Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya

Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya

Company type	Manga series, Anime franchise
Industry	Entertainment, Manga, Anime
Founded	2007
Founder	Hiroshi Hiroyama (KALMIA)
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Manga, Anime series, Animated films, Video game
Parent	Kadokawa Shoten (manga publisher), Silver Link (anime studio), Kadokawa Games (video game developer)

Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya is a Japanese manga series created by Hiroshi Hiroyama (also known as KALMIA). It was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace magazine between 2007 and 2008. This work serves as an alternate universe spin-off of the Fate/stay night visual novel developed by Type-Moon, with Illyasviel von Einzbern taking the lead role. Characters from Fate/stay night and its subsequent titles also make appearances. The series continued with a second manga running from 2009 to 2012, followed by a third installment beginning in 2012.

The franchise expanded into animation through a 10-episode TV series produced by Silver Link, which aired on Tokyo MX from July to September 2013. Its second season, adapting the sequel manga, was broadcast from July to September 2014. The third season, titled Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei! Herz!, aired during July–September 2015, and the fourth season, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 3rei!!, followed from July to September 2016. In 2017, an animated feature film called Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow was released. An original video animation (OVA), Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Prisma Phantasm, premiered on June 14, 2019. The second film in the series, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Licht - The Nameless Girl, came out on August 27, 2021, retaining the same director, scriptwriter, character designer, and studio as its predecessor. A sequel has been confirmed.

A video game adaptation named , developed and published by Kadokawa Games for the Nintendo 3DS, was launched in Japan on July 31, 2014.

Plot

Illyasviel von Einzbern is an ordinary elementary school student who unexpectedly becomes a magical girl when the Kaleidostick Ruby selects her instead of the sorceress Rin Tohsaka. Rin, who has been assigned by the wizard Zelretch to gather seven Class Cards containing Heroic Spirits, must oversee Illya's mission after Ruby refuses to return to her original master. Alongside this journey, Illya meets Miyu, who wields Sapphire—a different Kaleidostick that abandoned its first master, Luvia Edelfelt, Rin's rival—becoming both friend and competitor.

Once all Class Cards have been collected and a bond formed between them, Illya and Miyu encounter Kuro, a dark-skinned girl bearing a striking resemblance to Illya who attempts to eliminate her. Illya’s mother reveals that Kuro was intended to be the Holy Grail but was sealed away so that Illya could live an ordinary life. Providing Kuro with mana to sustain her existence, Illya accepts her into the Einzbern family.

Bazett Fraga McRemitz assaults the group; however, a ceasefire is established when Rin discloses the existence of an eighth Class Card. The group confronts Gilgamesh, who unveils that Miyu originates from a parallel world where she was born as the Holy Grail before being absorbed. By merging Ruby and Sapphire into Kaleido Liner Zwei, Illya attains enhanced power that enables her to defeat Gilgamesh and rescue Miyu.

Subsequently, Miyu is abducted by the Ainsworth family and taken to their parallel world. Determined to recover her friend, Illya and her allies enter this alternate realm where they join forces with Tanaka—an amnesiac determined to defeat the Ainsworths—Gilgamesh seeking his Class Card once more, and a parallel version of Shirou Emiya imprisoned by the Ainsworth clan. The Ainsworths plan to use Miyu as their Holy Grail to save their dying world; however, Illya pledges to discover another way. After a confrontation ensues, the Ainsworths escape; Gilgamesh departs after reclaiming his Card; Angelica Ainsworth reluctantly allies with them; and Miyu along with Shirou are freed.

Main characters

Illya experienced an ordinary upbringing, unaware of magic or the Holy Grail War. She lives with her brother Shirou and is cared for by the maids Leysritt and Sella when their parents are away. A fan of magical girl anime, Illya transforms into a magical girl after forming a contract with Magical Ruby. Compared to her original version, she is more innocent and lighthearted.

