[Anime Expo 2025] Talking About the Blade & Bastard Anime Adaptation! Drecom Panel Highlights

From Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 6th (local time), Anime Expo 2025 was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the United States. Drawing attention from fans all over the world, the event was filled with a wide range of stage programs featuring many creators and cast members from Japan.
This article brings you the highlights from Drecom’s panel on Saturday, July 5. New updates for highly anticipated titles like BLADE & BASTARD and The Holy Grail of Eris were unveiled, stirring great excitement among fans.

The panel was hosted by The Anime Man, an anime YouTuber who is extremely popular overseas. The session opened with The Holy Grail of Eris, the first anime adaptation from DRE Novels.
According to producer Yuichiro Tsukamoto, the fantasy story centers on the unusual relationship between a “plain viscount’s daughter” and an “executed villainess.” Voice messages were shared from Kana Ichinose, who plays Constance Grail (Connie), and Sayumi Suzushiro, who plays Scarlett Castiel. Both commented on the work's appeal, highlighting the unique bond between the two leads and the story’s colorful cast of characters.
A brand-new second PV was screened for the first time, drawing applause after each scene! It was also revealed that the anime will premiere in January 2026. Producer Tsukamoto noted, “Scarlett is a character who was executed ten years ago. When she saves Connie, her revenge drama begins. We hope fans will enjoy seeing how their relationship changes and grows.”

Producer Yuichiro Tsukamoto

Tsukamoto also shared an interesting production note: during scenes where Scarlett possesses Connie, the voice remains that of Connie, performed by Ichinose, rather than Suzushiro. “The contrast between Connie’s normal voice and her possessed self is something Ichinose-san handles brilliantly. In fact, there are episodes where she delivers nearly the entire script herself—definitely something to watch for.”

The next major announcement was the anime adaptation of the light novel The 100th Time’s the Charm : She Was Executed 99 Times, So How Did She Unlock “Super Love” Mode!?—known as Kukurupu. The original story is by Yuji Yuji (Oreshura), with character designs by Nami Hidaka (My Next Life as a Villainess : All Routes Lead to Doom!), and manga art by Roharu Kai.
Producer Tsukamoto introduced the project, saying, “With Yuji’s witty dialogue and Hidaka’s signature character design sense, there’s no way this wouldn’t be fun. While it falls under the villainess genre, the main character’s inner voice constantly leaking out adds a fresh comedic twist.”
The show is expected to feature strong, appealing character design that will resonate with viewers regardless of gender, and fans can look forward to more updates in the future.

The final title showcased was BLADE & BASTARD, based on a story by Goblin Slayer original author Kumo Kagyu. Alongside producer Tsukamoto, the panel welcomed Seiji Miyazaki, Drecom’s Executive Officer and Chief Producer, as well as Kumo Kagyu himself. The crowd erupted with cheers from Goblin Slayer fans.

Kumo Kagyu sensei

Drecom’s Executive Officer and Chief Producer Seiji Miyazaki

Set in a world inspired by the legendary RPG Wizardry, the title struck a chord with North American fans. Miyazaki revealed, “Last year, Drecom released Wizardry Variants Daphne, and yes—we officially acquired the Wizardry IP.” Kagyu added, “I kept saying how much I loved Wizardry, and eventually, I got the chance to write this. I’m writing with deep respect for the authors who have created works based on Wizardry in the past.”
The Anime Man commented warmly, “I think I remember hearing your Wizardry love at a previous panel,” drawing laughter from the audience.
Kagyu continued, “No matter how strong you make your characters, they can be lost in an instant. That tension is the essence of Wizardry, and I’ve worked to preserve that spirit. Next year marks my 10th anniversary as a writer, and I hope BLADE & BASTARD lets me return to this stage again. I appreciate everyone’s support!”

Toward the end of the panel, it was announced that an English version of Heir to a Monstermancer by Damu Amato, winner of the 2nd Drecom Media Award, is in production.
Kagyu shared, “I’ve been a fan of this author even before their debut. I had high expectations going in—and the story still surpassed them.”
Miyazaki added, “Shirabii’s illustrations are absolutely adorable. It’s a work we hope finds a wide overseas audience. Please also support it for a potential anime adaptation!”

To close out the event, Kagyu held a rock-paper-scissors game with the audience, and winners received exclusive merchandise. The panel wrapped up in a lively and warm atmosphere.
After the session, Kagyu participated in a brief interview. Reflecting on his time at Anime Expo, he shared the following:
“I visited seven years ago, and back then I thought it’d be like an ‘overseas version of doujinshi conventions.’ But when I came, I found the vibe to be completely different. The local fans are incredibly friendly, and many came up to speak with me directly this time too—I really felt the warmth. Also, just an impression, but I feel like my readers here include a slightly higher proportion of women, which was a happy surprise. I even spotted some Goblin Slayer cosplayers—it was touching. I hope to return again next year with BLADE & BASTARD, so please keep supporting us!”
The Drecom panel was filled with energy and smiles. With exciting new titles like The Holy Grail of Eris now revealed, anime fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming months!

【reported by Saki Ota, Photoed by Newtype editrial team】

BLADE & BASTARD Special Website(JP)
https://drecom-media.jp/drenovels/series/blade?lang=en
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The Holy Grail of Eris Website(JP)
https://eris-seihai.com/
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The 100th Time’s the Charm : She Was Executed 99 Times, So How Did She Unlock “Super Love” Mode!? Website (JP)
https://drecom-media.jp/drecomics/series/loopkara
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Heir to a Monstermancer: Website (JP)
https://drecom-media.jp/drenovels/product/106