Beastars
Step into a world where anthropomorphic animals navigate a delicate societal balance, grappling with primal instincts and strict rules against consuming meat. "Beastars" isn't just a story about talking animals; it's a profound exploration of identity, prejudice, and the raw struggle for coexistence between predator and prey. Prepare to be drawn into a gripping narrative that challenges preconceived notions at every turn. Beastars intricately portrays a complex society of anthropomorphic animals, highlighting deep-seated divisions between carnivores and herbivores. The story cleverly uses a murder mystery and forbidden romance to explore themes of identity, societal tension, and inherent nature. Its unique blend of captivating narrative and thought-provoking themes has earned it significant critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.
AI Summary
Step into a world where anthropomorphic animals navigate a delicate societal balance, grappling with primal instincts and strict rules against consuming meat. "Beastars" isn't just a story about talking animals; it's a profound exploration of identity, prejudice, and the raw struggle for coexistence between predator and prey. Prepare to be drawn into a gripping narrative that challenges preconceived notions at every turn.
- Beastars intricately portrays a complex society of anthropomorphic animals, highlighting deep-seated divisions between carnivores and herbivores.
- The story cleverly uses a murder mystery and forbidden romance to explore themes of identity, societal tension, and inherent nature.
- Its unique blend of captivating narrative and thought-provoking themes has earned it significant critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.
Welcome to Cherryton Academy
Imagine a modern world entirely populated by civilized, anthropomorphic animals. This is the setting for "Beastars"—a place where a profound cultural divide separates the carnivores from the herbivores. Here, the consumption of meat is strictly forbidden, creating an uneasy tension simmering just beneath the surface of daily life.
Our story centers around Legoshi, a seemingly timid gray wolf attending Cherryton Academy. Despite his intimidating appearance, Legoshi prefers to stay in the shadows, navigating a dormitory full of other carnivores, including his cheerful Labrador friend, Jack. He's a stagehand for the drama club, quietly observing the bustling world around him.
The school's star actor is Louis, a confident and ambitious red deer. He commands the stage and the attention of his peers, a stark contrast to Legoshi's quiet demeanor. Their dynamic hints at the complex relationships and power structures that exist within this animal society.
A World Shaken: The Mystery Unfolds
The delicate peace at Cherryton Academy shatters when Tem, an alpaca, is brutally murdered and devoured. This horrific act escalates the already tense relations between herbivores and carnivores, igniting fear and suspicion among the students. No one is safe, and trust becomes a rare commodity.
Amidst this turmoil, Legoshi finds himself drawn to Haru, a small, independent dwarf rabbit. His feelings for her are deeply conflicted—a complex mix of protection, desire, and his own ingrained carnivorous instincts. Their burgeoning connection forms one of the central emotional arcs of the story.
The plot thickens as Louis, in a surprising turn, abandons the academy to take leadership of the Shishigumi, a powerful lion-dominated crime syndicate in the infamous Black Market. This move pulls him into the darker underbelly of their society, forcing Legoshi to act to protect Haru from the new dangers Louis now faces.
Legoshi’s quest for answers leads him to Gohin, a giant panda physician operating in the Black Market, who also happens to be a skilled martial artist. Under Gohin's unusual tutelage, Legoshi undergoes intense training, preparing for the inevitable confrontations that lie ahead.
The investigation eventually points to Riz, a bear, as Tem's murderer. In a climactic and brutal showdown, Legoshi confronts Riz. The battle culminates in a shocking moment where Legoshi, in desperation, consumes Louis's leg to gain the strength needed to defeat the bear, forever altering their lives.
Though Riz is arrested, Legoshi doesn't escape unscathed. He receives a criminal record as a "devourer," a stain on his reputation that nullifies his eligibility to marry Haru. The societal cost of justice proves to be high, even for a hero.
To clear his name and secure a future with Haru, Legoshi makes a desperate pact with Yahya, a powerful horse who was once his Komodo dragon grandfather Gosha's partner. Legoshi must capture a dangerous leopard-gazelle hybrid named Melon, who has taken over the Shishigumi.
The mission is perilous, leaving Legoshi severely injured, yet he perseveres. Melon is ultimately imprisoned, and Legoshi, finally cleared of his criminal record, can at last pursue a relationship with Haru. Their journey through a divided world ends with a hopeful, if still complex, future together.
Bringing the Story to Life: Manga and Anime
"Beastars" originated as a Japanese manga series, expertly written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki. It captivated readers in "Weekly Shōnen Champion" from September 2016 to October 2020, concluding with 196 chapters compiled into 22 "tankōbon" volumes.
