Dota: Dragon's Blood

Dota: Dragon's Blood is an adult animated epic fantasy streaming television series.[1] It is based on Dota 2, a 2013 MOBA video game developed and published by Valve.[2] The show is produced by Studio Mir in association with Ashley Edward Miller's company Kaiju Boulevard.[3] The series premiered on Netflix on March 25, 2021.[4]

Dota: Dragon's Blood
Book 1 promotional poster, featuring the lead character Davion
Based onDota 2 by Valve
Developed byAshley Edward Miller
Screenplay byAshley Edward Miller
Steven Melching
Ashley Halloran
Mitch Iverson
Amy Chu
Story byAshley Edward Miller
Bryan Konietzko
Directed by
  • Park So Young
  • Kim Eui Jeong
  • Han Seung Woo
Art directorKim Il Kwang
Voices of
ComposerDino Meneghin
Country of origin
  • South Korea
  • United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
EditorKim Jun Hee
Running time26–28 minutes
Production companies
Animation servicesProduction Reve (season 1)
Release
Original networkNetflix
Picture formatHDTV 1080p
Audio formatStereo
Original releaseMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25) –
present (present)

Plot

Set in a fantasy world of magic and mysticism, the story follows a Dragon Knight, Davion who hunts and slays dragons to make the world a safer place.[5] In a battle between demons and the dragon race of Eldwurm, an elder dragon merges his soul with Davion. Along with a moon princess Mirana, Davion pursues a journey to stop the demon Terrorblade who wants to kill all dragons and collect their souls.

Voice cast and characters
  • Yuri Lowenthal[6] as Davion: a Dragon Knight who hates dragons for massacring his whole family as a boy. His witnessing Terrorblade's evil forces him to ally with the Eldewyrms and aids Mirana and Marci on their quest.
  • Lara Pulver[6] as Princess Mirana: the exiled princess of the Nightsilver Woods, she goes on a quest with Marci, her mute bodyguard, handmaid, and best friend, to recover the stolen lotuses of her patron goddess, Selemene.
  • Tony Todd[6] as Slyrak: one of the Eight Great Dragons, Slyrak is a proud and destructive Eldwurm, using Davion as a host to stay alive and battle Terrorblade.
  • Troy Baker[6] as Invoker: a powerful magical Elven Sage who is pivotal to Mirana's quest. He hates Selemene for her role in the death of his child. Makes a deal with Terrorblade for his daughter's soul revival. Hidden antagonist manipulating everyone to kill Selemene and six of the remaining eldwurm dragons.
  • Troy also voices Nico Hieronimo: a pangolin-like being who accompanies Luna while she was in prison.
  • Freya Tingley[6] as Fymryn: a young Elven girl who steals Lotuses from Nightsilver Woods because of a prophecy about her Moon goddess, Mene.
  • Josh Keaton[7] as Bram: Davion's squire, now serving Kaden in "curing" Davion of Slyrak's possessing him.
  • Kari Wahlgren[6] as Luna: once known as Scourge of the Plains, she commits war crimes upon the Elves who refuse to worship Selemene.
  • Alix Wilton Regan[6] as Selemene: the goddess of the Moon, she is an antagonist to the Elven Enclaves who refuse to worship her and declares war on them following Fymryn's theft of her Lotuses. Egotistical and sacrificial of her subjects with extreme prejudice on all who don't love her, even her own daughter.
  • Stephanie Jacobsen[6] as Drysi: leader of the Elven Resistance against the Dark Moon Order's colonization and conversion of her people under Selemene's zealots.
  • Anson Mount[6] as Kaden: the only Dragon Knight to survive fighting an Eldewurm, he hunts for Slyrak who killed 29 of his friends in a battle 20 years.
  • Matthew Waterson as Captain Frühling: the alcoholic inhabitant of Barrow Haven that commandeered the local soldiers against a Eldwurm attack.
  • JB Blanc as Terrorblade: The main antagonist of the series, a demon aiming to kill all the dragons in a plan to reshape the universe he desires.
  • Doug Bradley as Viceroy Kashurra
  • Julie Nathanson as Rylai: an woman that found her innate elemental affinity to ice created trouble for all those around her.
  • Victoria Atkin as Lina: Rylai's older sister with the strength of a nuclear bomb, and ambition to match.