Ruby is a Kaleidostick that grants its wielder the ability to become a magical girl. Initially Rin’s tool, Ruby leaves her due to ongoing disputes with Luvia and instead bonds with Illya. Playful and provocative, Ruby delights in teasing Illya.

Miyu becomes the chosen master of Sapphire and is taken in by Luvia. Although she initially doubts Illya’s capabilities, their joint magical girl endeavors lead Miyu to develop a protective and respectful attitude toward her.

Sapphire, Ruby’s younger sister Kaleidostick, allows Miyu to transform into a magical girl. Originally assigned to Luvia, Sapphire also departs from her because of conflicts with Rin. She serves as the serious and rational voice among them.

Rin is dispatched by the wizard Zelretch to retrieve Class Cards using magical girl powers. After Ruby abandons her for Illya, Rin oversees Illya’s mission while managing her ongoing rivalry with Luvia, which frequently results in mishaps.

Luvia is a wealthy mage who works alongside Rin to collect Class Cards. Following Sapphire’s defection to Miyu, Luvia adopts Miyu and supports her mission. Her rivalry with Rin arises from their clashing personalities and shared interest in Shirou Emiya.

Kuro shares Illya’s appearance but features dark skin, white hair, and golden eyes. Initially hostile and intent on destroying Illya, Kuro is later revealed as a sealed alternate aspect of Illya created to preserve her normal life. She sustains herself by absorbing mana through kisses and integrates into the Einzbern family dynamic while providing prominent yuri fanservice within the series.

Einzbern family

Illya’s adoptive older brother is an average young man frequently caught in unfortunate circumstances. Both Illya and Chloe harbor feelings for him, and he is admired by several girls including Rin, Luvia, Sakura Matō, Caren, and Moriyama Nanami—though he remains unaware of their affections. Shirou often suffers mistreatment but has grown accustomed to his low standing. His character parodies the original Fate/stay night Shirou with exaggerated traits.

An alternate version raised by Miyu’s family has acquired magecraft skills, resembles the passionate Shirou from Fate/stay night, was imprisoned by the Ainsworth family, escaped upon learning Miyu was in danger, and now assists in rescuing her.

and

(Sella)

(Leysritt)

Sella and Leysritt serve as maids within the Einzbern household, primarily responsible for caring for Illya and Shirou. Sella is easily annoyed but dedicated and serious about her role. Leysritt is more relaxed, often delegating chores to Shirou while maintaining enthusiasm and sympathy toward both children. Sella suspects Shirou of having lolicon and siscon tendencies, disciplining him for inappropriate behavior.

and

(Irisviel)

(Kiritsugu)

The parents of Illya and Shirou are frequently absent due to work commitments aimed at preserving their children’s normalcy. Irisviel is eccentric yet deeply affectionate, possessing sufficient skill to incapacitate Chloe effortlessly. Though descended from magi lineage, she and Kiritsugu left the Einzbern family shortly after Illya’s birth. Kiritsugu has not yet appeared formally but Shirou hopes for his return amid the predominantly female household.

An alternate Kiritsugu appears in flashbacks as the adoptive father of Miyu and the alternate Shirou, seeking the "Child of God" to save their world; he is deceased in the current timeline.

Homurahara Academy

Taiga Fujimura (Voiced by Miki Ito / Allison Sumrall)

Serves as the homeroom instructor for Illya and Miyu.

Mimi Katsura (Voiced by Satomi Satō / Brittney Karbowski)

An exemplary student and close companion of Illya. Influenced by the dynamics between Illya, Miyu, Chloe, Shirou, and Issei, she develops an interest in fujoshi culture after Suzuka and her sister introduce her to doujinshi. She has a younger brother.

Issei Ryuudou (Voiced by Mitsuaki Madono / Bryson Baugus)

Heir to the male-only Ryuudou Temple and Shirou Emiya's closest friend. Additionally holds a position on the student council.

