“Blue Exorcist: The Shimane Illuminati Saga” marked a long-awaited return for anime fans, offering a revival that satisfied some while leaving others with mixed feelings. Although it may not have fully met everyone’s expectations, it still provided an entertaining viewing experience.
Airing from January 7 to March 24, 2024, the third season of “Blue Exorcist” continued to follow Rin Okumura’s journey as he navigated life at the True Cross Academy, aiming to become a skilled exorcist. This season delved into various arcs, including the Academy Seven Wonders and Shimane Illuminati arcs, with a brief foray into the Exorcist Exam arc towards the finale. Balancing comedy with darker themes, the season offered plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers engaged, particularly those who appreciate the anime’s unique blend of elements. However, manga readers may have valid criticisms regarding certain aspects of the adaptation.
With season 3 now concluded, attention turns to what lies ahead for the series. Fans who follow Kazue Kato’s manga know that there is more story material available for adaptation. However, as history has shown with other series, the prospect of continuation isn’t always guaranteed, leading to understandable apprehension among fans.
Fortunately, news of a fourth season of “Blue Exorcist” brings relief to eager fans. The announcement was made during a stage event at AnimeJapan 2024 on March 24, accompanied by an intriguing teaser promo video. The teaser depicts the Okumura twins facing each other with blood between them, hinting at the dark and intense direction the new season may take.
Scheduled to premiere in October, “Blue Exorcist” season 4 promises to pick up from where season 3 left off, likely delving further into the Exorcist Exam arc. While the wait may seem long, especially after the hiatus between seasons 2 and 3, fans can take solace in the fact that the series will return relatively soon. In the meantime, they can explore other dark fantasy anime to pass the time until the highly anticipated return of “Blue Exorcist.”