View source for Slayers

{{Short description|Japanese light novel series and its franchise}}
{{About|the Japanese light novel and media franchise|the American rugby league team|Washington D.C. Slayers|other uses|Slayer (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = Slayers light novel vol 1.jpg
| caption         = First light novel volume cover, featuring [[Lina Inverse]]
| ja_kanji        = スレイヤーズ
| ja_romaji       = Sureiyāzu
| genre           =  {{ubl|[[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Slayers|url=https://www.funimation.com/shows/the-slayers/|publisher=[[Funimation]]|access-date=August 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812181749/https://www.funimation.com/shows/the-slayers/|archive-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref>|[[Fantasy comedy]]<ref name="about.com"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Yegulalp|first=Serdar|title=Anime 102: Course of Anime For Newcomers|url=https://www.thoughtco.com/course-of-anime-for-newcomers-145007|website=[[Dotdash|ThoughtCo.]]|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014124501/https://www.thoughtco.com/course-of-anime-for-newcomers-145007|archive-date=14 October 2017|date=21 March 2017}}</ref>|[[Sword and sorcery]]<ref name="about.com">{{cite web|url=http://anime.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/Best-Sword-Sorcery-Anime.htm|title=Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Anime (Top Best List)|first=Serdar|last=Yegulalp|website=[[About.com]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140812195120/http://anime.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/Best-Sword-Sorcery-Anime.htm|archive-date=August 12, 2014|date=May 28, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>}}<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = light novel
| author       = [[Hajime Kanzaka]]
| illustrator  = Rui Araizumi
| publisher    = [[Fujimi Shobo]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| NA = {{ubl|[[Tokyopop]] (former)|[[J-Novel Club]]}}}}
| imprint      = [[Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]
| magazine     = [[Dragon Magazine (Fujimi Shobo)|Dragon Magazine]]
| first        = 1989
| last         =
| volumes      = 17
| volume_list  = List of Slayers light novels 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = [[Takashi Watanabe]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Noriko Kobayashi ({{Abbr|S1–3|Seasons 1–3}})|Yumiko Yazaki ({{Abbr|S1–3|Seasons 1–3}})|Yuji Matsukura ({{Abbr|S4 & 5|Seasons 4 and 5}})|Go Shukuri ({{Abbr|S4 & 5|Seasons 4 and 5}})}}
| writer          = {{ubl|[[Takao Koyama]] ({{Abbr|S1|Season 1}})|Jiro Takayama ({{Abbr|S2–5|Seasons 2–5}})}}
| music           = {{ubl|Osamu Tezuka|Vink}}
| studio          = {{ubl|E&G Films ({{Abbr|S1–3|Seasons 1–3}})|[[J.C. Staff]] ({{Abbr|S4 & 5|Seasons 4 and 5}})}}
| licensee        = {{ubl|[[Crunchyroll]]|{{English anime licensee| UK = [[MVM Films]]}}}}
| network         = [[TX Network|TXN]] ([[TV Tokyo]])
| network_en      = {{English anime network| US = [[Funimation Channel]], Colours TV ({{Abbr|S1|Season 1}}), [[AZN Television|International Channel]] ({{Abbr|S1–3|Seasons 1–3}})}}
| first           = {{start date|1995|04|07}}
| last            = {{end date|2009|04|06}}
| episodes        = 104
| episode_list    = List of Slayers episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Anime series seasons
| content         = 
# ''Slayers'' (1995, 26 episodes)
# ''Slayers Next'' (1996, 26 episodes)
# ''Slayers Try'' (1997, 26 episodes)
# ''Slayers Revolution'' (2008, 13 episodes)
# ''Slayers Evolution-R'' (2009, 13 episodes)
}}
{{Collapsed infobox section begin}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = light novel
| title        = Slayers Special
| author       = Hajime Kanzaka
| illustrator  = Rui Araizumi
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en =
| imprint      = Fujimi Fantasia Bunko
| magazine     = Dragon Magazine
| first        = {{Start date|1991|07|25}}
| last         = {{End date|2008|01|25}}
| volumes      = 30
| volume_list  = List of Slayers light novels#Slayers Special 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = manga
| title        = Slayers: Medieval Mayhem
| author       = Hajime Kanzaka
| illustrator  = Rui Araizumi
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| NA = [[Central Park Media]]}}
| magazine     = Dragon Magazine
| published    = 1995
| volumes      = 1
| volume_list  = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = manga
| title        = Slayers: Super-Explosive Demon Story
| author       = Hajime Kanzaka
| illustrator  = Shoko Yoshinaka
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| AUS = [[Crunchyroll Store Australia|Madman Entertainment]]|NA = Central Park Media}}
| magazine     = Comic Dragon, Dragon Junior
| first        = 1995
| last         = 2001
| volumes      = 8
| volume_list  = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = light novel
| title        = Slayers Delicious
| author       = Hajime Kanzaka
| illustrator  = Rui Araizumi
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en =
| imprint      = Fujimi Fantasia Bunko
| magazine     = Dragon Magazine
| first        = {{Start date|1997|03|10}}
| last         = {{End date|1999|07|25}}
| volumes      = 4
| volume_list  = List of Slayers light novels#Slayers Delicious 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = manga
| title        = Slayers Special
| author       = Tommy Ohtsuka
| illustrator  =
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| AUS = Madman Entertainment}}
| magazine     = Dragon Junior
| first        = 2000
| last         = 2001
| volumes      = 4
| volume_list  =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type        = manga
| title       = Slayers Knight of the Aqualord
| author      = Tommy Ohtsuka
| illustrator =
| publisher   = Fujimi Shobo
| magazine    = {{ubl|Dragon Junior|Monthly Dragon Age}}
| first       = 2003
| last        = 2005
| volumes     = 6
| volume_list =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = manga
| title        = Slayers Premium
| author       = Tommy Ohtsuka
| illustrator  =
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher| AUS = Madman Entertainment}}
| magazine     = Dragon Junior
| first        = 2004
| last         = 2005
| volumes      = 1
| volume_list  =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = light novel
| title        = Slayers VS [[Sorcerous Stabber Orphen|Orphen]]
| author       = {{ubl|Hajime Kanzaka|Yoshinobu Akita}}
| illustrator  = {{ubl|Rui Araizumi|Yuuya Kusaka}}
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en =
| imprint      = Fujimi Fantasia Bunko
| magazine     = Dragon Magazine
| published    = 2005
| volumes      = 
| volume_list  =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type         = light novel
| title        = Slayers Smash
| author       = Hajime Kanzaka
| illustrator  = Rui Araizumi
| publisher    = Fujimi Shobo
| publisher_en =
| imprint      = 
| magazine     = Dragon Magazine
| first        = 2008
| last         = 2011
| volumes      = 5
| volume_list  = List of Slayers light novels#Slayers Smash. 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type        = manga
| title       = Slayers Legend
| author      = Issei Hyōji
| illustrator =
| publisher   = Fujimi Shobo
| magazine    = Monthly Dragon Age
| first       = 2008
| last        = 2009
| volumes     = 2
| volume_list =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type        = manga
| title       = Slayers Light Magic
| author      = [[Slayers#Manga|Yoshijirō Muramatsu]]
| illustrator = [[Slayers#Manga|Shin Sasaki]]
| publisher   = [[Kadokawa Shoten]]
| magazine    = [[Kerokero Ace]]
| first       = {{start date|2008|07|26}}
| last        = {{end date|2009|04|26}}
| volumes     = 2
| volume_list = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type        = manga
| title       = Slayers Revolution
| author      = Issei Hyōji
| illustrator =
| publisher   = Fujimi Shobo
| magazine    = [[Monthly Dragon Age]]
| published   = 2008
| volumes     = 1
| volume_list =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type        = manga
| title       = Slayers Evolution-R
| author      = Issei Hyōji
| illustrator =
| publisher   = Fujimi Shobo
| magazine    = Monthly Dragon Age
| published   = 2009
| volumes     = 1
| volume_list =  
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Related works
| content         =
* ''[[Slayers The Motion Picture|Slayers Perfect]]'' (1995 film)
* ''[[Slayers Return]]'' (1996 film)
* ''[[Slayers Special (OVA)|Slayers: The Book of Spells]]'' (1996 OVA)
* ''[[Slayers Great]]'' (1997 film)
* ''[[Slayers Gorgeous]]'' (1998 film)
* ''[[Slayers Excellent]]'' (1998 OVA)
* ''[[Slayers Premium]]'' (2001 short film)
}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{nihongo|'''''Slayers'''''|スレイヤーズ|Sureiyāzu|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[light novel]] series written by [[Hajime Kanzaka]] and illustrated by Rui Araizumi. The novels have been serialized in ''[[Dragon Magazine (Fujimi Shobo)|Dragon Magazine]]'' since 1989, before being published into individual volumes. They follow the adventures of teenage sorceress [[Lina Inverse]] and her companions as they journey through their world.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Slayers DVD Collection|id={{ASIN|1578004861|country=ca}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.explodedgoat.com/animereview.php?num=9|title=Anime Review|access-date=May 1, 2007|publisher=Exploded goat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927042521/http://www.explodedgoat.com/animereview.php?num=9|archive-date=September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Using powerful magic and swordsmanship they battle overreaching wizards, demons seeking to destroy the world, and an occasional hapless gang of bandits.

