Blue Exorcist (Japanese:青の祓魔師,Hepburn:Ao no Ekusoshisuto) is a Japanesemanga series written and illustrated byKazue Kato. The story revolves aroundRin Okumura, a teenager who discovers that he and his twin brotherYukio are the sons ofSatan, born from a human woman, and he is the inheritor of Satan's powers. When Satan kills their guardian, Rin enrolls at True Cross Academy to become an exorcist under Yukio's tutelage in order to defeat Satan. The manga has been serialized inShueisha'sshōnen manga magazineJump Square since April 2009, with individual chapters collected in 32tankōbon volumes as of May 2025.Viz Media has licensed the manga for English release in North America, with the first volume released in April 2011.
Blue Exorcist was adapted into ananime television series produced byA-1 Pictures, broadcast from April to October 2011. An anime film,Blue Exorcist: The Movie, premiered in December 2012. A second season, subtitledKyoto Saga, aired from January to March 2017. A third season produced byStudio VOLN, subtitledShimane Illuminati Saga, aired from January to March 2024. A fourth season was split in twocours; the first cours, subtitledBeyond the Snow Saga, aired from October to December 2024, while the second cours, subtitledThe Blue Night Saga, aired from January to March 2025. The anime series has been licensed in English byAniplex of America.
By December 2022,Blue Exorcist hadover 25 million copies in circulation. The manga has been well received by readers, with sales having received a boost thanks to the anime's release.
The world ofBlue Exorcist consists of two dimensions, attached to each other as a mirror and its reflection. The first is the material world where humans live,Assiah (物質界,Asshā), and the other isGehenna (虚無界,Gehena), the world of demons, which is ruled bySatan. Originally, a journey between the worlds, or even a contact between them, was impossible, however, any demon is able to pass to the dimension of Assiah through the possession of a living being in it. Even so, demons have historically wandered among humans unnoticed, visible only to people who have had contact with demons before.
In contrast, there are Exorcists, people who train to destroy demons who act in a damaging manner in Assiah. With more than two thousand years of existence, this group has several branches all over the world being secretly under the command of theVatican itself and acting in a clandestine manner.
The story revolves aroundRin Okumura, who, along with his younger twinYukio Okumura, was raised by FatherShiro Fujimoto, an Exorcist. One day, Rin learns that he and Yukio are the sons of Satan. Witnessing Shiro dying to protect him, Rin draws the demon-slaying sword Kurikara (倶利伽羅), which restrains his demonic powers. From that moment on, Rin not only gains demonic features like fangs and a tail, but also the power to ignite into blue flames that destroy almost anything he touches.
Rin wishes to become an Exorcist like his guardian to become stronger and to defeat Satan. He enrolls at the prestigious True Cross Academy (正十字学園,Sei Jūji Gakuen), an exorcist cram school, which is actually the Japanese branch of theTrue Cross Order (正十字騎士團,Sei Jūji Kishidan), an international organization dedicated to protect Assiah from Gehenna. Much to his surprise, Rin finds that Yukio is already a veteran Exorcist and is one of his teachers. Thus begins Rin's journey to become an Exorcist, accompanied by his brother and his fellow students who quickly become his close friends.
Kazue Kato took inspiration fromTerry Gilliam'sThe Brothers Grimm (2005), as she tried to work the angle of brothers fighting against monsters into a story. She eventually decided on making the story about demons and exorcists, thus conceivingBlue Exorcist.[3] Due to exorcists being the main idea of the story, the manga features a lot of Biblical references. In an interview withAnime News Network, Kato said: "I should not run away from these references if I'm working in the Exorcist genre."[3] An ending was planned by Kato but the exact length of the series has yet to be decided based on the manga's popularity in Japan.[4]
In 2016, Kato stated, "I think there might be four more arcs. I have a rough storyline complete for the ending, but I haven’t figured out all of the details. I have a few things where I’m not sure what to decide to do."[5] In July 2021, Kato announced that the manga would enter on an eight-month hiatus to work on a six-chapter manga mini-series adaptation ofFuyumi Ono'sEizen Karukaya Kaiitan.[6] The manga resumed publication one month later than planned, on May 2, 2022.[7][8]
Blue Exorcist is written and illustrated byKazue Kato. A prototypeone-shot, titledMiyamauguisu House Case (深山鶯邸事件,Miyamauguisu-tei Jiken), was published inShueisha'sJump Square on August 4, 2008.[9][10]Blue Exorcist has been serialized inJump Square since April 4, 2009.[11][12] Shueisha has collected its chapters into individualtankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on August 4, 2009.[13] As of May 2, 2025, 32 volumes have been published.[14]
