Buso Renkin
{{Short description|Japanese manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = Buso Renkin 1.png
| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Tokiko Tsumura (left) and Kazuki Muto
| ja_kanji = 武装錬金
| ja_romaji = Busō Renkin
| genre = {{ubl|Adventure{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/buso-renkin|title=The Official Website for Buso Renkin|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-date=February 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220064021/https://www.viz.com/buso-renkin|url-status=live}}|Science fiction|Supernatural{{cite web|title=Viz Launches Six More Titles Into the Digital Realm|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/22451/viz-launches-six-more-titles-into-digital-realm|website=ICv2|access-date=April 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424055610/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/22451/viz-launches-six-more-titles-into-digital-realm|archive-date=April 24, 2025|date=March 20, 2012|url-status=live}}}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| author = Nobuhiro Watsuki
| publisher = Shueisha
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| NA/UK| Viz Media}}
| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}
| imprint = Jump Comics
| magazine = Weekly Shōnen Jump
| first = June 23, 2003
| last = April 25, 2005
| volumes = 10
| volume_list = List of Buso Renkin chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| director = Takao Kato
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|NA= Viz Media|UK= Manga Entertainment|AUS= Madman Entertainment}}
| producer = {{plainlist|
- Hiroyuki Yonemasu
- Makoto Ōyoshi
- Nobuhiro Nakayama
- Shin'ichi Ikeda
}}
| writer = Akatsuki Yamatoya
| music = Kohei Tanaka
| studio = Xebec
| network_en = {{English anime network|US= Funimation Channel|NA= Neon Alley|SEA=Animax}}
| first = October 5, 2006
| last = March 29, 2007{{efn|The official website of Buso Renkin informs episodes aired between October 4, 2006, and March 28, 2007 at the 25:00 AM timeslot.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219192618/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/episode01.html|archive-date=February 19, 2009|url=http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/episode01.html|title=Episode 1|publisher=Xebec|language=ja|access-date=May 9, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306203027/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/episode26.html|archive-date=March 6, 2009|url=http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/episode26.html|title=Episode 26|publisher=Xebec|language=ja|access-date=May 9, 2010|url-status=dead}} This, technically, means that the show was broadcast always a day later than what is featured on the site.|name=broadcast}}
| episodes = 26
| episode_list = List of Buso Renkin episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = light novel
| author = Kaoru Kurosaki
| illustrator = Nobuhiro Watsuki
| publisher = Shueisha
| demographic = Male
| imprint = Jump J-Books
| first = October 30, 2006
| last = May 25, 2007
| volumes = 2
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}
{{nihongo|Buso Renkin|武装錬金|Busō Renkin|{{translation|literal=yes}} "Alchemical Weapons"|lead=yes}} is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It was serialized in publisher Shueisha's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from June 2003 to April 2005. The individual chapters were republished by Shueisha in ten {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} (bound volumes). It follows Kazuki Muto, who becomes an alchemical warrior in the battle against alchemical monsters known as homunculi. Watsuki envisioned the manga as his last {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga, and then he tried to do as much as he could with that genre. The series has been licensed by Viz Media for North American release.
The manga has been adapted into an anime television series, which was produced by studio Xebec and was broadcast on Japanese television network TV Tokyo from 2006 to 2007. In December 2007, the anime was announced for North American DVD release by Viz Media. In 2009, the series made its American television debut on the Funimation Channel, with American broadcast rights acquired by Funimation from Viz Media. The series has also spawned two drama CDs, two light novels, a PlayStation 2 video game, and many types of Buso Renkin-themed merchandise.
In Japan, the Buso Renkin manga has sold over 3 million volumes and was nominated for the science fiction works focused Seiun Award. It received a mixed reception from manga and anime publications. Watsuki's art received the most positive comments from reviewers, while other aspects of the manga, such as its action and characters, have divided critics' opinions. The anime, which critics described as a generic {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} fighting series, received mostly negative reception.
