Back Arrow

Back Arrow (バック・アロウ) is an original Japanese anime series produced by Studio VOLN, directed by Gorō Taniguchi and written by Kazuki Nakashima. The series aired from January to June 2021.

Plot
The series takes place in the land of Lingalind (リンガリンド), a continent completely surrounded by a massive wall. The people of Lingalind revere the wall as a god, believing that all of existence is contained within and that the wall protects and provides for its inhabitants. While the land consists of several territories, it is mostly dominated by two powerful nations: The Republic of Lutoh (リュート卿和国), which values intelligence and diplomacy, and The Empire of Rekka (レッカ凱帝国), which values honor and strength. These two nations are in constant conflict with each other over obtaining land and Rakuho (ラクホウ) capsules, which are sent from an unknown location once per month and land in predetermined regions of Lingalind, containing provisions and weapons that the people of Lingalind consider gifts from the wall. Some of these capsules contain devices known as Bind Warpers, metallic armbands that allow one to summon and control a giant mechanical armor known as a Briheight (ブライハイト). A Briheight's appearance and abilities are tied to one's Conviction (信念), the thing they believe in above all else. Conviction is also recognized as an energy that flows throughout the world, powering various forms of advanced technology found within Lingalind and granting some people special abilities outside of operating a Briheight. Being defeated in battle while controlling a Briheight causes the user to disappear.

One day after a Rakuho is recovered by Rekka forces, a previously unheard-of second Rakuho lands in Edger Village on the outskirts of Lingalind's Iki region. Inside is an amnesiac young man whose only memory is that he is from "beyond the wall." Taking the name "Back Arrow," he seeks to journey back over the wall to restore his memory, entangling himself in the conflict between the two nations.

Production and release
The original anime television series was announced on December 28, 2019, and was produced by Studio VOLN. The series was directed by Goro Taniguchi and written by Kazuki Nakashima. Kōhei Tanaka composed the music and character designs were provided by Shinobu Ohtaka and Toshiyuki Kanno. The series aired from January 9 to June 19, 2021, with the series running for two cours (seasons). The opening theme is "dawn" performed by Lisa, while the ending theme is "The End of the World" (セカイノハテ) performed by Shuka Saitō. The second opening theme is "Heartbeat" (鼓動) performed by Eir Aoi, while the ending theme is "United Sparrows" performed by Flow. Funimation licensed the series and is streaming it on its website in North America and the British Isles, in Europe through Wakanim, and in Australia and New Zealand through AnimeLab. On April 22, 2021, Funimation announced the series would receive an English dub, with the first two episodes premiering the next day. Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.