''Slayers'' inspired several spin-off novel series and has been adapted into numerous [[manga]] titles, [[anime]] television series, anime films, [[original video animation|OVA]] series, role-playing video games, and other media. Including the spin-off series and digital copies, the novels have sold over 22 million copies. The anime series is considered to be one of the most popular of the 1990s.<ref name="Anime encyclopedia" />

==Plot==
===Setting===
In the ''Slayers'' universe, the ultimate being is the [[Lord of Nightmares]], the creator of at least four parallel worlds. An artifact known as the Claire Bible contains information about the Lord of Nightmares' task to regain its "true form",<ref>Episode 21 of ''Slayers NEXT''.</ref> which is only attainable by destroying these worlds and returning them to the chaos (sea of darkness) that it itself is. For unexplained reasons, though, the Lord of Nightmares has not acted upon this desire by itself so far. On each of these worlds are gods (''shinzoku'', lit. "godly race") and demons (''[[mazoku]]'', lit. "demon race"), fighting without end. Should the gods win the war in a world, that world will be at peace. Should the monsters win, the world will be destroyed and returned to the Sea of Chaos.

In the world where the ''Slayers'' takes place, [[Flare Dragon Ceifeed]] and the [[Ruby-Eye Shabranigdu]] are, respectively, the supreme god and demon. Long ago, their war ended more or less in a stalemate, when Ceifeed was able to split Shabranigdu's existence into seven pieces in order to prevent him from coming back to life, then seal them within human souls. As the souls are reincarnated, the individual fragments would wear down until Shabranigdu himself would be destroyed. However, Ceifeed was so exhausted by this that he himself sank into the Sea of Chaos, leaving behind four parts of himself in the world. A millennium before the events in ''Slayers'', one of Ruby-Eye's fragments (which was sealed in the body of Lei Magnus, a very powerful sorcerer) revived and began the {{nihongo|Resurrection War|降魔戦争|Kōma-sensō|alternately "War of Demon Conquering"}} against one of the parts of Ceifeed, the Water Dragon King, also known as Aqualord Ragradia. Ultimately, the piece of Shabranigdu won, but Aqualord, using the last remnants of her power, sealed him into a block of magical ice within the Kataart Mountains. Nevertheless, Shabranigdu's lieutenants remained at liberty, sealing a part of the world within a magical barrier, through which only demons could pass.<ref>''Slayers'' novel 7, [[Tokyopop]] translation, pp. 137–138.</ref>

There are four types of magic within the ''Slayers'' universe: Black, White, Shamanistic, and Holy. Black magic spells, such as the famous Dragon Slave, call directly on the powers of the demons and are capable of causing enormous damage. White magic spells are of an obscure origin and are used for healing or protection. Shamanistic magic is focused on manipulation and alteration of the basic elements of the natural world (earth, wind, fire, water and spirit) and contains spells for both offense and convenience, such as Lei Wing, Fireball, or Elemekia Lance. Holy magic uses the power of the gods, but the aforementioned barrier made its usage impossible for anyone inside before the death of the demon Hellmaster Phibrizzo. As a rule, demons can only be harmed by astral shamanistic magic, holy magic, or black magic which draws power from another demon with greater might than the target.

