The Familiar of Zero

Japanese light novel series

The Familiar of Zero

Cover of the first light novel volume featuring Louise

ゼロの使い魔
(Zero no Tsukaima)
Genre| Action
Fantasy comedy[1]
Harem[2]
Light novel
Written by| Noboru Yamaguchi
Yū Shimizu (final two volumes)
Illustrated by| Eiji Usatsuka
Published by| Media Factory
Imprint| MF Bunko J
Demographic| Male
Original run| June 25, 2004 – February 24, 2017
Volumes| 22 + side story collection
Manga
Zero's Familiar
Illustrated by| Nana Mochizuki
Published by| Media Factory
English publisher|

* NA: Seven Seas Entertainment

Magazine| Monthly Comic Alive
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| June 27, 2006 – October 27, 2009
Volumes| 7
Anime television series
Directed by| Yoshiaki Iwasaki
Written by| Takao Yoshioka
Music by| Shinkichi Mitsumune
Studio| J.C.Staff
Licensed by|

* AUS: Hanabee

* NA: Sentai Filmworks[a]

* SEA: Muse Communication[3]

* UK: MVM Films

Original network| CTC
Original run|  July 3, 2006  –  September 25, 2006
Episodes| 13 (List of episodes)
Light novel
Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken
Written by| Noboru Yamaguchi
Illustrated by| Eiji Usatsuka
Published by| Media Factory
Imprint| MF Bunko J
Demographic| Male
Original run| October 25, 2006 – March 25, 2009
Volumes| 3
Anime television series
The Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons
Directed by| Yū Kō
Written by| Yuji Kawahara
Music by| Shinkichi Mitsumune
Studio| J.C.Staff
Licensed by|

* AUS: Hanabee

* NA: Sentai Filmworks

* SEA: Muse Communication

* UK: MVM Films

Original network| CTC, tvk
Original run|  July 9, 2007  –  September 24, 2007
Episodes| 12 (List of episodes)
Manga
The Familiar of Zero Official Anthology Comic
Written by| Various artists
Published by| Media Factory
Demographic| Male
Original run| August 23, 2007 – September 23, 2008
Volumes| 9
Manga
Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken
Written by| Takuto Kon
Published by| Media Factory
Magazine| Monthly Comic Alive
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| October 27, 2007 – May 27, 2010
Volumes| 5
Anime television series
The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses
Directed by| Yū Kō
Written by| Nahoko Hasegawa
Music by| Shinkichi Mitsumune
Studio| J.C.Staff
Licensed by|

* AUS: Hanabee

* NA: Sentai Filmworks

* SEA: Muse Communication

* UK: MVM Films

Original network| CTC, tvk
English network|

* SG: Arts Central

Original run|  July 6, 2008  –  September 21, 2008
Episodes| 12 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses
Directed by| Yū Kō
Studio| J.C.Staff
Licensed by|

* NA: Sentai Filmworks

* UK: MVM Films

Released| December 24, 2008
Runtime| 24 minutes
Manga
Zero no Chukaima: Yōchien nano!
Written by| Takamura Masaya
Published by| Media Factory
Magazine| Monthly Comic Alive
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| September 26, 2009 – March 27, 2012
Volumes| 3
Light novel
Kaze no Kishihime
Written by| Noboru Yamaguchi
Illustrated by| Eiji Usatsuka
Published by| Media Factory
Imprint| MF Bunko J
Demographic| Male
Original run| October 23, 2009 – March 25, 2010
Volumes| 2
Manga
Zero's Familiar: Chevalier
Written by| Higa Yukari
Published by| Media Factory
English publisher|

* NA: Seven Seas Entertainment

Magazine| Monthly Comic Alive
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| January 27, 2010 – March 27, 2013
Volumes| 4
Anime television series
The Familiar of Zero: F
Directed by| Yoshiaki Iwasaki
Written by| Noboru Yamaguchi
Music by| Shinkichi Mitsumune
Studio| J.C.Staff
Licensed by|

* AUS: Hanabee

* NA: Sentai Filmworks

* SEA: Muse Communication

* UK: MVM Films

Original network| AT-X
Original run|  January 7, 2012  –  March 24, 2012
Episodes| 12 (List of episodes)
Visual novels

* Zero no Tsukaima: Koakuma to Harukaze Concerto
* Zero no Tsukaima: Muma ga Tsumugu Yokaze no Fantasy
* Zero no Tsukaima: Maigo no Period to Ikusen no Symphony

The Familiar of Zero (Japanese: ゼロの使い魔, Hepburn: Zero no Tsukaima) is a Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Noboru Yamaguchi, with illustrations by Eiji Usatsuka. Media Factory published 20 volumes between June 2004 and February 2011. The series was left unfinished due to the author's death in 2013, but was later concluded in two volumes released in February 2016 and February 2017 with a different author, making use of notes left behind by Yamaguchi. The story features several characters from the second year class of a magic academy in a fictional magical world with the main characters being the inept mage Louise and her familiar from Earth, Saito Hiraga.

