The Rising of the Shield Hero

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Naofumi Iwatani from The Rising Of The Shield Hero

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

THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO
GenreDark fantasy, Isekai
Novel series
Written byAneko Yusagi
Published byShōsetsuka ni Narō
Original run2012 – present
Light novel
Written byAneko Yusagi
Illustrated bySeira Minami
Published byMedia Factory
English publisherNA: One Peace Books
ImprintMF Books
DemographicMale
Original runAugust 22, 2013 – present
Volumes22
Manga
Written byAiya Kyū
Published byMedia Factory
English publisherNA: One Peace Books
MagazineMonthly Comic Flapper
DemographicSeinen
Original runFebruary 5, 2014 – present
Volumes24
Manga
The Reprise of the Spear Hero
Written byNeet
Published byMedia Factory
English publisherNA: One Peace Books
ImprintMF Comics
DemographicSeinen
Original runAugust 21, 2017 – January 26, 2023
Volumes11
Light novel
The Reprise of the Spear Hero
Written byAneko Yusagi
Illustrated byMinami Seira
Published byMedia Factory
English publisherNA: One Peace Books
ImprintMF Books
DemographicMale
Original runSeptember 25, 2017 – present
Volumes4

The Rising of the Shield Hero Plot

The Rising of the Shield Hero Plot (1)

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.

The Rising of the Shield Hero Plot (2)

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

The Rising of the Shield Hero Plot
  • 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.

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