It's been a while since a new anime from the Fate franchise has graced our screens, whether it's a series or a movie. The most recent addition was Fate/Kaleid liner PRISMAILLYA: Licht – The Nameless Girl in 2021. Although Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files – Waver, Reunion and the Magic Lantern was also released that same year, it was simply a special episode of the 2019 anime series with the same title.
But fear not, there is a new Fate title on the horizon that goes by the name of Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn. While it won't be a full-length series like Fate/Stay Night or Fate/Zero, it will be a special television film. Nonetheless, it brings with it fresh content from the Fate universe, and everything from the story to the talented staff involved is top-notch. Therefore, we can anticipate some incredible moments in Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn.
The Story
The core concept of Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn resembles the previous Fate series, as seven mages summon seven heroic spirits to compete for the enigmatic Holy Grail. However, every other aspect of the story sets it apart from its franchise counterparts.
Notably, this iteration of the Holy Grail war takes place in the western region of the United States, specifically in a small town known as Snowfield. Moreover, this particular war is renowned for its treacherous nature, with betrayal and deception lurking around every corner. Adding to the intrigue, there are rumors that this conflict may in fact be a sham. Considering these factors, Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn promises a unique and distinct dynamic compared to previous installments in the series.
The Characters
In Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, the characters play similar roles to those in previous Fate series. There are the seven masters and the seven servants - Saber, Archer, Berserker, Lancer, Caster, Rider, and Assassin. However, this time Saber is portrayed by King Richard I, the Lionheart, instead of the iconic King Arthur. Ayaka, a mysterious young woman, is the one who summons King Richard I.
Apart from Gilgamesh as Archer, Enkidu as Lancer, and the Goddess Ishtar, Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn introduces new characters and powers to the Fate franchise. Some notable additions include Jack the Ripper as Berserker and Alexandre Dumas as Caster. The masters themselves come from diverse backgrounds, including Tiné Chelc, an indigenous person, Snowfield's Chief of Police Orlando Reeve, and the ruthless murderer Bazdilot Cordelion, among others.
From The Mind of Ryogo Narita
Unknown to most readers of this article, Ryogo Narita is a renowned writer in the world of anime. His incredibly diverse body of work includes numerous novels, several of which have been adapted into beloved and iconic anime series. Among his most well-known creations are Baccano!, Durarara!!, and the recently concluded anime adaptation of his manga Dead Mount Death Play, which aired its final episode in June 2023.
However, this is not Narita's first venture into crafting stories within established franchises. Prior to his involvement in the Fate franchise, he showcased his talent by penning spin-off novels for the acclaimed shonen series Bleach, known as one of the Big Three. While Bleach has seen its fair share of spin-off light novels, Narita's contributions are consistently regarded as some of the series' finest. His work on two series within the Bleach universe, titled Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You and Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, exemplify his exceptional storytelling prowess.
Staff & Released Date
Content: Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn, an anime film, is created by the renowned Japanese studio A-1 Pictures (known for Sword Art Online and Fate/Apocrypha). It is directed by Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume (known for Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale and Fate/Apocrypha) with music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano (known for Attack on Titan and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway). The film's theme song "FAKEit" will be performed by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: Laco.
Fate/Strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn will have its worldwide premiere at the upcoming Anime Expo on July 1, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Following the premiere, the anime will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll as part of their Summer 2023 lineup.