Between 2006 and 2012, the series was adapted by J.C.Staff into four anime television series and an additional original video animation episode. The first anime series was licensed by Geneon Entertainment in English, but the license expired in 2011. Sentai Filmworks has since re-licensed and re-released the first series and released the other three series in North America. A manga adaptation illustrated by Nana Mochizuki was serialized in Media Factory's manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive between June 2006 and October 2009. A sequel manga was serialized from January 2010 to March 2013. Both manga were released by Seven Seas Entertainment in North America. Two additional spin-off manga were also created, as were three visual novels.

## Synopsis

[edit]

See also: List of The Familiar of Zero characters

### Setting

[edit]

The fictional continent of Halkeginia bears similarities to Europe.

Halkeginia
Halkeginia (ハルケギニア, Harukeginia) is the continent that the story of The Familiar of Zero takes place on. Halkeginia's social structure is similar to the feudal class systems of Europe in the Middle Ages, with magic-users being considered nobles. The continent itself is vaguely reminiscent in shape to western Europe, with many of the countries carrying ancient and Roman names.

Tristain
Tristain (トリステイン, Torisutein, also "Tristein") is the nation in which the majority of the story takes place. It is a small monarchical country located in the northwest of Halkeginia and has come under threat from Albion. Tristain is home to a highly acclaimed magical academy known as the Tristain Academy of Magic, which attracts students from nearby countries. Militarily, the country is weak, with only a small permanent force, which forces it to make marriage alliances with other countries. The capital city is Tristania (トリスタニア, Torisutania). The country resembles Belgium.

Germania
Germania (ゲルマニア, Gerumania) is the largest kingdom in Halkeginia, and is also regarded as the strongest in terms of military might. It is regarded as a more barbaric and down-to-earth type of country, with its men considered to be brutish. Germania is located to the northeast of Tristain. Germania is the ancient Roman name for the region that is now Germany; the natives were at the time considered by the Romans to be barbarians. The country resembles Germany.

Gallia
Gallia (ガリア, Garia, also "Galia") is another kingdom in Halkeginia, located to the southeast of Tristania. Germania is on its eastern border, in the Alden Forest. It is the second largest country in Halkeginia. Within the Gallia Royal Family, murders and assassination attempts have led to an unstable royalty. There is a city named La Rochelle in the mountains, which is a major port. The capital city is Beautis. Gallia is reminiscent of modern-day France, which in the Roman era was called Gaul (Gallia in Latin). One of its palace/fortresses is called Alhambra Castle, named after the palace/fortress complex in Granada, Spain.

Albion
Albion (アルビオン, Arubion), nicknamed the white country, is an island nation which is in a period of political strife. According to the storyline, a group of nobles known as Reconquista initiated a coup d'etat against the royalty, and over the course of the story, succeed in killing the entire Albion Royal Family. Cromwell, the leader of the Albion rebellion, seeks to spread his power elsewhere, and begins by attacking Tristain. Albion is the ancient Greek name for the main island of Great Britain upon which are the modern nations England, Wales, and Scotland. The capital city of Albion is Londinium.

Cromwell is named after the leader of the Roundheads during the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell, who successfully ousted the Monarchy, establishing a brief reign as Lord Protector until his death in 1658 prior to the return of Charles II.

Romalia
Romalia (ロマリア, Romaria) is a holy empire, located to the south of Gallia. There lies a city called Aquileia. Reminiscent of Italy, and specifically the Papal States (and the Vatican City; it is mentioned that they have a pope and officials who are bound to celibacy), which once controlled much of central and northern Italy.

#### Magic

[edit]

The nobles of Halkeginia are magicians known as "mages" or "magi", and must use a wand or a staff to cast spells. Not all magi are nobles, as some have been forcibly demoted or given up their nobility and use their magic for thievery or to work as mercenaries.

There are four primary magic elements: Ignis (Fire), Aqua (Water), Ventus (Air), and Terra (Earth). Magi have an affinity to one of those elements. There is a fifth element, the legendary lost branch of element, known as void. Magi can combine different magical elements or even stack the same element on top of itself to make spells more powerful. The power of a mage is determined by how many elements he or she can combine. There are four ranks of magician based upon this factor. Those who cannot combine any element together have the first rank, which is symbolized as a dot. Most magic students are in this class. The ability to combine two, three or four elements together leads to a magic user being referred to as a line, triangle, or square mage. In myths, there is a fifth rank called pentagram mage.

One of the major themes is that humans and technology from Earth displaced into the world of Halkeginia are considered to be highly magical, since Halkeginia itself has relatively primitive science and technology. For example, a magical item called the "Staff of Destruction" is, in reality, a human-made Vietnam-era M72 LAW rocket launcher. Other examples of Earth technology, often weaponry, appear throughout the story, such as a World War II era Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane.

