The Rising of the Shield Hero is a Japanese light novel series written by Aneko Yusagi. It originated as a web novel in 2012 before being acquired by Media Factory for expansion into a light novel and manga series, as well as a 25-episode anime adaptation by Kinema Citrus in 2019.
As of June 2019, the light novel has sold over 3.3 million copies across 22 volumes. The manga adaptation by Aiya Kyū has sold over 1 million copies across 24 volumes as of January 2019. Combined, the books have sold over 6.2 million copies in Japan, with sales spiking after the successful anime release.
The series has found international success, winning Best Girl for the character Raphtalia at the 2020 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The anime is licensed in multiple regions, including a North American streaming license by Crunchyroll. Additional anime seasons were released in 2022 and 2023.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Wiki
| Genre | Dark fantasy, Isekai |
|---|---|
| Novel series | |
| Written by | Aneko Yusagi |
| Published by | Shōsetsuka ni Narō |
| Original run | 2012 – present |
| Light novel | |
| Written by | Aneko Yusagi |
| Illustrated by | Seira Minami |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| English publisher | NA: One Peace Books |
| Imprint | MF Books |
| Demographic | Male |
| Original run | August 22, 2013 – present |
| Volumes | 22 |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Aiya Kyū |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| English publisher | NA: One Peace Books |
| Magazine | Monthly Comic Flapper |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | February 5, 2014 – present |
| Volumes | 24 |
| Manga | |
| The Reprise of the Spear Hero | |
| Written by | Neet |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| English publisher | NA: One Peace Books |
| Imprint | MF Comics |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | August 21, 2017 – January 26, 2023 |
| Volumes | 11 |
| Light novel | |
| The Reprise of the Spear Hero | |
| Written by | Aneko Yusagi |
| Illustrated by | Minami Seira |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| English publisher | NA: One Peace Books |
| Imprint | MF Books |
| Demographic | Male |
| Original run | September 25, 2017 – present |
| Volumes | 4 |
The Rising of the Shield Hero Plot
The Rising of the Shield Hero starts off in the classic way as four heroes are summoned to another world to become its savior. The protagonist, Naofumi, however, is assigned as the Shield Hero who is considered to be weak.
Due to this, he is heavily discriminated against and is eventually betrayed. With strong feelings of mistrust built up, Naofumi leaves those around him and begins traveling the world alone in order to build his strength and restore his name. In his travels, he meets trusted accomplices who join him in building their reputation while protecting the kingdom against the many dangers it faces.
With a heavy spin on the Isekai hero-summoning story we all know and love, The Rising of the Shield Hero has gone on to become one of the most recognizable names in its genre.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Cast
- Naofumi Iwatani
- Voiced by: Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese); Billy Kametz (season 1), Stephen Fu (season 2–present) (English)
- Raphtalia
- Voiced by: Asami Seto (Japanese); Erica Mendez (English)
- Filo
- Voiced by: Rina Hidaka (Japanese); Brianna Knickerbocker (English)
- Raph-chan
- No voice actor information available
- Motoyasu Kitamura
- Voiced by: Makoto Takahashi (Japanese); Xander Mobus (English)
- Ren Amaki
- Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Japanese); Alan Lee (English)
- Itsuki Kawasumi
- Voiced by: Yoshitaka Yamaya (Japanese); Erik Scott Kimerer (English)
- Kizuna Kazayama
- Voiced by: Miyu Tomita (Japanese); Lizzie Freeman (English)
- Shildina
- No voice actor information available
Setting
The Rising of the Shield Hero takes place in a fantasy world with magic and demi-humans like animal-eared people. The main setting is the medieval kingdom of Melromarc and surrounding territories.
Periodically, this world is invaded by interdimensional monster attacks called Waves that open portals to other worlds. To fight the Waves, the kingdom summons four heroes (Including main character Naofumi) from parallel universes version of Japan and gives them legendary weapons.
