4 star draking adventures in the skies.
Drifting Dragons is a 2020 Japanese fantasy/adventure anime series based on the manga written and illustrated by Taku Kuwabawa. Directed by Tadahiro Yoshihiro, it is adapted for the screen by 3DCG company Polygon Pictures (Ajin: Demi Human, Star Wars: The Clone Wars).
This feature comprises all 12 episodes and is available to own on Blu-ray from 10th March 2025, courtesy of MVM Entertainment.
“The Quin Zaza is one of but a few remaining draking ships. They journey through the skies, hunting, butchering and selling the Dragons.”
Drifting Dragons tells us the story of Takita (Cassandra Lee Morris – Twin Star Exorcists, Coppelion), the newest recruit on board the draking ship Quin Zaza. Here she is learning the ropes, under the guidance of head draker Gibbs (Keith Silverstein – Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind, Vinland Saga), as they cruise the skies, chasing the shadows and taking down the dragons which can be butchered for valuable meats and oils and sold in the towns and cities down below.
Alongside her are fellow drakers Mika (Billy Kametz – Neon Genesis Evangelion), a reckless young man who is obsessed with eating as many varieties of dragon as possible regardless of the risk, Vanabelle (Colleen O’Shaughnessey – Sonic the Hedgehog, Marvel Rivals (Video Game)), a mysterious but experienced woman and Giraud (Johnny Yong Bosch – Expelled From Paradise, Durarara!!x2: Shou), the other relative newcomer, as well as lots of others.
With Captain Crocco (Jake Green – Starfield (Video Game)) and his capable co-pilot Capella (Christine Marie Cabanos – Lu Over the Wall, Erased) at the helm, Takita discovers what it really means to be a draker. From life aboard ship, to attitudes towards them on the ground, to all the kinds of dragons they face, it’s a daily voyage of discovery for the enthusiastic young girl.
“We extract the oil right after we get done with the skinning, so you can use it for cooking. Mmm, this batch is especially aromatic.”
I found Drifting Dragons to be a very enjoyable anime to watch. It’s a great idea for a story, which combines elements from all different genres to bring together a culinary adventure across the skies.
The characters are fairly well developed and the interactions and changing relationships throughout the series add an extra element of interest. Are there ethical questions raised by it? Maybe, but let’s not forget it is fictional after all.
The animation style is colourful and bold and works really well to bring out the drama of the hunt when they go after the dragons. Really good fun, looks great on Blu-ray and I would recommend adding this one to your collection.
“Please don’t look at me like that. I have to remove its organs and then cool down the meat, or it’ll spoil and be useless.”
Drifting Dragons S1 Collection is available to own now on Blu-ray.
| Director | Tadahiro Yoshihira |
| Author | Taku Kuwabawa |
| Genre | Anime, adventure, fantasy |
| Starring | Cassandra Lee Morris, Billy Kametz, Johnny Yong Bosch, Colleen O'Shaughnessey |
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