### Plot

[edit]

Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière is a member of the nobility who is terrible at magic, as her attempts usually result in an explosion. She is nicknamed "Louise the Zero" by her classmates, due to her inability to use any of the four magic elements. Early in the school year at the Tristain Academy of Magic, the second year students perform a special ritual where they summon their familiar, which serves as their eternal companion, protector and partner, and is usually some sort of magical creature. But Louise summons Saito Hiraga, an ordinary teenage boy from Japan, leaving her totally humiliated.

Due to the sacredness of the ritual (which makes it blasphemous to do it more than once), Louise reluctantly accepts Saito as her familiar, but proceeds to treat Saito as any other familiar, only worse: making him wash her clothes and sleep on a bed of hay, and whipping him with a riding crop whenever he upsets her. The Familiar of Zero follows the adventures of Louise and Saito as they help their classmates and friends, while occasionally blundering into situations where they risk their lives to save one another and Tristain. Saito tries to find a way to get back to Japan, but he also gains a mysterious power that allows him to wield swords and other weapons to perform heroic feats. They also eventually learn the truth behind Louise's magic (in)abilities. As Saito's and Louise's friendship grows and they start to work together, they ultimately fall in love with each other.

## Media

[edit]

### Light novels

[edit]

The Familiar of Zero began as a series of light novels written by Noboru Yamaguchi and illustrated by Eiji Usatsuka under the original title Zero no Tsukaima. Media Factory published 20 volumes in Japan between June 25, 2004 and February 25, 2011. Further publication was threatened by Yamaguchi's advanced cancer,[4] which he died from on April 4, 2013, leaving the series unfinished.[5] Yamaguchi had planned the series to end with 22 volumes.[6] However, it was later decided by the publisher to continue the series in the author's absence, due in part to calls from fans to continue the series, as well as Yamaguchi's family wanting to see it completed. Yamaguchi had dictated the remaining plot of the series, including its ending, and entrusted it to the editors.[7] Media Factory released volume 21 on February 25, 2016[8] and the final volume 22 on February 24, 2017.[9] Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the series in 2007 under the title Zero's Familiar,[10] but later cancelled the release of the novels before releasing any.

A side-story, Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken, initially available as a mobile phone online serial, was released in three volumes between October 25, 2006 and March 25, 2009. It centers on the adventures of the character Tabitha, Louise's classmate. Another side story, Kaze no Kishihime, was released in two volumes on October 23, 2009 and March 25, 2010. It is a prequel about Louise's mother's youth. A companion volume, Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book, was released on June 24, 2017. It collected various short stories and illustrations previously unpublished in book format, as well as character designs and other information, such as outlines for volumes 21 and 22 left behind by Yamaguchi. It also revealed that the last two volumes of the series were written by Yū Shimizu, author of Bladedance of Elementalers, using Yamaguchi's notes.

### Manga

[edit]

A manga series illustrated by Nana Mochizuki was serialized in the Japanese seinen manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive between the August 2006 (Monthly Comic Alive debut issue, released on June 27) and October 2009 issues, published by Media Factory. Seven tankōbon volumes were released by Media Factory under their MF Comics imprint. The manga was licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment under the title Zero's Familiar, and released in three omnibus volumes.[11] The manga was also licensed by Elex Media Komputindo in Indonesia and released up to volume three in English under the title The Familiar of Zero, and in the Czech Republic by Zoner Press.[12]

A sequel series, illustrated by Higa Yukari and titled Zero no Tsukaima Chevalier, was serialized between the March 2010 and May 2013 issues of Comic Alive[13][14] and later compiled in four volumes. It was also released in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment under the name Zero's Familiar: Chevalier. Two spin-offs were serialized in Comic Alive: Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken (a series primarily about Tabitha and her adventures) by Takuto Kon, which was serialized between December 2007 and August 2010 issues and compiled in five volumes,[15] and Zero no Chukaima: Yōchien nano! (in which all of The Familiar of Zero characters are depicted as kindergarten children) by Takamura Masaya,[16][17] serialized between September 2009 and March 2012 and compiled in three volumes. Nine volumes of the official anthology manga were published between August 23, 2007, and September 23, 2008.

### Anime

[edit]

See also: List of The Familiar of Zero episodes

The Familiar of Zero has been adapted into an anime series running for four seasons by the animation studio J.C.Staff. The first season aired in Japan between July 3 and September 25, 2006, and contained thirteen episodes. In April 2007 at Anime Boston, Geneon announced that they had picked up the English dubbing rights of the first season of the anime series under the title The Familiar of Zero.[18] In July 2008, Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment still retained the license, Funimation Entertainment assumed exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. The Familiar of Zero was one of several titles involved in the deal.[19] Funimation released a complete box set of the series on November 4, 2008. Funimation reported their rights to the series expired in August 2011.[20] Sentai Filmworks re-licensed the first series in North America in 2013 and released it digitally.[21] Sentai released the Geneon English-language version on Blu-ray and DVD on April 8, 2014.[22] Hanabee Entertainment later licensed the series in Australia in February 2014.[23]

