Written by Mizuna Kuwabara Demographic Female | ||
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Genre Historical, Supernatural, Shōnen-ai, Melodrama, Romance Illustrated by Kazumi Toujou (novels 1-11)Shouko Hamada (novels 12-40) |
Mirage of Blaze (炎の蜃気楼[ミラージュ], Honō no Mirāju) is a Japanese light novel series written by Mizuna Kuwabara, which are published under Shueisha's Cobalt label. It was partially adapted into an anime TV series directed by Susumu Kudo in 2002 and an OVA directed by Fumie Muroi in 2004.
Contents
- Plot
- OVA
- Characters
- Anime Episode list
- OVA episode list
- Novel Volumes List
- Drama CD
- Image Album and Anime OST
- References
Difficult to classify, Mirage of Blaze is equal parts melodrama, historical, romance, and supernatural fantasy. Japanese history predominates a heavily structured plot, which mainly involves the continued aggression between magic using guardians, or "possessors," and the denizens of a "feudal underworld," or the restless souls of long-dead samurai attempting to re-ignite ancient war on the modern plane. As for the main characters; Takaya Ougi and Nobutsuna Naoe's relationship was inspired by Mozart and Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer's play "Amadeus", Jesus Christ and Judas in Osamu Dazai's short novel "Kakekomi Uttae".
Prequel series, "Honō no Mirage: Kaikou-hen <Mashiroki Zankyou> (炎の蜃気楼邂逅編 真皓き残響)" set in Sengoku period; all 15 volumes (1999-2012), "Honō no Mirage: Bakumatsu-hen (炎の蜃気楼幕末編)" set in Edo period; all 2 volumes (2009-2013), "Honō no Mirage: Shouwa-hen (炎の蜃気楼昭和編)" set in Shouwa period; 5 volumes (2014–present) are also published.
The anime television series and the OVAs have since been released in North America by Media Blasters, and both have aired on Encore Action and Encore WAM.
Prequel "Shouwa-hen" Vol.1 "Honō no Mirage Showa-hen: Yonakidori Blues(炎の蜃気楼昭和編 夜啼鳥ブルース)" has been made into a plays in Theater Sun-mall (Shinjuku, Japan) on September 17–23, 2014. Vol.3 "Honō no Mirage Showa-hen: Ruritsubame Blues(炎の蜃気楼昭和編 瑠璃燕ブルース)" also has been made into plays in Theater 1010 (Adachi, Tokyo, Japan) on October 8–13, 2015. Moreover, they are going to third stage on Octoper, 2016.
Plot
Takaya Ougi, a high school student, wants nothing more than to protect his best friend Yuzuru Narita and live a normal life. That is, until Nobutsuna Naoe, an intense and charismatic man, informs Takaya that he is in fact the reincarnation of Lord Kagetora, the adopted son of a noble samurai lord, Kenshin Uesugi. Naoe, himself a "possessor," or a soul reborn through time, reawakens Takaya's abilities to exorcise evil spirits and fight the Feudal Underworld, a collection of restless warrior spirits bent on modern-day conquest. While most possessors remember their former lives before being reincarnated, Takaya does not, and is often hostile towards any effort for the complete recovery of his memory. As the plot unfolds, the complex history of the characters and their past suggests why this is so, and the true nature of the tempestuous and somewhat ambiguous relationship between the two leads provides the backdrop for a melodrama that spans several generations of Japanese history. As they ascend to the living world to renew their ancient war, Naoe, Takaya, and two other possessors gear up to prevent that from happening.
