The Rising of the Shield Hero Episode 12 Review: The Raven Invader

I wish we could just see more of badass Naofumi, like we did in this week’s episode. I want to buy his figure so I can stare at his badassery all day.

The episode had a great mix of intense action and plot development. It all just keeps getting better and better as we are upon the second cour of this amazing series (that’s right. don’t forget to tune in for our Spring 2019 reviews. Naofumi will be there).

Japanese Original Title: 漆黒の異邦者

Plot

Disregarding the other heroes, Glass is only interested in Naofumi. They have a heated clash but she is too powerful for Naofumi to take on. Luck is on the group’s side as the second wave ends and Glass disappears. King Melromarc unexpectedly summons Naofumi which he isn’t thrilled about. Everyone plans to travel to Shieldfreeden in the hope of getting class upgrades, but Naofumi runs into Melty who pleas for Naofumi to try to reconcile with her father. Unknown to her, only Naofumi notices that someone wants Melty dead.

Episode Highlights

Battle Too Short: The clash between Glass and Naofumi was too short; I wanted more. This is a direct negative for this episode and quite unjust that we got such a short period. But this portion showed off how much stronger Naofumi has become. Give me more scenes like Glass firing fire down and Naofumi riding on Filo’s back using his shield to defend it. I’ll be a happy girl.

We Servants No: It was a hysterical moment, Glass’s fixation with Naofumi. She just assumed the rest of the heroes were his servants. It shows how insignificant the rest of the heroes are right now for the plot as Naofumi and the others are dominating it.

Elhart San: Naofumi has become a bit more trusting towards others like shop owner Elhart San. The fellow wasn’t very keen towards Naofumi, but since the first couple of episodes, Elhart has become a great supporting character. This episode showed just how much Elhart has a soft spot for Naofumi, gifting him with extra weapons for his journey. Truly, a kind man.

Ending: Malty and Melty, if it wasn’t clear, are on the opposites of good and bad. THAT ENDING just had Malty’s doing written all over it. I loved how Naofumi was able to notice the smell of a setup. Naofumi shielding Melty was such a great cliffhanger ending. This will bring her and Naofumi closer now.

Protect This Party: Karma is a bitch when it comes around and King Melromarc outraged expression was worth it. He wished to know how Naofumi acquired such power; that’s how bad-ass Naofumi is. The look of anger on Naofumi suits him well; all his emotions just pierced through the tense atmosphere. His little defiant speech was perfect; he defended his party in the best way possible and showed how much they have come to mean to him. It was the best scene of this whole episode.

Trivia And Themes

Impossible To Ignore: The strange woman who heeded Naofumi to be careful of the king and the church who are against him. All Naofumi has been through and his rebellious nature to not give in has earned him the watchful eye of his enemies and the people who begrudge him. Despite those that look down on Naofumi, he’s proven himself to not be trifled with. He faced every hardship head on. Naofumi has made himself a force to be reckoned with and has now a strong presence that would be an insult to ignore from those that wish to get rid of him.

Berserker Filo: I am still wondering why Filo went crazy when Naofumi used the cursed shield. It was clarified for me by a Facebook comment since it was due to something I had completely forgotten about: it was because of a piece of the zombie dragon crystal Naofumi had Filo keep inside of her.

Glass And The Waves: Since Glass’s introduction one begins to wonder: what are the waves? Is Glass controlling them? So many questions.

Family: During a conversation between Melty and the king, he mumbles under his breath of not wishing to lose any more family. Hopefully, we will find out what family the king has lost. Were there previous heroes than the ones now?

Comments

Epic round of Shield Hero this week, My only negative for this episode was that Naofumi and Glass’s match was too short. I needed more and I wish to see more of the angry Naofumi. I was laughing the whole time the king got butchered comment after comment as he was being insulted upon his own throne. It was indeed a glorious moment for Naofumi.

Insulted Throne

The series is steering into the second cour and I’m hyped as anything. Especially that cliffhanger, great execution on that one. Will Naofumi finally trust Melty in the next episode?

Leave a comment on your thoughts for Episode 12 and check out our other Winter 2019 review coverage!!

See you next for more Shield Hero!!