Blood+ is a Japanese anime series produced by Production I.G and Aniplex, which first aired in Japan from October 2005 to September 2006. It is the central part of a larger media franchise that includes manga series, light novels, video games, and a single animated film.
The story centers on Saya Otonashi, an amnesiac high school girl living a seemingly normal life with her adopted family in Okinawa. Her peaceful existence is shattered when she is attacked by a chiropteran, a bat-like creature that feeds on human blood. It is then revealed that Saya is a powerful, ancient being with a unique blood that can destroy chiropterans. She embarks on a journey across the world, accompanied by her loyal chevalier, Hagi, to uncover her past, understand her true nature, and confront her twin sister, Diva, the queen of the chiropterans, in a centuries-long conflict.
Key elements of the Blood+ narrative include:
- Chiropterans: Vampire-like creatures, often grotesque, that disguise themselves as humans and feed on blood.
- Chevaliers: Human-like beings who have been turned by a queen's blood, serving as her loyal protectors and often displaying enhanced abilities.
- Saya Otonashi: One of two original chiropteran queens, born in the mid-19th century, with the power to crystallize and destroy other chiropterans, particularly those created by her twin.
- Diva: Saya's twin sister and the other original queen, who creates many of the chiropterans Saya hunts. She is portrayed as ruthless and destructive.
- Red Shield: A secret organization dedicated to eradicating chiropterans and supporting Saya in her mission.
The series explores themes of identity, family, humanity, war, and the ethics of genetic manipulation. Its blend of action, horror, and drama, combined with a globe-trotting narrative, garnered it significant international attention. The anime series consists of 50 episodes. Subsequent manga and light novel adaptations often expand on or offer alternative perspectives to the anime's storyline.
