Iffa Jayyana
TOKYO, JAPAN – [Date of publication] – The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Firehead’s popular light novel series, Kaketa Tsuki no Mercedes: Kyuuketsuki no Kizoku ni Tensei shita kedo Suteraresou nanode Dungeon wo Seiha suru (translated as Mercedes and the Waning Moon: The Dungeoneering Feats of a Discarded Vampire Aristocrat), has officially announced its premiere window for January 2027. The announcement was made by entertainment company Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures, which also unveiled the lead cast, key staff members, a captivating teaser visual, and the series’ first promotional video on Wednesday.
The series centers on Mercedes Grunewald, a vampire aristocrat who, despite her noble lineage, finds herself in a precarious position, necessitating a bold approach to securing her future through dungeon exploration. The lead role of Mercedes will be brought to life by the talented voice actress Anna Nagase, known for her work in Koori no Jouheki.
A Deep Dive into the Production Team and Vision
The anime adaptation is being helmed by director Kunihisa Sugishima, an accomplished animator with a notable credit on Slime Taoshite 300-nen, Shiranai Uchi ni Level Max ni Nattemashita: Sono Ni. Sugishima’s experience in bringing fantasy worlds to life is expected to imbue Mercedes and the Waning Moon with a dynamic and engaging visual style.
Assisting Sugishima in shaping the narrative is series composer Jun Kumagai, who has previously contributed to projects like Mizu Zokusei no Mahoutsukai. Kumagai’s role will be crucial in adapting the intricate plot and character development of the original light novel into a compelling anime script.
The visual identity of the series is being entrusted to character designer Nami Shouyama. Fans may recognize Shouyama’s artistic flair from their work as an animation director on the acclaimed series Buddy Daddies. Their contribution is anticipated to deliver a fresh and appealing character design for Mercedes and the diverse cast of the anime.
The auditory landscape of the anime will be crafted by a formidable duo of composers: R・O・N, celebrated for their work on Kuroko no Basket, and Shuuhei Mutsuki, who contributed to the popular series Lycoris Recoil. Their combined musical expertise promises to create an immersive and emotionally resonant soundtrack that complements the action and drama of the story.
The animation itself will be produced by Studio Teddy, a company known for its commitment to quality and its growing portfolio of impressive anime productions.
The Genesis of a Beloved Series: From Web Novel to Global Reach
The journey of Mercedes and the Waning Moon began not in a traditional publishing house, but on the popular Japanese web novel platform Shousetsuka ni Narou. Author Firehead first serialized the adventure fantasy novel on the platform in October 2018, quickly garnering a dedicated readership.
The novel’s popularity led to its official publication by TO Books. The first print volume, featuring vibrant illustrations by KeG (known for Gaikotsu Kishi-sama, Tadaima Isekai e Odekakechuu), was released in May 2021. The series has since expanded with subsequent volumes, with the fourth volume hitting shelves in August 2025 and the fifth volume scheduled for release on July 15. This steady stream of new content has kept fans engaged and eagerly anticipating further developments.
The success of the light novel also paved the way for a manga adaptation. Pochi Edoya, the artist behind the manga version of Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku, began illustrating the Mercedes and the Waning Moon manga in August 2021. This adaptation is serialized on the Corona EX website and has also seen consistent releases, with the sixth volume published on July 15.
International Acclaim and Accessibility
The appeal of Mercedes and the Waning Moon has extended beyond Japan, with J-Novel Club securing the English language licensing rights for both the light novel and manga. This partnership has made the series accessible to a global audience through digital releases.
J-Novel Club began releasing the English digital versions of the light novel in November 2024, with the fourth volume of the novel making its debut on February 13. The English manga adaptation has also seen steady progress, with the fourth manga volume published in November 2025. Further expanding the availability, the fifth novel volume is slated for an English digital release on August 5. This international distribution ensures that fans worldwide can immerse themselves in Mercedes’s adventures.
A Glimpse into the World of Mercedes: First Promotional Video and Visuals
The newly launched official website for the anime adaptation offers fans their first official look at the series. The teaser visual, prominently displayed, offers a striking depiction of Mercedes, hinting at the dark yet fantastical aesthetic that will define the anime. The accompanying promotional video provides a dynamic introduction to the characters and the world, showcasing snippets of action and hinting at the core conflicts and motivations driving the narrative.
The video, available for viewing, offers a tantalizing preview of the animation style and the voice performances that will bring Mercedes and her companions to life. It serves as a powerful tool to generate anticipation and excitement for the upcoming premiere.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
While specific official statements from the production committee or the involved companies were not detailed in the provided information, the launch of an official website, the release of a promotional video, and the reveal of key cast and staff members signify a significant investment and confidence in the Mercedes and the Waning Moon anime. This proactive approach from Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures suggests a well-planned and ambitious production.
The anime adaptation of Mercedes and the Waning Moon arrives at a time when isekai and fantasy genres continue to dominate the anime landscape. The unique premise of a vampire aristocrat navigating dungeons offers a fresh twist on familiar tropes, potentially attracting both long-time fans of the light novel and newcomers to the series. The detailed world-building, character-driven narrative, and the promise of exciting action sequences are all factors that contribute to the high expectations for this January 2027 release.
The synergy between the original web novel, the published light novel and manga, and now a full-fledged anime adaptation, highlights the enduring appeal and robust fanbase that Mercedes and the Waning Moon has cultivated. As the premiere date draws closer, fans can look forward to further updates and deeper insights into the world of Mercedes and her quest for survival and triumph in the treacherous depths of the dungeons.
Implications for the Anime Industry and Fantasy Genre
The development of Mercedes and the Waning Moon into an anime series underscores a continuing trend in the anime industry: the successful adaptation of web novels and light novels that have gained traction on platforms like Shousetsuka ni Narou. This practice provides a proven foundation of audience interest, reducing the risk associated with new intellectual properties.
For the fantasy genre within anime, this series offers a promising addition. The blend of vampire lore with dungeon-crawling mechanics presents an opportunity for innovative storytelling and visual spectacle. The success of this adaptation could potentially encourage further exploration of similar niche concepts within the broader fantasy umbrella, diversifying the offerings available to anime enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the international licensing by J-Novel Club demonstrates the growing global market for Japanese light novels and manga, and by extension, their anime adaptations. This global reach is crucial for the financial viability and cultural impact of anime productions.
The January 2027 premiere date allows ample time for robust production and extensive marketing campaigns. Fans can anticipate a well-polished and engaging anime that aims to capture the essence of Firehead’s original work while appealing to a broad international audience. The official website and social media channels are expected to become hubs for ongoing news, character spotlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as the release date approaches.
Official Website: https://mercedes-anime.com/
Official X (Twitter): @mercedes_anime
Source: PR Times
Neng Nana
Lina Irawan