Above all other magic, however, are the immensely destructive spells drawing power from the Lord of Nightmares. The two spells of this class are the Ragna Blade, capable of cutting through any obstacle or being, and the Giga Slave, which can kill any opponent, but which could also destroy the world itself if the spell is miscast. Some have claimed that these terrible spells, drawing their power directly from the Lord of Nightmares, constitute a fifth form of magic: Chaos magic.

===Story===
{{Further|List of Slayers characters}}
{{More plot|date=January 2021}} <!-- In particular there's literally nothing about plot of the novel series in its supposedly dedicated articles that contain only listings of titles and the release dates, the only resemblance of plot of these can be found scattered in character articles. -->

The protagonist of ''Slayers'' is [[Lina Inverse]], a teenage wandering genius sorceress with many nicknames and much infamy attached to her that she refuses to acknowledge. Lina narrates (within the novels) the history of her various adventures, ranging from whimsical and silly to dramatic to even outright world-threatening crises, in which she becomes involved along with her traveling companions everywhere she goes.

==Production==
The first ''Slayers'' light novel was written by [[Hajime Kanzaka]] for entrance into [[Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]'s first annual {{ill|Fantasia Chōhen Shōsetsu Awards|ja|ファンタジア大賞}} in 1989.<ref name="afterwords">{{cite book|title=Slayers: Collector's Edition Volume 1|year=2021|last=Kanzaka|first=Hajime|author-link=Hajime Kanzaka|publisher=[[J-Novel Club]]|pages=137–139, 268–270, 396–398|isbn=978-1-7183-7510-9}}</ref> After it won, the new author was asked to create a follow-up. Kanzaka initially thought this was an impossible task as the characters had already defeated the Dark Lord. He called the second book a turning point for him and said it was initially very difficult to write. However, as soon as he added the "spike-wolves and stuff", from his love of [[yōkai]] and [[kaiju]], the "words just flew off the page". Kanzaka set the second book in a city so that Lina could not solve the story by simply casting one big spell. He said that this taught him how using circumstances and setting could change the "flavor" of a story. The author also said that the second book is intentionally "heavier" than the first.<ref name="afterwords"/>

Kanzaka described his writing process as like trying to put together puzzle pieces that have been scattered about, figuring stuff out as he goes instead of following an outline written beforehand.<ref name="afterwords"/> As a new author, he said he was not good at submitting plot summaries to his supervisor, who wanted them before he started writing. When the supervisor passively accepted the plot summary of the third ''Slayers'' novel, but was then ecstatic with the finished book, he stopped asking for plot summaries. Kanzaka assumed that he had finally realized that the finished story was always going to widely diverge from the initial summary. The first three books were written as the author thought up stories, but volume four on tell a grander epic. Because the first novel was written as a one-off before evolving into a series, there are some inconsistencies with the later installments. A few of these inconsistencies were corrected in the 2008 reprints.<ref name="afterwords"/>

Kanzaka stated the reason Zelgadis and Amelia do not appear in "part 2" is because of the plot point concerning a character's death. Although he speculated he could have written around the healing spells, it would have taken a lot of extra steps to get there and dragged everything out a lot longer than necessary.<ref name="5afterwords">{{cite book|title=Slayers: Collector's Edition Volume 5|year=2024|last=Kanzaka|first=Hajime|publisher=J-Novel Club|pages=216–218, 319–321|isbn=978-1-7183-7514-7}}</ref> In the afterward of the fifteenth novel, the original final installment of the series, Kanzaka said he wanted to end the story in an open-ended way in order to allow readers to imagine what happens next to Lina and Gourry. He also described the ''Slayers'' video games, television shows, and comics as "parallel part 3 stories".<ref name="5afterwords"/>

Kanzaka makes references to people and events not depicted in the novels, such as Lina's older sister and [[Gourry Gabriev]]'s first visit to Sairaag, which he referred to as "flavor" to stimulate the reader's imagination and clarified that they are not [[foreshadowing]].<ref name="afterwords"/> He explained that the fictional world would feel smaller if everything that appears in the story is explained; something he learned from a teacher's comment in design school. Although some of these he has not even thought about, like Gourry's visit to Sairaag, others he has created a backstory to, such as Lina's sister. Zuma's backstory was omitted because the novels are told from Lina's [[first-person perspective]], but Kanzaka gave some of the material to the staff of ''Slayers Revolution'' so it could be included in the anime.<ref name="afterwords"/>

==Media==

===Light novels===
{{See also|List of Slayers light novels}}
''Slayers'' began serialization in ''[[Dragon Magazine (Fujimi Shobo)|Dragon Magazine]]'' in 1989 as a short story series written by Hajime Kanzaka and with artwork by Rui Araizumi.<ref name="Anime encyclopedia">{{cite book|title=The Anime Encyclopedia, Revised and Expanded Edition|last1=Clements|first1=Jonathan|last2=McCarthy|first2=Helen|year=2006|page=591|publisher=Stone Bridge Press|isbn=1-933330-10-4}}</ref> The chapters were then published as [[light novel]]s under the [[Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]] imprint across 15 volumes from January 17, 1990 to May 10, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fantasiabunko.jp/product/slayers/199998202001.html|title=スレイヤーズ！|work=ファンタジア文庫 |date=January 17, 1990|language=ja|publisher=[[Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708041947/https://fantasiabunko.jp/product/slayers/199998202001.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fantasiabunko.jp/product/slayers/199998202034.html|title=スレイヤーズ（１５） デモン・スレイヤーズ！|date=May 10, 2000|language=ja|publisher=[[Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708092143/https://fantasiabunko.jp/product/slayers/199998202034.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the original story ended with the 15th volume in 2000, Kanzaka began a new arc 18 years later in the May 2018 issue of ''Dragon Magazine'', which was published in March 2018, to celebrate the magazine and Fujimi Fantasia Bunko's 30th anniversary.<ref name="20million">{{cite news|last1=Komatsu|first1=Mikikazu|title=Slayers Novel Original Series' Long-Awaited 16th Volume Set for Release on October 20|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/08/31/slayers-novel-original-series-long-awaited-16th-volume-set-for-release-on-october-20|access-date=February 10, 2019|work=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212130724/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/08/31/slayers-novel-original-series-long-awaited-16th-volume-set-for-release-on-october-20|archive-date=February 12, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He described it as "kind of a reunion" and said he had not decided to relaunch the series yet.<ref name="reunion">{{cite web|last1=Komatsu|first1=Mikikazu|title=Slayers Fantasy Light Novel's Next 17th Volume to be Released on October 19|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/09/19/slayers-fantasy-light-novels-next-17th-volume-to-be-released-on-october-19|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|access-date=December 8, 2019|date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201140041/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/09/19/slayers-fantasy-light-novels-next-17th-volume-to-be-released-on-october-19|archive-date=December 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Volume 16 was published on October 20, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Slayers Novel's Latest 16th Volume Immediately Gets Reprints|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/10/26/slayers-novels-latest-16th-volume-immediately-gets-reprints|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024819/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/10/26/slayers-novels-latest-16th-volume-immediately-gets-reprints|archive-date=November 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A third story arc began in the November 2019 issue of the magazine, released in September 2019.<ref name="reunion"/> The author described this as "Rather than an official history, the third arc is going to be more like one of the possibilities, a parallel existence to the TRY TV anime and the Water Dragon King manga, I guess."<ref>{{cite web|title=Hajime Kanzaka's Slayers Novel Confirmed to Return with Its Third Arc|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/16/hajime-kanzakas-slayers-novel-confirmed-to-return-with-its-third-arc|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705212050/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/16/hajime-kanzakas-slayers-novel-confirmed-to-return-with-its-third-arc|url-status=live}}</ref> Volume 17 was published on October 19, 2019.<ref name="reunion"/>