The second season under the extended title Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi (ゼロの使い魔 ～双月の騎士～) aired in Japan between July 9 and September 24, 2007, containing twelve episodes. Sentai Filmworks licensed the second season (under the name The Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons) in North America and released it on March 10, 2015 on Blu-ray and DVD.[24][25]

The third season, also containing twelve episodes, entitled Zero no Tsukaima: Princesse no Rondo (ゼロの使い魔～三美姫の輪舞(プリンセッセのロンド)～),[26] aired on Japan's Chiba TV between July 6 and September 21, 2008, and Arts Central in Singapore between July 10 and September 24, 2008. An original video animation episode for the third season was released on December 24, 2008. Sentai Filmworks licensed the third season with the OVA (under the name The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses) in North America and released them on May 12, 2015 on Blu-ray and DVD.[27][28]

The fourth and final season titled Zero no Tsukaima F aired twelve episodes between January 7 and March 24, 2012.[29][30][31] In 2012, Sentai Filmworks licensed the fourth season (under the name The Familiar of Zero: F) in North America and released it on July 14, 2015, on Blu-ray and DVD.[32][33]

#### Music and audio CDs

[edit]

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The four anime seasons used two pieces of theme music each; one opening theme and one ending theme. The first season's opening theme is "First kiss" by Ichiko, released on July 26, 2006, and the ending theme is "My True Feelings" (ホントノキモチ, Honto no Kimochi) by Rie Kugimiya, released on August 9, 2006. The second season's opening theme is "I Say Yes" by Ichiko, released on July 25, 2007, and the ending theme is "Suki!? Kirai!? Suki!!!" (スキ!? キライ!? スキ!!!, lit. Love?! Hate?! Love!!!) by Kugimiya, released on August 8, 2007. The first seasons original soundtrack was released on August 23, 2006, and the second seasons' soundtrack was released on August 22, 2007. The third season's opening theme is "You're The One" by Ichiko and the ending theme is "Gomen ne" by Kugimiya. The fourth season's opening theme is "I'll Be There For You" by Ichiko and the ending theme is "Kiss Shite Agenai" by Kugimiya, both released on February 1, 2012.

Both the first and second seasons released four character song albums each. The first CD is for Louise and Saito which is sung by Kugimiya and Satoshi Hino. The second CD is for Montmorency and Guiche which is sung by Mikako Takahashi and Takahiro Sakurai; the first two CDs were both released on September 6, 2006. The third CD is for Kirche and Tabitha which is sung by Nanako Inoue and Yuka Inokuchi. The fourth, and final CD from the first season, is for Henrietta and Siesta which is sung by Ayako Kawasumi and Yui Horie; the third and fourth CDs were both released on September 21, 2006. The first CD for the second season is for Louise which is sung by Kugimiya. The second CD is for Henrietta which is sung by Ayako Kawasumi; the first two CDs were both released on October 10, 2007. The third CD is for Siesta which is sung by Yui Horie. The fourth, and final CD from the second season, is for Eleanor and Cattleya which is sung by Kikuko Inoue and Kotomi Yamakawa; the third and fourth CDs were both released on October 24, 2007.

Two audio dramas were released for the second season. The first is a compilation of radio drama episodes from The Familiar of Zero Internet radio show Zero no Tsukaima on the radio: Tristain Mahō Gakuin e Yōkoso and was released on July 25, 2007. The second album is a drama CD featuring the characters Louise, Kirche, and Tabitha—voiced by Kugimiya, Nanako Inoue, and Yuka Inokuchi respectively—which was released on September 5, 2007.

### Visual novels

[edit]

Three visual novels for the PlayStation 2 were developed by Marvelous Interactive in which the player assumes the role of Saito Hiraga. The first, Zero no Tsukaima: Koakuma to Harukaze Concerto (ゼロの使い魔 小悪魔と春風の協奏曲, lit. The Familiar of Zero: Goblins and the Spring Breeze Concerto), was released in limited and regular editions on February 15, 2007, in Japan.[34] This was followed by Zero no Tsukaima: Muma ga Tsumugu Yokaze no Fantasy (ゼロの使い魔 夢魔が紡ぐ夜風の幻想曲) on November 29, 2007[35] and Zero no Tsukaima: Maigo no Period to Ikusen no Symphony (ゼロの使い魔 迷子の終止符と幾千の交響曲) on November 6, 2008.[36]

## Reception and legacy

[edit]