Episodes

Series overview
BookEpisodesOriginally released
18March 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
28January 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)

Book 1 (2021)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byScreenplay byOriginal release date
11"What the Thunder Said"Park So YoungAshley Edward MillerMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
After Dragon Knight Davion slays a dragon and finds the nest, he discovers the other dragons killed each other in a mad fervor. Soon, finding a chasm made by an Eldewyrm, Davion instead heads into town to celebrate the dragon he slew and comfort the citizens. At the tavern, he encounters Mirana, who meets an Elf who directs her to her objective in the Hauptstadt Black Market. When the Elf is exposed, Davion pretends to kill him, surprising Mirana but relieving the tavern's patrons. The next morning, Davion's squire Bram informs him that Captain Frühling went to confront an Eldewyrm, so Davion races to stop him while Bram portals to HQ to inform the guild masters. Frühling slays the Eldewyrm Uldorak and consumes his soul, but Davion recognizes his demonic possession just as Ember Eldwyrm Slyrak appears. The demon Terrorblade possesses Uldorak's corpse to battle Slyrak to a stalemate before Davion slays Uldorak, but Uldorak's soul is lost to Terrorblade. The mortally wounded Slyrak asks for an honorable death and kills Davion in a blood-based ritual. Later, Mirana finds a naked Davion alive but passed out in the forest and decides to help him at her aide Marci's insistence.
22"Princess of Nothing"Kim Eui JeongSteven MelchingMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
While Davion is still disoriented in the battle's aftermath, he is ambushed and robbed by bandits on the road, but awakens the next day with Mirana and Marci. Unable to remember details of the night before, he identifies Mirana as the Nightsilver Woods' Princess, a sore subject for her. Arriving in Hauptstadt and rooming at a small inn, Davion regurgitates a ring that is identified by a bandit as belonging to his slain compatriot who had robbed Davion two nights earlier. When the bandit swears vengeance, Davion tries to buy weapons, but nobody will sell to him given the bandit's threat. When Mirana and Marci reach the Black Market, their Elf contact reveals he betrayed them and they are captured. Escaping later, the duo coerce the Elf into naming their next lead, a Shopkeeper who gives Mirana a gem and directs them to a Sage in the Broken Peaks. As the bandits attack Davion, he transforms into a humanoid Slyrak and kills them all, but regains his human form upon finding his Dragon Blade. Traumatized by his transformation, Mirana still helps him escape before city guards arrest him, and they set out to seek the Sage for answers. Elsewhere, Elf girl Fymryn reveals that she was the one who stole the Lotuses.
33"Neverwhere Land"Park So YoungAshley HalloranMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Davion is troubled by his hidden form, and continues to journey with Mirana to find the Sage. Fymryn and her friends find the sorcerer of the prophecy, but are cast out before being attacked by Luna. On a snowy mountain, Mirana is separated from the group and encounters cannibalistic zombie creatures controlled by a glowing red, evil power.
44"The Monster at the End of This Book"Kim Eui JeongMitch IversonMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Mirana and Davion reach a Dragon Knight fortress in the mountains. Dragon Knight Kaden reveals his quest for revenge against Slyrak which leaves Davion in a conflicted position. Invoker confronts Selemene, whose desire for control threatens to expand the conflict of the Nightsilver Woods.
55"The Fire Sermon"Park So YoungSteven MelchingMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Following Davion's fight with Kaden, Slyrak goes on a rampage while Davion's consciousness is trapped in communion with the other Elder Dragons. Mirana and Marci reach the Mage's Valley, but must contend with attacks from Slyrak to reach their destination. They are able to locate the Mage's Tower by looking through the Shopkeeper's Gem, possibly referencing the Gem of True Sight of the Dota 2 game.
66"Knight, Death and the Devil"Kim Eui JeongAshley Halloran & Mitch IversonMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Luna serves as Selemene's weapon in the battle to subdue the rebel enclaves of the Nightsilver Woods and force the inhabitants to declare their loyalty to the Dark Moon. Mirana and Davion discuss their situations with Invoker, who tasks them with returning the stolen lotuses to Selemene.
77"Speak the Words"Park So YoungAmy ChuMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Mirana, Marci, Davion and Fymryn travel together to return the stolen lotuses, while their conflicting agendas cause tension. Under attack from dragons, they accept the need to work together for the time being at least. In flashbacks, Invoker's past connection with Selemene is detailed, and his obsession with finding a way to save their daughter.
88"A Game of Chess"Kim Eui JeongAshley Edward MillerMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
All forces converge as the heroes return the lotuses to the Nightsilver Woods, with Mirana preparing to return to her noble position and Davion contemplating them parting ways. The revelation of the lotuses unexpectedly results in the Dark Moon's power being blocked, leading to an uprising among the rebel elves, while at the same time, Dragon Knights appear to capture Davion. Selemene herself is attacked as Terrorblade makes his return in an attempt to seize control.