Plot
{{see also|List of Buso Renkin characters{{!}}List of Buso Renkin characters}}
The series follows Kazuki Muto, who saves Tokiko Tsumura and is killed by an alchemical monster known as a homunculus. Tokiko, an alchemist warrior, feels responsible and revives him by replacing his destroyed heart with a {{nihongo4|kakugane|核鉄}}. The kakugane is an alchemical device which, when activated, takes a weapon form based on its user's personality, forming a buso renkin{{mdash}}the only thing that can destroy a homunculus. Kazuki creates his own buso renkin and joins Tokiko in the fight against the homunculi and their master, Koushaku Chouno. Chouno, who has renamed himself "Papillon", is killed by Kazuki, but is later resurrected by the L.X.E., a humanoid homunculi group led by Chouno's great-great-grandfather Bakushaku Chouno, now calling himself Dr. Butterfly. In various battles, Kazuki, Tokiko and Captain Bravo (their team leader) destroy most of the L.X.E.'s members. After learning that Dr. Butterfly believes him to be weak and useless, Papillon rebels against the L.X.E. and kills Dr. Butterfly.
Before his death, Dr. Butterfly drains the energy of the students at Kazuki's school to heal and revive Victor, a being superior to humans and homunculi. Victor is confronted by Kazuki, but Victor is not interested in fighting and leaves. During the battle, however, Kazuki's kakugane is revealed to be the same type as the Victor's—a black kakugane created by the Alchemist Army as a prototype to the philosopher's stone. The black kakugane absorbs human life forces; to prevent this from happening, Kazuki's death is ordered by the Alchemist Army. Captain Bravo tries to kill Kazuki, but Tokiko finds him alive. A team is commissioned to confirm Kazuki's death, but Kazuki, Tokiko and Gouta Nakamura (an Alchemist Warrior and former protégé of Tokiko's) fight their way past the members of the Re-Extermination Squad. Later, Kazuki's death is postponed because, as the Alchemists' leader explains, their top priority is to defeat Victor.
Kazuki and Tokiko find the white kakugane, which can negate the effects of the black kakugane and is guarded by Victor's daughter Victoria, who is herself a humanoid homunculus. During the Alchemist Army's final battle against Victor, Kazuki applies the white kakugane to Victor, but it only weakens him. To protect humankind from both of them, Kazuki propels himself and Victor to the moon. Later, Papillion creates a white kakugane to heal Kazuki. The Alchemist Army rescues Kazuki, creates another white kakugane and restores Victor's humanity. Reunited with his daughter, Victor asks the Alchemist Army to turn him into a homunculus and tells them that he and his daughter will lead all the homunculi to the moon. The Alchemist Army dedicates itself to research a way to revert homunculi back into humans, ending their war activities. All Warriors abdicate their kakugane. Kazuki and Tokiko return to their daily lives together while Papillon becomes an urban legend throughout Japan.
Production
{{see also|List of Buso Renkin characters#Creation and conception{{!}}List of Buso Renkin characters#Creation and conception}}
Nobuhiro Watsuki started writing Buso Renkin thinking it would be his last {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga; he tried to do "everything [he] ever wanted" with that genre. He unexpectedly experienced problems drawing the manga's fight scenes and said he "struggled with the comedic elements".{{cite book|last=Watsuki|first=Nobuhiro|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 10|publisher=Viz Media|date=February 5, 2008|chapter=Afterward|pages=182–183|isbn=978-1-4215-1542-7}} Watsuki drew references from several sources in Buso Renkin; from his past works Rurouni Kenshin{{cite book|last=Watsuki|first=Nobuhiro|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 1|publisher=Viz Media|date=August 1, 2006|chapter=Character File No. 1|isbn=1-4215-0615-7|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421506159}} and Gun Blaze West{{cite book|last=Watsuki|first=Nobuhiro|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 10|publisher=Viz Media|date=February 5, 2008|chapter=Buso Renkin File No. 20|isbn=978-1-4215-1542-7}} to American comics,{{cite book|last=Watsuki|first=Nobuhiro|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 10|publisher=Viz Media|date=February 5, 2008|chapter=Buso Renkin File No. 22|isbn=978-1-4215-1542-7}} and from films to other anime and manga.{{cite book|last=Watsuki|first=Nobuhiro|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 6|publisher=Viz Media|date=June 5, 2007|chapter=Liner Notes #46 ~ 49|isbn=978-1-4215-0842-9|url=https://archive.org/details/busorenkinvol6ne0000wats}} Despite dealing with alchemy, Watsuki initially avoided mentioning the philosopher's stone because he thought he could be accused of plagiarizing another series. He could not omit mentioning it, but he said that it is "general knowledge". During the series' publication, Watsuki had four severe colds; the fourth cold made him so weak that he could not finish the chapter he was due to send to Weekly Shōnen Jump.
