When ‘Waver Velvet’, the cowardly boy from the Fourth Holy Grail War, rises to become ‘Lord El-Melloi II’, a renowned mage detective, the series Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files is not just the return of a beloved character but also a gateway to a deeper and more complex world of magecraft, with mysteries waiting to be solved.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when ‘Lord El-Melloi II’ (Waver Velvet) and his close apprentice ‘Gray’ are invited to Adra Castle, which is about to become his inheritance. However, they find other challengers, including the talented mage ‘Luviagelita Edelfelt’. The competition for the castle becomes the starting point of a mysterious case involving the ‘Demonic Eye’ and secrets from the past of the mage world.
Performance and Characters
The main voice actors deliver outstanding performances, especially Daisuke Namikawa, who perfectly captures Waver's composure and inner vulnerability. Reina Ueda as Gray brings mystery and charm. The interactions between characters create the series' appeal, particularly the chemistry between Waver and Gray that gradually develops. Supporting characters like ‘Reines’ (voiced by Inori Minase) add color and complexity to the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The series is produced by studio TROYCA, delivering beautiful and detailed visuals, especially in magecraft scenes with well-integrated CG. The soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura and Hideyuki Fukasawa enhances the mysterious and engaging atmosphere. The opening theme ‘starting gate’ and ending theme ‘Hibari’ fit the series' theme perfectly.
Editorial Analysis
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files is not just a spin-off selling fan service; it expands the Fate world with sophistication. Featuring ‘Waver’, who was once a cowardly boy, we see growth and a perspective different from other characters in the same universe. The series focuses on investigation and solving mysteries related to magecraft, with significant references to legends and old characters for Fate fans. However, newcomers to Fate may find the terminology and complex relationships confusing. Overall, it's a worthwhile journey for fans of mystery and the mage world.
Verdict
For hardcore fans of the Fate universe, this series is a must-watch treat, as it shows the growth of a beloved character in the form of a mage detective. For those new to Fate, some homework may be needed, but if you enjoy mystery mixed with fantasy, it's still worth following.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Multidimensional characters, especially Waver's growth
- +Compelling story focused on investigation and mystery
- +Beautiful soundtrack and visuals
👎 Cons
- −Requires prior knowledge of the Fate universe
- −Some episodes are slow-paced with excessive dialogue
Top Cast
FAQ
It is a spin-off series of Fate that tells the story of Waver Velvet, a character from Fate/Zero, after the Fourth Holy Grail War.
It is recommended to watch Fate/Zero first to understand Waver's background and personality, as well as the basics of the mage world.
There are 13 episodes in total, including one special episode (Episode 0).