The light novels are one of the top selling series in Japan, with 6.8 million copies in print by February 2017.[37] The Familiar of Zero, and fan fiction based on it, helped pioneer the modern isekai ("other world") genre. It popularized the isekai genre in web novel and light novel media, along with the website Shōsetsuka ni Narō ("Let's Become Novelists"), known as Narō for short. The Familiar of Zero fan fiction became popular on Narō during the late 2000s, eventually spawning a genre of isekai novels on the site, which became known as Narō novels. The Familiar of Zero fan fiction writers eventually began writing original isekai novels, such as Tappei Nagatsuki who went on to create Re:Zero in 2012.[38]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ From 2007 to 2011, the distribution rights were held in North America by Geneon USA for dubbing while Funimation held the distribution sales.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Zero's Familiar". Seven Seas Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
2. ^ Kimlinger, Carl (March 3, 2012). "Review - Familiar of Zero F: episodes 1-6 Streaming". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2012. "When the flurry lets up though, the series lets off the brakes and goes screaming right to Harem-Harem Land."
3. ^ "The Familiar of Zero [English Sub]". YouTube. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
4. ^ "Zero no Tsukaima's Yamaguchi Confirms He Has Cancer". Anime News Network. July 15, 2011. Archived from the original on August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
5. ^ "Zero no Tsukaima Author Noboru Yamaguchi Passes Away". Anime News Network. April 10, 2013. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
6. ^ "Zero no Tsukaima Author Noboru Yamaguchi Plans Surgery". Anime News Network. July 8, 2011. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
7. ^ "The Familiar of Zero Light Novels to Continue After Author's Passing". Anime News Network. June 25, 2015. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
8. ^ "The Familiar of Zero Light Novels' 1st Volume After Creator's Passing Scheduled". Anime News Network. November 25, 2015. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
9. ^ "The Familiar of Zero's Final Novel Volume Cover, Art Book Previewed". Anime News Network. February 3, 2017. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
10. ^ "Zero's Familiar English light novel". Seven Seas Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
11. ^ "Seven Seas Adds Zero's Familiar Fantasy Manga". Anime News Network. October 3, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
12. ^ "Ve službách Nuly" (in Czech). Zoner Press. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
13. ^ 月刊コミックアライブ ２０１０年３月号 (in Japanese). Media Factory. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
14. ^ アライブ５月号は3月27日（水）発売！ (in Japanese). Media Factory. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
15. ^ ゼロの使い魔外伝タバサの冒険 全5巻 完結コミックセット (MFコミックス アライブシリーズ) (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. 29 October 2010. Archived from the original on 9 September 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
16. ^ ゼロのちゅかいま よーちえんnano!1 [Zero no Chukaima: Yōchien nano! 1] (in Japanese). ASIN 4840133603.
17. ^ ゼロのちゅかいま よーちえんnano!3 [Zero no Chukaima: Yōchien nano! 3] (in Japanese). ASIN 4840144532.
18. ^ "Anime Boston: Geneon Announces The Familiar of Zero". Anime News Network. 2007-04-21. Archived from the original on 2007-04-30. Retrieved 2007-05-04.
19. ^ "FUNimation Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment Sign Exclusive Distribution Agreement for North America" (Press release). Anime News Network. 2008-07-03. Archived from the original on 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
20. ^ "Funimation's Higurashi, Familiar of Zero Licenses Expire". Anime News Network. June 11, 2011. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
21. ^ "Sentai Filmworks Adds The Familiar of Zero TV Anime". Anime News Network. December 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 22, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
22. ^ "North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 6–12". Anime News Network. April 8, 2014. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
23. ^ "Hanabee Announces New Acquisitions Including The Familar [sic] of Zero". Anime News Network. February 23, 2014. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
24. ^ "Sentai Filmworks Adds Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons Anime". Anime News Network. November 17, 2014. Archived from the original on October 26, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
25. ^ "North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 8–14". Anime News Network. March 10, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
26. ^ "3rd Zero no Tsukaima Anime: Summer's Princesse no Rondo". Anime News Network. 2008-03-27. Archived from the original on 2008-03-28. Retrieved 2008-03-27.
27. ^ "Sentai Filmworks Licenses The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses Anime". Anime News Network. January 20, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
28. ^ "North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 10–16". Anime News Network. May 12, 2015. Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
29. ^ "Zero no Tsukaima Gets Final Series as TV Anime". Anime News Network. August 20, 2011. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
30. ^ "Author: 4th Zero no Tsukaima Season Slated for 2012". Anime News Network. August 20, 2011. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
31. ^ "Zero no Tsukaima F Slated for January 7". Anime News Network. November 27, 2011. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
32. ^ "Sentai Filmworks Licenses Zero no Tsukaima F TV Anime Series". Anime News Network. January 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
33. ^ "North American Anime, Manga Releases, July 12–18". Anime News Network. July 14, 2015. Archived from the original on January 17, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
34. ^ ゼロの使い魔 小悪魔と春風の協奏曲 [The Familiar of Zero: Goblins and the Spring Breeze Concerto] (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
35. ^ ゼロの使い魔 夢魔が紡ぐ夜風の幻想曲 [Zero no Tsukaima: Muma ga Tsumugu Yokaze no Fantasy] (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. Archived from the original on December 29, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
36. ^ ゼロの使い魔 迷子の終止符と幾千の交響曲 [Zero no Tsukaima: Maigo no Period to Ikusen no Symphony] (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
37. ^ "ライトノベルのシリーズ累計発行部数一覧" (in Japanese). LN News. February 13, 2017. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
38. ^ "Mushoku Tensei Is Not the Pioneer of Isekai Web Novels, But..." Anime News Network. March 19, 2021. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zero no Tsukaima.

