Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero is an anime series that premiered in January 2019. It is based on a light novel series of the same name written by Aneko Yusagi. The show follows a young man named Naofumi Iwatani, who is transported to another world after reading a book. Along with three other young men, Naofumi is summoned to become a hero and save the world from an impending wave of calamity.

Each of the four heroes are given a weapon to assist them in their quest. Naofumi, however, is given the weakest of the four weapons, a shield. He is also ostracized and framed for a crime he did not commit by the kingdom's princess and all of its citizens, causing him to lose all faith in humanity and become a feared and despised hero known as the "Shield Hero."

Throughout the series, Naofumi struggles to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy against him. Along the way, he forms alliances with other characters, including a slave girl named Raphtalia, and gains new powers and abilities that help him protect himself and others.

The show has garnered attention for its unique take on the traditional isekai genre. Rather than being a hero who is immediately beloved and revered, Naofumi is forced to overcome prejudice and hatred to prove himself as a true hero. The series also deals with themes of betrayal, trauma, and the corrupting influence of power.

In terms of animation and visual style, The Rising of the Shield Hero is well-executed. The action scenes are intense and fluidly animated, while the character designs are distinct and memorable. The music is also noteworthy, featuring a rousing orchestral score that complements the show's epic feel.

One of the criticisms of the show is its portrayal of certain characters, particularly female characters. Some have argued that certain scenes and dialogue sexualize and objectify these characters, which could be off-putting to some viewers.

Overall, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a compelling anime series that subverts expectations and delivers a complex, thought-provoking narrative. It offers plenty of action and adventure, but also dives deep into the psychology of its characters and the consequences of their actions. Fans of the isekai genre and fantasy anime in general should definitely give this series a watch.

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (50 episodes). The series first aired on January 2, 2019.