OVA
The OVA Rebels of the River Edge (2003) has animated the book with same title. this OVA resumes the plot of the anime television series, yet incorporates several new developments, among them the question of unswerving loyalty and personal honor. Takaya is sent to Kyoto to investigate the re-awakening of the Ikko sect and Araki Murashige, a one time member of the Ikkō sect who has since deserted the clan. With the help of his vassal and fellow possessor Haruie, the two are successful in tracking him down, only to discover that Murashige is after a 400-year-old mandala (a Buddhist ritualistic artifact and meditative aid) made of the hair of the deceased Araki clansmen. Unfortunately, by the time they meet up with Murashige, Haruie recognizes him as Shintarou, her former lover in a past life. Whether it's true or not, and despite the confusing emotional complication of this development, Takaya orders Haruie to eliminate Murashige once he becomes a true threat to the balance of power. Meanwhile, Takaya finally reunites with Naoe after a prolonged period of estrangement. Unresolved sexual and psychological tension dominates their initial exchange, and it's uncertain whether these two powerful possessors will resolve their differences and work together against this latest threat.
Characters
Anime Episode list
- "Ill-Fated Destiny" (炎渦の邂逅, Enka no Kaikō) - Two high school friends discover they are the reincarnation of ancient warriors who soon realize they are locked in a deadly battle with the spirit of a long-dead evil warlord.
- "Possessor From The Darkness" (闇からの換生, Yami kara no Kanshō) - Naoe talks with Takaya about his past, the battle 400 years ago, and the awakening of Takeda Shinken.
- "An Imperfect Awakening" (無明の覚醒, Mumyō no Kakusei) - Yuzuru goes missing after the binding bracelet Naoe gives him is removed.
- "Premonition of a Chain Reaction" (連鎖の予感, Rensa no Yokan) - Takaya meets a strange woman while riding his motorcycle to school. Afterwards he learns he has a new classmate and best friend he has no memory of. Later Uesugi meets Takaya at his school and senses an ominous presence.
- "Endless Conflict" (終わりなき葛藤, Owarinaki Kattō) - Spirits from Japan's Dark Ages, known as Possessors, are reappearing in modern times. Takaya has now met two others with spirit powers, Naoe and Ayoho. They insist his body is being possessed by a powerful samurai.
- "Golden Emblem" (緋色の刻印, Hiiro no Kokuin) - Takaya's doubt meets its final test as his entire school turns into a spawning ground for the armies of the Undead.
- "Memories of Hateful Anguish" (怨嗟の記憶, Ensa no Kioku) - For the past 2 months, Takaya and Naoe have been exorcising spirits left and right. For another lovely history lesson, Naoe takes Takaya to a special place where a war rages on.
- "At the End of Obsession" (迷執の果て, Meishū no Hate) - Takaya is forced to confront his anger and mixed emotions about himself and Naoe. He must come to grips with these emotions quickly before he injures himself or someone else maliciously.
- "Endless Void" (果てしなき虚空, Hateshinaki Kioku) - Naoe searches for and confronts the evil beast Tsutsuga.
- "Sorrowful Betrayal" (哀しい背信, Kanashī Haishin) - Unable to accept his alternate identity, Takaya meets with Ujiteru Hojo, Kagetora's brother, and he is forced to remember his past with Naoe.
- "Eternal Blaze" (永遠の業火, Towa no Gouka) - The Hojo clan begins a cataclysmic plan to take over Nikko. They've kidnapped Yuzuru and plan to burn him alive to release a burst of spiritual energy.
- "Choices of Conflict" (修羅の選択, Shura no Sentaku) - An unexpected answer is given to Lord Ujiasu's proposal.
- "Twilight of Beyond" (遥かなる残照, Harukanaru Zanshō) - Naoe and Takaya search for the Tsutsuga mirrors to destroy them.
