The Cardfight!! Vanguard anime franchise has announced that its total episode count will reach 700, marking a significant milestone for the popular series. This announcement was made at the “Bushiroad New Year Grand Presentation 2025” event, much to the delight of fans worldwide. As of the latest series, Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Deluxe-hen, a total of 582 episodes have already aired since the first anime series debuted in 2011.
A Long and Storied History
The Cardfight!! Vanguard multimedia franchise, created by Akira Itō, Satoshi Nakamura, Mitsuhisa Tamura, and Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani, has captivated audiences since its inception. The franchise includes multiple anime series, a trading card game, manga, and even a live-action film. The anime, in particular, has been a cornerstone of its success. The first anime series aired on January 8, 2011, and was produced by TMS Entertainment under the direction of Hatsuki Tsuji.
The Original Series and its Impact
The initial series introduced viewers to Aichi Sendou, a timid young boy whose life is changed by the Cardfight!! Vanguard trading card game. Through his adventures, Aichi meets new friends and battles rivals, showcasing the game’s mechanics and the fictional world of Cray. This debut series laid the groundwork for the franchise’s growth, with the trading card game launching shortly after, creating a unique synergy between the anime and the physical card game. Many cards from the anime have identical versions in the TCG, allowing fans to recreate their favorite moments from the series.
Evolution and the “D Series”
Over the years, the anime has seen several iterations, including Cardfight!! Vanguard: Asia Circuit, Cardfight!! Vanguard: Link Joker, and Cardfight!! Vanguard G. The franchise has recently focused on the “D Series,” which features character designs by CLAMP. This series includes Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress, Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress, and the current Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez. The D series has been a popular evolution of the show, introducing new characters and storylines.
Current Series: Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez
The current anime, Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez, has gained popularity. It premiered in Japan in January 2024 and is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, d Anime Store, and Niconico. The second season of Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez premiered in July 2024, and ended on October 12th, after 13 episodes.
Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Deluxe-hen
The latest installment, Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Deluxe-hen, premiered on January 11, 2025, in Japan. This series continues the story of Akina Myodo, who finds himself at the center of a new tournament called “Deluxe”. The opening theme for Deluxe-hen is “Meramera” by Kis-My-Ft2, while the ending theme is “Amairo” performed by Hina Aoki. The series introduces new characters, such as Kagetsu Yakumo voiced by Takeo Otsuka, and Suzune Rokuoin, voiced by Chiharu, and it’s available with English subtitles on the official Cardfight!! Vanguard YouTube channel.
The Road to 700 Episodes
With 582 episodes already aired, the franchise is well on its way to achieving its 700-episode goal. The D Series was initially planned for nine seasons, with the ninth season scheduled to start in mid-2025. However, plans are already in motion for a 10th season and beyond. This commitment to long-term production indicates the series’ continued success and popularity.
Future Seasons
The ongoing production of new seasons suggests that fans will have plenty more content to enjoy. The announcement of the 700-episode milestone shows the dedication of the creators and the enduring appeal of the series. The ninth season is expected to begin around the middle of 2025, and further seasons are already being planned, securing a long future for the franchise.
Where to Watch Cardfight!! Vanguard
For those looking to dive into the world of Cardfight!! Vanguard, the series can be found on various streaming platforms.
- Crunchyroll: Has streamed previous seasons, including Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress, Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress, and the first season of Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez.
- Amazon Prime Video, d Anime Store, and Niconico: These services also offer the latest seasons for streaming.
- Cardfight!! Vanguard YouTube Channel: The most recent episodes of the anime, including Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Deluxe-hen, are available with English subtitles on the official channel.
A Testament to Staying Power
The Cardfight!! Vanguard anime’s journey to 700 episodes is a testament to its enduring appeal and strong connection with its fanbase. From its humble beginnings in 2011 to its current multi-series format, the franchise has proven to be a dynamic and engaging experience. The constant evolution of its storyline, characters, and card game mechanics continues to captivate audiences, and the upcoming seasons will surely bring more exciting battles and adventures in the world of Vanguard. The series continues to engage viewers through an ongoing expansion of the story and the card game itself. The commitment to producing further content showcases the enduring success and popularity of the franchise with no sign of slowing down.