* Official website (in Japanese)
* J.C. Staff's The Familiar of Zero website at the Wayback Machine (archived 2016-01-31) (in Japanese)
* First PS2 game official website (in Japanese)
* Second PS2 game official website (in Japanese)
* Third PS2 game official website (in Japanese)
* The Familiar of Zero (light novel) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

* v
* t
* e

Works directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki

Animated series|

| 2000s|

* Love Hina (2000)
* Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan (2002)
* Bottle Fairy (2003)
* Doki Doki School Hours (2004)
* Best Student Council (2005)
* The Familiar of Zero (2006)
* Sky Girls (2007)
* Our Home's Fox Deity (2008)
* Hayate the Combat Butler!! (2009)

|

2010s|

* Okami-san and Her Seven Companions (2010)
* Twin Angel: Twinkle Paradise (2011)
* The Familiar of Zero: F (2012)
* Miss Monochrome The Animation (2013)
* Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky (2014)
* Miss Monochrome The Animation 2 (2015)
* Miss Monochrome The Animation 3 (2015)
* Twin Angel Break (2017)
* Last Period (2018)
* We Never Learn: BOKUBEN (2019)
* Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (2019)

2020s|

* Monster Girl Doctor (2020)
* In Another World with My Smartphone 2nd Season (2023)
* Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (2024)

OVAs|

* El Hazard: The Magnificent World 2 (1997)
* Love Hina X'Mas Special: Silent Eve (2000)
* Love Hina Spring Special: I Wish Your Dream (2001)
* Love Hina Again (2002)
* Sky Girls (2006)
* Hayate the Combat Butler!! OVA (2009)
* Tantei Opera Milky Holmes Alternative TWO ~Opera Kobayashi and the Raven of the Empty Sky~ (2012)
* Twin Angel: Kyun Tokimeki Paradise!! (2015)

* v
* t
* e

Teleplays by Takao Yoshioka

Television series|

| 2000s|

* Happy Lesson (2002)
* Happy Lesson Advance (2003)
* Lime-iro Senkitan (with Satoru Akahori, 2003)
* Ikki Tousen: Battle Vixens (2003)
* Mezzo DSA (2004)
* DearS (2004)
* Elfen Lied (2004)
* Gargoyle of Yoshinaga House (2006)
* The Familiar of Zero (2006)
* Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny (2007)
* Sky Girls (2007–2008)
* Sekirei (2008)
* Weiß Survive (2009)
* Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye (2009)

|

2010s|

* Demon King Daimao (2010)
* Sekirei: Pure Engagement (2010)
* Working!! (2011–16)
* High School DxD (2012–2015)
* Senran Kagura (2013)
* No Matter How I Look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! (2013)
* Daimidaler: Prince vs Penguin Empire (2014)
* Bladedance of Elementalers (2014)
* Your Lie in April (2014–15)
* The Testament of Sister New Devil (2015)
* The Morose Mononokean (2016–2019)
* Magical Girl Raising Project (2016)
* Interviews with Monster Girls (2017)
* Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel (2017)
* Konohana Kitan (2017)
* The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of The Commandments (2018)
* Seven Senses of the Reunion (2018)
* Boarding School Juliet (2018)
* If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord (2019)

OVA|

* Inmu (2000)
* Refrain Blue (2000)
* Koihime (2000)
* Happy Lesson (2001–2003)
* Furthermore It Was Hot (2004)
* Is It A Golden Ball? (2005)
* 10.5: Regenschauer (2005)
* Demon Prince Enma (2006–07)
* Sky Girls (2006)
* Mystery! An Escort's Journey of Disaster (2011)
* Since I'm Not Popular, I'll Become an Enigma (2014)
* Moments (2015)
* Heroes' Frolic (2018)

* v
* t
* e

J.C.Staff television series

1994–2000|

* Metal Fighter Miku (1994)
* Maze: The Mega-Burst Space (1997)
* Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
* Virus Buster Serge (1997)
* Alice SOS (1998–1999)
* Kare Kano (1998–1999)
* Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Begins (1998–1999)
* If I See You in My Dreams (1998)
* Iketeru Futari (1999)
* Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko (1999)
* Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Revenge (1999–2000)
* Excel Saga (1999–2000)
* UFO Baby (2000–2002)
* Descendants of Darkness (2000)

2001–2005|

* Rune Soldier (2001)
* PaRappa the Rapper (2001–2002)
* A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (2001–2002)
* Azumanga Daioh (2002)
* Ai Yori Aoshi (2002)
* Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (2002–2003)
* Nanaka 6/17 (2003)
* Someday's Dreamers (2003)
* Gunparade March: The New March (2003)
* Ikki Tōsen: Battle Vixens (2003)
* R.O.D the TV (2003–2004)
* Shingetsutan Tsukihime (2003)
* Ai Yori Aoshi: Enishi (2003)
* Maburaho (2003–2004)
* Daphne in the Brilliant Blue (2004)
* Doki Doki School Hours (2004)
* Melody of Oblivion (2004)
* Starship Operators (2005)
* Mahoraba ~Heartful Days~ (2005)
* Best Student Council (2005)
* Loveless (2005)
* Honey and Clover (2005)
* Oku-sama wa Mahō Shōjo: Bewitched Agnes (2005)
* Shakugan no Shana (2005–2006)
* Karin (2005–2006)

