Welcome to my anime review of The Rising of the Shield Hero! This anime follows the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a college student who is suddenly summoned to a parallel world to become one of four legendary heroes tasked with saving the kingdom from destruction. 

Naofumi is given the title of the Shield Hero, but quickly finds himself betrayed and falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. This sets him on a path of vengeance and redemption as he fights to clear his name and protect the kingdom from impending doom. 

With its unique premise, compelling characters, and intense action scenes, The Rising of the Shield Hero has captured the hearts of anime fans around the world. 

Join me as we delve deeper into this thrilling anime series and discover what makes it so special.

The Rising of the shield hero Synopsis

The Rising of the Shield Hero is an anime series based on a light novel by Aneko Yusagi. The series follows the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a college student who is summoned to a parallel world along with three other individuals to become legendary heroes and save the kingdom from destruction.

Upon arriving in this new world, Naofumi is given the title of the Shield Hero and tasked with the responsibility of protecting the kingdom from waves of monsters that threaten its existence. However, he is quickly betrayed by his fellow heroes and falsely accused of a crime he did not commit.

As a result of this betrayal, Naofumi becomes a social outcast and is shunned by the people he was meant to protect. With no one to turn to, he purchases a slave named Raphtalia to aid him in his mission to clear his name and save the kingdom.

As the story progresses, Naofumi and Raphtalia develop a close bond as they face numerous challenges and obstacles together. They are eventually joined by other allies, including the demi-human Filo and the mage Melty, as they fight to protect the kingdom from impending doom.

Throughout the series, Naofumi must confront his own demons and struggles with his desire for revenge against those who wronged him. He must also learn to trust others again and overcome the prejudices and biases that exist within the kingdom.

As the waves of monsters continue to threaten the kingdom, Naofumi and his allies must fight with all their might to protect the people and bring peace to the land. The Rising of the Shield Hero is a story of redemption, friendship, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Is The Rising of the shield hero worth watching?

There are many reasons why The Rising of the Shield Hero has gained a large following and captured the hearts of anime fans around the world. Here are some of the main reasons why people love this anime:

1. Unique premise:

The Rising of the Shield Hero’s premise is one of its most distinctive features. The anime takes a fresh approach to the isekai genre, where the protagonist is usually transported to a fantasy world where they become a powerful hero. 

However, in this case, the protagonist is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and is left to fight alone to clear his name and save the kingdom. This unique premise adds an element of suspense and drama to the story, making it stand out from other anime in the genre.

2. Compelling characters:

The characters in The Rising of the Shield Hero are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with flaws and strengths that make them relatable and interesting to watch. 

Naofumi, the protagonist, is a particularly compelling character. He starts off as a cynical and bitter person, but as he faces challenges and grows closer to his allies, he learns to trust others and become a better person. 

Raphtalia, his loyal slave turned ally, also undergoes significant character development throughout the series, as she learns to overcome her trauma and become a powerful fighter in her own right.

3. Emotional depth:

The Rising of the Shield Hero explores complex themes of betrayal, redemption, and trust, which adds emotional depth and resonance to the story. 

Naofumi’s journey is an emotional rollercoaster, as he faces constant obstacles and struggles to overcome his own biases and prejudices. 

The relationship between Naofumi and Raphtalia is also a significant source of emotional depth, as they grow closer and learn to rely on each other.

4. Action-packed battles:

The anime features a variety of exciting and well-animated fight scenes, as Naofumi and his allies battle against powerful monsters and other enemies. The battles are intense and visually stunning, with a variety of unique abilities and weapons on display.

5. Strong relationships:

The relationships between characters in The Rising of the Shield Hero are a major highlight of the series. Naofumi and Raphtalia’s bond is at the center of the story, but other relationships, such as Naofumi’s friendship with Filo and his complicated relationship with his fellow heroes, also add depth and complexity to the story.

6. World-building:

The world of The Rising of the Shield Hero is well-crafted and full of interesting locations and cultures. From the bustling capital city to the dark and dangerous forests, the world is full of unique and memorable settings that add depth and texture to the story.

7. Subversion of tropes:

The anime subverts many typical anime tropes, particularly in its portrayal of the main character as a flawed and often unlikable anti-hero. Naofumi’s journey is not a straightforward hero’s journey, and his flaws and mistakes make him a more complex and interesting character to watch.

8. Engaging plot:

The plot of The Rising of the Shield Hero is full of twists and turns, with unexpected developments and surprises that keep viewers engaged and invested in the story. The anime is structured as a series of arcs, each with its own challenges and obstacles for Naofumi to overcome.

9. Soundtrack:

The anime’s soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is widely praised for its emotional depth and beautiful melodies. The music adds an extra layer of emotion to the story, enhancing the impact of the show’s most memorable moments.

10. Social commentary:

The Rising of the Shield Hero also explores themes of discrimination and prejudice, particularly towards the demi-human race. Naofumi’s relationship with Raphtalia, a demi-human slave, is an important part of the story, as he learns to overcome his own biases and see her as a person rather than a monster. 

This social commentary makes the anime more relevant and thought-provoking for viewers, adding an extra layer

Everything that sucks about The Rising of the shield hero 

While we thought and found the Rising of the shield hero to be pretty darn fantastic, like any other work of art it is not exempt from criticism. For people who have some beef with The Rising of the shield hero, this is what they said was “wrong” with it:

1. Accusations of misogyny: The Rising of the Shield Hero has been criticized for its treatment of female characters, particularly the false rape accusations against Naofumi and the way some female characters are sexualized.

2. Pacing issues: Some viewers have criticized the anime’s pacing, with some episodes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long.

3. Lack of character development for certain characters: While Naofumi and Raphtalia receive significant character development throughout the series, some viewers have criticized the lack of development for other characters, such as Filo and the other heroes.

4. Adaptation changes from the source material: The anime adaptation of The Rising of the Shield Hero has been criticized by some fans of the light novel and manga for making changes to the story and characters that they feel detract from the original material.

5. Unresolved plot threads: The anime ends on a cliffhanger, leaving many questions and plot threads unresolved. While this is not uncommon in anime adaptations, some viewers were disappointed by the lack of closure.

6. Violence and dark themes: The Rising of the Shield Hero features graphic violence and dark themes, including slavery, rape, and betrayal, which may be off-putting to some viewers.

7. Naofumi’s behavior: While Naofumi undergoes significant character development throughout the series, some viewers have criticized his behavior early on in the show, particularly his treatment of Raphtalia as a slave.

8. Stereotypical portrayal of some characters: Some characters in The Rising of the Shield Hero, such as the villainous Myne and the fanatical fan of the Shield Hero, Motoyasu, have been criticized for being one-dimensional and stereotypical.

Final thoughts on The Rising of the shield hero 

In conclusion, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a dark and gritty anime that has captured the hearts of many fans with its well-crafted story, complex characters, and immersive world-building. 

The anime’s main protagonist, Naofumi, goes through a journey of self-discovery and redemption that is both satisfying and inspiring. The bond between Naofumi and Raphtalia, his loyal and brave companion, is also a highlight of the series. 

Despite receiving some criticism for its treatment of female characters and pacing issues, The Rising of the Shield Hero is still a must-watch for fans of the isekai genre and anyone who enjoys a good underdog story. 

Overall, The Rising of the Shield Hero is an anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.