7.7/10
The Rising of the Shield Hero (Japanese: 盾の勇者の成り上がり, Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari) is a Japanese light novel series written by Aneko Yusagi. It first appeared as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō before being expanded into print by Media Factory with illustrations by Seira Minami. The series has since grown into a large multimedia franchise that includes manga, anime, and video games. The light novels began publishing in 2013, and as of June 2019, 22 volumes have been released. The manga adaptation, drawn by Aiya Kyū, has reached 28 tankōbon volumes as of July 2025. The anime adaptation began in 2019, produced by Kinema Citrus, and has continued through multiple seasons, with the fourth premiering in July 2025. Known for its dark tone, morally complex protagonist, and unique twist on the isekai genre, the series has earned both acclaim and controversy in Japan and worldwide.
The Rising of the Shield Hero – Official Preview
What is The Rising of the Shield Hero About?
The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary Japanese youth summoned into a parallel world alongside three other men. Each becomes one of the legendary Cardinal Heroes, tasked with fighting interdimensional monsters called Waves. Unlike the others, who wield powerful offensive weapons, Naofumi is granted the Legendary Shield, the sole defensive artifact. Quickly outcast after being falsely accused of a crime, he finds himself alone, penniless, and hated. To survive, he reluctantly purchases a demi-human slave named Raphtalia and raises her into a trusted companion. Later joined by the bird-like creature Filo, the group gradually gains strength and respect as they uncover the truth behind the Waves. Unlike typical isekai power fantasies, this tale explores betrayal, redemption, and resilience.
Is The Rising of the Shield Hero Worth Watching?
Yes—if you enjoy isekai stories with a darker edge and more grounded emotional struggles, this anime is worth watching. It’s not a traditional heroic tale but rather one about survival, mistrust, and slowly rebuilding one’s reputation. Some viewers may find the early episodes controversial due to the false accusation subplot and the slavery theme, but those willing to continue will discover a compelling redemption arc, intense action, and strong character growth.
Why Should I Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero?
-
Unique Protagonist – Instead of a sword-wielding hero, the story follows a defensive fighter who must strategize rather than overpower enemies.
-
Deep Themes – Trust, betrayal, and redemption play central roles.
-
Character Growth – Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo’s evolving relationships provide heart to the series.
-
Expanding World-Building – As the story progresses, the lore behind the Waves and alternate worlds deepens.
Cast and Characters
-
Naofumi Iwatani – Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese) and Billy Kametz (English). The Shield Hero who overcomes betrayal and prejudice.
-
Raphtalia – Voiced by Asami Seto (Japanese) and Erica Mendez (English). A demi-human girl who matures into Naofumi’s loyal sword.
-
Filo – Voiced by Rina Hidaka (Japanese) and Brianna Knickerbocker (English). A cheerful bird-like creature with great strength.
-
Ren Amaki – The Sword Hero.
-
Motoyasu Kitamura – The Spear Hero.
-
Itsuki Kawasumi – The Bow Hero.
Watch Order
To follow The Rising of the Shield Hero anime in the correct sequence, use the release order:
-
Season 1 – The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019) – 25 episodes
-
Season 2 – The Rising of the Shield Hero 2 (2022) – 13 episodes
-
Season 3 – The Rising of the Shield Hero 3 (2023) – 12 episodes
-
Season 4 – The Rising of the Shield Hero 4 (2025) – ongoing
Optional: Characters also appear in the crossover series Isekai Quartet (Season 2 onward, 2020).
Episodes / Seasons / Release Order
| Season | Episodes | Release Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 25 | January 9 – June 26, 2019 |
| Season 2 | 13 | April 6 – June 29, 2022 |
| Season 3 | 12 | October 6 – December 22, 2023 |
| Season 4 | 12 (ongoing) | July 9, 2025 – TBA |
Production and Development
-
Author: Aneko Yusagi
-
Illustrator (LN): Seira Minami
-
Manga Artist: Aiya Kyū
-
Anime Studios: Kinema Citrus, DR Movie (Season 2), additional staff in Season 3–4
-
Director(s): Takao Abo (S1), Masato Jinbo (S2), Hitoshi Haga (S3–4)
-
Composer: Kevin Penkin, later joined by Alfredo Sirica and Natalie Jeffreys
The anime’s success boosted the light novel and manga sales dramatically, with a surge of over 1.2 million additional copies sold in Japan after the anime’s debut.
Reception and Critical Response
-
Sales: By April 2019, over 6.2 million copies of the novels and manga were in print.
-
Awards: Raphtalia won “Best Girl” at the 2020 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Billy Kametz earned “Best Voice Artist Performance (English)” for Naofumi.
-
Critics: Early episodes faced controversy in the West due to sensitive themes, but later episodes received more positive reception, highlighting Naofumi’s development into a reluctant yet noble leader.
-
Fans: The series has a loyal fanbase, praising its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling, though some disliked pacing in Season 2.
Legacy and Impact
The Rising of the Shield Hero has become one of the most recognizable isekai anime, influencing discussions on how the genre can subvert power fantasy tropes. Its protagonist’s defensive approach stands out in a field dominated by overpowered heroes. Beyond anime and manga, the franchise expanded into video games like The Rising of the Shield Hero: Relive the Animation and Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari Rerise. It also secured crossover appearances in Isekai Quartet, cementing its place among modern anime staples.
The Rising of the Shield Hero FAQ
Q: Is the Shield Hero anime complete?
A: No, the story is ongoing, with the fourth season currently airing in 2025.
Q: Where can I watch The Rising of the Shield Hero?
A: It is available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, bilibili, and other licensed platforms depending on the region.
Q: How faithful is the anime to the light novel?
A: The anime adapts the novels closely but compresses some story arcs, with Season 2 criticized for pacing changes.
Q: Is the series controversial?
A: Yes, its first episodes sparked debate in North America due to themes of false accusation and slavery, but the broader story shifts focus toward redemption and trust.
Conclusion
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a bold, genre-defining isekai that explores betrayal, perseverance, and the value of trust. From its humble origins as a web novel to a global multimedia franchise, it has captivated fans worldwide with its intense battles and heartfelt character arcs. Despite controversies, it remains one of the most influential isekai series of the past decade and continues to grow with each new season.
If you don’t know where to watch this Anime for FREE make sure to contact me via E-mail, or in the comments below. Thank you for reading and make sure to bookmark the site.