For those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter series’ spin off of Pottermore, well, it’s more of an extension of the original books.
For those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter series’ spin off of Pottermore, well, it’s more of an extension of the original books. It was officially open on April 14, 2012 to the general public and received an all-around crazy fan following. The point of Pottermore is the readings from the books, taking the player through an interactive Harry Potter world with additions from J.K. Rowlings’ notes. The fans rejoiced, being able to delve further into the wizarding world that has pulled millions into its depths, and Sony cashed in. If you’re a fan of the Harry potter world, this is a must play.
Source: Wikipedia
Source: Wikimedia
Just today J.K. Rowling has released her first of twelve new stories leading up to Christmas, for those of you counting like I did – the last will be released on December 23rd. Speculation has been placed on what all is released, from the history of Snape to more about Draco Malfoy.
3 Anime Similar to Harry Potter
If you can’t wait for tomorrows story, or the day after or the day after that, here’s a few anime selectively chosen that resemble the Potter world the most to tide you over!
The Familiar of Zero
[Japanese: Zero no Tsukaima]
The Familiar of Zero follows a young magician named Louise, nicknamed Zero Louise for her inability to properly use her magic. Louise goes to Tristein Academy of Magic. In one of her tests, she is ordered to summon a familiar – she wants the biggest and baddest around, and ends up summoning a normal Japanese boy named Hiraga Saito. After discovering the world of magic Saito is not allowed to return to Japan and Louise is not allowed to attempt another summoning, so they’re stuck together in this school full of magics the world has never seen.
If you’re looking for a show that resembles the magical school world of Harry Potter, this is one of the best ones to try. Be careful though, if you’re not a fan of the tsundere nature, you may not enjoy this show. If it doesn’t bother you, (or if you can contain the passionate hatred of the sun into a tiny ball), then give this show a good chance!
Zero no Tsukaima Trailer
- Episodes: 13
- Aired: Jul. 2006 - Sep. 2006
Guilty Crown
Guilty Crown is a rare show that just slams your “oh that’s awesome” strings right from the start. While the main character – Shu Ouma, is decidedly weak at first, he has those moments that just wow you.
The year is 2039 in Tokyo, 10 years after the “Lost Christmas” incident of 2029 wherein the Apocalypse Virus made its deadly debut onto the world. Shu mistakenly grabs the power to pull out voids from people, which is what their hearts would be if they could take physical form. With this power he must decide if he’s on the side of the world’s controlling organization GHQ, or if he’s on the side of the rebels. If you’ve read my posts before then you know I’m a big fan of Mika Kobayashi, who sings for this incredible anime.
As far as Potter-relatedness, this show takes magic to a whole new level where the magic is in your heart. Think Patronus without the ability of everyone to summon one. This is an excellent anime to pass the time between the Pottermore stories with an enriched story and plenty of action of its own.
Guilty Crown Trailer
- Episodes: 22
- Aired: Oct. 2011 - Mar. 2012
Blast of Tempest
[Japanese: Zetsuen no Tempest]
This is an anime with a story, a very enveloping story that keeps you watching until you make it through to the series finale. If you’ve not read “The Tempest” or “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, this show is based off of the plays, paying homage to them several times throughout the course of the entire series. The best way to describe this show is through the use of a simple dialogue and the only way to do so without taking away from the story itself:
One day, a single girl was suddenly murdered, and the culprit still runs free.
And one day, a battle spanning time and space over magic and revenge began!
Sanity and madness, sense and intelligence, self-confidence and convictions.
The tragic tale of this irrational world starts now.
If you’re looking for an anime with a story that will draw you in as much as the Potter world did, this is the show you want to watch. I personally ended up binge-watching the entire series over the course of a day and was not disappointed in the slightest.
Blast of Tempest Trailer
- Episodes: 24
- Aired: Oct. 2012 - Mar. 2013
So remember, while you’re waiting for the next story to come out there are plenty of alternatives you can look into depending on which part of the Potter series you want to feel related to. Be it a story, the magical school aspect or even the action, there’s plenty out there to pass the day!