The anime adaptation for the light novel series The Rising of the Shield Hero is out there in the world as part of the winter 2019 season and Crunchyroll is getting in quickly with the promotion. This form is one of my favorites as having an easily shared opening sequence can do wonders to draw people to a show. And with MADKID performing the song “RISE” for it? That’ll definitely work!
The series will be directed by Takao Abe based on the series composition by Keigo Koyonagi. Masahiro Suwa is on board as the character designer with Kinema Citrus handling the animation production.
The Japanese cast includes Kaito Ishikawa as Naofumi Iwatani, the Shield Hero, Asami Seto as Raphtalia, a demi-human, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Ren Amaki, the Sword Hero, Makoto Takahashi as Motoyasu Kitamura, the Spear Hero, Yoshitaka Yamaya as Itsuki Kawasumi, the Bow Hero, Rina Hidaka as Firo, Maaya Uchida as Melty, Sarah Emi Bridcutt as Myne, Yutaka Nakano as Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, and Hiroki Yasumoto as Elhart.
The series has been going on since 2012 in print published form after starting off as a web novel. With a manga adaptation that’s being released in English by One Peace Books, the novels come from writer Yusagi Aneko with illustrations by Seira Minami and the manga version is adapted by Kyu Aiya.
Check out the official site and Twitter.
Plot Concept: Naofumi Iwatani was summoned into a parallel world along with 3 other people to become the world’s Heroes. Each of the heroes respectively equipped with their own legendary equipment when summoned, Naofumi received the Legendary Shield as his weapon. Due to Naofumi’s lack of charisma and experience he’s labeled as the weakest, only to end up betrayed, falsely accused, and robbed by on the third day of adventure. Shunned by everyone from the king to peasants, Naofumi’s thoughts were filled with nothing but vengeance and hatred. Thus, his destiny in a parallel World begins…
