The series is more violent than other trading-card-game-tie-in animations with many characters being killed. According to an interview with the March 2006 issue of Animage, Hiroshi Kamishina, the show's director, noted that the show "absolutely will not have any plot elements that curry favor to children".[1] The producers of the show has also commented that Kiba will not be the type of show to put "human drama" on the back burner while concentrating on promotional tie-ins.[1]. While Upper Deck owns the rights to the series, ADV Films is the distributor and their production studio Amusement Park Media is producing the dub. Kiba aired on Toonami Jetstream from July 14, 2008 to January 21, 2009 and is now showing on The Anime Network's Video on Demand service.
Plot
Kiba's main character is Zed, a 15-year-old boy who lives in a place called "Calm". Frustrated by his current situation in life he feels that somewhere out there is a place where he can live more fully. One day, at the invitation of a mysterious wind, Zed dives into a space-time crevasse (portal), seeking the answers that might be there. Riding on the wind, he is transported to a war-torn world where magic users called "Shard Casters" fight endlessly with each other, using spells in the form of marble-like "Shards".
With the power of the Shards, the Shard Casters are able to use spells and control monsters called "Spirits". Fascinated by that power, Zed aims to become a Shard Caster. However, he still doesn't know that residing in his body is "Amil Gaul", a mighty Spirit with the power to influence the world's future. Amil Gaul is one of the "Key Spirits" that, when together with the other Key Spirits, can destroy or save the world. There are a total of six Key Spirits: Amil Gaul, Pronimo, Sachira, Monardi, Jumamis and Shadin.
Zed undergoes countless trials in order to find out who he really is and what is most important to him.
Characters
Main article: List of characters in Kiba
Zed (ゼッド Zeddo?)
Zed is the 15-year-old main character and protagonist. He is an unsatisfied and unfocused boy living in Calm. One day, he finally gets his chance at a new life when a mysterious gust of wind guides him to a small space/time crevasse. It leads him to Templer, (known as Tempura in the original) a land full of "magic", crystals with strange powers called shards, and monsters called spirits.
Noah (ノア Noa?)
Noah Boalia, 15 years old, is Zed's friend from Calm. He is sickly, but nevertheless insists on pursuing his goals whole heartedly. After Zed goes through the portal to Templer, Noah is eventually teleported to a militaristic land called Neotopia. In the English language version, his name has been romanized to Noah.
Roya (ロイア Roia?)
Roya is a 15-year-old girl living in Templer. She is the disciple of the elder sage Jiko, who rescued a 6-year-old Roya from Tusk. She was to be killed after it was predicted that she would kill her father, Morocco. She is one of the first people who discover Zed as he arrives in Templer, and is an old friend of Mikki.
Jiko (ジーコ Jīko?)
Jiko is a 79-year-old man, and is one of six sages of Templer. Jiko has a rather calm and wise personality, in which he regularly performs rather sagely tasks such as meditation and fishing, while equipped with a mind of void. After Zed arrives, Jiko acts as his mentor, and gives him advice on many occasions.
Robès Redondo (ロベス•レドンド Robesu Redondo?)
Robès is a princely figure living in Templer. He recently became the Shard Champion after winning the Shard Casters tournament.
Sagiri (サギリ Sagiri?)
Sagiri is the princess of the Seekers.
Mickey (ミッキ Mikki?)
Mikki is a friend of Roya and becomes the town bread maker.
Pino (ピノ Pino?)
Pino starts as a maid to Robès but later becomes Mickey's girlfriend and helper at his shop.
Countries
Calm: The city in which Zed was raised. A world where the wind never blows and where people don't know about the existence of Shard Casters.
Templer: A land that represents harmony and humanity. The place that Zed is first teleported to and makes his home.
Neotopia: A totalitarian state that revolves around a set of "Ultimate Rules". Anyone who breaks these "Ultimate Rules" is considered an outlaw and is hunted down and killed. There are no second chances and no exceptions. Family members of outlaws were sent to Ulbacus unless they show a high aptitude for shard-casting. In the latter part of the series, Neotopia is taken over by Tusk.
Kalbu-fu: A small territory where the people are persecuted by Zymot. The people of Kalbu-fu have gills and can breathe underwater, furthermore, they are hatched out of eggs.
