DRIFTERS OVA

The Drifters OVA episodes were released in 2017 as a direct continuation of the 2016 anime adaptation of Kouta Hirano’s dark fantasy manga. Produced by Hoods Entertainment, these episodes were designed to bridge the narrative gap between the series’ conclusion and future developments, maintaining the visceral, high-octane aesthetic established by director Kenichi Suzuki. The project sought to uphold the manga's unique fusion of historical figures transported to a gritty, otherworldly conflict, utilizing a kinetic visual style that leaned heavily into intense combat and grotesque character designs.

The reception of the OVA was largely defined by the existing fanbase of the source material, which was noted for its departure from traditional historical depictions in favor of anarchic, supernatural storytelling. Critics often highlighted how the production team captured Hirano’s signature artistic intensity, though the transition between broadcast series and OVA format resulted in minor shifts in pacing and visual polish. As a niche entry in the seinen genre, it successfully served as a supplement for enthusiasts of the original manga’s brutal and often darkly humorous tone.