The Qwaser of Stigmata

Mafuyu Oribe and her adopted sister Tomo think they're doing a favor when they pull a wounded stranger from the street, but the man they rescue is Alexander Nikolaevith Hell, an Iron Qwaser with dangerous abilities. That one rescue pulls the sisters into a network of rival Qwasers, warriors who wield strange elemental powers linked to religious stigmata and a controversial source of strength. School life, friendship, and everyday routines get interrupted by sudden combat, secret allegiances, and black humor. The series balances action and sci-fi fantasy with comedic beats, keeping the stakes high while leaving the deeper consequences for the characters unclear.

Created by Hiroyuki Yoshino and based on the manga by Kenetsu Satō, the animated series premiered in 2010. The show features voice work from Kana Hanazawa, Aya Hirano, Yuko Sanpei, Ayako Kawasumi, and Aki Toyosaki.

The series didn't collect major mainstream awards, and it wasn't a fixture at high-profile prize shows. Its recognition has been largely grassroots, coming from dedicated genre fans rather than formal award circuits.

The show made a splash for its explicit fanservice and provocative themes, generating lively debate about taste and censorship within anime communities. It sparked a steady stream of fan art and online discussion, and it brought renewed attention to Satō's original manga among both Japanese and international viewers.

Reception was mixed, reflected by a 7.5/10 user average from 67 votes. Many viewers and reviewers praised the kinetic action sequences, inventive supernatural conflicts, and the strong voice performances, while others criticized the series for allowing sexual content to overshadow character development and narrative clarity. Major themes include power and belief, loyalty among unlikely allies, and the clash between secretive factions that blur moral lines.