Tatsuko Gakumazawa (Voiced by Emiri Katō / Emily Neves)

A blonde-haired troublemaker within Illya’s circle of friends. Although heiress to the Gakumazawa dojo, she lacks proficiency in martial arts. Known for inadvertently causing chaos despite her good intentions.

Suzuka Kurihara (Voiced by Kanae Itō / Nancy Novotny)

The pragmatic member of the group, distinguished by her red-framed glasses. Has an older sister who works as a doujin manga artist.

Nanaki Moriyama (Voiced by Mariya Ise / Juliet Simmons)

A pink-haired prodigy in Illya’s friend group, adept in Gakumazawa martial arts but held back by her laziness. Harbors resentment toward Luvia and Rin for meddling with her elder sister’s feelings for Shirou Emiya.

Caren Hortensia (Voiced by Ami Koshimizu / Courtney Lomelo)

The school nurse who observes Illya, Miyu, and Chloe with detached curiosity. Secretly serves as the Church’s agent overseeing matters related to Class Cards, using her position to closely monitor the children’s hardships.

Class Cards

Rider (Voiced by Yū Asakawa / Renita Salinas)

Caster (Voiced by Atsuko Tanaka / Allison Sumrall)

Saber (Voiced by Ayako Kawasumi / Elise Moore)

Refer also to Saber (Fate/stay night)

Assassin (Anime voices

Akina Abe, Kazunori Nomata, Naoya Nosaka)

Berserker (Anime voices

Tadahisa Saizen / John Swasey)

Gilgamesh (Voiced by Aya Endo [Child], Tomokazu Seki [Shadow], Chelsea Ryan McCurdy [Child])

The eighth Class Card uncovered by Rin through Fuyuki's Earth Pulses. Initially appears as a mindless entity enveloped in black mist but wields a complete set of weapons. After defeating Bazett and Chloe, he escapes from the mirrored world and divides into child and massive black forms equipped with noble phantasms. Though not aiming to win the Holy Grail War, he partially merges with his black form upon recognizing Illya as a worthy adversary once she attains Kaleido Liner Zwei status. Ultimately defeated in a power struggle between Illya’s Kaleido Liner Zwei and his Enuma Elish.

Ainsworth family

The original leader of the Ainsworth clan from a millennium ago, Darius avoided death by inhabiting his descendants. During his travels, he encountered Pandora, who disclosed that the world was dying due to mana exhaustion replaced by toxic energy. Darius allied with Pandora to utilize Pandora's Box to evolve humanity for survival amid this crisis.

The present head of the Ainsworth lineage and descendant of Darius. Emerges after breaking free from Darius’s spell and is a former classmate of Shirou.

True identity is Pandora, the first woman created by the Olympians. In this reality, she never opened Pandora's box, granting her immortality. Discovered by Darius, she has resided with the Ainsworth family under various aliases, most recently as Erika.

Julian’s childhood companion since elementary school. After being rescued from bullying by Julian, she gained confidence and developed romantic feelings for him. She perished trapped beneath rubble but had her soul transferred into a Doll body.

Julian’s eldest sister within the Ainsworth family. She died at the conclusion of the Fourth Ainsworth Holy Grail War and had her soul placed inside a Doll.

Others

An elite combat expert affiliated with the Magic's Association, assigned to forcibly reclaim Class Cards from Illya and Miyu if necessary. She possesses the strength to defeat Rin, Luvia, and Chloe, and came close to overpowering Illya and Miyu by utilizing the Class Cards. Her unyielding pursuit compelled Rin to reveal an eighth Servant card to stop Bazett’s attack and broker a ceasefire. After withdrawing, Bazett returned the cards she had taken. Subsequently, she faced bankruptcy due to Luvia’s claims and now juggles several part-time roles, including performing as the mascot "Lion Go-kun" at Gakugaku Animal Land.

