The anime adaptation of Uoto’s critically acclaimed manga, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, has released a second trailer, showcasing a new ending theme song by the popular Japanese rock duo, Yorushika. This comes as the series enters its second cour, continuing its broadcast run which began in October 2024. The series is animated by Madhouse and is currently available for streaming worldwide on Netflix.
A New Chapter, A New Song
The second trailer not only provides a glimpse of the upcoming episodes but also introduces the new ending theme, titled “Hebi” (Snake). This replaces the first ending theme, “Aporia,” also performed by Yorushika. The opening theme, “Kaiju” by rock band Sakanaction, will remain the same. The new ending theme signals a shift in the narrative as the series progresses, promising viewers an exciting continuation of the story. The return of Yorushika to provide the new ending theme further solidifies the series’ commitment to a high level of music production, with the band’s distinct style perfectly complementing the anime’s tone and themes.
Story of Heresy and Discovery
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is set in 15th-century Europe, a time when the geocentric view of the universe was firmly established by the “C religion.” Anyone who dared to suggest that the Earth revolved around the Sun was labeled a heretic, facing severe consequences, including torture and being burned at the stake. The story revolves around Rafal, a child prodigy with a keen interest in astronomy, who is exposed to heretical teachings that challenge the accepted dogma. He is drawn into the world of forbidden knowledge by Hubert, a scholar who believes in the heliocentric theory. When the Inquisition discovers Rafal’s diagram of a heliocentric model, Hubert takes responsibility and is executed, leaving Rafal with a mysterious spherical pendant. This sets the stage for Rafal’s journey as he searches for his master’s hidden research and seeks to prove the truth about the universe.
A decade later, two members of the Watch Guild, Oczy and Gras, discover a hidden chest detailing the secrets of the universe that Rafal left behind. They now face a choice: to either risk their lives by revealing the heretical texts or to let them remain buried.
Key Characters
- Rafal: The protagonist, a child prodigy with a passion for reason and astronomy. Voiced by Maaya Sakamoto.
- Nowak: An inquisitor who represents the religious authority. Voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda.
- Hubert: A scholar and heretic who introduces Rafal to the heliocentric theory. Voiced by Sho Hayami.
- Oczy: A member of the Watch Guild who discovers Rafal’s research. Voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi.
- Draka: A daughter of a nomadic tribe, whose character will be significant in the third part of the series. Voiced by Miyuri Shimabukuro.
- Schmidt: Commander of a heretic liberation group, another key character in the third part. Voiced by Satoshi Hino.
Production and Staff
The anime adaptation is produced by Madhouse, a studio renowned for its high-quality animation and notable works such as Death Note, One-Punch Man, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Kenichi Shimizu directs the anime, known for his work on Parasyte -the maxim- and All Out!!. The series composition is handled by Shingo Irie, who has previously worked on AFTERLOST. Masanori Shino is in charge of the character designs, bringing their experience from Black Lagoon. The music is composed by Kensuke Ushio, a veteran composer with credits on A Silent Voice, Liz and the Blue Bird, and Chainsaw Man. Other key staff members include:
- Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi
- Editing: Kashiko Kimura
- Art Director: Yasutoshi Kawai
- Color Designer: Narumi Konno
- Photography Director: Akane Fushihara
This talented team ensures that Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is not only visually stunning but also possesses a compelling narrative and an engaging soundtrack.
The Manga’s Legacy
The anime is based on the manga series written and illustrated by Uoto, which was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine from September 2020 to April 2022. The manga has been collected into eight volumes. It won the Grand Prize at the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Awards in 2022, highlighting its importance and impact within the manga community. The manga also won the Best Comic category at the 54th Seiun Awards in August 2023. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga for English publication, allowing a broader audience to experience this thought-provoking story.
Streaming and Availability
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth premiered on NHK General TV in Japan on October 5, 2024. The series is available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, with new episodes released weekly. The anime is planned for a total of 25 episodes, airing for two consecutive cours (half-year run). The first cour of the anime concluded in October 2024, with the second cour now underway, promising more exciting twists and turns.
A Unique Blend of History, Mystery, and Science
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth stands out with its unique blend of historical setting, mystery elements, and scientific themes. The series delves into the clash between religious dogma and scientific reasoning, exploring the challenges faced by those who dared to question the status quo. The combination of a captivating plot, compelling characters, and a high level of animation make it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts. The introduction of new characters, combined with the captivating music of Yorushika, makes the second cour of the anime a much-anticipated experience for fans. With a strong production team and a well-regarded source material, the series has quickly become one of the standout titles of the current anime season.
