Myriad Colors Phantom World
Myriad Colors Phantom World is a Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Sōichirō Hatano and illustrated by Shirabi. The series, set in the future Kamigyo ward, follows the accidental release of an unstable virus caused an epidemic that alters the human brain, leading to the creation of the beings called “phantoms”.
An anime television adaptation by Kyoto Animation aired from January to March 2016.
Plot
In the near future, the accidental release of an experimental virus causes an outbreak that changes the brain chemistry of every person in the world, allowing them to perceive extra-dimensional beings called "Phantoms". In addition, some children born after the outbreak have developed special powers that allow them to battle and seal Phantoms. Even though the vast majority of phantoms are harmless, many of these gifted children are placed in clubs, schools, and organizations dedicated to dealing with Phantoms that prove to be nuisances or threats to humanity. The story revolves around Haruhiko Ichijo and his friends in the Phantom-hunting Club of Hosea Academy, a private school for children with special abilities to seal Phantoms, and their everyday life and struggles, dealing with Phantoms.
Media
Novel
The light novel was written by Sōichirō Hatano and illustrated by Shirabi. It was published by Kyoto Animation's novel imprint KA Esuma Bunko on 20 December 2013. The book received an honorable mention in the novel category of the fourth Kyoto Animation Award on 5 April 2013. Previous works to be featured in the awards have received anime adaptations. A second novel was released on 30 October 2015. A third novel was released on 11 February 2016.
Anime
An anime television series aired between 7 January and 31 March 2016 on ABC Asahi, Tokyo MX, TV Aichi, and BS11. The series was directed by Tatsuya Ishihara and written by Fumihiko Shimo, with animation produced by Kyoto Animation. Kazumi Ikeda handled the series' character designs, and also served as the chief animation director. Shinpei Sawa provided the designs for the Phantoms. The series' music was composed by Effy. Additionally, Ryuuta Nakagami served as director of photography; Mikiko Watanabe was the series' art director; Kana Miyata provided the color key; Hiroshi Karata was in charge of accessories planning; and Yota Tsuruoka was the sound director. The opening theme song is "Naked Dive" by Screen Mode, while the ending theme is "Junshin Always" by Azusa Tadokoro. The anime was released on seven Blu-ray and DVD compilation volumes containing two episodes and one picture drama each between 6 April and 5 October 2016. An original video animation was bundled with the seventh volume. Crunchyroll streamed the series, while Funimation released the series in North America on home video, and Madman Entertainment distributes the title in Australia and New Zealand on behalf of Funimation.
Reception
Jonah Welland of CBR.com wrote in November 2022 that the series received poor criticism as it was "generic". He also described that the elements of the series had felt "half-baked and rushed, lacking the usual creativity the studio is known for."