The official website for The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Arslan Senki) television anime announced on Sunday that the series' first Blu-ray Disc and DVD limited editions will bundle four original four-panel manga by original manga artist Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist, Silver Spoon). The release will also include a short anime adaptation of the same four-panel manga. A 30-second television commercial for the release began airing on Sunday:

The anime's first of eight total home video releases is slated to ship in Japan on July 23.

Odd-numbered volumes will bundle the "Pars Military Official Resource: Strategy Meeting Kit," including the first volume's "Strategic Point Map." The first volume will also bundle compiled episode end cards, a special three-sided box, a jacket illustrated by character designer Shingo Ogiso, creditless opening and ending animation, promotional videos, and audio commentary. Even-numbered volumes will include drama CDs supervised by Arakawa.

The first volume will include the anime's first four episodes. The Blu-ray Disc release will cost 7,800 yen (about US$66), and the DVD will cost 6,800 yen (US$57).

The series premiered in Japan on April 5. Funimation is streaming the anime as it airs in Japan.

Arakawa is adapting the manga's story from a novel series by Yoshiki Tanaka. Funimation describes the story:

In the kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a powerful city ruled by the fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan, the 14-year-old prince of Pars, is a green ruler and lacks the fierce leadership skills possessed by his father. After his father falls victim to a treacherous plot headed by one of his most trusted comrades, the kingdom of Pars falls in the war with the neighboring nation of Lusitania. Narrowly escaping with his life, Arslan must embark on a journey to reclaim the fallen kingdom and fulfill his destiny as ruler of Pars.

Kodansha published the third volume in Japan in February, and Kodansha USA published the second volume in North America in November. Crunchyroll is also releasing the manga as it appears in Japan. Central Park Media released the earlier 1991-93 original video anime adaptation of the novels.

Source: Comic Natalie