The Rising Of The Shield Hero “Katana Hero” Review
The Rising Of The Shield Hero “Katana Hero” is the tenth episode from the second season of the Shield Hero anime. Following Raphtalia’s transportation to the frozen area in episode 9 , she’s transferred to a prison cell with Glass, L’arc and Therese inside. After telling the tale of what happened in their world until she was captured to her new comrades, she uses illusion magic and Glass’ power to blast out of the prison cell, escaping to try to get to the Dragon Hourglass in Raybul to take them to Sikul. Levelling up along the way, Raphtalia grows but unfortunately so does her appetite, Therese has to use as many gems as she can for coin. Whilst she grows, Glass fixes up her clothes to grow with her. The team end up seeing the ceremony for the Katana Vassal Weapon wielder to be chosen by the Katana itself, at first it looks like Kazuki will take it but the Katana chooses Raphtalia in the crowd. She runs as it’s clear the ceremony was fixed and eventually comes across a shrine where she’s given official hero clothes as her acceptance of the vassal weapon made her have quite the growth spurt. Kazuki tries to bully the weapon from her but she defeats him and his cronies easily and swiftly but one more opponent is left and just as it looks to kill her Naofumi shows up to shield her.
Vassal Weapon Wielder Raphtalia
Honestly, this episode was so fun. Not only was is Raphtalia-tastic (her being one of my favourite characters I’m happy for that) but it covered if only a little just how serious the inter-world fighting is and how there really is no bad guy. Raphtalia is able to easily become a member of L’arc’s team, hell even a friend, especially to Glass and that really makes things difficult when you think of the world Naofumi was summoned to. Especially now that an other-worlder is a Vassal Weapon Wielder, I’ve got a feeling that the politics of this World are going to get even rockier than they already are.
Naofumi’s sudden introduction wasn’t as shocking as the directors probably hoped but it was still heart wrenching. Watching Raphtalia grow into her own personality, separate from him but still alongside him was wonderful. Especially now that they’ve been reunited.
If I had any complaints it’s how quick Raphtalia was to abandon L’arc and co. I’ve got a feeling they’ll understand and it’s not a huge thing, at least I hope not, but I was just getting used to their friendship dynamic when it abruptly ended.
