Swordgai – The Animation takes place in a world where incredibly violent and powerful weapons exist. These weapons are demonic in nature, and either possess their wielder, or begin to slowly control them. Into this world comes “Gai”, whose Mother had come into contact with one of these weapons “Shiryu” when she was pregnant, but had taken her own life before she could become consumed by its evil nature. Young Gai was taken into the custody of a weapon maker, who would raise him, and try to protect him. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes, and Gai loses his arm, and now Shiryu is integrated into his arm itself bringing him closer to his demonic (and action-strewn) destiny.

Swordgai is based on a 6 volume manga started in 2012, and written by Toshiki Inoue. I hadn’t had a chance to read it, so I don’t know how it compares, but the 24 episode complete series (also a “Netflix” original), feels quite disjointed. The idea of a sword-handed protaganist appealed to the wild Asian Action cinem fan in me, but the overall execution of the series didn’t seem to stick the landing. The animation is solid though, and there are some pretty great action moments throughout to keep one’s attention, I’m just not sure that it makes worth 24 episodes.

Sentai Filmworks presents the series in a very nice 1:78:1 1080p transfer that accurately captures the look of the series in HD. Colors pop, details are excellent. Audio is handled by DTS-HD audio tracks in Japanese and English and sound crisp and clear. No extras.