Cardfight!! Vanguard Link Joker

Link Joker is the third major arc of the Cardfight!! Vanguard anime series, produced by TMS Entertainment and released in 2013. It centers on the introduction of the Link Joker clan, an extraterrestrial force that serves as the primary antagonist. The narrative follows the protagonist, Aichi Sendou, as he confronts the threat of 'Void', a concept that seeks to erase the existence of Vanguard and its players, shifting the tone of the series toward a more psychological and high-stakes conflict.

The visual design of the Link Joker units emphasizes a cold, metallic, and cosmic aesthetic, distinct from the fantasy-heavy designs of preceding clans. The arc was conceived to shake up the established meta-game of the trading card game by introducing the 'Lock' mechanic, which significantly altered player strategy. Upon its release, the arc was well-received by fans for its darker narrative shift and the introduction of characters like Kai Toshiki as a central complex figure, cementing its status as a pivotal chapter in the franchise's history.