Goblin Slayer is a Japanese dark fantasy series written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatsuki. Originating online in 2012, it was rewritten as a light novel and began serialization under GA Bunko in 2016. The ongoing series of novels and manga adaptations are published by SB Creative and Square Enix respectively.
Under the supervision of Kagyu, Goblin Slayer reimagines the lighthearted fantasy genre into a gritty, dark setting. The story follows the titular protagonist, known only as Goblin Slayer, in his ruthless quest to exterminate goblin-kind after they destroyed his village and murdered his family. He is joined by companions like Priestess, an inexperienced adventurer saved from goblins by Goblin Slayer.
Goblin Slayer’s brutal violence and themes of trauma, morality, and revenge generated controversy, leading to censorship and bans. But its gripping narrative and commentary on justice attracted critical and commercial success. By upending fantasy traditions, the series delivers a suspenseful look at one man’s obsession with vengeance.
Goblin Slayer Wiki
Genre | Dark fantasy, adventure |
Written by | Kumo Kagyu |
Illustrated by | Noboru Kannatsuki |
Published by | SB Creative |
Magazine | GA Bunko |
Demographic | Male |
Original run | February 2016 – present |
Volumes | 16 (light novels) |
14 (main manga) | |
Directed by | Takaharu Ozaki (anime) |
Music by | Kenichiro Suehiro |
Studio | White Fox (anime) |
Licensed by | Yen Press (English novels & manga) |
Released | October 2018 – present (anime) |
Goblin Slayer Plot
After goblins destroy his village and brutalize his sister, a young man becomes obsessed with revenge. Known only as Goblin Slayer, he lives to wipe out every single goblin through any means necessary.
When a novice priestess joins his party after barely surviving a goblin attack herself, she is shocked by his ruthlessness yet compelled by his trauma. Together with unlikely allies, the two confront the goblin threat while navigating questions of morality, justice and the true cost of unbridled vengeance.
This dark fantasy series upends genre traditions with a gripping narrative and unflinching violence, following Goblin Slayer’s obsession-fueled quest as it challenges notions of retribution.
Goblin Slayer Cast
- Goblin Slayer (Yūichirō Umehara): The ruthless protagonist devoted to killing all goblins after they destroyed his village and brutally killed his sister.
- Priestess (Yui Ogura): A novice adventurer who joins Goblin Slayer after he rescues her from goblins. She is disturbed yet sympathetic to his trauma.
- Cow Girl (Yuka Iguchi): Goblin Slayer’s childhood friend who cares deeply for him.
- Guild Girl (Maaya Uchida): The receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild who admires Goblin Slayer.
- High Elf Archer (Nao Tōyama): An experienced elven ranger adventurer who joins Goblin Slayer’s party.
- Dwarf Shaman (Yuichi Nakamura): A dwarven spellcaster who serves as the voice of reason in the party.
- Lizard Priest (Tomokazu Sugita): A religious lizardman warrior who aids Goblin Slayer.
Where to Watch the Goblin Slayer Anime
- Crunchyroll – Available to stream in original Japanese with subtitles.
- Funimation – Offers English dubbed and subtitled versions.
- Hulu – Streams dubbed and subtitled episodes.
- VRV – Watch in subbed format as part of the Crunchyroll collection.
- Netflix – Carries the series in select regions, including Japan.
Goblin Slayer Light Novels and Manga
- Light Novels – The original Goblin Slayer books are published by SB Creative with 16 volumes out currently. English translations are available from Yen Press.
- Manga – There are multiple ongoing manga adaptations by different artists serialized in Square Enix magazines. These are also localized into English by Yen Press.
- Spinoffs – Prequel series like Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One and Brand New Day expand on the main story and characters.
Goblin Slayer Review
Goblin Slayer series establishes a brutal world and a goblin threat. The series follows a pragmatic protagonist who specializes in goblin-slaying quests. It’s gritty and mature, focusing on themes of revenge and moral ambiguity.