The series has been licensed byViz Media for release in North America, with the first volume released under theShōnen Jump Advance imprint on April 5, 2011.[15][16] 28 volumes have been released as of November 14, 2023.[17]
A spin-off series written by Kato and illustrated by Minoru Sasaki, focused on Rin's brother, Yukio, titledSalaryman Exorcist: The Sorrows of Yukio Okumura (サラリーマン祓魔師 奥村雪男の哀愁,Salaryman Futsumashi Okumura Yukio no Aishū), started inJump SQ.19 on April 19, 2013.[18] After the magazine ceased publication on February 19, 2015, the series was transferred toJump Square, starting on April 4 of that same year.[19][20] The series finished on April 3, 2020.[21] Its chapters were collected in fourtankōbon volumes, released from February 4, 2015,[22] to June 4, 2020.[23]
Ananime adaption for the manga was announced in November 2010 onShueisha'sJump Square official website.[24] The anime was produced byA-1 Pictures with Hitoshi Okamura as the producer. Originally, the series was scheduled to air on April 10, 2011, onMBS; however, due to the March 11Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami the series' broadcast was delayed a week later on April 17;[25] the series was broadcast for 25 episodes until October 2 of that same year.[26] The opening theme for the first 12 episodes is "Core Pride" byUverworld,[27] while the opening theme from episode 13 onwards is "In My World" by Rookiez is Punk'd. The ending theme for the first 12 episodes is "Take Off" by South Korean boy band2PM,[28] while the ending theme from episode 13 through episode 25 is "Wired Life" byMeisa Kuroki. Anoriginal video animation (OVA), titledKuro Runs Away From Home (クロの家出,Kuro no Iede), was included with the series' fifth DVD release on October 26, 2011.[29]
Aniplex of America announced they would simulcast the series in North America through video sitesHulu,Crunchyroll,Anime News Network andNetflix starting on April 20, 2011.[30] Aniplex of America released the series on four DVDs from October 18, 2011,[31] to June 29, 2012;[32] theKuro Runs Away From Home OVA was included with the series' "DVD Complete 1st Season" box set on July 9, 2013.[33] The series began broadcasting in the United States and Canada onViz Media's online network,Neon Alley, on October 2, 2012.[34] It was broadcast onAdult Swim'sToonami programming block from February 23 to August 10, 2014;[35] the series was rebroadcast on the same programming block starting on November 3, 2024.[36]Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia, streaming it for a limited time on itsYouTube channel until February 29, 2024.[37]
In June 2016, a second season, titledBlue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, was announced and aired from January 7 to March 25, 2017.[40][41][42] Koichi Hatsumi directed the sequel, while Toshiya Ōno wrote the scripts, Keigo Sasaki designed the characters, and Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto composed the soundtrack. A-1 Pictures returned to produce the animation.[43][44] The opening theme is "Itteki no Eikyō" (一滴の影響;lit. "Drop's Influence") by Uverworld, while the ending theme is "Kono Te de" (コノ手デ;lit. "With This Hand") by Rin Akatsuki.[45] The series has been licensed by Aniplex of America in North America,[46] and Muse Communication in Southeast Asia, streaming it for a limited time on its YouTube channel until February 29, 2024.[37]
Kyoto Saga premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on May 18, 2025.[47]
In December 2022, it was announced that the anime would receive a new television series adaptation.[48] It was later revealed to be a third season, titledBlue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, which adapted volumes 10–15 of the original manga. The sequel was produced byStudio VOLN and directed by Daisuke Yoshida, with scripts written by Toshiya Ōno, character designs handled by Yurie Oohigashi, and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto.[49] It aired from January 7 to March 24, 2024, onTokyo MX and other networks.[a] The opening theme is "Eye's Sentry" by Uverworld, while the ending theme is "Gakkyū Nisshi" (学級日誌; "Class Diary") by Mulasaki-Ima.[51][52] Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia.[53]
Shimane Illuminati Saga premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on August 24, 2025.[54]
In March 2024, at theAnimeJapan 2024 event, a fourth season was announced.[55] In July 2024, it was announced that the staff from theShimane Illuminati Saga will return for the season and that the season will run for twocours; the first one, subtitledBeyond the Snow Saga (雪ノ果篇,Yuki no Hate-hen), aired from October 6 to December 22, 2024,[56][57] and the second one, subtitledThe Blue Night Saga (終夜篇,Yosuga-hen), aired from January 5 to March 23, 2025.[58][59][60][61] ForBeyond the Snow Saga, the opening theme is "Re Rescue", performed byReol,[62] and the ending theme is "Tsurara" (ツララ), performed byYobahi [ja].[56] ForThe Blue Night Saga, the opening theme is "Tsūkaku" (痛覚; "Sense of Pain"), performed byAmazarashi, and the ending theme is "Overlap" (オーバーラップ,Ōbārappu), performed byShiyui.[63] Muse Communication licensedBeyond the Snow Saga in Southeast Asia.[64]