On September 7, 2004, [[Tokyopop]] began publishing the novels in English,<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Text, Vol. 1: The Ruby Eye (Paperback)|isbn=1595320946|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|date=September 7, 2004|publisher=TokyoPop}}</ref> ending with the release of volume 8 on January 2, 2008.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Volume 8: King of the City of Ghosts (Paperback)|isbn=978-1427805058|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|last2=Araizumi|first2=Rui|date=January 2, 2008|publisher=TokyoPop}}</ref> On July 3, 2020, [[J-Novel Club]] announced their rescue license of the series at [[Anime Expo]] Lite. They first release the novels digitally, with the first chapter uploaded to their website that day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/j-novel-club-licenses-slayers-novels-8-other-novels-4-new-manga/.161388|title=J-Novel Club Licenses Slayers Novels, 8 Other Novels, 4 New Manga|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501132106/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/j-novel-club-licenses-slayers-novels-8-other-novels-4-new-manga/.161388|url-status=live}}</ref> Their physical release of ''Slayers'' began in July 2021 and is a 3-1 hardcover omnibus edition based on Japan's 2008 revised edition that featured new illustrations and covers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/j-novel-club-releases-slayers-novels-in-both-print-digital/.161424|title=J-Novel Club Releases Slayers Novels in Both Print, Digital|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704104413/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/j-novel-club-releases-slayers-novels-in-both-print-digital/.161424|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theoasg.com/articles/j-novel-club-on-publishing-slayers-a-light-novel-that-literally-defines-an-era/20401|title=J-Novel Club on Publishing Slayers, a Light Novel 'that literally defines an era'|date=July 4, 2020|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707031737/https://www.theoasg.com/articles/j-novel-club-on-publishing-slayers-a-light-novel-that-literally-defines-an-era/20401|url-status=live}}</ref>

*{{Nihongo|''Slayers Special''|スレイヤーズ すぺしゃる}} is a spin-off prequel series of 30 novels published from 1991 to 2008. Each consisting of one-shot stories (sometimes, two-chapter stories) chronicling the exploits of [[Lina Inverse]] and [[Naga the Serpent]] before the events in ''Slayers''. Five additional volumes were released under a new series title, {{Nihongo|''Slayers Smash.''|スレイヤーズ すまっしゅ。}} between July 2008 and November 2011.
*{{Nihongo|''Slayers Delicious''|スレイヤーズ でりしゃす}}, a four volume prequel featuring Lina and Naga, was released between 1997 and 1999.  These four stories were originally published separately by Fujimi Fantasia in mini-[[bunkobon|bunko]] format, and later they were included in different Special novels. A one volume crossover between ''Slayers'' and the series ''[[Sorcerous Stabber Orphen]]'' was published in 2005 under the title ''Slayers VS Orphen'' and was later reprinted in 2013.
*{{Nihongo|''Slayers Select''|スレイヤーズ せれくと}} is a best-of compilation of ''Slayers Special''. Its five volumes were published in August 2008, September 2008, June 2009, February 2010, and March 2010.
*''Slayers Anthology'' was released to mark the 25th anniversary of ''Slayers'' novels in January 2015. It is a compilation of six stories, one of which was written by Kanzaka and five by fan writers. It is illustrated with previously unpublished pictures by Araizumi and contributing artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://misiontokyo.com/noticias/cultura-otaku/novelas/25-aniversario-de-slayers|title=¡25 aniversario de Slayers!|language=es|website=Mision Tokyo|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=February 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216062253/http://misiontokyo.com/noticias/cultura-otaku/novelas/25-aniversario-de-slayers|archive-date=February 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{Nihongo|''Slayers Spirit''|スレイヤーズすぴりっと}}, released in 2025, is the first short story collection in 13 years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tsuji|first=Taimu|title=Latest: Japan Weekly Light Novel Sales Ranking As of March 31 2025 Announced by Oricon|url=https://us.oricon-group.com/news/3979/2/|website=Japan Anime News|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=March 27, 2025|access-date=March 28, 2025}}</ref>

