The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero (Japanese: 盾の勇者の成り上がり, Hepburn: Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari) is a Japanese light novel series written by Aneko Yusagi. Originally published as a web novel on the user-generated novel site Shōsetsuka ni Narō, it was later published by Media Factory with an expanded storyline featuring illustrations by Seira Minami. As of June 25, 2019, 22 volumes have been published. The novel series was adapted into a manga series by Aiya Kyū, published by Media Factory, with 26 tankōbon volumes released as of October 22, 2024. Both the novel and manga series were licensed by One Peace Books and published in North America starting in September 2015. A 25-episode anime television series adaptation produced by Kinema Citrus aired from January to June 2019. A second season, co-produced by DR Movie, aired from April to June 2022. A third season aired from October to December 2023. A fourth season has been announced. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary Japanese youth, who is summoned to a parallel world along with three other young men to become the world's Cardinal Heroes. Naofumi is given the Legendary Shield, which is considered the weakest weapon. After being betrayed and falsely accused, Naofumi must overcome adversity and become a true hero while battling waves of monsters and learning to trust others.