Witchblade

Masane Amaha is a single mother on the run with her young daughter Rihoko, trying to keep a low profile while a government child welfare agency closes in. When agents finally capture them and take Rihoko away, Masane is attacked by a mysterious humanoid weapon. In the moment of danger a strange light bursts from her wrist and she transforms into a fierce, armored figure. That transformation drags her into a hidden conflict, as rival organizations realize she hosts the Witchblade, a legendary source of immense power, and they all begin to circle her. The series follows Masane as she copes with motherhood, sudden power, and multiple factions who want control, without revealing long-term outcomes.

Released in 2006, the anime was directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi and created by Kiyoko Yoshimura, Toshiki Inoue, and Yasuko Kobayashi, with Mamiko Noto leading the cast as Masane and Akemi Kanda as Rihoko.

Viewers rate the show positively, with a vote average of 7.942 out of 10 from 139 votes. Fans often single out Mamiko Noto's vocal performance and the way the series blends action, mystery, and domestic drama, while some critics mention uneven pacing across episodes.

Among genre audiences the series found a dedicated following for mixing superhero action with the demands of family life, and for its night-time, urban noir atmosphere. Its imagery, particularly Masane's transformations and combat set pieces, is frequently cited in fan discussions and fan art, helping the show remain visible in niche anime communities.

The series didn't collect major mainstream industry awards, but it earned steady recognition among fans for voice work, character design, and tone. Home video releases and streaming have kept it accessible, and it continues to be recommended for viewers who like darker, character-driven takes on supernatural action.