The Rising of the Shield Hero
Alternate Titles
盾の勇者の成り上がり
Synopsis
The Rising of the Shield Hero follows Naofumi Iwatani, a 20 year-old university student who was whisked away to a fantasy game-like realm of monsters and magic after discovering a book about Four Heroes. Iwatani is chosen as one of these four and given the mantle of the Shield Hero. The other three were also young males summoned from worlds similar to Iwatani’s, but it was he who got the short end of the stick. The least charismatic of the bunch, only one woman joined his party, and that person soon betrayed him and falsely accused him of rape! Now the cynical Iwatani must somehow survive in a new and dangerous world that despises him.
Background
The Rising of the Shield Hero began as a web novel written by Aneko Yusagi. The series was later picked up by Media Factory and published as a light novel with illustrations by Seira Minami. As of January 2018, 19 volumes have been published. The series was then released as a manga adaptation by Aiya Kyu, which was launched in Monthly Comic Flapper magazine in 2014. It has 12 collected volumes in print as of August 2018. Both the light novel and manga are licensed in North America by One Peace Books.
The anime adaptation was revealed in June 2017. It is being directed by Takao Abo at Kinema Citrus and features scripts by Keigo Koyanagi, adapted character designs by Masahiro Suwa, and music by Kevin Penkin. It will premiere in Japan in January 2019 and will be streamed with both English subtitles and dubbing on Crunchyroll as each episode airs in Japan.
Characters
Naofumi Iwatani (Voiced by: Kaito Ishikawa)
The main protagonist of the series. Iwatani is summoned from his world to Melromarc and almost immediately faces adversity from its people and his fellow Heroes. Because he is tricked and falsely accused by Malty Melromarc, he’s lost all trust in others and keeps his distance. At heart, he’s a good-natured and caring person. Animals from his world have always taken a liking to him. His shield weapons grant him great abilities but also come with drawbacks, as do almost all the Heroes’ weapons.
Raphtalia (Voiced by: Asami Seto)
A tanuki Demi-human that Iwatani purchases. She’s fiercely loyal to Iwatani and would even stand up for him when he’s targeted by false allegations.
Firo
Firo is a Filolial Queen. Filolials are bird-like creatures, but Filolial Queens can transform into a human form. Firo was bought as an egg by Iwatani, as such she is young mentally. She is extremely fast and strong and can even rival other Heroes in battle.
Kitamura Motoyasu (Voiced by: Makoto Takahashi)
As one of the Four Holy Heroes, he holds the title of the Spear Hero. He’s extremely flirtatious, easily falls for women and sometimes acts idiotic. He quickly believes Malty’s accusations against Iwatani and is hostile against him.
Amaki Ren (Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka)
A high school student and the youngest of the Four Holy Heroes, Ren is the Sword Hero. He has some experience playing the VRMMO game “Brave Star Online” from his world and compares Melmromarc to it.
Kawasumi Itsuki (Voiced by: Yoshitaka Yamaya)
The Bow Hero, Itsuki believes accusations against Iwatani just as Ren and Motoyasu do. Itsuki believes he is a hero of justice. In his original world, he was bullied for having weaker esper powers compared to those around him.
Malty Melromarc/Medea
Also known as Bitch or Witch, Malty is a human who originated as part of Medea. She is the only person to join Iwatani’s party when he begins his adventure in Melromarc, but she soon betrays him and tricks the other Heroes.
Fohl
Fohl is a White Tiger Demi-human slave that belongs to Iwatani. Atlas is his sister.
Atlas
Atlas is a White Tiger Demi-human slave and the sister to Fohl. She has a weak constitution so her brother takes care of her.
Melty Q. Melromarc
The second princess of Melromarc and sister to Malty. She is kind and loves Filolials. At first, Iwatani does not trust her as he has become jaded dealing with her sister.
Trash Melromarc XXXII
The King of Melromarc who believes that the Shield Hero is evil. He follows the religion of the Three Heroes and joins Malty in tormenting Iwatani.
Mirellia Q Melromarc
The Queen of Melromarc and true ruler. She disowned Malty. At the beginning of Iwatani’s adventure, she is away from the kingdom on diplomatic missions and unaware of Malty’s treachery towards the Shield Hero.
Rishia Ivyred
A girl who originally joins Itsuki’s party. She is later kicked off the team and accepted by Iwatani.
International Streaming
- Crunchyroll
Official Links
Staff
- Original Creator: Aneko Yusagi
- Director: Takao Abo
- Series Composition: Keigo Koyanagi
- Original Character Designer: Seira Minami
- Character Designer: Masahiro Suwa
- Color Key: Anna Okamatsu
- Monster Designer: Satoshi Mori
- Prop Designer: Ayako Sugimura
- 3D Director: Yuushi Koshida
- Director of Photography: Yukiyo Kajiwara
- Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
- Music: Kevin Penkin
- Sound Production: Glovision
- Production: Kadokawa
- Animation Production: Kinema Citrus