Tatsuko’s father, leader of the Gakumazawa Dojo, known for specializing solely in counterattacks. Despite his leadership role, he is easily bested by Luvia and Nanaki. After Bazett’s financial collapse, he employed her and eventually lost his dojo's signboard to Nanaki, who renamed it "GKMZW."

Tatsuko’s mother, from whom the family inherits their blonde hair.

The eldest son of the Gakumazawa family and Tatsuko’s older brother; recognized for his composed and calm personality.

Tatsuko's second older brother and the second son in the Gakumazawa family; shares Tatsuko’s energetic nature.

Nanaki’s elder sister, characterized by her kindness and gentle disposition, who harbors feelings for Shirou Emiya. She brazenly employs innocent behavior to charm Shirou, provoking irritation from Rin and Luvia. After they retaliate with dissection frogs, Nanami develops a phobia of frogs.

Suzuka’s older sister and a doujin manga artist who pressures Suzuka to help meet her deadlines. She is also a fujoshi.

Luvia’s devoted butler possessing formidable combat abilities. He acts protectively toward Shirou, whom Luvia admires deeply.

A cheerful yet childlike woman suffering from amnesia, discovered by Illya in an alternate dimension. Often serves as comic relief when not in serious situations. She favors gym attire and has an aversion to Erika Ainsworth. In critical moments, she demonstrates remarkable regenerative powers.

Template:Voiced by

An alternate incarnation of Kirei Kotomine from Fate/stay night, reduced to a passive observer awaiting the world’s end. Finds new purpose running a ramen shop specializing in mapo tofu.

Manga

Authored by Hiroshi Hiroyama, the manga was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace magazine between September 2007 and November 2008. Its follow-up series ran from 2009 until 2012, succeeded by a third installment beginning in 2012. In 2010, a special chapter commemorated Comp Ace's fifth anniversary with a crossover featuring Prisma Illya alongside Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha.

In September 2024, Seven Seas Entertainment acquired licensing rights for the initial series as a single omnibus volume slated for English publication in February 2025.

Anime

The original 10-episode anime adaptation produced by Silver Link aired in Japan from July through September 2013. It was simulcast on Crunchyroll and streamed early on Niconico. The opening theme was "Starlog" performed by ChouCho, while the ending theme was "Prism Sympathy" by StylipS. North American distribution rights were secured by Sentai Filmworks, which released Blu-ray and DVD editions in September 2014.

The second season, titled Fate/Kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei!, aired from July to September 2014. It featured "Moving Soul" by Minami Kuribayashi as its opening theme and "Two By Two" by Yumeha Kouda as its ending theme.

The third season, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei Herz!, was broadcast between July and September 2015. Its opening theme was "Wonder Stella" performed by fhána, with two ending themes: "Happening☆diary" (episodes 1–5) and "Wishing Diary" (episodes 6–10), both sung by Yumeha Kouda.

The fourth season, Fate/Kaleid liner Prisma Illya 3rei!!, aired from July to September 2016. Following the death of voice actress Miyu Matsuki in October 2015, Yumi Kakazu assumed the role of Sapphire. The opening theme was "Asterism" by ChouCho; ending themes included "WHIMSICAL WAYWARD WISH" by TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND featuring Yumeha Kouda and "Cuddle" by ChouCho for episode nine.

Films

An animated feature film adaptation of Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow premiered on August 26, 2017, directed by Ōnuma with Silver Link as producer. A subsequent film titled Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Licht - The Nameless Girl debuted on August 27, 2021. After this release, a sequel series was announced.

OVA

An original video animation (OVA) named Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Prisma Phantasm was revealed in December 2018 and screened in Japanese theaters on June 14, 2019. The primary staff and voice cast from the series returned for this production.

Video game

A video game adaptation, developed and published by Kadokawa Games for the Nintendo 3DS, was launched in Japan on July 31, 2014, available in both standard and limited edition versions. The gameplay closely follows the narrative established in the original manga and anime series.

Ban

This series has been prohibited in Russia.

External links

• Official website