Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1: Release date and everything we need to know

In the vast list of anime that are going to be part of the Winter 2026 anime season, there is one series, Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, that fans have kept an eye on. While there are series in this list that are definitely in many anime viewers' watch lists because they are either animated by a popular production house, or they already have a popular fanbase. But this particular series has the potential to get into the highlights of this season, simply because it blends K-pop, mythology, and dark fantasy.

A combination like this in an anime sounds out of place, but we also need to note that Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is based on a HYBE’s massively popular webtoon. The series brings the world of ENHYPEN’s lore to television for the first time, marking a major moment for anime and K-pop crossover storytelling. According to official sources, it is confirmed that Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is going to be released on January 9, 2026.

This anime is going to first air in Japan and then soon be made part of a simulcast for viewers around the world to stream. Those who are interested in watching the anime can stream it on Crunchyroll. As the wait for the premiere is just a few days away, the spark within the hearts of fans is lit.

Interestingly, this Winter 2026 anime season is also offering many romance-based stories, yet all of them have uniquely different premises. So it is like a treat for fans of romance anime because they will have so many options to choose from.

List of important characters to look out for in the anime

Those who want a little more information about the characters that are going to be introduced in the series, here's a list of the important ones:

• Sooha (Voiced by Fuka Izumi): The human protagonist with supernatural strength and deep resentment toward vampires.
• Heli (Kikunosuke Toya): A vampire with telepathic abilities and the calm leader of the group.
• Solon (Jin Ogasawara): A vampire-werewolf hybrid hiding his true nature.
• Jakah, Jaan, Shion, Jino, and Noa: Vampires with unique powers ranging from speed and strength to fire manipulation and shadow control.

This character list is to help fans who are walking straight into the anime without any prior context about the webtoon. It will be easier to follow Dark Moon: The Blood Altar with this information.

What to expect from Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1? (Speculative)

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 is expected to focus heavily on world-building and atmosphere. With this upcoming episode, there are a few ways it could go:

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• In Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1, viewers will be introduced to Decelis Academy, Sooha’s traumatic history with vampires, and the uneasy tension between humans, vampires, and werewolves that defines the series.
• Rather than rushing into action, the premiere will likely establish Sooha’s emotional isolation and distrust, while teasing the supernatural powers of the vampire boys. The Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 will also set up the central mystery surrounding Sooha’s identity and why the vampires feel inexplicably drawn to her.

This series is not going to be just another supernatural school anime. Such a series exists to represent a new era of anime influenced directly by K-pop storytelling and fandom culture. With a compelling premise, high production values, and a massive built-in fanbase, Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 is ready to make a strong first impression when it premieres this January.

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