is a screenshot from the anime: Grimgar Ashes and Illusions