Honô no mirâju

I had never heard anything about it or seen anything about it. I bought the boxed set (the deluxe edition of course!!) That was the first time I watched it. I love it and watch it all the time. My husband hates anime. He really got into it. He said this one isn't bad at all! I also love all the voices. Both Japanese and English.

I love the characters and everything they go through. The lives of the characters, their relationship with each other, how they all come together and develop a fascinating story. Mirage of Blaze has left me with feelings of happiness. I even love some of the bad guys!! Mirage of Blaze is fast paced and very exciting from the get go. Each episode grabs you and doesn't let go. I want more......

My very favorite anime; my only complaint is that it was way too short.

Takaya is a sullen and distant high school student whose world is turned upside-down when he meets a monk named Naoe, who informs him they are the reincarnations of samurai lords destined to protect Japan from other clans that have returned to possess the living. It starts out as your basic supernatural, high-school-adventure, then takes a hard turn into serious drama and angst around episode 7. I like the way it turned out, personally, but if you have a problem with yaoi (male/male relationships), you should probably avoid this one.

Based on a long series of light novels (that have sadly yet to be translated), Mirage of Blaze runs for 13 episodes and a 3-part OVA, and is outstanding for its excellent voice acting, beautiful imagery and truly compelling, heartbreaking story. You will lose your heart to these characters and sniffle when they leave you. My only caution is please, PLEASE, watch it in Japanese with subtitles. The English dub is AWFUL.