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Shows like Attack on Titan, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Naruto have continuously proven that fantasy anime has a huge fanbase, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that this new 24-episode series is shaping up to be one of the most captivating and most popular anime of 2026. Best described as a fusion of the hit series Fullmetal Alchemist and Netflix’s video game adaptation, Devil May Cry, this anime represents the best of both worlds.
Released earlier this year on April 4, Daemons of the Shadow Realm has easily earned a spot on this year's best anime list, even though it has yet to air its final episodes. Although the series has its own story and mythology, fans of Fullmetal Alchemist will immediately notice several similarities between the two shows, and not just the creator's name. Fullmetal Alchemist is a story about Edward and Alphonse’s unwavering brotherly bond. In the same way, Daemons of the Shadow Realm chronicles the complex relationship between two siblings, Yuru and Asa.
While Daemons of the Shadow Realm and Devil May Cry come from very different creative backgrounds, they share many elements that appeal to fans of dark fantasy and action. Both stories combine stylish battles, mysterious supernatural beings, and complex characters navigating a dangerous, sinister fantasy world.
Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Is Rapidly Becoming One Of The Year's Anime Highlights
2026’s anime lineup is crowded with some incredible anime series, including new hits like Journal with Witch, as well as sequels such as Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World. Yet, Daemons of the Shadow Realm has managed to carve out its own identity in a highly competitive industry. So far, 15 out of the series’ 24 episodes have been released (the show is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix), and they are all incredible. The show’s opening entries are a little slow, but its later episodes more than make up for it.
There’s often a sense that once you’ve seen one fantasy anime, you’ve seen them all. However, Daemons of the Shadow Realm challenges that notion. No, the concept of humans having daemons isn’t new. Even so, the series succeeds because it takes familiar ideas — hidden powers, ancient conflicts, and supernatural creatures — and gives them a unique foundation.
The fantasy, action, and beautiful animation in Daemons of the Shadow Realm are impeccably done. Still, it's the relationship between Asa and Yuru that makes it stand out from other anime. It's impossible not to stay tuned for each new episode, if only to see how the two siblings’ lives will turn out and whether they really will bring doom upon the world.
Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Is Perfect For Fullmetal Alchemist Fans
For fans who have spent years searching for an anime that captures the same magic as Fullmetal Alchemist, Daemons of the Shadow Realm feels like a welcome return to a familiar kind of storytelling. Created by Hiromu Arakawa, the legendary manga author behind Fullmetal Alchemist, the series carries many of the same qualities that made her previous work such a beloved classic. While Daemons of the Shadow Realm is not a replacement for Fullmetal Alchemist, it feels like a spiritual successor because it shares Arakawa’s unique approach to speculative fiction.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm lives up to the hype, offering something unusual within the anime landscape. There's something quite special about discovering a new world with lore and characters that are simply a joy to watch. Seeing as Arakawa has a reputation for creating worlds where fantasy concepts are not just flashy ideas but are connected to deeper themes, Daemons of the Shadow Realm is an expansion of the creator’s best ideas. As such, it is a perfect watch, not just for fans of Fullmetal Alchemist, but also for those who enjoy dark fantasy.
