Brief Synopsis
Released: October 7, 2018 – present
Episode Count: 12 + 1 Movie (Goblin Slayer: Goblin's Crown)
Rating: R - 17+ (MyAnimeList) / TV-14 (Crunchyroll)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (and Netflix)
The world of Goblin slayer is your classic Tolkien-esc fantasy. Medieval times with magic, elves, dwarves, humans, monsters, orcs, ogres, and yes… goblins. Goblins are cave-dwelling green imps that are the size and intellectual equivalent of children. They are very easy to kill, especially in a one-on-one fight. No one really takes them seriously; certainly not the kingdoms, armies, or adventurers [independent warriors that take on missions from the “Guild” for money.]
The story begins with a young priestess looking for an adventure to join for the first time. She joins, as the 4th member, a newly formed group of adventurers, and the first job they take? Clear a cave out of the goblins that live there. In the cave, the party’s luck, proud boasts, training, and bravery are stolen away in an instant. Goblins brutally kill one member, mortally wound another, and [to put it less graphically] beat and sexually assault the third. Our priestess leaves her comrade being assaulted behind to try to save the wounded party member. They are soon overtaken by more goblins. Before she can be slaughtered or assaulted by them, she is saved by an armor-clad warrior… Goblin Slayer. Goblin Slayer’s only mission, only goal, only thought is to kill goblins: systematically and completely. You see, Goblin Slayer understands the truth about goblins. Goblins, in groups, raid villages, murder everything, and kidnap women and girls. Goblins multiply rapidly by impregnating the ones they capture. And if left alone, goblin armies will rise up. They will learn crafting and strategy. Individual goblins will grow in strength and develop into champions, warlords, spellcasters, or even Kings. Goblin Slayer will exterminate them before that can happen. The young priestess will now join Goblin Slayer, and their adventures together are just beginning.
Kolb’s Actual Thoughts
Well. This show is right up my alley. If anything is going to make the fantasy genre more exciting, it’s anime. Goblin Slayer himself is that stoic kind of character that I just love. He says little and lets his actions speak for themselves. Also, the design of his helmet and armor are just tremendous. The animation is beautiful and while the story is relatively simple, it keeps you engaged; probably due to the vile and horrific deeds of the goblins. You really want to see them bite it. And all those glorified death blows from Goblins Slayer are well justified.
One aspect does need to be addressed. Part of the reason the goblins are so loathsome has to do with the raping of females to reproduce their species. The manga that the anime is adapted from displays these moments in quite some detail. However, the show does a more subtle job when showing those parts. If you are not paying attention, you might not even know that is what is happening.
While writing this, I am realizing that the names of all the characters are not given to us. They are called by what they do or what they are. For example Goblin Slayer, Priestess, High Elf, Cow Girl, Dwarf Shaman, Guild Girl, etc. Even though we are never given names, we still care about the fates of all of them, to the show's credit.
Recommendation: “Absolutely, if…”
I do recommend this show, but only to certain audiences. This is not a fun quest show for all ages. There is gruesome violence, rape, and thematic situations that shouldn’t be viewed by everyone. Now, if you are mature enough to handle these things, go for it! It is action-oriented and can get dark at times, which makes the plight of our characters more gripping to the viewer. Do not allow your kids to sit along with you and watch. They don’t need to see a giant ogre bite into a girl’s neck or see Goblin Slayer mercy kill a teenage adventurer. Oh, spoilers, I guess.
Also, season 2 has been confirmed and is in production according to this thing Ben told me about called: the In-ter-net? I don’t know that much about it, but it’s been around for a couple of years. So, I guess I’ll trust it for now.
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