Manga
{{main article|List of Buso Renkin chapters{{!}}List of Buso Renkin chapters}}
The chapters of Buso Renkin were written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki and were serialized in Shueisha's {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from June 23, 2003,{{cite web|url=http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2003/30.html|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ 2003年 Vol. 30|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=January 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129151357/http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2003/30.html|archive-date=January 29, 2008}} to April 25, 2005.{{efn|Published until the magazine's combined 21st–22nd issue of 2005 (cover date May 9),{{cite web|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ 2005年21・22合併号|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M543059|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=October 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003210848/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M543059|archive-date=October 3, 2023|language=ja|url-status=live}} released on April 25 of that same year.{{cite web|url=http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2005/22.html|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ 2003年 Vol. 21・22|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205071156/http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2005/22.html|archive-date=February 5, 2008}}}} The first 79 chapters were serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump; the final chapter was published in another magazine from Shueisha in two installments.{{cite book|title=Buso Renkin, Volume 9|publisher=Viz Media|date=December 4, 2007|isbn=978-1-4215-1047-7|chapter=Liner Notes #74 ~ Last Chapter}}{{cite book|title=Buso Renkin, Volume 10|publisher=Viz Media|date=February 5, 2008|isbn=978-1-4215-1542-7|chapter=Liner Notes: Buso Renkin: Period}} Shueisha published the individual chapters in a series of ten {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} (collected volumes), which were released between January 5, 2004, and April 4, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-873557-9|script-title=ja:武装錬金 1|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107130451/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-873557-9|archive-date=January 7, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-874019-X|script-title=ja:武装錬金 10|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107130504/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-874019-X|archive-date=January 7, 2012}}
In North America, Viz Media released the manga's ten tankōbon volumes between August 1, 2006, and February 5, 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/product/buso-renkin-vol-1/5876|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 1|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043329/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/product/buso-renkin-vol-1/5876|archive-date=December 23, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/product/buso-renkin-vol-10/6812|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 10|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043102/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/product/buso-renkin-vol-10/6812|archive-date=December 23, 2017|url-status=live}} In March 2012, Viz also made the manga available digitally through its Viz Manga App for the iPad and other iOS devices.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-03-21/viz-reissues-loveless-in-omnibus-6-titles-digitally|title=Viz Reissues Loveless in Omnibus, 6 Titles Digitally|author=Loo, Egan|date=March 21, 2012|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 30, 2019|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104023851/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-03-21/viz-reissues-loveless-in-omnibus-6-titles-digitally|url-status=live}}
The manga has been licensed in Brazil by Editora JBC,{{cite web|url=http://mangasjbc.uol.com.br/titulos/buso-renkin/|title=Mangá Buso Renkin|publisher=Editora JBC|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209084629/http://mangasjbc.uol.com.br/titulos/buso-renkin/|archive-date=February 9, 2014}} France by Glénat,{{cite web|url=http://www.glenatmanga.com/buso-renkin-tome-10-9782723458245.htm|title=Buso Renkin - Tome 10|publisher=Glénat|language=fr|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707235556/http://www.glenatmanga.com/buso-renkin-tome-10-9782723458245.htm|archive-date=July 7, 2014|url-status=live}} in Germany by Tokyopop Germany,{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyopop.de/buecher/manga/buso_renkin/band10.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512033632/http://www.tokyopop.de/buecher/manga/buso_renkin/band10.php|archive-date=May 12, 2009|title=Buso Renkin - Band 10|publisher=Tokyopop Germany|language=de|access-date=February 13, 2014}} in Italy by Panini Comics,{{cite web|url=http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/collane_dettaglio?id=13511|title=Il Guerriero Alchemico|publisher=Panini Comics|language=it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111023339/http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/collane_dettaglio?id=13511|archive-date=January 11, 2014}} and in Spain by Planeta DeLibros.{{cite book|url=https://www.planetadelibros.com/libro-armamento-alquimista-n-1010/66992|title=Armamento Alquimista nº 10/10|publisher=PlanetadeLibros|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716092006/http://www.planetadelibros.com/armamento-alquimista-n-1010-libro-66992.html|archive-date=July 16, 2015|url-status=live}}