===Manga===
*''Slayers'' (one volume, illustrated by Rui Araizumi, original story, published in 1995, reedited in 2001, also known as ''Slayers Medieval Mayhem'')
*{{Nihongo|''Chōbaku Madōden Slayers''|超爆魔道伝スレイヤーズ}} (eight volumes, illustrated by Shoko Yoshinaka, adapted from ''Slayers'' main novels volumes 1–8, fourth volume adapted from ''Slayers Return'' movie, 1995–2001, also known as ''Super Explosive Demon Story Slayers'')
*''Slayers Special'' (four volumes, illustrated by Tommy Ohtsuka and Yoshimiro Kamada, adapted from ''Slayers Special'' novels, 2000–2001)
*''Slayers Premium'' (one volume, illustrated by Tommy Ohtsuka, adapted from the movie of the same name, 2002)
*''Slayers Knight of the Aqualord'' (six volumes, illustrated by Tommy Ohtsuka and Yoshimiro Kamada, original storyline, 2003–2005)
*''Slayers Revolution'' (one volume, illustrated by Issei Hyouji, adapted from the anime series of the same name, 2008)
*{{Nihongo|''Shin Slayers: Falces no Sunadokei''|新スレイヤーズ：ファルシェスの砂時計}} / ''New Slayers: The Hourglass of Falces'') (three volumes, illustrated by Asashi, 2008)
*''Slayers Legend'' (two-volume compilation from old ''Slayers'' manga, with chapters from ''Slayers'' and ''Chōbaku Mahōden Slayers'')
*''Slayers Evolution-R'' (one volume, published in ''[[Monthly Dragon Age]]'', illustrated by Issei Hyouji, adapted from the anime series of the same name, 2009)

Between July 26, 2008 and March 2009, a new manga series entitled {{Nihongo|''Slayers Light Magic''|スレイヤーズ ライト・マジック}} was serialised in [[Kadokawa Shoten]]'s ''[[Kerokero Ace]]''. The series was written by Yoshijirō Muramatsu and illustrated Shin Sasaki, and set in a technological world instead of a fantasy world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-02/kerokero-ace-slayers-future-manga-to-start-in-july|title=Kerokero Ace's Slayers Future Manga to Start in July|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829225711/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-02/kerokero-ace-slayers-future-manga-to-start-in-july|archive-date=August 29, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-27/slayers-light-magic-manga-ends-in-kerokero-ace-mag|title=Slayers Light Magic Manga Ends in Kerokero Ace Mag|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606050633/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-27/slayers-light-magic-manga-ends-in-kerokero-ace-mag|archive-date=June 6, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1998, [[Central Park Media]] announced they had licensed the manga for distribution in North America.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-09-21/cpm-comics-gearing-up-to-release-slayers-manga|title=CPM Comics gearing up to release Slayers manga|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091110142326/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-09-21/cpm-comics-gearing-up-to-release-slayers-manga|archive-date=November 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 15, 1999, ''Slayers: Medieval Mayhem'' was released.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Book 1: Medieval Mayhem (Slayers (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=1562199137|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|last2=Araizumi|first2=Rui|year=1999|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref> The four-volume series ''Slayers Special'' was published between October 12, 2002, and June 25, 2003.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Special: Touch Of Evil (Slayers (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=1586648659|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|last2=Araizumi|first2=Rui|date=October 2002|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Special: Notorious (Paperback)|isbn=1586649027|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|last2=Ohtsuka|first2=Tommy|last3=Araizumi|first3=Rui|year=2003|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref> A seven-volume series ''Super-Explosive Demon Story'' followed between July 9, 2002 and December 1, 2004.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Super-Explosive Demon Story Volume 1: Legend Of Darkness (Slayers (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=1586648667|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|last2=Yoshinaka|first2=Shoko|year=2002|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Super-Explosive Demon Story Volume 7 (Paperback)|isbn=158664937X|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|year=2004|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref> Finally, ''Slayers Premium'' was published in North America on July 5, 2005.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slayers Premium (Slayers (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=1586649736|last1=Kanzaka|first1=Hajime|date=January 2005|publisher=CPM Manga}}</ref>

===Anime television series===
{{See also|List of Slayers episodes}}
The self-titled first season of the anime adapts volumes 1 and 3 of the light novels. 
The second season, ''Slayers Next'', adapts volumes 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of the light novels.
The third season, ''Slayers Try'', is an original story. 
However, a fourth season, ''Slayers AGAIN'', was rumored following the success of ''Try'', but early scheduling conflicts caused interest in the project to dissipate.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.animeondvd.com/specials/primers/slayers.php| title=Anime primers - Slayers| first=Joshua| last=Carvalho| publisher=Anime on DVD| access-date=May 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021019152008/http://www.animeondvd.com/specials/primers/slayers.php|archive-date=October 19, 2002}}</ref>

