Naofumi Iwatani The Rising of the Shield Hero - Nendoroid
As of 2022, The Rising of the Shield Hero is now in its tenth year of production. Originally a self-published web novel, the series quickly became adapted as a light novel, manga, and anime series. Despite initial controversy, the series continues to amass new fans enamored with its plot twists and refreshing take on the JRPG isekai model. The near-immediate betrayal of the titular Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, differentiated Naofumi from similar protagonists whisked away to save another world. Naofumi's cynicism and anger appealed to fans of the anti-hero. His grumpy personality has even been carried over to unlikely mediums, like the Nendoroid figure, "Nendoroid The Rising of the Shield Hero Shield Hero."
Nendoroid The Rising of the Shield Hero Shield Hero
The forsaken Shield Hero has now joined the Nendoroid line. Naofumi Iwatani wears his standard adventuring outfit with a monotone green color palette accented white fur trim. Naofumi's warped personality shows in his standard disgruntled stare and wild, enraged attack face. However, the figure also comes with a crying expression to recreate a wider range of anime scenes. Accessories include various forms of his Legendary Shield. Along with the small shield, Naofumi can equip the Chimera Viper Shield, the Shield of Rage II, or the Air Strike Shield. The Air Strike Shield also glows in the dark to invoke its light-based appearance in the anime. Additionally, the figure includes one of the many balloons Naofumi famously uses as threats during negotiations.
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Shichibee
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"
About Naofumi Iwatani
Naofumi Iwatani is the protagonist and titular Shield Hero in The Rising of the Shield Hero. Originally from modern-day Earth, Naofumi found himself transported to another world to become the Legendary Shield Hero.
About Naofumi Iwatani: Background
Growing up, Naofumi lacked drive or passion beyond his otaku interests. By the time he was a college sophomore, his parents had given up on him and pressured his younger brother to achieve where Naofumi couldn't. One day, Naofumi found an odd book, The Record of the Four Holy Weapons. This book transported Naofumi to a different world to wield one of the weapons mentioned in the text. Initially excited about his quest, Naofumi becomes cynical and disillusioned after facing a reputation destroying betrayal. He buys the slave racoon-girl, Raphtalia, and sets off on his own quest for redemption.
From the beginning of the series, Naofumi was cynical, angry, and occasionally hostile. He failed to trust any potential companions unless he held a slave contract over them. This suspicion strengthened Naofumi's observational skills and earned him a practical approach to his travels rather than an idealistic one. Over time, his outward anger softens due to his relationships with Raphtalia and Filo.
About Naofumi Iwatani: Abilities
Naofumi possesses magical abilities both inherent to his being and derived through the Legendary Shield. Due to his resistances on Earth, Naofumi has immunity to both alcohol and motion sickness. Animals also form bonds quickly with him, giving him the power of Animal Whisperer. Naofumi can use the Legendary Shield to perform certain abilities, such as offensive, defensive, utility, and counterattack varieties. The Shield has three known power-up methods while the fourth is still undiscovered as of Volume 22 of the light novel.
Through his travels, Naofumi gained other useful skills, including potion and accessory crafting. As a traveling merchant, he became a shrewd negotiator able to haggle prices down dramatically. Naofumi also earned the nickname "Cooking Hero" for his seemingly magical cooking skills.
Other Important The Rising of the Sword Hero Characters
While Naofumi's greatest relationships come from within his companions, the antagonists working against him developed the personality that made Naofumi popular with fans.
Malty S Melromarc
Malty is the primary antagonist of the series and the first daughter of Queen Mirellia. At first, she appears to be a friendly and helpful, yet harmless, flirt. However, these traits mask her true manipulative personality. Malty's greatest ambition is to acquire the most power in Melromarc and secure her position as its future queen. She specializes in fire magic, though she has also displayed proficiency in wind magic.
Under the false name Myne Suphia, Malty met Naofumi at the beginning of his journey. Using her false persona, Malty took advantage of Naofumi's former trusting nature and drained him of his money. She then accused him of assault, alienating him from the other heroes and setting him on his new cynical path.
Aultcray Melromarc XXXII
Aultcray is a supporting character and former king of Melromarc. Married to Queen Mirellia, Aultcray initially ruled as a wise king and doting father. However, his overindulgence of Malty influenced her manipulative personality. He supported Matly's accusations of Naofumi's abuse and covered up the truth after discovering his daughter's lies.
From long before the series began, Aultcray harbored hatred for anyone bearing the Shield Hero title. This hatred became compounded by Naofumi's relationship with his Malty. Over time, Aultcray's bias against Naofumi begins to fade as he reassesses his beliefs and they become begrudging allies.
Links
Nendoroid The Rising of the Shield Hero Shield Hero
Filo The Rising of the Shield Hero - Nendoroid
Raphtalia The Rising of the Shield Hero - Nendoroid
Nendoroid Label
Raphtalia The Rising of the Shield - Figures
The Rising of the Shield Hero - Figures
Filo The Rising of the Shield Hero - Figures
The Rising of the Shield Hero Label
Naofumi Iwatani Label
Good Smile Company Label