The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)

[盾の勇者の成り上がり]

Season 1

Director: Takao Abo
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Starring: Kaito Ishikawa, Asami Seto, Rina Hidaka
Episodes: 25

Synopsis:
A Japanese university student is transported to another world that he must defend as the Shield Hero, but intrigue and betrayal drive him down a dark path.

Impressions:
"So what's the hook for this one?" you ask as I cover yet another isekai series. Well, the hook for this one is that our protagonist gets dealt a crappy hand and takes the anti-hero route. There were some ruffled feathers when this series first came out, but it's not worth acknowledging. Now, some people were hoping that the eponymous Shield Hero Naofumi would get progressively darker, maybe even go full villain protagonist, but it never goes that far. Although he never fully lets go of his bitterness, his original nature isn't changed as much as he'd like people to think. While his fellow Heroes are insufferable (not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities but still coming up really short), you the viewer share Naofumi's frustration. He does develop a more positively disposed supporting cast that keeps the setting from being unbearable. The gimmick for the shield is neat and opens up a lot of possibilities. The handling of certain themes (like slavery) may rub you the wrong way, but that's something for you to navigate. All told, I thought this was a worthwhile watch and would certainly be up for a second season if it ever materializes. If you're looking for an isekai with more of a bitter taste, this may be what you're after.

Rating:
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