Dragon Century

Dragon Century was released in 1988 as a two-part original video animation series produced by the studio AIC. Emerging during the late 1980s golden age of the OVA market, the project was intended to capitalize on the growing popularity of dark fantasy and occult-themed anime, which allowed studios to explore more mature or experimental narratives than those typically found in television broadcast slots at the time.

The production serves as an early example of AIC's technical ambition, combining traditional cel animation with an atmospheric, somewhat grim fantasy aesthetic. While it is often discussed as a stylistic bridge between the pulpier action titles of the mid-80s and the more polished dark fantasy works that followed, the series received a modest critical reception, often noted more for its distinct visual identity and the experimental nature of its world-building than for its narrative cohesion.