The Seekers: A floating fortress for the people of Leon, a place that is now part of Zymot. The Seekers seem very mysterious to people from other lands since very little is known about them. However, they seem to be very knowledgeable of a lot of things, such as the existence of Calm. The Seekers are a peace-loving people, they have no desire for power and have only one objective——to keep the key spirits from being assembled in one place. For that reason, they kept Shadin within their fortress, but sent a group of their people to bury Sachira in Leon.
Tusk: A land that is home to two distinct races: the Tusker Humans (first appeared in episode 1), who mostly resemble other humans but are often masked, and the Beastmen (first appeared in episode 19), whose four-armed beastly appearance and ability to use Shard attacks innately (Beastmen cannot use spirit Shards) set them apart from everyone else. Moreover, both Tusker Humans and Beastmen can be recognized by the "tuskans" protruding from their shoulders. The Tusker Humans are led by a council of masked noblemen, who are in turn led by the King Gari, also the king over all the Beastmen. In actuality, Gari is merely a puppet king installed by a council of four masked members to trick other Beastmen into believing that there is a god, Tusker, who would be awakened if enough spirit Shards are gathered, and a sacrifice of a Shard Caster is offered (which has been frequently done, but to no avail). As a result, Tusk is a dangerous place for Shard Casters, even Tusker Humans.
Ulbacus: An observatory-like country with many great scientists (lead by Professor Bender), who focus on gathering information from the best fighters to perfect their own. Ulbacus science enables people who are not shard casters to use shards (via mechanical implants), and can fuse low-level spirits to create stronger spirits. It has been revealed that Ulbacus has no native population, and that most of its residents are people banished from Neotopia. The surrounding area is constantly raining. Famine is a major issue due to a lack of farmland. It's also the residence of Herrick, Ginga,and Moreno.
Zymot: The empire once ruled by the monarchy of King Bakkam, who was later betrayed and overthrown by Hugh. Most of the royal family was executed, later including surviving member Princess Rebecca.[2]
Anime
Episode list
No. Episode Title[3][4]
Airdate
1 "Wind of Destiny"
"Unmei no Kaze" (運命の風) 2006-04-02
In a city called "Calm," a boy named Zed is causing his private school lots of trouble. He's been smashing into doors all over town. He tells his childhood friend, Noa, that he wants to leave Calm and that he feels, by breaking down some barrier, he will be able to.
2 "New World"
"Atarashii Sekai" (新しい世界) 2006-04-09
Zed finds himself in another world, in the country of Templer. He meets Roya and her master, Jiko, and learns about Shard Casters. Without meaning to, he gets into trouble with the law.
3 "Those With Power"
"Chikara wo Motsumono-tachi" (力を持つ者たち) 2006-04-16
Zed meets Dumas and Robès, the top non-sage Shard Casters in Templer. Robès is a playboy aristocrat, while Dumas is a hard-working farmer. Dumas currently holds the title of Shard Champion of Templer.
4 "The Wind's Resolve"
"Kaze no Ketsui" (風の決意) 2006-04-23
Zed desperately wishes to participate in the Joust, the annual fighting competition that decides the Shard Champion. When Mikki expresses his fear of fighting a second round, Zed decides to switch clothes with him.
5 "The Nation of Sacred Law"
"Kairitsu no Kuni" (戒律の国) 2006-04-30
The story changes perspectives. Noa, Zed's friend, is now the protagonist. Noa is also transported to the other world, but he ends up in a different country: Neotopia. There, he is taken in by a man named Carter and his wife. He also becomes close to Aisha and Keith, childhood friends of Carter's son, Gale.
6 "A Rushed Conclusion"
"Hayasugita Ketsumatsu" (早すぎた結末) 2006-05-07
Gale plans to destroy Letto by sending its people to different towns. In order to save the place he has grown to love, Noa tries to persuade Gale to take him and not harm the village.
7 "Awakened Feelings"
"Mezameta Omoi" (目覚めた思い) 2006-05-14
The story returns to Zed and his fight against Robès. Zed is unable to summon his spirit, and so, loses the battle. Robès continues to steal from the townspeople under the alias "No-Face". His butler begs him to stop and Robès agrees on the condition that he can do just one more heist. However, things take a turn for the unexpected when another No-Face appears.