A fourth anime series, ''Slayers Revolution'', premiered in Japan on July 2, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-28/enoki-films-seeks-licensors-for-slayers-revolution|title=Enoki Films Seeks Licensors for Slayers Revolution|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003104333/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-28/enoki-films-seeks-licensors-for-slayers-revolution|archive-date=October 3, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Megumi Hayashibara]], the voice actress for main character Lina Inverse, performed both the opening and ending theme songs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-28/megumi-hayashibara-to-sing-slayers-revolution-themes|title=Megumi Hayashibara to Sing Slayers Revolution's Themes|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122121033/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-28/megumi-hayashibara-to-sing-slayers-revolution-themes|archive-date=January 22, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The new plot is told across two 13-episode arcs and follows an original storyline that has subplots based on events in the novels, with series director [[Takashi Watanabe]] and production studio J.C.Staff reprising their duties from the three original TV series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-27/new-slayers-tv-anime-series-in-the-works|title=New Slayers TV anime series in the works|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229001431/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-27/new-slayers-tv-anime-series-in-the-works|archive-date=February 29, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> A fifth ''Slayers'' series titled ''Slayers Evolution-R'' is the second 13-episode arc of ''Slayers Revolution'' and was aired on [[AT-X (company)|AT-X]] starting on January 12, 2009 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/slayers_revolution/er/index.html|title=スレイヤーズEVOLUTION-R|publisher=StarChild|access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016031220/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/slayers_revolution/er/index.html|archive-date=October 16, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!--The order and dates for the first series should be checked with printed material of the time. These are temporary references until those are found. Better references do exist, I have some for some of the volumes somewhere--> 
Central Park Media licensed and distributed the anime in North America under the Software Sculptors label on [[VHS]] and [[Laserdisc]] between 1996 and 1998, collected in eight volumes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.software-sculptors.com/slayers.htm|title=The Slayers|publisher=Software Sculptors|access-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961128093159/http://www.software-sculptors.com/slayers.htm|archive-date=November 28, 1996}}</ref> It was a commercial success for Central Park, which led them to license ''Slayers Next'' and ''Slayers Try''; ''Next'' was first shipped from April 1999 in a similar format;<ref>{{cite web|title=The Slayers Next: The Sudden Pinch (dub)|url=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SSVD_6050|publisher=[[Central Park Media]]|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040415202047/http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SSVD_6050|archive-date=April 15, 2004}}</ref> a box set of the first four volumes was released in July of that same year, and a box set of the second four volumes in October.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Slayers Next Collector's Boxed Set 1 (dub)|url=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SPVD_6058|publisher=[[Central Park Media]]|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001121015000/http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SPVD_6058|archive-date=November 21, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Slayers Next Collector's Boxed Set 2 (dub)|url=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SPVD_6068|publisher=[[Central Park Media]]|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040227182452/http://www.centralparkmedia.com/cpmdb/cfcpm.cfm?Cat=SPVD_6068|archive-date=February 27, 2004}}</ref> ''Slayers Try'' was released later in 2000. The first three seasons were subsequently re-released on DVD (in season box sets). Months before Central Park's license for the anime properties expired, [[Funimation Entertainment]] was able to obtain the license and it aired as part of the new owner's programming block on CoLours TV, as well as the [[Funimation Channel]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-09-07/funimation-channel-on-colours-update|title=Funimation Channel on Colours Update|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309092003/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-09-07/funimation-channel-on-colours-update|archive-date=March 9, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The first bilingual DVD box set after Funimation's rescue of the license was released on August 21, 2007, retaining the Software Sculptors-produced English dub.<ref>{{cite web|last=Leary|first=Ben|title=Slayers Season 1 Set|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-1-set_article_79404.html|website=Mania.com|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417095228/http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-1-set_article_79404.html|archive-date=April 17, 2010|date=February 21, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> A boxset of ''Slayers'', ''Next'' and ''Try'' was released by Funimation on August 4, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-seasons-13-collection_article_115501.html|title=Slayers Seasons 1-3 Collection|publisher=Mania.com|access-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814074448/http://www.mania.com/slayers-seasons-13-collection_article_115501.html|archive-date=August 14, 2009}}</ref>

[[Fox Kids]] won the rights to broadcast ''Slayers'' but eventually did not air the anime since it would be too heavy to edit it for content. The first North American television broadcast of ''The Slayers'' was February 17, 2002 on the [[AZN Television|International Channel]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-01-31/slayers-to-debut-on-the-international-channel|title=Slayers to Debut on the International Channel - News|work=Anime News Network|date=January 31, 2002|access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231161538/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-01-31/slayers-to-debut-on-the-international-channel|archive-date=December 31, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, [[MVM Films]] began releasing the series in the United Kingdom on a monthly basis. The first series was released on four DVDs between January 5, and April 6, 2009. The first volume of ''Slayers Next'' was released on May 11, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mvm-films.com/catalogue/letters.htm|title=MVM Films Catalog - Letter S|publisher=[[MVM Films]]|access-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225064429/http://www.mvm-films.com/catalogue/letters.htm|archive-date=February 25, 2009}}</ref> Episodes have also been made available on the streaming video sites [[Hulu]], [[YouTube]], [[Crackle (company)|Crackle]], [[Anime News Network]], [[Netflix]], and Funimation's website.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-07/funimation-adds-shuffle-peach-girl-slayers-to-hulu|title=Funimation Adds Shuffle, Peach Girl, Slayers to Hulu|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527094604/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-07/funimation-adds-shuffle-peach-girl-slayers-to-hulu|archive-date=May 27, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

Funimation licensed both ''Slayers Revolution'' and ''Slayers Evolution-R'' for American release; the episodes in Japanese with English subtitles were uploaded to YouTube, as well as Funimation's website in July 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-29/funimation-adds-slayers-revolution-fantasy-anime-sequel|title=Funimation adds Slayers Revolution, Evolution-R Fantasy Sequels|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=December 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101140507/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-29/funimation-adds-slayers-revolution-fantasy-anime-sequel|archive-date=January 1, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Funimation contracted [[NYAV Post]] to produce the English version of the series, with dialogue being recorded in both New York City and Los Angeles. NYAV Post was able to reunite most of the original Central Park Media main character cast for the new season. However, [[Michael Sinterniklaas]] replaced [[David Moo]] as [[Xellos]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-04/funimation-to-release-sengoku-basara|title=Funimation Adds Sengoku Basara TV Anime Series (Update 2)|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705171550/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-04/funimation-to-release-sengoku-basara|archive-date=July 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Other notable characters, such as Sylphiel, Prince Phil, and Naga the Serpent were also recast with new voice actors. Funimation released the first ''Slayers Revolution'' boxset on March 16, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Slayers Revolution Complete Set|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-revolution-complete-set_article_119769.html|website=Mania.com|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423132606/http://www.mania.com/slayers-revolution-complete-set_article_119769.html|archive-date=April 23, 2010|date=April 19, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Funimation released the first four English-dubbed episodes of ''Slayers Revolution'' to YouTube on January 19, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.funimation.com/2010/01/slayers-revolution-dubbed-preview-episodes-and-trailer/|title=Slayers Revolution – Dubbed Preview Episodes and Trailer &#124; The Official Funimation Blog – Anime News, DVD & Blu-ray Previews, and a Generally Good Time|publisher=Blog.funimation.com|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=September 26, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222152935/http://blog.funimation.com/2010/01/slayers-revolution-dubbed-preview-episodes-and-trailer/|archive-date=February 22, 2012}}</ref> They have also uploaded the first two English-dubbed episodes of ''Evolution-R'' to YouTube and released ''Evolution-R'' on DVD in June 2010. Funimation released both ''Slayers Revolution'' and ''Evolution-R'' on [[Blu-ray]] on October 26, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Slayers Season 4 Set (Slayers Revolution)|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-4-set-slayers-revolution_article_123238.html|website=Mania.com|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012013139/http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-4-set-slayers-revolution_article_123238.html|archive-date=October 12, 2012|date=September 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Slayers Season 5 Set (Slayers Evolution-R)|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-5-set-slayers-evolutionr_article_123239.html|website=Mania.com|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012060815/http://www.mania.com/slayers-season-5-set-slayers-evolutionr_article_123239.html|archive-date=October 12, 2012|date=October 8, 2010}}</ref> Both ''Revolution'' and ''Evolution-R'' made their North American television debut when they began airing on the Funimation Channel on September 6, 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-07/funimation-channel-adds-high-definition-feed|title=Funimation Channel Adds High-Definition Feed|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605025301/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-07/funimation-channel-adds-high-definition-feed|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Original video animations===
*The first [[Original video animation|OVA]] series, {{nihongo|''[[Slayers Special (OVA)|Slayers Special]]''|スレイヤーズスペシャル}}, consists of three individual episodes directed by [[Hiroshi Watanabe (animator)|Hiroshi Watanabe]]. The first episode was released in Japan on July 25, 1996 by Kadokowa Shoten and [[J.C.Staff]], approximately 10 months following broadcast of the final episode of the original anime series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ex.org/1.1/18-releases_japan.html|title=Releases:Japan|publisher=ex.org|access-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729142846/http://www.ex.org/1.1/18-releases_japan.html|archive-date=July 29, 2012}}</ref> 
*A second three-episode OVA series, {{nihongo|''[[Slayers Excellent]]''|スレイヤーズエクセレント}} followed in 1998, also directed by Watanabe and produced by J.C.Staff.