Anime adaptation
{{Main article|List of Buso Renkin episodes{{!}}List of Buso Renkin episodes}}
In Japan, the Buso Renkin manga was adapted into an anime series which ran on TV Tokyo; it was directed by Takao Kato, written by Akatsuki Yamatoya, and produced by Xebec.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226072153/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/|archive-date=December 26, 2009|url=http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/|title=Buso Renkin official website|publisher=Xebec|language=ja|access-date=January 15, 2010|url-status=dead}} Buso Renkin aired for 26 episodes between October 5, 2006, and March 29, 2007.{{cite web|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C12605|title=武装錬金|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=January 13, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209031311/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C12605|url-status=live}}{{efn|name=broadcast}} The episodes were later released by Geneon Universal Entertainment in nine DVD compilations between January 25, 2007, and September 21, 2007.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401193758/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/video.html|archive-date=April 1, 2009|url=http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/video.html|title=Buso Renkin DVDs|date=November 13, 2009|publisher=Xebec|language=ja|access-date=May 8, 2010|url-status=dead}} DVD box sets containing all twenty-six episodes were released on November 26, 2009,{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=13361|script-title=ja:武装錬金 DVD-Box|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222151638/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=13361|archive-date=February 22, 2014}} and on February 27, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=19163|script-title=ja:武装錬金 DVD_SET|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223124/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=19163|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} Geneon Universal Entertainment released an animation soundtrack CD for Buso Renkin on January 25, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10788|script-title=ja:武装錬金オリジナルサウンドトラック|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714210244/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10788|archive-date=July 14, 2014}}
On December 8, 2007, Viz Media announced the release of the English dub, which would be released in two DVD sets of thirteen episodes each.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203150440/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/viz-media|archive-date=December 3, 2008|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/viz-media|title=New York Anime Festival and ICv2 Conference on Anime and Manga|author=Koulikov, Mikhail|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 14, 2010|url-status=live}} The first set containing episodes one to thirteen was released on April 29, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/buso-renkin-video-box-sets-volume-1/7485|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 1 (DVD Box Set)|publisher=Viz Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224091904/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/buso-renkin-video-box-sets-volume-2/7862|archive-date=December 24, 2013}} The second set containing episodes fourteen to twenty-six was released on October 7, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/buso-renkin-video-box-sets-volume-2/7862|title=Buso Renkin, Vol. 2 (DVD Box Set)|publisher=Viz Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224091904/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/buso-renkin-video-box-sets-volume-2/7862|archive-date=December 24, 2013}} Funimation launched Buso Renkin on their Funimation Channel on April 27, 2009, marking the series' American television debut.{{Cite web|url=http://www.funimationchannel.com/schedule/1_e918.htm|title=Mon 27 Apr 2009-Sun 3 May 2009: Time zone: USA Eastern|publisher=Funimation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420065018/http://www.funimationchannel.com/schedule/1_e918.htm|archive-date=April 20, 2009}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-04-16/viz-media-licenses-five-top-animated-series-to-funimation-channel-for-us-television-launch|title=5 Viz Series Launch On Funimation Channel Marking American TV Debut|date=April 16, 2009|publisher=Viz Media|via=Anime News Network|access-date=December 31, 2015|archive-date=February 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223011145/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-04-16/viz-media-licenses-five-top-animated-series-to-funimation-channel-for-us-television-launch|url-status=live}} On December 20, 2009, the first three episodes from the series were officially uploaded to Hulu and Viz Media's portal.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606192602/http://www.vizanime.com/news?page=3&series=buso-renkin|archive-date=June 6, 2011|url=http://www.vizanime.com/news?page=3&series=buso-renkin|title=Buso Renkin episodes 1–12|publisher=Viz Media}} Two episodes were uploaded weekly thereafter; the final episode was uploaded on March 8, 2010.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106123658/http://www.vizanime.com/news?page=2&series=buso-renkin|archive-date=January 6, 2011|url=http://www.vizanime.com/news?page=2&series=buso-renkin|title=Buso Renkin episodes 13–20|publisher=Viz Media}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105220452/http://www.vizanime.com/news?series=buso-renkin|archive-date=January 5, 2011|url=http://www.vizanime.com/news?page=1&series=buso-renkin|title=Buso Renkin episodes 21–26|publisher=Viz Media}} Beginning on October 2, 2012, Buso Renkin was streamed on Neon Alley.