From Page to Screen: The Anime Adaptation
The manga's unique world and compelling narrative quickly caught the attention of animation studio Orange, known for its stunning CG animation. An anime television series adaptation was announced in February 2019, bringing Itagaki's vision to life with vibrant detail.
The first season aired from October to December 2019 in Japan, with its global release on Netflix in March 2020. Its success led to a second season, which premiered in January 2021 and streamed internationally in July 2021, deepening the saga for fans worldwide.
The final, third season of the anime is being released in two parts. The first part premiered in December 2024, promising to conclude Legoshi's epic journey. Fans eagerly await the second half, scheduled for release in 2026, to witness the ultimate resolution of the "Beastars" universe.
Beyond the Screen: Stage Adaptations
The world of "Beastars" also found its way to the stage. A theatrical play based on the manga was in development for an April 2020 debut, though it was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a stage reading musical adaptation successfully debuted in September 2024, showcasing the enduring appeal of the story.
Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy
The "Beastars" manga has achieved remarkable success, with over 7.5 million copies in circulation by October 2021. It garnered widespread critical praise, establishing itself as a significant work in contemporary manga.
Award-Winning Storytelling
In 2018 alone, "Beastars" swept numerous prestigious awards. It was the first Akita Shoten title to win the coveted Manga Taishō, and also received the New Creator Prize at the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, the Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category, and a New Face Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival. Its unique narrative resonates deeply with both critics and readers.
The series also gained recognition from the furry fandom, winning the Ursa Major Award for Best Graphic Story and Best Dramatic Series—a testament to its compelling anthropomorphic characters and rich storytelling.
Anime's Stellar Reception
The anime adaptation of "Beastars" was met with equally enthusiastic reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive 94% approval rating, with critics praising its exceptional animation and compelling narrative. It was hailed as a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh and wild anime experience.
The anime itself collected several accolades, including a CGWORLD Award and the Manga Barcelona award for Best Anime. Its opening theme, "Wild Side" by ALI, even won the Crunchyroll Anime Award for "Best Opening Sequence," cementing its place as a visually and audibly striking production.
Article
Beastars
Beastars (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki. It was serialized in Akita Shoten's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Champion from September 2016 to October 2020, with its chapters collected in 22 tankōbon volumes. The manga is licensed for English release in North America by Viz Media. The story takes place in a modern world of civilized, anthropomorphic animals with a cultural divide between carnivores and herbivores, and where eating meat (which always comes from other anthropomorphic animals) is strictly illegal. Beastars is set in the same universe as Beast Complex, another manga by Itagaki that originally served as Beastars' predecessor.
An anime television series adaptation produced by Orange aired its first season from October to December 2019 on Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block. A second season aired from January to March 2021. The first half of the third and final season premiered in December 2024, and the second half premiered in March 2026. The anime series is licensed by Netflix. The first season premiered outside of Japan in March 2020, and the second in July 2021. The third season was released by Netflix worldwide.
By October 2021, the manga had over 7.5 million copies in circulation. Beastars won multiple awards in 2018, including the 11th Manga Taishō, being the first Akita Shoten title to receive it, the New Creator Prize at the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, the 42nd Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category, and the New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival.
Plot
Beastars
In a modern society inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, a cultural divide exists between herbivores and carnivores. Legoshi, a timid gray wolf, attends Cherryton Academy, residing in a dormitory with other carnivorous students, including his extroverted Labrador friend, Jack. As a stagehand in the school's drama club, Legoshi assists its members, led by the star actor Louis, a red deer.
The school is shaken when Tem, an alpaca, is murdered and devoured, escalating tensions between herbivores and carnivores. Meanwhile, Legoshi meets Haru, a dwarf rabbit with unrequited feelings for Louis, and develops conflicted emotions toward her. Louis abruptly leaves school to lead the Shishigumi, a lion-dominated crime syndicate from which Legoshi rescues Haru, but later relinquishes control to Melon, a leopard-gazelle hybrid.
Legoshi trains under Gohin, a giant panda physician operating in the Black Market, where illegal meat is traded. Concurrently, Louis investigates Kines, an energy drink containing herbivore-derived substances. The murderer is revealed to be Riz, a bear, whom Legoshi defeats after consuming Louis's leg, leaving the deer with a prosthetic. Though arrested, Legoshi avoids prison but receives a criminal record as a devourer, nullifying his eligibility to marry Haru.