The fourth season premiered in the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block on November 9, 2025.[65]
Fourlight novels written by Aya Yajima, with illustrations provided by Kazue Kato, have been released by Shueisha under their Jump J-Books imprint. The first light novel, titledBlue Exorcist: Weekend Hero, was released on September 2, 2011.[66] The second novel,Blue Exorcist: Home Sweet Home, was released on December 4, 2012.[67] It focuses on past events, such as Rin, Yukio, Ryuji, Renzo, and Konekomaru's childhoods, as well as Juzo Shima and Mamushi Hojo's time as students at True Cross Academy. The third novel, titledBlue Exorcist: Bloody Fairytale, was released on March 4, 2014.[68] The fourth novel, titledBlue Exorcist: Spy Game, was released on March 3, 2017.[69]
A smartphone game,Blue Exorcist: Damned Chord was originally announced in December 2018; however in November 2020, it was announced that the game was canceled.[71]
A 3Daction RPG,Alterna Vvelt: Blue Exorcist Another Story (オルタナヴェルト -青の祓魔師 外伝-,Orutana Vueruto Ao no Ekusoshisuto Gaiden) was announced atJump Festa 2024.[72] It is scheduled to be released on smartphones and PC on June 25, 2025.[73][74]
A stage play based on the series, titledLive Act Ao no Exorcist: Mashin no Rakuin, ran for nine performances at the Nippon Seinenkan hall in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward from May 11–17, 2012. Satoshi Owada directed and wrote scripts for the play. Main characters Rin and Yukio Okumura were portrayed by Ryou Kimura andKimito Totani respectively.[75]
By November 2016,Blue Exorcist had over 15 million copies in circulation.[76] By December 2022, the manga had over 25 million copies in circulation.[48] The manga has been popular in Japan with the seventh volume receiving first print run of one million copies becoming the firstJump Square manga to reach such milestone. The release of the anime also drastically increased the manga's sales to the point that Shueisha decided to increase the print run for the seventh volume.[66]
Critics have praised theBlue Exorcist manga, withComic Book Bin reviewer Leroy Douresseaux feeling the first volume had potential, enjoying the comedy in the work and the characters and their interactions, recommending it to teen readers.[77] Danica Davidson fromOtaku USA felt that while the series employs disturbing storytelling, Rin's heroic traits despite being Satan's son make the plot more appealing to the readers.[78] Kato's artwork has been praised byAnime News Network's Carlo Santos for the way each character has distinct traits while background images are well designed.[79] Deb Aoki ofAbout.com praised Kato's art and the series' "multi-dimensional world that melds European architecture, Japanese culture, modern technology andTim Burton-esque whimsy", also stating that it is a "multicultural mishmash" ofHarry Potter,Cirque du Soleil,Blade Runner andAlice in Wonderland, but she called the action scenes "a bit chaotic, and sometimes hard to follow".[80]
Carl Kimlinger fromAnime News Network emphasized how the execution was well-performed, resulting in entertaining episodes, especially its fight scenes, which were noted to be one of the anime's strongest points, and described it as "Great action, fun characters, and an occasional tug at the heart as well; every episode without fail is a blast".[81] Sandra Scholes ofActive Anime noted similarities to other series likeTrinity Blood,Fullmetal Alchemist andBleach, but wrote that the story and characters have "plenty of their own to tantalize us to watch."[82]
^2008年08月04日のアーカイブ.manganohi.jp (in Japanese). August 4, 2008. Archived fromthe original on September 17, 2008. RetrievedMarch 14, 2022.【ジャンプスクエア】ジャンプSQ．9月号、8月4日発売!! […] ・加藤和恵 『深山鶯邸事件』
^UVERworldの新曲が、注目アニメのテーマ曲に決定 [Uverworld's new song to be featured as an anime's theme song].Oricon (in Japanese). April 5, 2011.Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. RetrievedApril 18, 2011.
^アニメ｢青の祓魔師｣テーマソングはUVERworld&2PM [AnimeBlue Exorcist Theme song by Uverworld & 2PM].Music Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 9, 2011.Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. RetrievedMarch 21, 2011.
^Douresseaux, Leroy (March 24, 2011)."Blue Exorcist: Volume 1".Comic Book Bin. Toon Doctor.Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. RetrievedSeptember 21, 2016.
^Davidson, Danica (May 13, 2011)."Blue Exorcist vol. 1".Otaku USA. Sovereign Media. Archived fromthe original on December 15, 2016. RetrievedDecember 19, 2022.
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