2006–2010|

* Yomigaeru Sora – Rescue Wings (2006)
* Honey and Clover II (2006)
* The Familiar of Zero (2006)
* Ghost Hunt (2006–2007)
* Living for the Day After Tomorrow (2006)
* Di Gi Charat (2006)
* Nodame Cantabile (2007)
* Sky Girls (2007)
* Potemayo (2007)
* The Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons (2007)
* Shakugan no Shana II (2007–2008)
* KimiKiss: Pure Rouge (2007–2008)
* Sky Girls TV DVD Specials (2007–2008)
* Shigofumi: Letters from the Departed (2008)
* Nabari no Ou (2008)
* Slayers Revolution (2008)
* The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses (2008)
* Toradora! (2008–2009)
* A Certain Magical Index (2008–2009)
* Nodame Cantabile: Paris-Hen (2008)
* Slayers Evolution-R (2009)
* Hayate the Combat Butler!! (2007–2008)
* First Love Limited (2009)
* Sweet Blue Flowers (2009)
* Taishō Baseball Girls (2009)
* A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009–2010)
* Nodame Cantabile: Finale (2010)
* Maid Sama! (2010)
* The Betrayal Knows My Name (2010)
* Okami-san and Her Seven Companions (2010)
* Bakuman (2010–2011)
* Otome Yōkai Zakuro (2010)
* Tantei Opera Milky Holmes (2010)
* A Certain Magical Index II (2010–2011)

2011–2015|

* Dream Eater Merry (2011)
* Aria the Scarlet Ammo (2011)
* Heaven's Memo Pad (2011)
* Twin Angel: Twinkle Paradise (2011)
* Bakuman. 2 (2011–2012)
* Kimi to Boku (2011)
* Shakugan no Shana III: Final (2011–2012)
* Tantei Opera Milky Holmes: Act 2 (2012)
* Kill Me Baby (2012)
* The Familiar of Zero F (2012)
* Waiting in the Summer (2012)
* Kimi to Boku 2 (2012)
* La storia della Arcana Famiglia (2012)
* Joshiraku (2012)
* Bakuman. 3 (2012–2013)
* Little Busters! (2012–2013)
* The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012–2013)
* Dangerous Jii-san Ja (2012)
* A Certain Scientific Railgun S (2013)
* The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat (2013)
* Futari wa Milky Holmes (2013)
* Golden Time (2013–2014)
* Little Busters! Refrain (2013)
* Witchcraft Works (2014)
* selector infected WIXOSS (2014)
* Dai-Shogun – Great Revolution (2014)
* Magimoji Rurumo (2014)
* Love Stage!! (2014)
* selector spread WIXOSS (2014)
* Tantei Kageki Milky Holmes TD (2015)
* Tsubasa to Hotaru (2015–2016)
* Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma (2015)
* Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015)
* Shimoneta (2015)
* Prison School (2015)
* Heavy Object (2015–2016)

2016–2020|

* Flying Witch (2016)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Second Plate (2016)
* The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
* Taboo Tattoo (2016)
* Amanchu! (2016)
* Lostorage incited WIXOSS (2016)
* Urara Meirocho (2017)
* Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club (2017)
* Schoolgirl Strikers (2017)
* Alice & Zoroku (2017)
* Twin Angel Break (2017)
* Sword Oratoria: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side (2017)
* Vatican Miracle Examiner (2017)
* UQ Holder!: Magister Negi Magi! 2 (2017)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Third Plate (2017–2018)
* Children of the Whales (2017)
* The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. 2 (2018)
* Lostorage conflated WIXOSS (2018)
* Amanchu! Advance (2018)
* Last Period (2018)
* Back Street Girls (2018)
* Angels of Death (2018)
* Planet With (2018)
* Hi Score Girl (2018, production co-op)
* A Certain Magical Index III (2018–2019)
* Million Arthur (2018–2019)
* Date A Live III (2019)
* One-Punch Man 2 (2019)
* The Demon Girl Next Door (2019)
* A Certain Scientific Accelerator (2019)
* Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (2019)
* Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II (2019)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Fourth Plate (2019)
* Hi Score Girl II (2019, production co-op)
* A Certain Scientific Railgun T (2020)
* Mewkledreamy (2020–2021)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Fifth Plate (2020)
* Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? III (2020)

