Surprising Authors Still Missing in the Bungo Stray Dogs Anime
Discover the untapped potential of Bungo Stray Dogs as we delve into the enigmatic world of elusive authors From the enigmatic Dame Agatha Christie to the mysterious Transcendents, these literary figures are waiting to be unleashed on the anime stage Who will be the next to join their ranks?
Highlights
Bungo Stray Dogs introduces a colorful cast of characters based on authors and poets from around the world.
In the series' alternate history, the Order of the Clock Tower, under the leadership of Agatha Christie, holds substantial influence. The Transcendents, a collection of exceptionally talented individuals including renowned authors such as Arthur Rimbaud and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, inject a sense of intrigue and thrill into the storyline.
Bungo Stray Dogs, currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll, offers an enticing feature through its vibrant and entertaining portrayal of renowned authors and poets selected by author Kafka Asagiri from different parts of the world. As the anime and manga enthusiasts eagerly await the unpredictable development of the plot, numerous authors are anticipated to make their appearance, with some of them already verified to be part of the story.
Dame Agatha Christie & The Order of the Clock Tower
As the series commenced, Western fans may not have related as much to the author gimmick, considering that most of the cast was comprised of Japanese authors. However, once the Guild made its entrance, a multitude of captivating character portrayals from America, Europe, Russia, and beyond emerged, opening up a world of new excitement.
The long-discussed Order of the Clock Tower in Europe has cast a looming presence throughout the narrative. Through the group's status and influence, it serves as a testament to the significant alterations in history, where the Gifted have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. With much of the story centered in Yokohama, Japan, prior to the Decay of Angels arc, the broader world seemed of little concern. However, following the conclusion of Season 5, this is bound to change without a doubt.
The Order, a covert military agency based in Great Britain, operates in secrecy. Its agents, who are bestowed with knighthood, possess the authority to safeguard not only the royal family but specifically the queen herself. In Bungo lore, the renowned author Agatha Christie is revered as the leader of the Order. However, her ability, named "And Then There Were None," remains an enigma for now.
Although she made a brief appearance in Chapter 12 of the manga, it was in the 2018 film Dead Apple where anime enthusiasts were presented with a more significant introduction. As the movie approached its climax, with the threat of an engulfing fog hanging over Yokohama and the world, Christie devised a daring plan. She dispatched an aircraft, intending to obliterate the city to forestall the impending disaster. This audacious act showcased the lengths she was prepared to go in order to safeguard her country.
It's interesting to observe that, despite the subtle portrayal of the Order as a fearsome entity through its world-building, their success rate in the lore has been rather lackluster. Other than Christie, the only additional members introduced so far were the two agents on the plane transporting the One Order to the airport in Season 5, both of whom met a swift demise. Additionally, the Order's operatives mentioned in Storm Bringer were easily dispatched by Paul Verlaine.
Whether as an uneasy ally or a significant adversary, Agatha Christie's prominence is bound to come soon. With the deaths of two agents during the events of Season 5, it wouldn't be surprising if the Order decided to assert its authority. Moreover, there is a plethora of mysteries surrounding the Order and its extensive roster.
The Transcendents
The Transcendents, a group of exceptionally skilled individuals, are depicted with a similar air of intrigue as the Order in the light novel Bungo Stray Dogs: 55 Minutes. While only Agatha Christie is known to be associated with the Order, the Transcendents currently consist of five confirmed members as of the time of writing, with one of them, Arthur Rimbaud, having already made an appearance in the anime.
In Season 3's "15" arc, Rimbaud takes on a pivotal role, unveiling his past as a former spy from Europe. 55 Minutes sheds some light on the fact that the organization was dispatched from Europe to participate in the Great War, although little is known about their specific objectives or accomplishments. Apart from Rimbaud, the remaining members of the Transcendents bring an element of excitement to the group.
Who's Next?
In addition to the aforementioned French author Paul Verlaine, who has already made an appearance in the novel Storm Bringer, which is highly anticipated to be adapted in the near future, we have also included the renowned German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the celebrated author of Les Misérables Victor Hugo, and most exhilaratingly, the iconic playwright William Shakespeare. These remarkable individuals are just a small portion of the group of ability users described by 55 Minutes, which consists of a few dozen talents.
While fans are aware that the series may conclude without fully delving into the aforementioned characters, it is highly likely that those who have made brief appearances, such as Agatha Christie, will play significant roles. The light novels hold the most reliable indicators for potential appearances in future seasons or a potential movie, as these narratives only require approval to be adapted.
H.G. Wells, the renowned author of The Time Machine, takes center stage in 55 Minutes with a remarkable twist to his portrayal, embodying an extraordinary ability that aligns precisely with what you may already be imagining. Following suit, Storm Bringer, undoubtedly the most sought-after adaptation, introduces Verlaine alongside an unexpected cameo that will undoubtedly delight enthusiasts of classic horror fiction.
Lastly, there is Bungo Stray Dogs Gaiden, a notable addition as it showcases living authors, unlike the majority of authors from the main series who have passed away. Ayatsuji Yukito, the author of the 2009 horror story Another, takes on the role of the lead character, working in collaboration with Mizuki Tsujimura (author of Lonely Castle in the Mirror) as they pursue Kyogoku Natsuhiko (author of Ubume no Natsu).
The potential for author cameos is truly limitless, and these are just a few who have been confirmed to exist within the Bungo Stray Dogs universe. Examining the numerous characters yet to make their debut not only generates excitement but also provides insight into the vast array of unique factions present in this narrative. With any luck, Asagiri will have the opportunity to explore each one and astonish fans with unexpected appearances along the way.