OVA episode list
- "Chapter 1 - Dearest Wish" (第一章 悲願, Higan)
- "Chapter 2 - Tiger's Eye" (第二章 タイガース・アイ, Taigāsu Ai)
- "Chapter 3 - Wind of the River's Edge" (第三章 みなぎわの風, Minagiwa no Kaze)
Novel Volumes List
- "Mirage of Blaze" (炎の蜃気楼, Honō no Mirage)
- "Traces of Scarlet" (緋の残影, Aka no Zanei)
- "Glass Lullaby" (ガラスの子守歌, Garasu no Komoriuta)
- "Amber Meteoric Swarm" (琥珀の流星群, Kohaku no Ryūseigun)
- "Dragon God of Mahoroba" (まほろばの龍神, Mahoroba no Ryūjin)
- "Fragment - For You, My Beloved" (断章-最愛のあなたへ, Danshō- Saiai no Anata e)
- "The Supreme Ruler's Demonic Mirror (Part 1)" (覇者の魔鏡(前編), Hasha no Makyō Zenpen)
- "The Supreme Ruler's Demonic Mirror (Part 2)" (覇者の魔鏡(中編), Hasha no Makyō Chūhen)
- "The Supreme Ruler's Demonic Mirror (Part 3)" (覇者の魔鏡(後編), Hasha no Makyō Kōhen)
- "Rebels of the River Edge" (みなぎわの反逆者, Minagiwa no Hangyakusha)
- "Youkihi the Sea Goddess (Part 1)" (わだつみの楊貴妃(前編), Wadatsumi no Yōkihi Zenpen)
- "Youkihi the Sea Goddess (Part 2)" (わだつみの楊貴妃(中編), Wadatsumi no Yōkihi Chūhen)
- "Youkihi the Sea Goddess (Part 3)" (わだつみの楊貴妃(後編), Wadatsumi no Yōkihi Kōhen)
- "The Windhole to the Underworld (Part 1)" (黄泉への風穴(前編), Yomi e no Fūketsu)
- "The Windhole to the Underworld (Part 2)" (黄泉への風穴(後編), Yomi e no Fūketsu)
- "Kingdom of the Fire Wheel (Part 1)" (火輪の王国(前編), Karin no Ōkoku Zenpen)
- "Kingdom of the Fire Wheel (Part 2)" (火輪の王国(中編), Karin no Ōkoku Chūhen)
- "Kingdom of the Fire Wheel (Part 3)" (火輪の王国(後編), Karin no Ōkoku Kōhen)
- "Kingdom of the Fire Wheel - the Violent Wind" (火輪の王国(烈風編), Karin no Ōkoku Reppū-hen)
- "Kingdom of the Fire Wheel - the Intense Wave" (火輪の王国(烈濤編), Karin no Ōkoku Rettō-hen)
- "Embrace the Cross to Sleep" (十字架を抱いて眠れ, Jūjika o Daite Nemure)
- "Fragment - Abandoned Suffering" (砂漠殉教, Sabaku Junkyō)
- "Rupture of the Star's Destiny" (裂命の星, Retsumyō no Hoshi)
- "The Fascinating Pioneer" (魁の蠱, Sakigake no Mushi)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the Blue Sea" (怨讐の門 (青海編), Onshū no Mon Ōmi-hen)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the Crimson Sky" (怨讐の門(赤空編), Onshū no Mon Akasora-hen)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the White Thunder" (怨讐の門(白雷編), Onshū no Mon Hakurai-hen)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the Black Sun" (怨讐の門(黒陽編), Onshū no Mon Kokuyō-hen)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the Yellow Earth" (怨讐の門(黄壤編), Onshū no Mon Kōjō-hen)
- "Gate of Vengeance - the Damaged Earth" (怨讐の門(破壤編), Onshū no Mon Hajō-hen)
- "The Eternal Pure Land" (無間浄土, Mukan Jōdo)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations I - the Nachi chapter" (燿変黙示録I(那智の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku I Nachi no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations II - the Futsu chapter" (燿変黙示録II(布都の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku II Futsu no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations III - the Yata chapter" (燿変黙示録III(八咫の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku III Yata