Review of The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero is an Isekai Anime - one genre that seems to be very popular nowadays. I decided to give it a try since it was trending and recently finished SAO Season 1. This anime follows the typical formula for isekai: main character teleports to a fantasy world, begins a party - usually a harem with lolis - and has to save its world. Cliche, right? Well, Naofumi has to work together with three other heroes. Each of them have their own "class", so it folds out like Final Fantasy. However, our MC is betrayed by Summer Anime 2019 most hated character. Beingfalsely accused of sexual assault, the main character loses everything - money, status, people's respect - and to top it all up, his abilities are inferior compared to the other heroes. He has to work his way up harder than anyone. This is what I liked about Shield Hero. Not often do we have an anime where the main character is given a shield, something we perceive for defense. We see protagonists with swords, guns, bow and arrows, spears, or straight up using their fists. Not Naofumi. We do get to see how he learns and improves his skills as a defending hero and how he has earned everyone's trust and respect.

The story is somewhat predictable, but still entertaining to watch. If you want a new Isakai that has a slighty different feel to recent ones, I would recommend it. But as others have pointed out, if you are looking for perfection, avoid this show.