8 "Betrayers' Whereabouts"
"Uragiri no Yukue" (裏切りの行方) 2006-05-21
Robès is locked up and his claims that there is another No-Face are ignored. Zed, however, realises the veracity of his claim. He demands that Robès reveal the identity of the other No-Face. Instead, Robès tosses him a strange flower.
9 "After the Fight is Over"
"Tatakai no Ato" (戦いのあと) 2006-05-28
Zed's spirit does not listen to Dumas, instead attacking the invaders. After the battle, Roya and Zed find a strange girl at the edge of the forest. She asks Zed to lend her his strength.
10 "The Lonely Princess"
"Kodokuna Ōjo" (孤独な王女) 2006-06-04
Rebecca reveals that Zed's spirit is called "Amil Gaoul". Robès and a team are sent to find Dumas.
11 "Premonition of Conspiracy"
"Inbō no Yokan" (陰謀の予感) 2006-06-11
Hugh succeeds in capturing Rebecca. Zed is furious but he joins Elda when Philip sends her on a mission.
12 "The Advance Towards Truth"
"Shinjitsu he no Zenshin" (真実への前進) 2006-06-18
Elda takes Zed to a place where he can get a new and powerful spirit which he can control. At the castle, Rebecca is fearful of her new groom and runs out of the room. Hugh stops her from fleeing and implies in the ensuing conversation that her father is still alive.
13 "Strength to Dash"
"Shissōsuru Chikara" (疾走する力) 2006-06-25
Rebecca decides to return to the castle, in hopes that she might see her father again. On the way, she and Roya are attacked by Elmeida and dragged back to castle. Zed goes off to rescue them. Meanwhile, Robès finally gets to fight Dumas.
14 "Temptation of Power"
"Chikara no Yūwaku" (力の誘惑) 2006-07-02
Zed, Roya and Robès return to Templer. Mikki is depressed over the betrayal and death of his sensei. He has been trying to find work, since he must support himself now. Roya comes up with the idea of selling Mikki's tasty bread. When Robès sees the boy, he decides to give him a gift.
15 "Small Treasure"
"Chiisana Takaramono" (小さな宝物) 2006-07-09
After Mikki attacks Roya, she and Zed go to Robès and then to Zico for information. It seems that Mikki is possessed by Suraguna, his master's old spirit. Meanwhile, Noa prepares to leave Galba, Sagiri and the other nomads.
16 "Tragedy of a Race"
"Higeki no Tami" (悲劇の民) 2006-07-16
Guzman shifts himself to Templer and asks Zed to return with him to Kalbu-fu, where Rebecca is leading a rebellion against invading Zymot forces. Zico forbids Zed to get involved.
17 "Unreachable Desire"
"Todokanu Negai" (届かぬ願い) 2006-07-23
The Zymot forces begin a full-fledged assault on Kalbu-fu. Kemp continues to argue for peace, while Guzman insists on fighting. Noa and Sagiri are being treated at a hospital in Neotopia. Diana tries to convince him to fight for the Neotopian government.
18 "A Wish Beyond Reach"
"Kienai Inori" (消えない祈り) 2006-07-30
The people of Kalbu-fu awaken Promino, a spirit summoned by their collective unconscious. Hugh reveals a connection between it and the spirit he took from Rebecca.
19 "The Land of Darkness"
"Ankoku no chi" (暗黒の地) 2006-08-06
Keith is on the run from the law. He's able to find a shifting shard, and he travels to Templer. Robès is called in to return the runaway to Neotopia, since Templer and it are allied. Robès, however, suggests Zed instead as an escort. The shifting goes wrong, and Roya, Zed and Keith land in Tusk, an ally of Zymot. Both Hugh and Noa go out to find them.
20 "Reunion"
"Saikai" (再 会) 2006-08-13
Roya is taken to the palace of Tusk to be used as a sacrifice. Keith finds Zed, and they go to save her. Meanwhile, Noa continues to search for Keith as Hugh searches for Zed.
