Have you found yourself wondering, "how old is Erwin Smith in Sword Art Online Alicization?" If so, you're not alone in seeking answers about beloved anime characters! However, we need to clarify a common misconception right from the start: Erwin Smith is not a character in Sword Art Online Alicization. While both are incredibly popular anime series, they hail from entirely different universes and storytelling realms.
This flagship guide will clear up the confusion, explain why Erwin isn't part of SAO Alicization, and most importantly, direct you to all the essential information you're truly looking for regarding the captivating world of Alicization. We'll delve into the actual characters, their ages, the compelling plot, and where this epic arc fits within the broader Sword Art Online saga.
Unpacking the Misconception: Why Erwin Smith Isn't in SAO Alicization
The primary reason you won't find Erwin Smith in Sword Art Online Alicization is simple: he belongs to a completely different anime series. Erwin Smith is a pivotal character, the stoic and brilliant Commander of the Survey Corps, from Hajime Isayama's critically acclaimed manga and anime series, Attack on Titan. His presence, leadership, and memorable quotes are deeply ingrained in that particular narrative, which is vastly separate from Reki Kawahara's virtual reality adventure, Sword Art Online. If you're curious about his true origins, you might want to know more about .
Sword Art Online: Alicization, on the other hand, is the third major arc of the Sword Art Online anime, transporting viewers into a brand-new virtual world called Underworld. It features a distinct cast of characters, a unique storyline, and its own set of challenges and mysteries, all unrelated to the titans or the military hierarchy of Erwin's world.
The True Heroes and Villains of Sword Art Online: Alicization
Now that we've set the record straight on Erwin, let's turn our attention to the incredible characters who do populate the world of Sword Art Online: Alicization. This arc introduces us to a rich tapestry of individuals, both new and familiar, whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of Underworld.
Key Protagonists and Their Journeys
At the heart of Alicization are our main heroes:
- Kazuto Kirigaya (Kirito): Our beloved protagonist returns, thrust into a new, incredibly realistic virtual world without his memories initially. He's around 14-17 years old during various stages of the arc, with his journey being central to understanding Underworld. You can get a precise understanding of to track his progression.
- Alice Zuberg: A spirited childhood friend of Kirito and Eugeo within Underworld, Alice is a central figure whose capture and transformation into an Integrity Knight kickstarts much of the arc's conflict. If you're captivated by her journey from a simple villager to a powerful knight, you'll love to .
- Eugeo: Kirito's loyal and kind best friend in Underworld, Eugeo's quest to save Alice is a driving force throughout the first half of the Alicization arc. His development and determination are truly heartwarming. For a more detailed look at his character and pivotal role, be sure to .
- Asuna Yuuki: While not immediately present in Underworld, Asuna plays a crucial role from the real world, eventually entering the conflict to support Kirito and the forces of good. Her unwavering devotion and strength are key. Discover more about as she fights to protect her friends.
Many other familiar faces from the broader SAO universe, like Silica, Lisbeth, Suguha (Leafa), and Shino (Sinon), also appear, primarily in the "War of Underworld" segment, joining the fight from the real world. You can find for all these heroes and more within our comprehensive guide.
The Antagonists Who Shape Underworld
No epic journey is complete without formidable adversaries. Alicization features some of the most memorable and complex villains in the SAO franchise:
- Quinella (Administrator): The primary antagonist of the first half of Alicization, she is the tyrannical ruler of the Human Empire, manipulating its citizens and controlling the Integrity Knights through a complex system.
- PoH: A sinister figure returning from the original SAO death game, PoH plays a pivotal role in the "War of Underworld," leading the red player army and sowing chaos.
- Gabriel Miller (Subtilizer): The overarching antagonist of the entire Alicization saga, Gabriel is a ruthless and nihilistic mercenary who seeks to capture Alice for his own dark purposes, operating from the real world.
- Chudelkin: The sycophantic chief elder under Administrator, Chudelkin is a memorable minor villain who adds a layer of dark humor and malice.
- Raios Antinous and Humbert Zizek: These two noble students represent the darker side of the Human Empire's aristocracy, serving as early obstacles for Kirito and Eugeo.
To understand the full scope of their schemes and motivations, we invite you to .
Diving Deeper: What is Sword Art Online: Alicization?
Sword Art Online: Alicization is the anime adaptation of volumes 9 through 18 of Reki Kawahara's light novel series. It's a massive and ambitious arc, divided into two main parts: "Alicization Beginning" and "Alicization – War of Underworld." The narrative follows Kirito as he takes a part-time job testing a new full-dive system called the Soul Translator, which unexpectedly traps him in a virtual world where time flows much faster than in reality.
This arc is celebrated for its deep exploration of artificial intelligence, the nature of the soul, and philosophical questions about existence. It truly pushes the boundaries of the SAO universe. For a complete understanding of the narrative twists and turns, we recommend reading .
Production, Release, and Where to Watch
The anime adaptation of Sword Art Online: Alicization was produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Manabu Ono. It premiered after the Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale film, kicking off an expansive story.
- Alicization Beginning: Aired from October 7, 2018, to March 31, 2019, covering light novel volumes 9-14.
- Alicization – War of Underworld (Part 1): Aired from October 13 to December 29, 2019, covering light novel volumes 15-18.
- Alicization – War of Underworld (Part 2): Aired from July 12 to September 20, 2020, following a delay.
The English dub version of Alicization also premiered on Adult Swim's Toonami block starting February 10, 2019. If you're looking to binge this epic series or want to check specific air dates, find .
Even characters like get revisited in the broader context of the series, showing how deeply intertwined the past and present of SAO are, even in a new arc like Alicization.
Beyond the Misconception: Your Journey into Alicization
While Erwin Smith may be a beloved character from another incredible series, his absence from Sword Art Online Alicization allows the unique and compelling narrative of Underworld to shine brightly. We hope this guide has not only clarified the initial confusion but also ignited your interest in the fascinating world, complex characters, and profound themes that make Alicization such a standout arc in the Sword Art Online saga. Dive into our supporting pillars to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this epic adventure!