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018090348/http://www.neonalley.com/neonalley_schedule.pdf|archive-date=October 18, 2012|url=http://www.neonalley.com/neonalley_schedule.pdf|title=Neon Alley October 1–18, 2012 schedule|publisher=Neon Alley|access-date=June 4, 2013}} Manga Entertainment released the series in the United Kingdom on two DVD box sets between August 11, 2008, and October 6, 2008, and later rereleased on a "complete series" edition on June 8, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00198QRJA|title=Buso Renkin Vol.1 [DVD]|date=11 August 2008|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=July 19, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001B182NE|title=Buso Renkin Vol.2 [DVD]|date=6 October 2008|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=July 19, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001U3EOKS|title=Buso Renkin - Complete Series|date=8 June 2009|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=July 19, 2019}} Madman Entertainment released two DVD box sets of the series in the PAL region between May 20, 2009, and August 19, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?method=view&releaseId=12027|title=Buso Renkin Collection 1|publisher=Madman Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026103612/http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?method=view&releaseId=12027|archive-date=October 26, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?method=view&releaseId=12028|title=Buso Renkin Collection 2|publisher=Madman Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026110300/http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?method=view&releaseId=12028|archive-date=October 26, 2009}} In October 2017, Tubi TV added Buso Renkin to its catalogue.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-10-03/tubi-tv-to-simulcast-infini-t-force-anime/.122173|title=Tubi TV to Simulcast Infini-T Force Anime|author=Ressler, Karen|date=October 3, 2017|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 30, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113141130/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-10-03/tubi-tv-to-simulcast-infini-t-force-anime/.122173|url-status=live}}
Related media
Shueisha released two drama CDs for Buso Renkin. The first CD was released on May 26, 2005,{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-901143-4&mode=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009115340/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-901143-4&mode=1|archive-date=October 9, 2006|title=武装錬金 ドラマCD|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja}} and the second CD was released on October 6, 2006.{{Cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-901148-5&mode=1|title=武装錬金 ドラマCD 2|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009101836/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-901148-5&mode=1|archive-date=October 9, 2006}} It also released two "Expert CDs", which features the radio drama, opening and ending themes and unreleased soundtrack songs. The first CD, Expert CD 1, was released on March 28, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11033|title=武装錬金EXPERT-CD1|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714230914/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11033|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} The second CD, Expert CD 2, was released on June 8, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11080|title=武装錬金EXPERT-CD2|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715000634/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11080|archive-date=July 15, 2014}}
Two light novels were written by Kaoru Kurosaki, illustrated by Watsuki, and published under the Jump J-Books imprint by Shueisha. The first one, {{nihongo4|Buso Renkin Double Slash|武装錬金//}}, was published on October 31, 2006, and {{nihongo4|Buso Renkin Slash Zeta|武装錬金/Z}} was released on May 25, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-703171-3|script-title=ja:武装錬金／／|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707121600/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-703171-3|archive-date=July 7, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-703180-5|title=武装錬金／Z|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410003220/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-703180-5|archive-date=April 10, 2009}} A guidebook titled Buso Renkin Infinity was published by Shueisha on May 2, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.busourenkin.com/item03.html|title=Books|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214091537/http://www.busourenkin.com/item03.html|archive-date=February 14, 2008|publisher=Busourenkin.com|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014}}