21 "Unforgetable Memory"
"Nuguenu Omoi" (拭えぬ思い) 2006-08-20
Roya finds small tuskan protruding from her shoulder, indicating that she is from Tusk. She tries to ask Jiko about it but gets embarrassed. She trains vigorously for an upcoming tournament. Zed waits for arrangements to be made for his journey to Neotopia.
22 "Maze of Memories"
"Kioku no meiro" (記憶の迷路) 2006-08-27
Ginga saves Roya twice, they end up being taken care of by a high class Tuskian. Zed meets up with Roia and decide to stay. At a party celebrating Roia as the Tuskian's new foster daughter, she is told to go see her mother by a mysterious man. At the meeting place, someone shows up determined to kill Roia.
23 "Bonds"
"Kizuna" (絆) 2006-09-03
Roia's family past is revealed. Zed, Roia, Templer's spy get into a battle with the people who want to kill Roia. She is saved from her father by her mother. Zed and Roia return to Templer.
24 "The Yellow Shard of Happiness"
"Shiawase no kiiroi shādo" (幸せの黄色いシャード) 2006-09-10
A bad gang comes for Robes and the butler says he will give them the family's secret yellow shard of Happiness in exchange if they let Robes off. But the three family maids are ambitious for happiness and steal the shard. Bad things happened when the shard granted them wishes. In the end it was a cursed shard and the bad guys were punished by Miki.
25 "Prelude to Battle"
"Tatakai no josou" (戦いの序奏) 2006-09-17
An inter-country joust is being held. Zed and Robes are nominated for Templer, Zed wishes to see Noa which is the main reason he agreed, Roia follows him to joust. Noa is competing in the Joust too, for Neotopia. Zed and Noa meet in Neotopia and chat for a long time as good friends, discussing what has happened and about key spirits.
26 "Lonely Memories"
"Kodoku na kioku" (孤独な記憶) 2006-09-24
The episode recaps Noa's time in Neotopia. This involves both events when his spirit, Sachira, involuntarily released and caused destruction around him, thus causing him to fear his power. It also incorporates Noa's inclusion into Neotopia as its "Savior". Joust First Round
Templer Zed vs. Ulbacus Moreno
27 "Warriors"
"Senshi-tachi" (戦士たち) 2006-10-01
During the Joust, Zed must combat everyone from old opponents to the strange technologists from Ulvarx, who possess wicked devices that are able to defeat even the most powerful spirits.
28 "Proof of Existence"
"Sonzai no Akashi" (存在の証) 2006-10-08
When Zed shows just how powerful a shardcaster he is, the Neotopian leader Hyrum tries to enlist him in his campaign for global domination.
29 "Friendship at Cross-Purposes"
"Surechigau Yūjō" (すれ違う友情) 2006-10-15
When Roya is arrested by the Neotopian soldiers, Zed discovers his friend Noah is very different than the person he thought he knew.
30 "Showdown"
"Taiketsu" (対 決) 2006-10-22
Zed and Noah face each other in the Joust and Noah shows just how mercilessly he can wield his new powers.
31 "The Cost of Ambition"
"Yabō no Daishō" (野望の代償) 2006-10-29
After defeating Zed, Noah stops an attempt on Hyrum's life. He then unmasks Hugh, and defeats him. The final victor, he vows a rematch with Zed.
32 "The Nation's Agenda"
"Kokka no Omowaku" (国家の思惑) 2006-11-05
Assassination attempts on Hyrum continue, as Noah and Zed become pawns in the political game of cat-and-mouse between warring nations.
33 "Lost Luster"
"Ushinawareta Kagayaki" (失われた輝き) 2006-11-12
An Ulvarx faction reveals a technological advantage over Hyrum and Neotopia, and they intend to use this to end Hyrum's reign. But they need Zed and they try to persuade him to join their cause.
34 "War Breaks Out"
"Makiokoru Senka" (巻き起こる戦火) 2006-11-19
Noah and Kira are sent to take out Zed and the Ulbaks assassins. Preparation is made for a celebration in Neotopia. Meanwhile, Zymot and Tusk reveal their alliance for the first time: in an attack on Neotopia.
