Blue Exorcist

Rin Okumura is no ordinary teenager. He and his twin brother Yukio are the sons of Satan, born from a human woman, and Rin carries the demon lord's dangerous powers. When Satan kills their guardian, Rin makes a bold choice: enroll at True Cross Academy to train as an exorcist, with Yukio as his instructor, and take down his own father. Written and illustrated by Kazue Kato, this shonen manga series launched in Shueisha's Jump Square in April 2009. As of May 2026, 34 collected volumes have been released in Japan, with Viz Media handling the English edition since April 2011.

Kato's series blends supernatural action with family drama, set in a world where demons walk among humans and exorcists fight to keep the balance. The story draws on Catholic imagery and Japanese folklore, giving it a distinctive dark fantasy feel. The manga's popularity led to multiple anime adaptations, starting with a 2011 season by A-1 Pictures. A film followed in 2012, then the Kyoto Saga in 2017, and the Shimane Illuminati Saga in 2024. The fourth season split into two parts: Beyond the Snow Saga aired in late 2024, and The Blue Night Saga concluded in early 2025. Aniplex of America handles the English release.

By December 2022, Blue Exorcist had sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The anime boost helped drive readership, but the manga's sharp character work and emotional stakes have kept fans invested. Rin's struggle against his demonic heritage and his bond with Yukio give the series a human core amid the exorcist battles.[edit]