Two Nintendo DS fighting games, Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars, have featured characters from the series with only Kazuki being its sole playable character.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajsj/char15.html|script-title=ja:武装錬金 - キャラクター紹介|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=January 10, 2014|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817103917/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajsj/char15.html|archive-date=August 17, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajuj/character/chara_28.html|title=Jump Ultimate Stars - 武装錬金|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=January 10, 2014|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311014128/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajuj/character/chara_28.html|archive-date=March 11, 2007|url-status=live}} A PlayStation 2 hack and slash video game developed and published by Marvelous Entertainment was released on June 28, 2007, under the title {{nihongo4|Buso Renkin - Welcome to Papillon Park|武装錬金 ようこそパピヨンパークへ|Buso Renkin Youkoso Papillon Park e}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.busourenkin.com/item06.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214091544/http://www.busourenkin.com/item06.html|archive-date=February 14, 2008|publisher=Busourenkin.com|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014|title=Game}} In Japan, action figures, T-shirts, a trading card game series, key chains, straps, and a variety of other products were sold as merchandise for the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.busourenkin.com/item04.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131123702/http://www.busourenkin.com/item04.html|archive-date=January 31, 2008|title=Goods|publisher=Busourenkin.com|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014}}
Reception
=Public response and awards=
In Japan, Buso Renkin has sold over three million volumes.{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11316|title=武装錬金 VIII|publisher=Geneon Universal Entertainment|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111024910/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=11316|archive-date=January 11, 2014}} In North America, the first volume has featured in the best-selling graphic novel ranking of Nielsen BookScan,{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-08-14/top-10-selling-graphic-novels-for-week-ending-august-6|title=Top 10 Selling Graphic Novels For Week Ending August 6|date=August 14, 2006|author=Macdonald, Christopher|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912120346/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-08-14/top-10-selling-graphic-novels-for-week-ending-august-6|archive-date=September 12, 2014|url-status=live}} and the fourth volume of the series was the seventh best-selling comic book of March 2007, according to Publishers Weekly.{{cite web|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6422020.html?nid=2789|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311175729/http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6422020.html?nid=2789|archive-date=March 11, 2007|title=Comics Bestsellers: March|date=March 6, 2007|work=Publishers Weekly|access-date=January 10, 2014}} In the same year, it was nominated for the Seiun Award for best science fiction comic title of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.sf-fan.gr.jp/awards/2007.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406182617/http://www.sf-fan.gr.jp/awards/2007.html|archive-date=April 6, 2007|script-title=ja:2007年星雲賞|publisher=Nihon SF Taikai|language=ja|access-date=January 10, 2014}}
=Critical response=
The manga's critical reaction has been mixed. Most critics reached a consensus regarding the high quality of its art, describing it as "crisp", "solid", and "clean and well done".{{cite web|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2008/04/12/buso-renkin-vol-1/|title=Buso Renkin Vol. 1|author=Scholes, Sandra|date=April 12, 2008|website=Active Anime|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208151525/http://activeanime.com/html/2008/04/12/buso-renkin-vol-1/|archive-date=December 8, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Aronson|first=Michael|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/BusoRenkinv1.htm|title=Buso Renkin v1|work=Manga Life|publisher=Silver Bullet Comics|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014033401/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/BusoRenkinv1.htm|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/busorenkin001.html|title=Buso Renkin: Volume 8|author=Douresseaux, Leroy|date=September 16, 2007|publisher=Comic Book Bin|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005072808/http://www.comicbookbin.com/busorenkin001.html|archive-date=October 5, 2007|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=4841|title=Buso Renkin Vol. 1|date=September 1, 2006|author=Dragoon, Leigh|publisher=Sequential Tart|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115039/http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=4841|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Other aspects of the series have divided critics' opinions. Manga Life's Michael Aronson praised the enemy designs, while Carlo Santos of Anime News Network (ANN) criticized them, adding the series "is not much fun to read, and certainly no fun to look at".{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2007-02-20|title=Hikikomori Festival - Right Turn Only!!|author=Santos, Carlo|date=February 20, 2007|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709044628/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2007-02-20|archive-date=July 9, 2014|url-status=live}} Writing for Active Anime, Sandra Scholes found points of interest in the series' story, and praised its action. Santos said the action "got all the drive and excitement of {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} action", and Comic Book Bin's Leroy Douresseaux called the series "a mixture of Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, but filled with even more weirdness".