In North America, ''Slayers Special'' was initially sold as two separate titles, ''Slayers: Dragon Slave'' and ''Slayers: Explosion Array'' on VHS by licensee [[ADV Films]].<ref name="Anime encyclopedia"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Slayers: Dragon Slave!|url=http://www.advfilms.com/advhome/catalog/catitem.html?c=all&k=sl002|publisher=[[ADV Films]]|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990909182355/http://www.advfilms.com/advhome/catalog/catitem.html?c=all&k=sl002|archive-date=September 9, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Slayers: Explosion Array!|url=http://www.advfilms.com/advhome/catalog/catitem.html?c=all&k=sl003|publisher=[[ADV Films]]|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990909183323/http://www.advfilms.com/advhome/catalog/catitem.html?c=all&k=sl003|archive-date=September 9, 1999}}</ref> All three episodes were later compiled into ''Slayers: The Book of Spells'', shipped on November 21, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/slayers-book-spells_article_73956.html|title=Slayers:The Book of Spells - Mania.com|publisher=Mania.com|access-date=June 10, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628090546/http://www.mania.com/slayers-book-spells_article_73956.html|archive-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref>

===Films===
* ''[[Slayers The Motion Picture]]'', also known as ''Slayers Perfect'' (or ''Slayers the Movie: Perfect Edition'') and originally released in Japan simply as ''Slayers'' (スレイヤーズ), is a 1995 film written by Kazuo Yamazaki, based on an original story by Hajime Kanzaka, and directed by Yamazaki and Hiroshi Watanabe.
* {{Nihongo|''[[Slayers Return]]''|スレイヤーズ RETURN|Sureiyāzu ritān}}, also known as ''Slayers Movie 2 - The Return'', is a 1996 film written by Kanzaka and directed by [[Kunihiko Yuyama]] and Hiroshi Watanabe. It was adapted into a standalone manga. 
* {{Nihongo|''[[Slayers Great]]''|スレイヤーズ ぐれえと|Sureiyāzu gurēto}} is a 1997 film written by Kanzaka and directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, Hiroshi Watanabe and Yoshimatsu Takahiro.
* {{Nihongo|''[[Slayers Gorgeous]]''|スレイヤーズごうじゃす|Sureiyāzu gōjasu}} is a 1998 film written by Kanzaka and directed by Hiroshi Watanabe.
* {{nihongo|''[[Slayers Premium]]''|スレイヤーズぷれみあむ|Sureiyāzu puremiamu}} is a 2001 short film written and directed by [[Junichi Satō]].

Most of the films were produced by J.C.Staff and licensed for home video release in North America by ADV Films. ''Slayers Premium'' was animated by [[Hal Film Maker]].

===Radio dramas===
* ''Slayers Extra'' aka ''Slayers EX'' (four episodes, loosely (with Gourry replacing Naga and set after the first season of the anime television series) adapted from ''Slayers Special'' novels, 1995–1996)
* ''Slayers N'extra'' (four episodes, adapted from ''Slayers Special'' novels, 1997)
* ''Slayers Premium'' (one episode, prologue and epilogue to ''Slayers Premium'' movie, 2002)
* ''Slayers VS Orphen'' (one episode, adapted from ''Slayers VS Orphen'' novel, 2005)
* {{nihongo|''The Return of Slayers EX''|帰って来たスレイヤーズエクス|Kaette Kita Slayers EX}} (three episodes, 2006)

===Games===

====Role-playing games====
The series was adapted for two role-playing games (RPGs):
*''Slayers'' became an add-on for the Japanese role-playing game system ''MAGIUS'' (''Slayers MAGIUS RPG'').<ref name="Anime encyclopedia"/> 
*In 2003, [[Guardians of Order]] published a licensed role-playing game, ''[[The Slayers d20]]'', using the [[d20 System]] rules.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-07-11/besm|title=BESM News|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607152530/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-07-11/besm|archive-date=June 7, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Guardians also released three guidebooks for their ''[[Big Eyes, Small Mouth]]'' (''BESM'') game system that included game statistics for the TV series' major characters, spells and weapons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardiansorder.com/games/anime/|title=Guardians Of Order - Licensed Anime Products|publisher=[[Guardians of Order]]|access-date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812000527/http://www.guardiansorder.com/games/anime/|archive-date=August 12, 2007}}</ref>

====Collectible card game====
A [[collectible card game]] (CCG), ''Slayers Fight'' (スレイヤーズふぁいと), was developed by ORG and published by Kadokawa Shoten between 1999 and 2001.

====Video games====
{{main|List of Slayers video games}}
A series of five ''Slayers'' role-playing video games were released exclusively in Japan between 1994 and 1998. Two different 16-bit games titled simply ''Slayers'' (including [[Slayers (video game)|the one for the Super Famicom]]) were released in 1994. Three 32-bit / CD-ROM games followed in the late 1990s: ''[[Slayers Royal]]'' in 1997 and ''[[Slayers Royal 2]]'' and ''[[Slayers Wonderful]]'' in 1998. In addition, Lina and other ''Slayers'' main characters have been featured in several other video games in crossover and guest appearances, in particular in mobile games since the late 2010s.