After meeting his Komodo dragon grandfather, Gosha—who once collaborated with Yahya, a horse—Legoshi confronts Yahya. Following a violent altercation, Yahya offers Legoshi a deal: arrest Melon in exchange for a cleared record and monetary reward. Legoshi agrees, but is shot twice during the mission and falls from a cliff. Despite his injuries, he survives. Melon attempts suicide but survives. Ultimately, Legoshi begins a relationship with Haru.
Media
Manga
Beastars, written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, was serialized for 196 chapters in Akita Shoten's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Champion from September 8, 2016, to October 8, 2020. Its chapters were collected in 22 individual tankōbon volumes, released from January 6, 2017, to January 8, 2021.
During their panel at Anime NYC 2018, Viz Media announced that they have licensed the manga. The first volume was released on July 16, 2019, and the last on January 17, 2023.
Anime
In February 2019, it was announced that Beastars would get an anime television series adaptation animated by computer animation studio Orange. Shin'ichi Matsumi directed the series, with Nanami Higuchi handling series composition, Nao Ootsu designing the characters, and Satoru Kōsaki composing the series' music. The series aired from October 10 to December 26, 2019, and aired on Fuji TV's +Ultra anime programming block and other channels. At the conclusion of the TV broadcast, a second season was announced. Animation studio Orange returned to produce the second season, which aired from January 7 to March 25, 2021. On July 20, 2021, studio Orange and Netflix Japan announced that the anime series would be receiving a third season. On December 7, 2021, Studio Orange announced that the continuation would be the final season. The final season was split into two cours, with the first part premiering worldwide on December 5, 2024, and the second on March 7, 2026.
The opening song for the first season is "Wild Side", performed by ALI, while the ending theme songs, performed by Yurika are "Le zoo" (episodes 2, 5, 8 and 9), "Sleeping instinct" (episodes 3, 7 and 10), "Marble" (episodes 4, 6 and 11) and "Floating Story on the Moon" (episodes 12). The opening song for the second season is "Kaibutsu" (怪物; "Monster") and the ending theme song is "Yasashii Suisei" (優しい彗星; "Comet"); both songs are performed by Yoasobi. The opening theme for the first part of the third season is "Into the World", performed by Satoru Kōsaki and Issei, while the ending theme is "Feel Like This" by Yu-Ka. The opening theme for the second part of the third season is "La Feralia", performed by Satoru Kōsaki, while the ending theme is "Tiny Light" by Seventeen.
Season 1 of Beastars was released on March 13, 2020, on Netflix outside of Japan. Its second season was released on the streaming service on July 15, 2021.
Stage play
On December 4, 2019, the first 2020 magazine issue of Weekly Shōnen Champion announced that a stage play based on the manga was in development. It was originally scheduled for an April 2020 debut running through May in Tokyo and Osaka. In late March 2020, it was announced that the play has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A stage reading musical adaptation was held in September 2024.
Reception
Manga
By October 2021, Beastars had over 7.5 million copies in circulation.
In December 2017, the series placed second in the list of top male-targeted manga for 2018 in the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, placing after The Promised Neverland. The series won the 11th annual Manga Taishō in March 2018, the first time a series from Akita Shoten took the award. In April 2018, it won the New Creator Prize at the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes. In May 2018, it won the 42nd annual Kodansha Manga Awards in the shōnen category. It also won a New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival Awards in March 2018. The series won the "Shōnen Tournament 2019" by the editorial staff of the French website Manga-News. It was nominated for the Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia at the 2020 Eisner Award. Beastars won the Best Graphic Story and Best Dramatic Series in the Ursa Major Award. The Ursa Major awards are given in the field of furry fandom works and are the main awards in the field of anthropomorphism. The manga was chosen as one of the Best Manga at the Comic-Con International Best & Worst Manga of 2019. It was one of the Jury Recommended Works for the French 13th ACBD's Prix Asie de la Critique 2019. Beastars was nominated for the 53rd Seiun Award in the Best Comic category in 2022.
Anime
On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds an approval rating of 94%, based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "Well-made and beautifully animated, Beastars is a solid new anime for anyone looking to get a little wild."
In 2020, the series was part of the Jury Selections at the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival in the Animation category. Beastars won a CGWORLD Award in the Computer Animation category. It won the 26th Spanish Manga Barcelona award for the Best Anime category in 2020. The opening theme "Wild Side" by ALI was awarded "Best Opening Sequence" and the anime was nominated in 8 other categories including "Anime of the Year" at the 5th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, while the second season was nominated in three categories at the 6th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2022.