35 "The Ones Who are Sacrificed"
"Ikenie to narumono" (生贄となる者) 2006-11-26
Zed and Noah fight all four of Nuduu's spirits. When Zed is to take a hit from one of Nuduu's spirits Noah steps in the way and takes the hit for him. Before Zed can see if Noah is alright Noah gets up and heads towards the city which is now under attack. Can Noah get back in time to save the city?
36 "Wings Reborn"
"Yomigaeru Tsubasa" (よみがえる翼) 2006-12-03
The war continues. Sagiri befriends a beastman from Task who saved her life. Herrick gets a hold of and releases Ex-Machina, a composite spirit but who does he run into when he shifts to Neotopia? Noa confronts Hugh in battle, but how are they brought together? And can Zed finally summon Amil Gaul again?
37 "The Fall of the Capital"
"Shuto Kanraku" (首都陥落) 2006-12-10
The three key spirits are having trouble bringing down Ex-Machina; that is, until Amil Gaoul changes his form again. Noa and Zed are captured by Hugh as they are being distracted by the condition of Zed's hand. Roya decides to go to Neotopia to help, and Hugh infiltrates the throne room of the capital!
38 "Endless Battle"
"Owarinaki Tatakai" (終わりなき戦い) 2006-12-17
Jiko arrives in Neotopia to help out Hairam despite his ban. Hairam reveals Noa is to receive another key spirit, if they can find it. And hostages are brought in by Hugh, who will return them if he gets Hairam's head.
39 "Epiphany"
"Kaigan" (開 眼) 2006-12-24
Fuelled by his anger at Hugh's continual massacre of innocent people, Zed called forth Amil Gaoul to fight Pronimo as he duels Hugh.
40 "Sought-After Power"
"Nerareta Chikara" (狙われた力) 2007-01-07
With Neotopia fallen, Tusk now shifts its attention (and forces) to Ulbacus, determined to bring Ulbacus's technologies to Tusk's side.
41 "The Thought that Possessed Him"
"Torawareta omoi" (囚われた思い) 2007-01-14
Ginga has returned to the Ulbaks with Zed and Roya only to find that Professor Bender has given up the lab to Task. Now things have changed and Zed, Roya, and Ginga are on the run from the Task army. In a safe spot Ginga reveals his past then goes to face Dukem while Zed and Roya go deal with Professor Bender. Can Zed and Roya stop the mad Professor and can Ginga defeat Dukem?
42 "A Small Savior"
"Chiisana Kyūseishu" (小さな救世主) 2007-01-21
Sagiri is on board the Seeker ship. Since she is one of them they put her through the test to see if she is there savior which can only be confirmed by the acceptance of the keyspirt. Meanwhile someone has broken into Tempura. What is this new key spirt and who has managed to break into the Tempura base?
43 "Truth Made Known"
"Akasareta Shinjitsu" (明かされた真実) 2007-01-28
Zed's Mother, Sara has appeared and she seems to be fighting Jiko. We go back in time to discover the relationship between Sara and Jiko. Why has Zed's mother appeared and what could she want?
44 "An Unbreakable Spell"
"Tokenai Jubaku" (解けない呪縛) 2007-02-04
Zed's Mother, Sara is defeat by Sagiri's key spirit, Shadin. Sara manages to escape. After the fight Zed tries to pursue his mother but is prevented in doing so by Jiko. Zed is now imprisoned in the Tempura base. Will Zed be able to save his mother from her inner demons?
45 "The Girl Confined to the Castle"
"Rōjyō no Shōjo" (籠城の少女) 2007-02-11
Zed decides to go off with Sagiri and the Seekers to learn about his Mother and his Father. Meanwhile in Task Morima decides she wants to test Mirette to see if she is Task's savior. If Mirette makes it back to the palace alive then Morima will accept her as Task's savior. Can Mirette make it back alive and who was Zed's father?
46 "To the Land Where the Decisions Will Be Made"
"Ketsudan no chi e" (決断の地へ) 2007-02-18
Lord Doruga is accepted among the Jimoto leaders but Morima wants to prove he is worthy by fighting her. Out in Task Gitra prepares to take Mirette back to the palace. Back in Tempura Roya waits for Zed to return. Will Zed return back to Tempura?