Book 2 (2022)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byScreenplay byOriginal release date
91"Nothing with Nothing"Park So YoungAshley Edward MillerJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
After striking a deal with a demon, the Invoker faces Selemene. Mirana and Luna marshal the troops. Davion makes a discovery with deadly implications.
102"My Sword, My Life"Han Cheong IlSteven MelchingJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
A swarm like no other attacks the hold as a squire steps up and a patriarch plays on deep fears. Desperate for help, Mirana finds a refuge — or is it?
113"The Lady of Situations"Han Seung WooAshley HalloranJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
With faith and trust in short supply, chaos descends on siblings. Davion's group shelters with a unique dragon as a princess returns to her origins.
124"Desolate and Empty the Sea"Park So YoungMitch IversonJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
The ties that bind: Mirana makes a deal for an army. Bram's match reveals a new side. Davion heads to the Helio Imperium for the Eye of the Worldwyrm.
135"The Burial of the Dead"Han Seung WooAshley Halloran & Mitch IversonJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
A goddess full of regret, an elf discovered, and a princess on a precipice: Mirana's beginnings come to light as the hunt for an assassin heats up.
146"The Hyacinth Girl"Park So YoungAmy ChuJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
Has Davion's song faded? Lina battles Slyrak. A poetry-spinning dragon ushers in the sunlight, and then a shocking power play shakes the Imperium.
157"The Violet Hour"Han Seung WooSteven MelchingJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
A leader rises: Davion confronts a fake. Lina confesses. Fymryn grapples with guilt, a demon and a promise. A power behind the scenes materializes.
168"Unreal City"Park So YoungAshley Edward MillerJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)
Darkness reveals itself — and demands sacrifices. Davion lays it all on the line, Bram rises to the occasion, and Mirana fights for the power within.

Production

The series was announced by Netflix on 17 February 2021.[1] It is a joint collaboration between South Korean studio Mir[1] and American company Kaiju Boulevard. South Korean studio Production Reve provided the animation services for Book One while Studio Mir took over for Book Two. The animation style is a blend of anime and Western animation.

Release

Dota: Dragon's Blood debuted on March 25, 2021, on Netflix.[1] A teaser trailer was released on February 19,[8] followed by a full trailer on March 1.[9] A promotional video, titled "Basshunter Dota Revival", was released on YouTube alongside the show's debut.[10] In it, Swedish musician Basshunter is singing "Vi sitter i Ventrilo och spelar DotA" while playing Dota 2, with scenes from Dragon's Blood shown in between.[11] During The International 2021 immediately following a trailer for season two, a video with 2d animation from Studio Mir was shown revealing show original character Marci was being added to DOTA 2 as a playable hero.[12] Marci was added to the game as a part of gameplay update 7.30e on October 28.[13]

A second season was announced on April 19, 2021.[14] Originally set for release on January 6, 2022,[15] Book Two premiered on January 18.[16]

Reception

For the first season, the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports a 75% approval rating, based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 7.60/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "While knowledge of the game isn't necessary, it might have been nice if Dota: Dragon's Blood had translated more of its narrative prowess to the small screen."[17]

Notes
  1. Credited as "Co-Executive Producer" in season 1.
  2. All of them credited as "Supervising Producers".

References
  1. "Netflix Announces DOTA: Dragon's Blood Anime Series Based On The Popular Video-Game Franchise By Valve". Netflix Media Center. February 16, 2021.
  2. DOTA 2 – Gamescom 2011 Interview (PC) (Video). YouTube. August 19, 2011. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  3. Del Rosario, Alexandria (February 17, 2021). "'DOTA: Dragon's Blood': Netflix Announces Anime Series Based On Valve Video Game Franchise". Deadline. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  4. Peters, Jay (February 16, 2021). "Valve's Dota 2 will become a Netflix anime series on March 25th". The Verge. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  5. "'Dota: Dragon's Blood' Season 1 Analysis - Into The World Of Dragons and Demons | DMT". Digital Mafia Talkies. 2021-03-28. Retrieved 2021-03-28.
  6. Gartenberg, Chaim (February 19, 2021). "Netflix's DOTA 2 anime gets a proper teaser trailer full of dragon-fighting action". The Verge. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  7. Josh Keaton [@JoshKeaton] (February 19, 2021). "Hey look! It's me! Sweet, beautiful Bram. So excited for all of you to see him in the upcoming #DOTA series coming to @netflix in March!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
  8. Netflix (February 19, 2021). DOTA: Dragon's Blood | Teaser | Netflix. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  9. Netflix (March 1, 2021). DOTA: Dragon's Blood | Official Trailer | Netflix. YouTube. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  10. Netflix (March 25, 2021). DOTA: Dragon's Blood | Basshunter Dota Revival | Netflix. YouTube. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  11. Winslow, Jeremy (25 March 2021). "Dota 2 Anime Dragon's Blood Is Now On Netflix". GameSpot. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  12. Bolding, Jonathan (2021-10-16). "Dota 2's newest hero is Marci, the silent sidekick from the anime". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  13. Michael, Cale (2021-10-29). "Dota 2's new hero Marci is now live with gameplay update 7.30e". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  14. ""Book 2 is coming! The second season of DOTA: Dragon's Blood is in the works."". Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  15. "'Dota: Dragon's Blood' Season 2: Netflix Release Date & What We Know So Far". What's On Netflix. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  16. "Dota: Dragon's Blood | Netflix Official Site". Netflix. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  17. "Dota: Dragon's Blood: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
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