==Reception==
[[File:Slayers school mural.jpg|thumb|upright|A ''Slayers'' themed mural featuring [[Lina Inverse]] in [[Seville]], Spain. Along with ''[[Sailor Moon]]'' and ''[[Dragon Ball]]'', ''Slayers'' was one of the most popular anime series in the country during the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/magia-slayers-82602|title=La magia de Slayers: Reena y Gaudy|first=Thais|last=Valdivia|date=August 17, 2014|website=HobbyConsolas|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508162522/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/magia-slayers-82602|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Including the spin-off series, the ''Slayers'' novels had 18 million copies in print by 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/07/03/slayers-25th-anniversary-art-exhibition-to-be-held-this-summer|title="Slayers" 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition to be Held This Summer|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901023105/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/07/03/slayers-25th-anniversary-art-exhibition-to-be-held-this-summer|archive-date=September 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This number had grown to over 20{{nbsp}}million copies by 2018.<ref name="20million"/> In January 2025, it was announced that the franchise had sold over 22 million copies, including digital sales.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=Slayers_30th |number=1880450042789609895 |date=2025-01-17 |script-title=ja:メモリアルイヤーの始めはど派手な吉報から✨ ✌️✌️の2200万部突破🎊 皆さまの応援のお陰です。 本当にありがとうございます❣️ 35周年スペシャル企画の情報もこの後公開‼️|trans-title= |language=Japanese |access-date=2025-03-28}}</ref> Writing in 2020, Iyane Agossah from DualShockers opined ''Slayers'' "is still rarely equaled 30 years later, with an incredible mix of comedy and tragedy, an intricate amount of world-building, great story developments and iconic characters."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/slayers-tales-of-the-rays-crossover-lina-inverse/|title=Slayers, The GOAT Anime Better Than Anything You're Watching Right Now, Joins Tales of the Rays|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206202323/https://www.dualshockers.com/slayers-tales-of-the-rays-crossover-lina-inverse/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Of the various media which make up the ''Slayers'' franchise, the anime has by far reached the largest audience and is considered to be one of the most popular series of the 1990s, both in Japan and abroad.<ref name="Anime encyclopedia" /> As it is a parody of the [[high fantasy]] genre, the series' driving force lies in comic scenarios alluding to other specific anime, or more general genre [[Trope (literature)|tropes]] and [[cliché]]s. Its focus on humor and entertainment and "old school" anime feel make it a nostalgic classic to many.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/anime/6487-Anime-Review-The-Slayers|title=The Escapist Anime Reviews: The Slayers|publisher=www.escapistmagazine.com|access-date=February 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710082200/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/anime/6487-Anime-Review-The-Slayers|archive-date=July 10, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to [[Anime News Network]]'s Daryl Surat, 1996 was the best year of ''Slayers'' anime with the releases of ''Next'' and ''Return''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-10-21/twenty-years-ago-the-best-anime-of-1996/.107944|title=Twenty Years Ago: The Best Anime of 1996 (And Some Others Too)|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205061736/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-10-21/twenty-years-ago-the-best-anime-of-1996/.107944|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Slayers Next'' took the third place as the overall best anime of 1996 in the [[Anime Grand Prix]] '97 awards (in addition to winning in the category best female character), while the next year's series ''Slayers Try'' placed second but technically also third (the first place was a tie between the films ''[[Mononoke Hime]]'' and ''[[The End of Evangelion]]'') in 1998.

''Slayers'' was sometimes compared  with ''[[Record of Lodoss War]]'', another hit Japanese fantasy franchise that began around the same time. In ''Anime Essentials: Every Thing a Fan Needs to Know'', [[Gilles Poitras]] wrote: "More humorous and less serious looking than the characters in the ''[[Lodoss War]]'' series, the stars of ''Slayers'' provide action and laughs."<ref>{{Cite book|title=Anime Essentials: Every Thing a Fan Needs to Know|last=Poitras|first=Gilles|year=2001|page=40|publisher=[[Stone Bridge Press]]|isbn=978-1-880656-53-2}}</ref> In ''[[The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917]]'', [[Helen McCarthy]] similarly called it "the antidote to the deadly serious ''Record of Lodoss War'', with a cynical cast modeled on argumentative role-players. (...) Ridiculing its own shortcomings, ''Slayers'' has successfully kept a strong following that watches for what some might call biting satire, and others bad workmen blaming their tools."<ref name=tae>[[Helen McCarthy]], ''[[The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917]]'', p. 591.</ref> Joseph Luster of ''[[Otaku USA]]'' called it "the very definition of an all-encompassing media franchise. (...) ''Slayers'' certainly has that in its memorable lineup, and they'll likely cast some sort of spell on you, regardless of age."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/SearchAudience/News1/The_Slayers_The_First_Three_Seasons_1698.aspx |title=The Slayers: The First Three Seasons|date=December 17, 2009 |work=[[Otaku USA]] |access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219003244/http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/SearchAudience/News1/The_Slayers_The_First_Three_Seasons_1698.aspx |archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Paul Thomas Chapman from the same magazine voiced a more reserved opinion on the "franchise whose remarkable longevity and popularity is matched only by its remarkable averageness," especially regarding various aspects of the TV series, to which nevertheless he returned for "light entertainment".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/SearchAudience/News1/Slayers_A_Retrospective_1215.aspx|title=Slayers: A Retrospective |work=[[Otaku USA]] |date=January 9, 2008|access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219004431/http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/SearchAudience/News1/Slayers_A_Retrospective_1215.aspx|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Slayers songs|List of ''Slayers'' songs]]
* ''[[Lost Universe]]'', a science fiction comedy series set in one of the dimensions parallel to that of ''Slayers''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://fantasiabunko.jp/sp/slayers/}} (Fujimi Shobo) {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/contents/slayers/}} (TV Tokyo) {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|https://www.funimation.com/shows/the-slayers/}} (Funimation)
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20030720131257/http://enokifilmsusa.com/library/slayers.htm}} (Enoki Films USA; archived)
* {{Anime News Network|light novel|12993}}

{{Slayers}}
{{Takashi Watanabe}}
{{J.C.Staff}}
{{Monthly Dragon Age}}

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