The anime series BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, also known as Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast –, concluded its run in March 2025 with a finale that has been described as both spectacular and emotionally resonant. As a spin-off and sequel to BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, the series delves into the complex and often dark world of the titular band, Ave Mujica, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the fleeting nature of band life.
Series Overview
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast- aired from January to March 2025 and is produced by Sanzigen. Kōdai Kakimoto directed the anime, while Yuniko Ayana handled the series scripts. The series serves as a direct sequel to BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, and a sequel to both series has already been announced. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
The story revolves around Ave Mujica, a symphonic metal band formed by Sakiko Togawa after the disbandment of Crychic. The members, each with their own troubled pasts and hidden motives, are:
- Sakiko Togawa (Oblivionis): The keyboardist and leader, haunted by her past and desperate for control.
- Mutsumi Wakaba (Mortis): The guitarist struggling with dissociative identity disorder.
- Uika Misumi (Doloris): The vocalist and guitarist, also a member of the idol unit sumimi, grappling with her identity.
- Umiri Yahata (Timoris): The bassist, a professional session musician who maintains an emotional distance.
- Nyamu Yūtenji (Amoris): The drummer, an Insta-famous personality with her own agenda.
The anime dives into the internal conflicts within the band as Sakiko tries to enforce her vision, forcing each member’s insecurities and secrets to the surface.
Finale Highlights and Themes
Episode 13 served as a grand farewell, emphasizing emotion and music. It brought closure to Ave Mujica’s journey and to the story arcs that began with CRYCHIC and MyGO!!!!!. The finale showcased Studio SANZIGEN’s expertise in animation, sound, and musical performance.
The finale’s key elements include:
- Musical Performances: Both MyGO!!!!! and Ave Mujica deliver performances that encapsulate their respective journeys. The songs’ lyrics reflect the characters’ struggles, perseverance, and the theme of moving forward.
- Character Resolutions: With most plotlines resolved in previous episodes, the finale focuses on fine-tuning the story and providing a satisfying conclusion. For instance, Sakiko comes to terms with Uika/Hatsune’s past, reconciles with her, and finds closure with Tomori.
- Theatrics and Symbolism: Ave Mujica’s theatrical performances lay bare the true meanings behind their personas, revealing their personal battles. The despair that once consumed them is transformed into something powerful.
- Fleeting Nature of Band Life: The series acknowledges the thought that band life is fleeting. Despite the horror aesthetics, the characters feel real, and their struggles are relatable.
Key Characters and Their Arcs
- Sakiko Togawa/Oblivionis (Kanon Takao): Driven by a fractured sense of purpose, Sakiko forms Ave Mujica to reclaim what she lost after CRYCHIC’s breakup. The finale sees her taking responsibility for the band’s future and apologizing to Tomori for involving MyGO!!!!! in their issues.
- Mutsumi Wakaba/Mortis (Yuzuki Watase): Mutsumi struggles with dissociative identity disorder, with her alternate identity, Mortis, acting as her protector. The series explores the conflict between Mutsumi and Mortis, and their roles within Ave Mujica.
- Uika Misumi/Doloris (Rico Sasaki): As a member of Ave Mujica and the idol group sumimi, Uika grapples with her identity and desires. The finale sees her returning to the stage as Uika, with Sakiko keeping her secret.
- Umiri Yahata/Timoris (Mei Okada): The professional bassist maintains an emotional distance from the band, seeing it as one of her gigs. Throughout the series, Umiri faces questions about her true feelings for Ave Mujica.
- Nyamu Yūtenji/Amoris (Akane Yonezawa): Nyamu, a beauty YouTuber, expresses displeasure with the state of the band and has her own motives.
Production Aspects
- Direction and Writing: Kōdai Kakimoto’s direction and Yuniko Ayana’s scriptwriting create a visually focused and emotionally resonant experience.
- Music: Elements Garden, composed of Hitoshi Fujima, created the music that enhances the atmosphere and provides emotional depth.
- Animation: Studio SANZIGEN’s animation quality brings the series to life, particularly during the musical performances.
Themes Explored
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast- delves into several complex themes:
- Identity: The characters grapple with their identities, both on and off stage. They hide behind masks and stage names, exploring their true selves.
- Trauma: The series explores the characters’ traumatic pasts and how they impact their present actions and relationships.
- Mental Health: Mutsumi’s dissociative identity disorder, Sakiko’s struggles with control, and other characters’ anxieties are explored, adding a layer of psychological depth.
- The Fleeting Nature of Life: Sakiko reflects on the uncertainty and instability of life, which gives her the resolve to dedicate herself to Ave Mujica.
- Acceptance: The series ultimately moves toward a message of accepting the past, acknowledging flaws, and finding a way to move forward, even if the future is uncertain.
Reception and Impact
The finale of Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast- has been praised for its emotional depth, musical brilliance, and visual execution. Some critics have compared the series to Madoka Magica due to its exploration of dark themes within the girls’ band genre.
Sequel Announcement
Following the airing of the final episode, a sequel to Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast- was announced. A teaser trailer was released, hinting at a location shoot in Northern Europe. The format of the sequel is yet to be confirmed.
In Conclusion
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – delivers a unique and unforgettable experience within the music genre, infused with melodrama and psychological depth. The finale provides a satisfying end to the season while leaving fans eager for what’s next. With its compelling characters, stunning animation, and emotionally charged music, Ave Mujica has carved out a place as a standout production in the BanG Dream! franchise.