no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations IV - the Jinmu chapter" (燿変黙示録IV(神武の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku IV Jinmu no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations V - the Demon chapter" (燿変黙示録V(天魔の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku V Tenma no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations VI - the Fire Rebellion chapter" (燿変黙示録VI(乱火の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku VI Ranka no Shō)
- "The Twinkle Book of Revelations VII - the Murky Destruction chapter" (燿変黙示録VII(濁破の章), Yōhen Mokushiroku VII Dakuha no Shō)
- "Tolling the Bells of Revolution" (革命の鐘は鳴る, Kakumei no Kane wa Naru)
- "The Forelocks of Asura" (阿修羅の前髪, Ashura no Maegami)
- "Battlefield of the Thunder" (神鳴りの戦場, Kaminari no Ikusaba)
- "Beyond 100 Billion Nights" (千億の夜をこえて, Senoku no Yoru o Koete)
Extra
- "Exaudi nos" (アウディ・ノス)
- "Ultramarine" (群青, Gunjō)
- "Reverse the Crimson Flag" (真紅の旗をひるがえせ, Shinku no Hata o Hirugaese)
- "Mirage of Blaze Memorial" (炎の蜃気楼メモリアル, Honō no Mirage Memorial)
- "The Red Whales set to fly, the Vidro Kids" (赤い鯨とびいどろ童子, Akai Kujira to Bīdoro Dōji)
Drama CD
- "Dragon God of Mahoroba" (まほろばの龍神, Mahoroba no Ryūjin) , 1992
- "For You, My Beloved" (最愛のあなたへ, Saiai no Anata e) , 1993
- "NIGHT WINGS" (この夜に、翼を -NIGHT WINGS-, Kono Yoru ni, Tsubasa o) , 1994
- "For Whom the Eagle Flies" (鷲よ、誰がために飛ぶ, Washi yo, Tagatame ni Tobu) , 1997
The main voice actors in the drama CD series and the anime series (Japanese ver) are same. Besides, "Cobalt Tokimeki Telephone(コバルトときめきテレフォン)" that short stories or drama CDs which Seki Toshihiko and Sho Hayami reading the novels are made for premiums by Cobalt's all the applicants service.
Image Album and Anime OST
Mai Yamane (as Kathy Shower), Naoto Fuuga also sang image songs in the albums.
Image Album
- - MIRAGE OF BLAZE - (炎の蜃気楼 ―MIRAGE OF BLAZE―, Honō no Mirage - MIRAGE OF BLAZE -) , 1993
- Mirage of Blaze Off Vocal Version (炎の蜃気楼 OFF VOCAL VERSION, Honō no Mirage Off Vocal Version) (Karaoke ver of 1st Album), 1995
- Mirage of Blaze II - Youkihi the Sea Goddess - (炎の蜃気楼II―わだつみの楊貴妃―, Honō no Mirage II - Wadatsumi no Yōkihi -) , 1995
- Mirage of Blaze II - From Kingdom of the Fire Wheel - (炎の蜃気楼III~火輪の王国より~, Honō no Mirage III - Karin no Ōkoku Yori -) , 1996
- Mirage of Blaze IV - Obsessive love - (Vocal Collection) (炎の蜃気楼IV―執愛―(ヴォーカル・コレクション), Honō no Mirage IV - Shūai -) , 1998
- Mirage of Blaze Off Vocal Collection (炎の蜃気楼 OFF VOCAL COLLECTION, Honō no Mirage Off Vocal Collection) (Karaoke ver of All Image Album songs), 1998
- Mirage of Blaze SPECIAL CD COLLECTION (炎の蜃気楼 SPECIAL CD COLLECTION, Honō no Mirage SPECIAL CD COLLECTION) (Complete Album Collection of all Image Albums), 2002
Anime OST
- Mirage of Blaze Original Soundtrack (炎の蜃気楼 オリジナルサウンド・トラック, Honō no Mirage Original Sound Track), 2002
- Mirage of Blaze- Rebels of the River Edge Original Soundtrack (みなぎわの反逆者 オリジナルサウンド・トラック, Honō no Mirage- Minagiwa no Hangyakusha Original Sound Track), 2004