Aronson said the storytelling and action needed "clarity". Leigh Dragoon from Sequential Tart described Buso Renkin as "derivative" and "hackneyed", and called the characters "completely forgettable". Conversely, Patti Martinson writing for the same site said that they "are distinctive and interesting". Martinson noted "the complexity of the plot", though she said it is not difficult to follow. She added there was "a lot of strong material" that can be developed throughout the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=5647|title=Buso Renkin Vol. 7|date=September 1, 2006|author=Martinson, Patti|publisher=Sequential Tart|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115043/http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=5647|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Holly Ellingwood praised the final volume, stating that Watsuki did "a fabulous job of covering all fronts and the various characters, juggling them effectively" and that it ends "in an amazing way".{{cite web|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2008/02/05/buso-renkin-vol-10/|title=Buso Renkin Vol. 10|author=Ellingwood, Holly|date=February 5, 2008|publisher=Active Anime|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205101033/http://activeanime.com/html/2008/02/05/buso-renkin-vol-10/|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}}
The anime was met with mostly negative critical reception. ANN critic Zac Bertschy said Buso Renkin "isn't anything special", criticizing the "threadbare plot exposition" and its clichés, but praised the way it "get[s] right to the action".{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2006-10-22|title=The Fall 2006 Anime Preview Guide|author1=Bertschy, Zac|author2=Harper, Melissa|author3=Martin, Theron|author4=Santos, Carlo|author5=Kimlinger, Carl|date=October 22, 2006|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709075438/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2006-10-22|archive-date=July 9, 2014|url-status=live}} Writing for ANN, Luke Carroll stated the series is generic and that it became "[a] bit more tolerable ... during its light-hearted moments".{{Cite web|last=Carroll|first=Luke|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin-collection-1|title=Buso Renkin - Collection 1|website=Anime News Network|date=September 8, 2009|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712115635/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin-collection-1|archive-date=July 12, 2014|url-status=live}} Although ANN's Carl Kimlinger said the anime follows the "{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} fighting formula", he praised Tokiko's characterization, saying it is one characteristic that distinguish the series.{{Cite web|last=Kimlinger|first=Carl|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin/dvd-set-1|title=Buso Renkin DVD - Set 1|website=Anime News Network|date=May 20, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919074834/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin/dvd-set-1|archive-date=September 19, 2014|url-status=live}} Kimlinger also praised the way it "improves considerably" because of its twists in the plot.{{Cite web|last=Kimlinger|first=Carl|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin/dvd-set-2|title=Buso Renkin DVD - Set 2|website=Anime News Network|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712143355/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/buso-renkin/dvd-set-2|archive-date=July 12, 2014|url-status=live}} UK Anime Network's Andy Hanley also called it "generic" at the start, but said it "has a fairly decent stab" in the second half.{{cite web|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Buso_Renkin_Vol._1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103051737/http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Buso_Renkin_Vol._1.html|archive-date=November 3, 2012|title=Anime Review: Buso Renkin Vol. 1|date=September 4, 2008|author=Hanely, Andy|publisher=UK Anime Network|access-date=February 19, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Buso_Renkin_Vol._2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103051808/http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Buso_Renkin_Vol._2.html|archive-date=November 3, 2012|title=Anime Review: Buso Renkin Vol. 2|author=Hanely, Andy|date=October 30, 2008|publisher=UK Anime Network|access-date=February 19, 2014}} Chris Beveridge of Mania praised the balance between the humor and the "lighter side", and stated that Buso Renkin "took the clichés and obviousness of ideas and ran with it in an engaging and fun manner".{{Cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|url=http://www.mania.com/buso-renkin-box-set-1_article_80045.html|title=Buso Renkin Box Set 1|publisher=Mania|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222041826/http://www.mania.com/buso-renkin-box-set-1_article_80045.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}{{Cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|url=http://www.mania.com/buso-renkin-box-set-2_article_80448.html|title=Buso Renkin Box Set 2|publisher=Mania|date=October 16, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222041735/http://www.mania.com/buso-renkin-box-set-2_article_80448.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104063306/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/|title=Official anime website at Xebec}} {{in lang|ja}}
- {{Official website|https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/busourenkin/|Official anime website at TV Tokyo}} {{in lang|ja}}
- {{Anime News Network|manga|3264}}
{{Nobuhiro Watsuki}}
{{Weekly Shōnen Jump - 2000–2009}}
{{Xebec}}
Category:Adventure anime and manga
Category:Anime series based on manga
Category:NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan
Category:Science fiction anime and manga
Category:Supernatural anime and manga