Black Summoner is a Japanese light novel series written by Doufu Mayoi, beginning in 2014 on the web novel site Shousetsuka ni Narou. Later, it was published by Overlap under the Overlap Bunko label with illustrations by Kurogin and Daiekusuto from volume 7. The series centers on Kelvin, who, after trading all his memories for rare summoning skills, is reincarnated into a fantasy world as the titular summoner. Black Summoner has spawned a manga adaptation by Gin Ammo, serialized since 2018, and received a 12-episode TV anime adaptation produced by Satelight, airing in 2022. By October 2024, the series had sold 2.7 million copies across all formats.
The author, Doufu Mayoi, was a fan of web novels and started writing "Black Summoner" with only the basic idea of a “classic hero” in mind.
He initially named the series "Universal Summoner," but changed it to "Black Summoner" after feedback that the original title was unappealing.
Mayoi saw few stories with protagonists who were true "battle junkies."
He wanted Kelvin’s love for fighting to make the series stand out.
The story takes place in a vibrant fantasy world filled with magic, gods, monsters, and guilds.
Unique races such as elves, demons, and dragons coexist, and adventure guilds serve as community havens for adventurers.
People are often summoned from other worlds to become heroes or fulfill divine missions.
Summoners have the special power to form contracts with monsters or even divine beings and add them to their party.
Kelvin awakens in a strange forest, with absolutely no memory of his past life.
He quickly discovers that he traded all his previous memories for the chance to reincarnate in another world, gaining rare summoner abilities as his reward.
Kelvin is joined by Melfina, the goddess of reincarnation herself, who acts as both his master and companion after being summoned into the mortal realm.
The story takes off as Kelvin, a true "battle maniac" who can't help smiling in the face of powerful opponents, embarks on his new life as an adventurer.
With his growing party—including Efil, an ex-slave half-elf; Gerard, a loyal undead knight; and other unique allies—Kelvin challenges magical dungeons, fierce monsters, corrupt nobles, and otherworldly threats.
Each battle makes his smile wider—he truly lives to fight!
Summoner:
A class that can form contracts with magical beings and even deities.
Unlike mages, Summoners directly command their summoned partners.
Goddess of Reincarnation:
A divine figure who manages souls passing between worlds; Melfina is this goddess.
Guild:
Central hubs where adventurers gather, receive quests, and get ranked based on their achievements.
Reincarnation Bonus:
When a soul is reincarnated to another world, it receives special “perks” or abilities in exchange for something significant, like memories.
Light Novels:
Written by Doufu Mayoi, published under Overlap Bunko.
As of December 2024, 21 volumes have been released.
Manga:
Adaptation by Gin Ammo, presenting dynamic action scenes and character expressions.
Serialized on Comic Gardo and Comic Gardo+, with 21 volumes as of February 2025.
Anime:
Aired July–September 2022, animated by Satelight, directed and series composed by Yoshimasa Hiraike.
The anime features 12 episodes full of flashy battles and vibrant fantasy elements.
Doufu Mayoi started the series after growing enthusiastic reading web novels.
He wrote without set outlines, allowing the story and battles to naturally expand.
Changing the name to "Black Summoner" led to an almost immediate increase in popularity on web novel rankings.
For the anime, Mayoi emphasized that intense, exhilarating battle scenes were a top priority and the “heart” of the adaptation.
- Opening Theme: "Atama-naka DEAD END" performed by Retbea (unknown Vo:10fu), created by Kairiki Bear.
- Ending Theme: "Wherever" by Minori Suzuki, with a remix version used in later episodes.
By late 2024, Black Summoner reached a cumulative 2.7 million copies sold—including digital editions.
The unique appeal lies in a protagonist who relishes combat and the thrill of growth—the series is recognized as a breath of fresh air among reincarnation and fantasy stories.
It maintains a dedicated fanbase for its explosive battle scenes, quirky gods, and ever-expanding cast of memorable party members.
The series actively engages fans through web, manga, anime, and social media, and is part of the current wave of isekai fantasy media.
Black Summoner continues as an ongoing multimedia franchise with new volumes and manga chapters regularly published.
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