2021–present|

* WIXOSS Diva(A)Live (2021)
* Skate-Leading Stars (2021)
* Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House (2021)
* Combatants Will Be Dispatched! (2021)
* Blue Reflection Ray (2021)
* Edens Zero (2021)
* Mewkledreamy Mix (2021–2022)
* How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (2021–2022)
* The Duke of Death and His Maid (2021, production co-op)
* The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest (2022)
* Requiem of the Rose King (2022)
* The Executioner and Her Way of Life (2022)
* The Demon Girl Next Door Season 2 (2022)
* Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV (2022–2023)
* Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (2023)
* Edens Zero Season 2 (2023)
* In Another World with My Smartphone Season 2 (2023)
* Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts (2023)
* Reign of the Seven Spellblades (2023)
* The Duke of Death and His Maid Season 2 (2023, production co-op)
* Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy Season 2 (2024)
* The Duke of Death and His Maid Season 3 (2024, production co-op)
* Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (2024)
* 2.5 Dimensional Seduction (2024)
* Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest (2024)
* Delico's Nursery (2024)
* Demon Lord 2099 (2024)
* Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? V (2024)
* Magilumiere Co. Ltd. (2024)
* Mahō Tsukai ni Narenakatta Onna no Ko no Hanashi (2024)
* The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor‎ (2024)
* Honey Lemon Soda (2025)
* Danjo no Yūjō wa Seiritsu Suru? (Iya, Shinai!!) (2025)
* One-Punch Man 3 (TBA)
* Tamon's B-Side (TBA)

Category

* v
* t
* e

J.C.Staff OVAs and ONAs

1980s|

* Yōtōden (1987–1988)
* Ultimate Teacher (1988)
* Cleopatra DC (1989–1991)
* Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma (1989)
* Fūma no Kojirō (1989–1990)
* ARIEL Visual (1989)
* Earthian (1989–1996)

1990s|

* 1+2=Paradise (1990)
* Guardian of Darkness (1990–1992)
* Osu! Karate Club (1990–1992)
* ARIEL Deluxe (1991)
* Magistrate of Darkness: Judge (1991)
* Handsome na Kanojo (1991)
* Babel II (1992)
* Gorillaman (1992)
* 8 Man After (1993)
* Bad Boys (1993–1998)
* Suikoden Demon Century (1993)
* New Dominion Tank Police (1993–1994)
* Konpeki no Kantai (1993–2003)
* Super Dimension Century Orguss 02 (1993–1995)
* Shonan Junai Gumi (1994–1997)
* I Shall Never Return (1994)
* Fish in the Trap (1994)
* Captain Tsubasa: Holland Youth (1994)
* Level C (1995)
* The Heroic Legend of Arslan (1995, #5–6)
* Galaxy Fräulein Yuna (1995)
* Kodocha (1995)
* Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko (1996)
* Battle Arena Toshinden (1996)
* Maze (1996)
* Private Psycho Lesson (1996)
* Slayers Special (1996–1997)
* Garzey's Wing (1996–1997)
* Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer (1996–1997)
* Fake (1996)
* Galaxy Fräulein Yuna Returns (1996–1997)
* Kyokujitsu no Kantai (1997–2002)
* Kōgyō Aika Volley Boys (1997)
* Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko II (1997)
* Voogie's Angel (1997–1998)
* Detatoko Princess (1997–1998)
* If I See You in My Dreams (1998)
* Slayers Excellent (1998–1999)

2000s|

* Cat Soup (2001)
* Puni Puni Poemy (2001)
* Alien Nine (2001–2002)
* Eiken (2003–2004)
* A Little Snow Fairy Sugar: Summer Special (2003)
* Ai Yori Aoshi: Enishi X-mas Special (2003)
* Doki Doki School Hours (2004–2005)
* Sky Girls (2006)
* Shakugan no Shana SP (2006)
* Yomigaeru Sora – Rescue Wings (2006)
* Shigofumi: Letters from the Departed (2008)
* The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses (2008)
* Hayate the Combat Butler (2009)
* Shakugan no Shana S (2009–2010)

2010s|

* Kyō, Koi o Hajimemasu (2010)
* A Certain Scientific Railgun (2010)
* Aria the Scarlet Ammo Special (2011)
* Toradora! (2011)
* Dangerous Jii-san Ja (2012)
* Tantei Opera Milky Holmes Alternative (2012–2013)
* Joshiraku (2013)
* ChocoTan! (2013)
* Little Busters! (2013)
* Kill Me Baby Super (2013)
* Little Busters! EX (2014)
* Tsubasa to Hotaru (2014)
* Waiting in the Summer (2014)
* Love Stage!! (2014)
* Twin Angel: Kyun Tokimeki Paradise!! (2015)
* Prison School (2016)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: Natsuyasumi no Erin (2016)
* Lostorage Conflated WIXOSS -missing link- (2017)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: Tōtsuki Jūkketsu (2017)
* UQ Holder! (2017–2018)
* Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Third Plate- Erina no Shin Seikatsu (2018)
* Hi Score Girl: Extra Stage (2019, production co-op)
* Magimoji Rurumo: The Conclusion (2019)
* The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened (2019)

2020s|

* The Way of the Househusband (2021–2023)
* Murai no Koi (2024)
* Duel Masters Lost: Tsuioku no Suishō (2024)

Category

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States

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