I usually write reviews for only two reasons. First, when an anime is so good that I genuinely want to share it with everyone—the kind of story that makes you say, “You have to watch this.”
Second, when it’s so disappointing that I feel the need to warn people not to waste their time.
Unfortunately, The Rising of the Shield Hero falls closer to the second category for me.
I started this anime right after finishing a really good one, so my expectations were pretty high. Considering how popular it is, I honestly thought I was about to watch something amazing. Instead, most of the season left me feeling more stressed and irritated than entertained.
Episode after episode, I kept getting frustrated. Many of the characters were so annoying that I genuinely felt like slapping half the cast. Even the main character, Naofumi Iwatani, didn’t fully work for me. I understand why he becomes bitter after what happens to him, but the constant negativity and the way the conflicts were handled started to feel exhausting.
And then there’s Malty S. Melromarc. Honestly, she might be one of the most infuriating characters I’ve seen in a while. Every time she appeared, my blood pressure probably went up a little more. ๐ค
For most of the season, I wasn’t enjoying myself much at all. I kept watching mainly out of curiosity and the hope that the story would eventually improve.
To be fair, the last few episodes were actually enjoyable. That part finally gave a bit of the payoff I had been waiting for. For a moment, it felt like the story was finally moving in a better direction. Unfortunately, it took almost the entire season to get there.
Because of those final episodes, I can’t say the experience was completely terrible. There were glimpses of potential. Still, overall, the journey felt far more frustrating than fun.
In the end, I’m giving it 2/5. The payoff simply wasn’t worth the long and irritating road to get there. And honestly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing the other seasons. ๐คท♂️
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Watched: March 2026
๐ญ Genre: Isekai • Fantasy • Action • Adventure
๐ก️ Synopsis:
Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary college student, is suddenly summoned to another world as the Shield Hero, one of four legendary heroes meant to protect the kingdom from destructive waves of monsters. After being falsely accused and betrayed by Malty S. Melromarc, he becomes an outcast and is forced to survive on his own. As the Waves grow closer, Naofumi slowly builds allies and strength while trying to prove his worth in a world that already judged him. ๐⚔️