47 "A Savior Adrift"
"Mayoeru Kyūseishu" (迷える救世主) 2007-02-25
Zed and Lord Doruga begin their battle. As the battle progress' Zed figures out that Doruga is actually Noa. Since Amil Gaoul is defeating Sachira with ease, Jimu steps in and releases Pronimo and Monardi to make the battle go in the favor of Doruga. With no choice Zed releases Shadin. Becoming impatient Jimu begins to attack Zed while he fights Doruga(Noa). With Zed defeated Jimu takes his Key Spirits. Now with four of the Key spirits all Jimu has to do now is get Sachira from Doruga and find Mirette. Can Zed stop him?
48 "Advent"
"Kōrin" (降 臨) 2007-03-04
Tusker is now effect inside the spirit to control the spirits inside. Noa and Zed had lost their spirits. But the Tusker has a significant effect on their resurrection.
49 "Mother and Child"
"Haha to Ko" (母と子) 2007-03-10
Zed's mother has followed him to a floating isle in Tusk. Overwhelmed by her desire to once again possess Amil Gaoul, she would do anything just to have that great power, but for what reason? Her endless pursuit seemed to have blinded her from her true purpose—to protect her precious son. It is this realization that allowed her to pass away in peace.
50 "An Eternal Bond"
"Eien no Kizuna" (永遠の絆) 2007-03-17
Noa summons Tusker once again, but it's still in its incomplete form; meanwhile, a possessed Noa fights Zed as the four realms (Temperal, Tusk, Neotopia, and Zymot) experience unprecedented turmoils in the form of meteors and earthquakes as they draw near to each other.
51 "To Where the Wind Blows"
"Kazefuku basho he" (風吹く場所へ) 2007-03-24
The episode starts with Zed getting enveloped in Tusker's power; Tusker releases himself and uses Zed's body and spread his wings to reveal his true form. While Zed is inside the endless abyss in Tusker getting lectured about how humans are bad because they want power, all the spirits get released. In the end Tusker is defeated, spirits go back to where they came from, Zed tries to attack Amil Gaoul but ends up shifting and merging with Amil Gaoul and at Calm where the city's wind has returned. In the end Zed leaves for other worlds because he wants to go where the wind takes him, but he promises that a day he will return to Tempura.
[edit] Music
Opening themes
Transcription/Translation Artist Episodes
Sanctuary Nami Tamaki
1-26
Hakanaku Tsuyoku Younha
27-51
Ending themes
Very Very Afromania
1-13
Solar Wind Snowkel
14-26
STAY GOLD Limelight
27-39
Sekai no Hate made/Until the end of the World Kozue Takada
40-51
Insert songs
Nakanaide Afromania
15
Image songs
Wind of Power / Zed Hiroyuki Yoshino
n/a
Go Smiler / Roya Nana Mizuki
n/a
Fate / Zed Jun Miyake
n/a
Kiba Original Soundtrack 1
• CD 1:
1. zed-fate
2. zed-run
3. roya-pas de bourree
4. zymot
5. templer-fear
6. enemy
7. zed-nostalgia
8. zed-intense
9. dawn
10. templer-breeze
11. templer-promenade
12. roya-sentiment
13. noa-intense
14. noa-calmness
15. battle-approach
16. battle-bump
17. battle-chase
18. zed-friends
19. mother
20. shard-blaze
21. shard-battle
22. zed-regret
23. urban
24. zed-journey
25. Sanctuary [TV ver.]
26. Very Very [TV ver.]
27. solar wind [TV ver.]
• CD 2:
1. Wind of Power
2. Go Smiler
Kiba Original Soundtrack 2
• Disc 1
1. zed-fate
2. war
3. plot
4. joy
5. scene-forest
6. scene-lake
7. scene-desert
8. underground
9. neotopia
10. roya-romance
11. fanfare
12. roya-destiny
13. noa-friends
14. disaster
15. darkness
16. secret
17. seekers
18. shard-battle ~ perish
19. universe
20. tears
21. anger
22. zed-friends (alternative take)
23. Hakanaku Tsuyoku (TV ver.)
24. STAY GOLD (TV ver.)
25. Sekai no Hate Made (TV ver.)
• Disc 2
1. Mei no Naki Kaze ni Fukarete
2. Kaze no Fuku Basho
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